A Memorable Wedding On A Budget: Creative Tips And Tricks

Planning a wedding on a budget? It's possible! The average wedding costs $35,000, but there are many ways to cut costs and still have a memorable day. Here are some tips to make your special day budget-friendly:

- Opt for a backyard wedding or choose a unique venue like a pub, campsite, village hall, or sports club.

- Keep the guest list small.

- Send digital invitations.

- DIY your decorations and floral arrangements.

- Save on catering by choosing a food truck, having a potluck, or serving cupcakes instead of a traditional wedding cake.

- Forgo an open bar and minimise alcohol options, or buy your own alcohol in bulk.

- Choose a student photographer or enlist a talented friend.

- Skip the wedding planner and plan the wedding yourself.

- Shop for a second-hand wedding dress or rent one.

- Choose a weekday wedding, which is often cheaper than weekends.

- Use in-season flowers to save on floral costs.

- Prioritise what's important to you and your partner, whether it's great photos, good food, or a dream dress, and allocate your budget accordingly.

With some creativity and flexibility, you can have a wonderful wedding without breaking the bank!

Choose a unique venue

Choosing a unique venue for your wedding can be a great way to save money while still making your special day memorable. Here are some ideas for low-budget, yet special, wedding venues:

National Parks and Public Spaces

National parks offer a stunning natural backdrop for your wedding and are usually a fraction of the cost of traditional venues. In the US, a special use permit for a national park will cost you around $100. You can also explore public spaces like city parks, which often feature lush gardens, lawns, and trees, providing a scenic yet affordable option.

Backyard Weddings

If you or someone close to you has a spacious backyard, consider hosting your wedding there. This option not only saves costs but also adds a touch of intimacy and comfort for your guests. You can transform the outdoor space with decor, lights, and flowers to make it your own. Just remember to plan for the season and ground conditions to ensure your guests' comfort.

Restaurants and Cafés

Restaurants and cafés can be great options for intimate weddings, especially if you choose a place that holds a special meaning for you and your partner. Many restaurants have private dining rooms available for hire, and you'll save on catering costs since food and staff are usually included. Cafés are often open to staying open later for a private event, and they may be more flexible with catering options as well.

Community Spaces

Community centers, civic buildings, and conference centers are designed as gathering places for social and cultural activities, making them a natural fit for weddings. These spaces are often historic, cutting-edge, or eco-friendly, providing a unique ambiance for your special day. They tend to be more cost-effective than traditional wedding venues, and some may even have on-site catering and guest rooms.

City Hall or Courthouse

A city hall or courthouse wedding is a great low-budget option, especially if you're looking for a small, intimate ceremony. These venues often feature breathtaking architecture, providing a stunning backdrop for your photos. The standard cost for the ceremony itself is usually between $20 and $50, though you'll need to factor in additional costs for things like your attire, flowers, and a possible reception afterward.

Vacation Rentals

Sites like VRBO and Airbnb offer unique and affordable wedding venue options. You can find everything from manors and estates to vineyards and private ranches. By renting a vacation property, you can often secure the space for the day before as well, giving you time to set up and providing accommodation for the wedding party. Just be sure to clarify any restrictions on events and catering with the property owner.

Remember, when choosing a unique venue, consider the season, guest count, and any additional costs for rentals, catering, and decorations. With some creativity and flexibility, you can find a venue that fits your budget and makes your wedding day extraordinary.

Buy your own alcohol

One of the easiest ways to save money on your wedding is to buy your own alcohol. While searching for the perfect venue, look for one that allows you to bring your own liquor so you can avoid paying substantial markup fees. By providing the booze, you'll be able to hunt down the most affordable options and can choose to buy in bulk, which will save you a lot of money.

The amount of alcohol you need depends on several factors, including guest count, how many hours the reception will last, and whether your guests are light, average, or heavy drinkers. A good rule of thumb is to assume each guest will consume one drink per hour or about five drinks throughout the evening. Some guests will drink less, but others may be thirstier. Generally, people tend to consume more earlier in the event but slow down later on, so the drinks per guest per hour are higher for an event under three hours.

For a guest count of 150 people, assuming the average person drinks six drinks over a six-hour period, the beverages will cost you about $4,500 if you're hosting an open bar with unlimited drinks. However, you can save money by focusing on two "his" and "hers" signature drinks or skipping pre-ceremony beverages.

Where to Buy Alcohol?

You can buy alcohol from wholesale retailers or even supermarkets, which can offer significant savings compared to wedding suppliers. For example, a bottle of house champagne may cost £50 from a wedding supplier, but you could buy your own for £13.99 plus a "corkage" fee of £15, saving you £29 a bottle.

