A Beautiful Wedding On A Budget: Tips And Tricks

Planning a wedding on a budget can be stressful, but it is possible to have a beautiful, stylish, and affordable wedding. The first step is to figure out your budget and what you can afford. Be realistic and consider your daily expenses, debts, and future costs. Next, prioritize the three most important things you want to spend money on, such as photography, food, or decor.

To save money, consider a micro wedding with a smaller guest list, a free or low-cost venue like a city hall, backyard, or local church, and send e-vites instead of physical invitations. You can also DIY your wedding cake, flowers, music, and decorations. Shop around for affordable options for your wedding attire, hair, and makeup.

Remember, your wedding is about you, your partner, and your marriage. You don't need to spend a fortune to have a memorable and special day.

Choose a budget-friendly venue

The venue is likely to be the biggest expense at your wedding, with the average couple spending nearly $10,000 on their venue alone. However, there are many ways to save money on your venue. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• City hall: The venue itself is free, and the officiant is right there! City halls often feature stunning architecture, depending on your location.
• Your house or backyard: This option is free if you don't count your mortgage.
• A family member's house or farm: Again, this is free unless your relative decides to charge a rental fee.
• Your local church: If you or your partner grew up in the church or are regulars, you may be able to get a deal. The average cost for couples in this situation is $200.
• A national park: National parks usually charge between $50 and $200 for weddings.
• A public beach: Some beaches allow weddings for free on a first-come, first-served basis. In other places, such as California, you can obtain a Beach Wedding Permit for between $100 and $150.
• Your college or university: Some colleges allow alumni to use their event spaces for free.
• Peerspace: This website offers budget-friendly wedding venues for rent, averaging $130-$220 per hour.
• Back garden or field: If you don't have a back garden, ask locals if they have a field you can borrow. The extra costs for this option include a large marquee, tables and chairs, transportation, portaloos, and clean-up help.
• Village halls: Village halls that don't typically host weddings can make your wedding extra unique.
• Pub and bar function rooms: Some bars will let you use the venue for free if you spend enough on drinks.
• Warehouses: Warehouses can be an affordable option, especially in London.
• Blank space venues: These venues often require you to hire/buy your own crockery and cutlery. Instead of renting, you can go on a charity shop hunt and gather mismatched plates, then give them back afterward.

Tips for saving money on other aspects of your wedding

In addition to choosing a budget-friendly venue, here are some other ways to save money on your wedding:

• Prioritize: Figure out your top three non-negotiables and make sure those are covered before spending money on less important things.
• Guest list: The bigger your wedding, the more expensive it will be. A micro-wedding with 50 guests or fewer can save you money.
• E-vites: Professionally designed wedding invitations cost an average of $530. Instead, use websites like Canva, Cards and Pockets, and Koala Ray to design and customize your own invitations for free.
• DIY your wedding cake: A cake from a bakery can cost upwards of $500. Making your own cake using box cake mix will save you money.
• Potluck: Feeding a crowd can add up fast. Ask your guests to bring their own dishes to create a budget-friendly buffet.
• Rent a wedding dress: A new wedding gown averages $1,800 from a bridal salon. Instead, consider renting a gown, which can start at $50.
• Do your own hair and makeup: Professional hair and makeup artists can cost $250 or more. There are plenty of bridal makeup and hair tutorials on YouTube and TikTok that you can follow.
• DIY your floral arrangements: Wedding flowers from a florist average $2,300. Artificial flowers can look just as good and are much cheaper.
• Make your own music playlist: A wedding DJ can cost $1,400, while a live band costs an average of $2,400. Instead, rent a Bluetooth speaker for as little as $40 and make your own playlist.
• Student photographer: Professional wedding photos average $2,400. Student photographers charge far less, typically between $50-120 per hour.

Opt for a small guest list

One of the simplest ways to cut down on your wedding budget is to reduce your guest list. A smaller guest list means less food, fewer beverages, fewer rentals, and less service staff, all of which contribute to significant cost savings.

With a smaller guest list, you may also be able to upgrade certain aspects of your wedding or include additions that you wouldn't have been able to with a larger guest list. For example, you could opt for a more luxurious venue or add a live band to your reception.

If you're finding it difficult to cut people from your guest list, consider whether there are any acquaintances or distant relatives who you could do without. Alternatively, you could always invite your workmates or extended family to join later in the evening and ask them to bring their own drinks, much like a house party.

Another option is to have a micro wedding, which is a wedding with 50 or fewer guests. This can make your day feel more special and intimate, ensuring that only your closest family, friends, and loved ones are in attendance.

If you're set on having a larger guest list, there are still ways to save money. Instead of a sit-down dinner, you could have a potluck wedding, where guests bring their own dishes, or provide food that is easier on the budget, such as pizza or a backyard BBQ.

Additionally, you could ask your guests to contribute in other ways. For example, if you have a friend or family member who is a talented baker, you could ask them to make your wedding cake as a gift.

Remember, your wedding is about you, your future spouse, and your budget. By reducing your guest list, you can create a beautiful and memorable wedding that won't break the bank.

Prioritise your spending

Planning a wedding can be an expensive affair, but there are ways to cut costs and still have a beautiful ceremony. Here are some tips to help you prioritize your spending and create a memorable day without breaking the bank.

Pick your top priorities:

Decide on three key areas where you want to allocate a larger chunk of your budget. This could be anything from food and drinks to photography, decor, attire, or entertainment. By focusing on a few key elements, you can create a more impactful celebration without spreading your funds too thin.

