Franklin Dean
Planning a wedding on a budget can be stressful, but it is possible to create a fun and memorable day without breaking the bank. The key is to prioritize what is important to you as a couple and allocate your funds accordingly. For example, if you're foodies, you might want to splurge on a food bar during cocktail hour, while a couple who values entertainment might opt for a live band or unique experiences like a poet or sketch artist. Here are some additional strategies to consider when planning your dream wedding on a budget...
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Honeymoon | Airfare, lodging, meals, excursions, romantic dinners, activities |
| Home | Renovations, furniture, appliances, interior design consultations, paint, decor |
| Backyard | Pool, landscaping, luxury outdoor furniture |
| Subscriptions | Hulu, HBO Max, Spotify |
| Car | New car, set of wheels |
| Date nights | Romantic activities |
| Hobbies | Yoga, HIIT, gym memberships |
| Investment | Emergency fund, joint bank account |
| Pets | Puppy fund, kitten fund |
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What You'll Learn
Cut the guest list
The guest list is one of the most important parts of wedding planning, as it influences the size of the wedding and, therefore, the venue, catering, floral and seating arrangements, and so on. The number of guests you invite is often the biggest determinant of your budget. So, how do you cut down your guest list?
Firstly, it is important to remember that your final guest list should be made up of people you are truly close to and who are important to you. One way to decide who to invite is to ask yourself: "How close am I to this person? How well do they know me and my partner? Am I inviting them because I feel I should or because I want to?". Another method is to only invite people you know well enough to call them by their first and last name. This can help to weed out people you have lost touch with or are not close with.
If you are finding it difficult to cut people from your list, you could consider whether there are other areas of your wedding where you could save money to accommodate more guests. For example, you could opt for a lower-priced venue or save on your dress. You could also consider whether your parents or your soon-to-be spouse's parents will be contributing to the wedding.
Another way to cut down your guest list is to cut whole generations. For example, you could invite your grandparents and aunts and uncles but none of your cousins. You could also decide not to invite children.
Finally, remember that about 15% of guests will RSVP "no", so you may end up with fewer guests than you initially planned for.
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Choose a cheap venue
Choosing a cheap wedding venue is a great way to save money, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some tips and ideas to help you find the perfect affordable venue for your special day:
Public Spaces
Public spaces, such as parks, gardens, and beaches, can be excellent options for a cheap wedding venue. National parks offer special-use permits at a low cost, allowing you to exchange vows surrounded by nature. Beach weddings can be beautiful and inexpensive, but be sure to check if you need a permit and if the area is privately owned. If you're considering an outdoor wedding, keep in mind that the weather could be a factor and have a backup plan, such as a nearby pavilion, in case of unexpected weather changes.
Backyard Weddings
Hosting your wedding in your backyard or a family member's backyard can be a great way to save on venue costs. While it's not entirely free, as you may need to rent furniture, décor, and portable restrooms, it gives you more flexibility with your budget. Check with your local authorities about permitting and insurance requirements, and don't forget to consider parking arrangements for your guests.
Restaurants
Renting a restaurant for your wedding can be a surprisingly affordable option. Full-service restaurants typically include food, beverages, serving staff, and seating, saving you money on external vendors. If you're flexible with your wedding day, consider choosing a Friday or Sunday, as these days tend to be cheaper than Saturdays.
Community Spaces
Community spaces, such as local community centres, city halls, and historic buildings, often offer affordable rental rates for weddings. These venues can provide a beautiful and unique setting for your celebration without breaking the bank.
Unconventional Venues
Think outside the box when it comes to venues. Coffee shops, zoos, aquariums, museums, and libraries can all make for unique and budget-friendly wedding venues. You could also consider non-traditional hotels and home rentals, which may offer picturesque locations for a fraction of the typical price.
Remember, when choosing a cheap venue, it's essential to prioritize your needs and preferences. Start by considering the ambiance you want to create, your guest count, and any specific requirements you may have. By choosing a budget-friendly venue, you'll have more room in your budget for other important aspects of your dream wedding!
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Save on food and drink
Food and drink can be one of the biggest expenses at a wedding, but there are plenty of ways to save money in this area without sacrificing quality. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Choose an alternative to a sit-down dinner
A cocktail reception or a buffet service is a more budget-friendly option than a sit-down dinner. With a cocktail reception, you can offer tasty finger foods and interact with your guests without the barriers of tables or seats. A buffet service, meanwhile, requires less serving staff and rental items, and you can get away with serving fewer courses. Just be aware that there may be more food wastage with a buffet.
Opt for breakfast instead
Breakfast is doubtlessly cheaper than dinner, so why not plan a breakfast reception? You can keep the menu simple with classic breakfast foods, or make things exciting with juice popsicles or a prism of scones. Just bear in mind that a breakfast celebration means an early start to the day's festivities.
