Plan A June Wedding On A Budget

Planning a wedding can be an expensive affair, with the average wedding in the US costing just under $34,000. However, there are many ways to reduce costs and stick to a budget. One of the most effective ways is to opt for an off-season wedding, with January, February, July, and November being the cheapest months to get married in the US. Getting married on a weekday, such as a Tuesday or Wednesday, can also result in significant savings compared to a traditional Saturday wedding.

Another major expense is the venue, which can be minimised by choosing a non-traditional location such as a restaurant, brewery, or vacation rental. Holding both the ceremony and reception in one venue also helps to reduce costs. Keeping the guest list small is another effective way to save money, as it reduces costs not only on food and beverages but also on invitations, tables, table settings, and linens.

For the wedding attire, instead of expensive bridal shops, consider checking out department stores or consignment stores for more affordable options. You can also save money by borrowing accessories from family and friends. When it comes to food and drinks, opting for a food truck, a favourite family-owned restaurant, or a buffet-style meal can be more budget-friendly than a traditional sit-down dinner.

There are numerous other ways to save, from DIY decorations and invitations to skipping wedding favours and utilising friends' talents for music or photography. With careful planning and creativity, it is possible to have a memorable wedding without breaking the bank.

Choose an off-peak date

Choosing an off-peak date for your wedding is a great way to save money. The off-season wedding months depend on your location. In the US, these are usually January, February, July, and November, whereas in the UK, they are January and February.

If you opt for an off-season wedding, you're likely to have more dates available to you at a lower rate, which will help to reduce wedding planning stress. You may also find that you have more of your guests' attention, as they are less likely to be booked for other weddings during these months.

An off-season wedding can also be a great option for your guests' wallets. They are less likely to be travelling for your wedding during a time that isn't the destination's high season, so flights and hotel rooms will be nowhere near peak rates.

You may also be able to haggle down the cost of your venue, as they would rather have a low-cost wedding than no wedding on a particular date. However, be mindful that some venues and vendors will not be open to price negotiation, so always ask kindly and be prepared to shop around.

If you're planning a honeymoon straight after your wedding, choosing an off-season date can also help you save on travel costs.

Opt for a weekday wedding

If you're looking to make your June wedding more affordable, consider opting for a weekday wedding. While Saturday is the most popular day for weddings, it's also the most expensive. By choosing a weekday wedding, you can take advantage of lower rates for venues, catering, and vendors. Fridays and Sundays are typically more affordable options, but you can save even more by choosing a mid-week wedding on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. This gives your guests the opportunity to take a long weekend and enjoy a three-day celebration.

When it comes to timing your wedding, it's also worth considering the time of day. A morning wedding followed by a brunch reception can be a unique and budget-friendly option. Alternatively, you can negotiate a shorter reception during the day, which not only saves you money but also gives the venue more time to set up for an evening wedding.

If you're set on an evening wedding, you can still keep costs down by skipping the cocktail hour. Having both the ceremony and reception in one venue simplifies logistics and reduces costs associated with transportation and venue rental.

For an affordable and intimate celebration, a micro-wedding at town hall followed by dinner at a restaurant can be a wonderful option. This allows you to focus on creating a memorable experience for your closest loved ones without breaking the bank.

By opting for a weekday wedding, you'll not only save money, but you'll also have more flexibility and availability when it comes to choosing your dream venue and working with your preferred vendors. It's a great way to make your June wedding more affordable without sacrificing the special touches that will make your big day truly yours.

Go for a non-traditional venue

The venue is often the most significant expense in a wedding budget. A non-traditional venue can be a great way to save money and add a unique feel to your special day. Here are some tips and ideas for choosing an affordable and memorable venue:

