Planning A Budget Wedding: How Cheap Can It Get?

Planning a wedding can be daunting, especially when it comes to navigating the financial aspect. The average cost of weddings is over $20,000, and many couples find themselves stressing over how to cover such a hefty sum. However, it is possible to organise a breathtaking wedding on a small budget by prioritising your wedding budget and choosing the right venue.

- Keep your guest list short and sweet. The more guests you invite, the higher the cost of food, drinks, and seating.

- Opt for an intimate ceremony. Hosting an intimate ceremony allows you to select a venue that is both significant and stunning, and it is usually more cost-effective.

- Consider a non-traditional venue. A restaurant, brewery, or vacation house can be potential affordable wedding venues.

- Negotiate unexpected costs. Don't be afraid to ask for a reduction in costs that seem unreasonable.

- Use the venue's resources. Ask each venue what is included in the rental fee. Some venues may include tables, chairs, or linens, which can save you money.

- Send electronic invitations. There are free digital invitation sites available, or you can create your own invitations using downloadable templates.

- Shop outside of bridal shops for your wedding dress. Department stores often have formal gowns that can double as wedding dresses, and you can also check out consignment stores or online platforms for second-hand dresses.

- Get creative with your catering. Instead of traditional wedding catering, consider asking a favourite restaurant to cater, or opt for a food truck or buffet-style service.

- Simplify your drink options. An open bar can be pricey, so consider sticking to beer and wine, or even just offering a cash bar.

- Choose a non-traditional dessert. You don't have to serve a wedding cake; consider serving pie, ice cream, or cookies instead.

- Limit your photographer and videographer hours. You may not need them for the entire duration of the wedding, so save money by only having them present for the most important parts.

Keep the guest list small

Keeping the guest list small is one of the most effective ways to keep wedding costs down. Here are some tips to help you stick to a small guest list:

Make it adults-only

If you don't have children in your family or close friends with children, consider making your wedding adults-only. Even if children are offered food and drinks at a reduced rate, they still need to be factored into the final headcount. If you feel bad about this, you could invite kids to the engagement party or rehearsal dinner, or organise a babysitter for them at a separate location during the wedding.

Limit plus-ones

Limiting plus-ones is a common way to keep weddings small and costs low. You could offer plus-ones exclusively to those in long-term relationships, but be prepared for potential pushback. If you do decide to limit plus-ones, it's important to stick to your guns and kindly explain the situation if anyone asks.

Only invite immediate family members

If you come from a large family, you may want to consider cutting it off after first aunts, uncles, and cousins. If you're going for a very small wedding, you could just invite your parents, siblings, and grandparents.

Keep it to your close friend circle

Co-workers, old acquaintances, and friends-of-friends don't need to be invited, even if you've lost touch with them since. Ask yourself: will not inviting them negatively impact your friendship? Do you care? If the answer is no, don't add them to the list. If you're unsure, put them on a B-list to reconsider once you've finalised the rest of the list.

Keep your list private

Once you've made your final guest list, try to keep it between you and your partner. Sharing it with family and friends may lead to pressure to invite more people. If you do show your list to others, set boundaries and let them know that your list is final.

Don't overthink anyone's reaction

Remember, you're not obligated to invite anyone. If you're not thrilled at the thought of someone attending your wedding, they don't need to be there. Chances are, if you're not close, they won't be too offended.

Be considerate

If anyone ends up feeling snubbed, reach out to them and reassure them that it's nothing personal—you're just working within a budget or venue capacity.

Choose a non-traditional venue

The venue is the most significant expense of any wedding, so choosing a non-traditional venue is a great way to save money. Here are some ideas for unique, non-traditional wedding venues:

Yurts

Yurts are beautiful, handcrafted, round structures that can be found in all shapes and sizes. They provide the perfect space for you and your guests to enjoy your special day.

Treehouses

Reignite your childhood dreams by hosting your wedding in a treehouse! Exchange your vows on the forest floor and then retreat to the treetops for an enchanting reception. This option is perfect for couples who love the great outdoors and want a rustic wedding.

Wineries and vineyards

Wineries and vineyards offer picturesque scenery, breathtaking vistas, and a flowing conversation once the wine starts pouring. Napa Valley is home to some of the world's most spectacular vineyards, but there are also plenty of wineries popping up all over the nation.

Beach

A beach wedding is a perfect solution for those wishing for an intimate affair with their closest friends and family. While many people think beach weddings are too exotic or expensive, they can be very reasonable if you shop around.

Teepees

Why have a standard marquee when you can have a cool and innovative teepee? A teepee wedding venue will transform any celebration into a once-in-a-lifetime event, whether you're by the waterfront, in the woodland, or at a public park.

Private estates, mansions, and ranches

Private estates offer exclusive, one-of-a-kind experiences that will bring your wedding dreams to life. From rustic ranches and haciendas to charming country clubs and luxurious mansions, the possibilities are endless.

Museums, art galleries, and libraries

Cultural buildings in your local area might offer great discount prices for special events. They often have impressive features and decor that make for unique and dynamic photo opportunities.

Lighthouses

For an intimate "I do," consider a lighthouse venue. Whether you exchange your vows atop the lighthouse or on the rocky beaches below, this venue provides a captivating coastal backdrop for your wedding album.

Castles

No fairy tale wedding would be complete without a magical castle venue. Castles offer stunning decor, a romantic ambiance, and five-star service. While castles in Ireland or Germany may come to mind, there are also castles in the US that can provide an elegant and grand setting for your special day.