Be savvy about drinks
You can save hundreds of dollars by buying your drinks yourself rather than going through a vendor. It's best to buy in bulk from factories or grocery stores, and you can often return any unopened drinks afterward. You can also save money by limiting the number of drink options available, and switching to lower-priced liquor during the reception. If you're really on a tight budget, you could even just offer tea, lemonade, iced tea, and platters of fruit, cheese, and meat from a grocery store.
Don't forget the cake
Your wedding cake can serve as the perfect appetizer! Far too often, the cake is left uneaten while guests pick at their dessert. Save money by serving your beautiful cake, and skip the dessert course altogether.
Shop around for vendors
When speaking to caterers, don't call it a wedding – call it a party. Vendors often charge more for weddings, so you can save money by keeping them in the dark. Of course, you'll have to be honest if they'll be present on the day, but if they won't be, there's no need to mention it.
Keep decorations simple
Guests notice food and drinks, not so much the decor. So, don't worry too much about decorations – a few simple touches will be enough to create a nice atmosphere without breaking the bank.
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Opt for a DJ over a band
Music is an integral part of a wedding reception and can make or break the event. When deciding between a live band and a DJ, there are several factors to consider, such as taste, budget, space, and the overall flow of the wedding.
One of the main considerations when opting for a band or a DJ is the cost. On average, a live band costs significantly more than a DJ. The price varies depending on factors such as location, hours booked, number of band members, and required equipment. For example, a DJ in Utah might cost around $3,000, while a 10-piece band in the same location could range from $12,000 to $20,000. In contrast, a DJ in New Orleans may cost between $10,000 and $15,000, while a top-tier band in the same city could range from $40,000 to $50,000.
Budgeting for entertainment can be tricky, and it's important to consider other factors that may impact the final price. For instance, a live band may require additional costs such as renting a stage, extra power drops or generators, and hotel accommodations for the band members. If you have a strict budget, a DJ might be a more cost-effective option without sacrificing the quality of entertainment.
Another factor to consider is the space available at your venue. A live band typically requires more space to set up and perform, while a DJ has a smaller footprint and can easily adapt to most venues. If your venue has limited space, a DJ might be a more suitable choice.
Additionally, a DJ often has a more extensive repertoire of songs and can cater to a wider range of music tastes. They can seamlessly transition between different genres and create a customized playlist to keep your guests entertained. On the other hand, a live band may have a more limited song selection and might need to take breaks during their performance, which can disrupt the flow of the wedding.
Furthermore, a DJ is less likely to 'mess things up' compared to a live band. While there are exceptional bands that can elevate the energy of a wedding, there are also mediocre bands that may kill the vibe. A DJ provides a more consistent level of entertainment and is less likely to detract from the attention that should be on the happy couple.
Ultimately, the decision between a band and a DJ is a personal one, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Consider your budget, venue constraints, and the overall atmosphere you want to create for your wedding. If you prioritize flexibility, a diverse song selection, and a more discreet performance, a DJ might be the better choice. However, if you have the budget and appreciate the energy and uniqueness of a live band performance, a stellar band can also make your wedding unforgettable.
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DIY decorations
Flowers are often one of the biggest expenses when it comes to wedding decor. A more budget-friendly approach is to stick to only decorating the seating for the guests of honour, using floral swags with greenery. You can also add feathers to your tablescape, alternating between bud vases with blooms and bottles with plumage.
If you're feeling creative, you can order wholesale flowers and enlist your family and friends to help make bouquets and boutonnieres. Create small, affordable bouquets with big blooms such as hydrangeas, peonies, or football mums, paired with lush greenery. You'll need fewer stems when you use bigger flowers.
For a refreshing take on conventional floral arrangements, use potted plants as aisle runners, table ends, centrepieces, or decorations for stairwells. Repot fresh herbs and flowers into quirky, retro cans or simple terracotta pots for a rustic look.
For a dramatic table runner, use gauzy fabrics, trails of moss and ivy vines, stems of eucalyptus, olive branches, and scatterings of floral petals. You can also use velvet table runners on top of a basic white tablecloth to add a hint of glamour without breaking your budget.
For a simple centrepiece, cluster vases of different shapes and colours together, filling them with single stems from low-cost bouquets. You can also use candles of varying heights and sizes, mixing and matching hues and textures like brass, wood, or polished metal.
For a unique, bohemian look, use vintage furniture, potted plants, and rustic rugs to create an inviting atmosphere. You can also incorporate antique pieces into your bouquet, such as a vintage brooch or pocket watch.
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Frequently asked questions
If you or your loved ones have a large outdoor space, consider using this as your wedding venue. You can also opt for a national or state park, or even a campground. Alternatively, plan an intimate courthouse wedding followed by a casual reception with friends.
Opting for a cocktail reception instead of a full-length dinner reception will save you money. You could also make your wedding a potluck, or ask a sibling to help if they're a whizz in the kitchen. If you're providing alcohol, buy it yourself instead of paying for an open bar.
Dress rentals, jewellery rentals and tux rentals have all grown in popularity in recent years and there are options available for all styles. You could also consider buying an affordable dress and allocating funds to something that's important to you.