• Restaurants – Restaurants are a great option as they don't usually charge a venue fee. You only pay for the food and drinks, and if you choose a restaurant with stellar decor, you can save on that aspect as well.
• Breweries and vacation homes – These options often offer affordable rental rates and a unique setting for your wedding.
• Backyard weddings – If you have access to a suitable backyard, consider holding both the ceremony and reception there. You can rent a tent, chairs, and tables at a relatively low cost.
• Town hall and restaurant combination – Keep your guest list small and invite only your closest friends and family. After a brief ceremony at the town hall, head to a nearby affordable restaurant for a celebratory meal.
• Vacation rentals – If you live near a popular vacation spot, you can rent a lovely home for your wedding during the off-season. This option provides indoor and outdoor space, as well as comfort and privacy for your guests.
• Off-season weddings – January through March is typically the off-season for weddings, except in winter resort towns. You can find lower venue rates during this period, and you may even be able to negotiate a better deal.
• Fridays and Sundays – These days are generally more affordable than Saturdays for venue rentals. You can also consider a mid-week wedding on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, which tend to be even less expensive.
• Combine ceremony and reception venue – Choosing one venue for both the ceremony and reception can be more affordable and simplifies the logistics of the day.
• Morning or brunch wedding – Instead of an evening reception, consider a morning wedding followed by a brunch reception. This option is usually more affordable and offers a unique and intimate experience for your guests.

Negotiate costs

The venue is the most significant expense in a wedding budget. To save money, consider choosing a venue that is happy to negotiate on small fees, such as cake-cutting. You can also ask about what is included in the rental fee, as some venues will include tables, chairs, or linens, which can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

If you're set on a particular venue, you can still save money by choosing an off-peak date. Wedding venues are in high demand during the summer months, with June being the most popular month to get married. You can save thousands of dollars by choosing a date in the off-season, such as January or February, or by opting for a weekday wedding.

Another way to save money on the venue is to choose a non-traditional space, such as a restaurant, brewery, or vacation house. These options tend to be more affordable and can give your wedding a unique feel.

When it comes to catering, you can negotiate costs by choosing alternatives to a seated, plated dinner. Buffets, family-style stations, or heavy hors d'oeuvres are usually less expensive options. You can also simplify your drink options by sticking to beer and wine instead of offering a full bar.

If you're looking to save on your wedding dress, consider buying a sample gown from a bridal shop or shopping during a trunk show, where you can find discounts and complimentary customizations. You can also borrow accessories from family and friends, which will save you money and add a sentimental touch to your outfit.

Flowers can also be a significant expense, but there are ways to negotiate costs. Ask your florist about using in-season blooms, which tend to be less expensive. You can also repurpose ceremony flowers for the reception or opt for minimalist bouquets for your bridesmaids.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to your talented friends and family members to see if they can lend a hand with photography, music, or catering. You'd be surprised at how many people are willing to help make your special day even more memorable.

Use the venue's resources

One of the most significant expenses in a wedding is the venue. Here are some tips to help you save money by using the venue's resources:

Ask What's Included in the Rental Fee

Ask each venue what's included in the rental fee. Some venues will include items such as tables, chairs, or linens, which can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. Be wary of upcharges for higher-quality items. If you opt for a DIY venue or a backyard wedding, you may need to purchase or rent everything from flatware to serving dishes to lighting.

Beware of Upcharges

While some venues may include tables and chairs, they might charge extra for higher-quality options. For example, they may provide basic folding chairs but charge extra for fancier seating. Ask about any additional costs associated with the venue's resources to avoid unexpected expenses.

Compare All-Inclusive Venues vs Blank Slate Venues

When comparing venue costs, remember to compare apples to apples. All-inclusive packages may have a higher sticker price, but a blank slate venue will require you to bring in tables, plates, linens, and food, increasing your overall expenses. Calculate the total cost, including rentals and outside vendors, to make an informed decision.

Choose a Venue with On-Site Catering

Opting for a venue with on-site catering can often be more cost-effective than bringing in an outside caterer. In-house caterers are usually more familiar with the venue's kitchen facilities and may not charge additional fees for transportation and setup. Additionally, they may offer package deals or discounts for larger groups.

Take Advantage of Inclusive Packages

Some venues offer inclusive packages that bundle the venue rental, catering, bar services, and even wedding planning services. While these packages may seem expensive upfront, they can often save you money by providing a discounted rate for multiple services. Compare the cost of an inclusive package to hiring individual vendors to see which option is more economical.

Negotiate and Ask for Customization

Don't be afraid to negotiate with the venue and ask for customizations. If there are certain aspects of the package that you don't need, see if they can be removed to lower the price. Conversely, if there are additional services you require, ask if they can be included in the package at a discounted rate.

Frequently asked questions