Venue:

The venue is typically one of the largest expenses, so choosing a budget-friendly option can significantly reduce costs. Consider hosting the wedding at your home, a family member's house, a local church, a public park, or even city hall. If you're open to a non-traditional space, look into warehouses, village halls, pub function rooms, or even your local brewery. These unique venues can offer a fun and intimate atmosphere at a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding venue.

Catering:

Catering for a large group can be expensive, so consider alternative options like a food truck, a potluck, or a dessert bar instead of a full meal. If you're set on a traditional caterer, opt for a buffet-style service, which is usually cheaper than plated meals or family-style service. When it comes to drinks, stick to beer and wine, or offer a limited selection of signature cocktails to reduce costs.

Attire:

Wedding attire can be costly, but there are ways to save. Consider renting your wedding dress or suit instead of buying, or opt for more affordable options from high street stores like Topshop or Asos, which often have beautiful bridal collections. For the groom, a nice shirt, braces, and a bow tie can be a stylish and budget-friendly alternative to a full suit.

Flowers and Decor:

Flowers can add up quickly, so consider using artificial flowers or creating your own floral arrangements. You can also repurpose flowers from the ceremony as centrepieces for the reception to save money. For decor, opt for simple DIY options like mismatched charity shop plates, bamboo plates and cutlery, or jars wrapped in fabric.

Photography and Entertainment:

Photography is an important part of capturing your special day, so allocate a decent portion of your budget to hiring a professional photographer. To save money on entertainment, create your own music playlist instead of hiring a DJ or band. You can also ask talented friends or family members to perform or play music during the ceremony.

Guest List:

Finally, remember that the number of guests can significantly impact your budget. A smaller guest list means lower costs for food, drinks, rentals, and more. Consider keeping the guest list intimate, and if you must invite a large group, opt for a weekday wedding, as venue rates are often cheaper on Fridays and Sundays.

By prioritizing your spending and getting creative, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding on a budget.

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. Here are some tips to help you stay within your budget:

• Choose a less expensive catering style: Buffets are typically the cheapest option, followed by family-style and then plated. If you want something more personalised, consider hiring a food truck instead. You can offer your favourite foods, like tacos or pizza, which can be more affordable than traditional wedding catering.
• Limit the alcohol options: Instead of having a full open bar, minimise the alcohol selection to beer, wine, and a signature cocktail or two. You could also have an open bar only during cocktail hour, or if your venue allows, buy your own alcohol in bulk to save money.
• Host your wedding at a non-traditional time: Opting for a brunch or lunch reception can be more affordable than an evening event. People tend to drink less during the day, and you can save money by serving lighter fare.
• Choose an alternative to a traditional wedding cake: Wedding cakes can be expensive, so consider other options such as a dessert bar, a sheet cake from a grocery store, or even a giant Colin the Caterpillar cake from M&S!
• Keep the guest list small: The more people you invite, the more food and drink you'll need to provide. A micro wedding with a smaller guest list can help you save significantly on catering costs.
• DIY your food and drink: If you're handy in the kitchen, you could prepare some of the food yourself or ask family and friends to contribute dishes for a potluck-style reception. For drinks, make your own signature cocktail or create a fun punch.
• Shop around for caterers: Get quotes from multiple caterers and compare prices. You may be able to find a caterer who offers delicious food at a more affordable price.
• Use seasonal ingredients: In-season ingredients are usually more affordable and can help you save money on your catering costs. Talk to your caterer about incorporating seasonal produce and flavours into your menu.
• Choose a venue that allows outside catering: Some venues require you to use their in-house catering services, which can be more expensive. Look for venues that allow you to bring in your own caterer, as this may give you more flexibility and cost-saving options.

DIY your decor

Decorations can be a huge expense, but there are many ways to bring the costs down. If you like getting creative, consider making some simple DIY wedding decorations. This can be done well ahead of the wedding, and you can even get your bridal party involved.

One of the easiest ways to save money on decor is to choose a venue that has plenty of built-in decor. For example, a venue with an existing arch or focal point can be used for the ceremony instead of building a floral arbor. If there's a garden on-site, you can take advantage of the natural beauty and frame it with some smaller pops of decor.

You can also repurpose decor items. For example, aisle arrangements can be turned into reception table centrepieces.

If you're handy with a needle and thread, you could make your own table runners, bunting, or even napkins.

Another way to save money is to use flowers that are in season. Ask your florist to suggest flowers that fit your colour scheme and are in season, which will cut down on costs.

You can also use candles to create a romantic atmosphere, but be careful as these can cost just as much as florals.

For a budget-friendly option, consider using a venue that has tables and chairs on-site, as rental costs can quickly add up.

If you're feeling creative, you can make your own centrepieces by filling vases or jars with flowers or candles. You can also add fairy lights or string lights for a magical touch.

Another idea is to use books as centrepieces. Stack a few books and top them with a candle or small bouquet of flowers.

For a rustic wedding, try using slices of wood as centrepieces. You can place candles or flowers on top, or even use them as chargers under the place settings.

If you're looking for a unique touch, try hanging decorations such as paper lanterns, pom-poms, or even umbrellas from the ceiling.

For an outdoor wedding, you can hang string lights or lanterns in the trees to create a magical atmosphere.

Don't forget to shop around at thrift stores and craft stores for decor items. You can often find hidden gems that will add a unique touch to your wedding.

With a bit of creativity and planning, you can have beautiful DIY wedding decorations without breaking the bank.

Frequently asked questions