Botanical gardens

Botanical gardens, with their abundant flowers and plants, offer a super cool backdrop for a wedding or reception, not to mention the photo opportunities. Many botanical gardens host numerous weddings annually, so you can benefit from their experience and expertise in setting up weddings.

Restaurants

Having your wedding at a restaurant combines your venue, caterer, and bar all in one place. Cool restaurants often let you rent out the space for events, and it can take some of the headaches out of planning the wedding.

Your own home (or a friend's/family member's home)

Having your wedding at home or in a familiar space can be a unique and cost-effective option. Just remember to research any permits or insurance you may need, especially if you're serving alcohol.

With a bit of creativity and flexibility, you can find a non-traditional venue that fits your budget and reflects your personality as a couple!

Negotiate costs

The average wedding cost in the United States is just under $34,000, but this varies depending on location. For example, the average wedding in Idaho costs $16,366, while the average in Manhattan is $96,910. With such high costs, negotiating is a great way to save money.

Firstly, it's important to understand that wedding venues are in high demand, so they may not be willing to negotiate on all terms. However, they may have some flexibility with the payment schedule, timeline, and vendor drop-off times. If the venue has its own catering service, you may be able to negotiate the minimum spend by opting for a cocktail reception with passed appetizers instead of a sit-down dinner. You can also suggest swapping out liquors, wines, or beers for different brands or types.

When negotiating, it's best to approach the venue with kindness and excitement about their space. Explain your budget constraints and be communicative about your priorities. For example, you could say something like: "I truly love this venue, and I would really like to host my wedding here, but your current offer is cost-prohibitive. I have another venue in mind that matches my budget of $X per person. Is there any wiggle room for you to match that price or come close to it? If so, I will be happy to give you my business."

It's also a good idea to ask about off-season pricing and discounts for less popular days of the week. Fridays, Sundays, and weekdays are typically more affordable than Saturdays. You can also suggest paying upfront to see if they will offer a discount.

If you're unable to negotiate the price, consider asking for extra perks or upgrades instead. For example, you could request an extra app or dessert to be included in the package, or an upgrade to your newlywed suite if you're booking a hotel venue.

Remember, the worst they can say is no, so it never hurts to ask!

Pick an off-peak date

Picking an off-peak date for your wedding is a great way to save money. The most popular wedding dates tend to fall between May and October, with May, June, September and October being the most popular months. Choosing a date outside of these months can save you money on your venue, as many venues will charge a premium for the most desirable dates.

In addition to choosing an off-season month, you can also save money by selecting a mid-week date. Saturday is the most popular day for weddings, so choosing a weekday wedding, perhaps a Friday or Sunday, can yield big savings. Even a Monday or Thursday could be an option, as these are becoming more popular choices for couples looking to save money.

While the off-season varies depending on location, generally, winter is a less popular time to get married. A winter wedding could trim 20% to 30% off your venue bill, and other vendors may also offer off-peak specials.

However, it's important to note that there may be reasons why certain dates are less popular for weddings. For example, winter storms can cause power outages or travel disruptions, and a weekday wedding may result in a smaller guest list as fewer people may be able or willing to attend.

When considering an off-peak date, it's also worth keeping in mind that certain venues may not have a slow season at all. Popular wedding destinations, such as Hawaii or Southern California, tend to be busy all year round.

Ultimately, choosing an off-peak date for your wedding can be a strategic way to save money, but it's important to weigh the potential savings against any potential trade-offs and plan accordingly.

Opt for a weekday wedding

While Saturday is the most popular day of the week for weddings, it is also the most expensive. The demand for Saturday weddings can drive up costs across the board, from venue rentals to food and beverage, to vendor packages. By choosing a weekday wedding, you can benefit from lower prices and more availability. Many venues and vendors also offer added incentives to fill these less popular dates, so you can save money and get some extra value.

Booking a weekday wedding is a good idea if you're working with a tight timeline. If you're eager to tie the knot as soon as possible, you're more likely to find availability on a weekday, even at sought-after venues. You're also more likely to be able to book your dream vendors, from photographers to florists, as they are more likely to have availability during the week.

A weekday wedding will almost certainly mean a smaller guest list, as it will be harder for guests to disentangle from their everyday lives to attend. This can be a positive if you dream of a small wedding but have a large number of people you feel you ought to invite. With a smaller guest list, you can also indulge in quality over quantity, opting for lavish upgrades like a sophisticated raw bar, bespoke seating arrangements, or custom wedding invitations.

If you're planning a destination wedding, a weekday wedding can give your guests more flexibility to enjoy the locale and make a mini-vacation out of their trip. Similarly, if your wedding is local, guests will have an easier time finding accommodation, as hotels are less likely to be fully booked during the week.

When it comes to choosing which day of the week to wed, Thursdays and Fridays are still 'party nights', so your guests are more likely to be in the mood to celebrate. Sundays and Mondays, on the other hand, run into the upcoming work week, so your guests may not be in 'party mode'. It's also worth considering whether you want children at your wedding, as weekday weddings can be tricky for parents due to scheduling conflicts with school and after-school activities.

To make a weekday wedding work, be sure to give your guests as much advance notice as possible so they can take time off work or make other necessary arrangements. You could also consider an evening ceremony to give your 9-5 guests the opportunity to get their workday in first, bearing in mind rush-hour traffic when setting the start time.

Frequently asked questions