Other Ways to Save on Alcohol

• Offer a limited selection of spirits, vodka, bourbon, tequila, gin, or rum, to avoid buying more alcohol than you'll use.
• Choose good-quality mid-priced brands over bottom-shelf or top-shelf spirits.
• If you're serving wine at dinner, ask your servers to pour a sensible amount and only top off the glasses if guests ask for more.
• Instead of a champagne toast, have your guests raise a glass of whatever drink they have on hand, or choose a more budget-friendly sparkling wine.
• If you're serving beer, consider a keg, which can be more cost-effective than cans or bottles, especially if you have heavy drinkers in attendance.
• Return any unopened bottles after the wedding to get some of your money back.

Cut hair and makeup costs

Hair and makeup are an important part of your wedding day, but there are ways to cut costs without compromising on quality. Here are some tips to help you save on hair and makeup:

• Local training schools: Local hairdressing or beauty therapy training schools often offer discounted services or even complimentary treatments for brides and bridesmaids. This can be a great way to save on hair and makeup costs.
• Department store beauty counters: Many department stores have beauty counters that offer makeup services. You can take advantage of these services for your wedding day look, which will be more affordable than hiring a professional makeup artist.
• DIY: If you feel confident enough, you can do your own hair and makeup. This option gives you complete control over your look and can save you a significant amount of money.
• Book in advance: It is recommended to book your hair and makeup artist at least three months in advance. This will give you time to find a stylist that suits your style and budget.
• Shop around: Compare prices and services from multiple hair and makeup artists. Don't be afraid to negotiate and ask for discounts, especially if you are flexible with dates and times.
• Simplify your style: Opt for simpler hairstyles and makeup looks that require less time and products. Wedding updos and airbrush makeup tend to cost more than blowouts and traditional makeup applications.
• Fewer add-ons: Additional services such as false eyelashes, hair extensions, and nail services can quickly increase your costs. Consider which add-ons are essential to you and skip the rest.
• Trial runs: Some artists offer free hair and makeup trials, while others charge a fee. If possible, opt for a stylist who includes a trial in their package to avoid extra costs.
• Bridesmaids' costs: If you require your bridesmaids to have their hair and makeup done professionally, it is customary for you to cover these costs. However, if professional services are optional, your bridesmaids can choose to pay for their own services.

Save on the dress

The wedding dress is one of the most important parts of the wedding for most brides. However, it can also be one of the most expensive. Here are some tips to save money on your wedding dress:

• Renew an old dress: Consider using your mother's or grandmother's dress with some modern alterations. Not only will this be cheaper, but it will also add a sentimental touch to your wedding.
• Buy a lace-up, corset-style dress: Corset-style dresses are beautiful and versatile. They can accommodate weight fluctuations and are perfect for expecting brides. They also eliminate the need for costly alterations.
• Shop at ordinary clothing stores: Forget fancy bridal salons. Your perfect wedding dress might be waiting for you at a simple boutique or department store. Retailers like ASOS, JCPenney, and Target often offer a selection of white dresses at a fraction of the cost of traditional wedding dresses.
• Buy a floor sample dress: If you have your heart set on a bridal salon, you can still save money by buying a floor sample dress. Sign up for your local bridal shops' mailing lists to stay informed about sample sales.
• Go with simple styles: Elaborate embroidery and sequins will increase the price of a dress. Stick to simpler styles, which are usually cheaper and easier to accessorize.
• Purchase a used wedding gown: Most brides only wear their dresses once, so you can often find used wedding dresses in like-new condition at a much lower price.
• Visit thrift or vintage stores: You might get lucky and find a beautiful, one-of-a-kind dress at a thrift or vintage store. It will likely need some alterations, but it will be worth it for the savings and the unique style.
• Shop early and often: Start shopping for your wedding dress as early as possible. This will give you time to find the best deals and take advantage of discounts and special offers.
• Choose a lightweight dress: If you're having a destination wedding or getting married in warm temperatures, opt for a lightweight, breathable dress. These dresses usually require less fabric, making them more affordable.
• Buy a simple dress and customise it: You can save money by purchasing a simple dress and adding your own custom alterations. This way, you get a beautiful designer dress with your own unique style.
• Choose synthetic fabrics: Silk and lace are expensive fabrics. Opt for synthetic or blended fabrics, which are usually cheaper, or go for taffeta or chiffon, which cost less than silk.
• Shop in the winter or summer: Designers often distribute new lines in the winter and summer, so retailers will be clearing out their old stock during these seasons. You can find discounts of up to 80% off!
• Shop at mass retailers: Many mass retailers like Dillard's, JC Penney, and Anthropologie offer bridal lines with simple dresses at a fraction of the cost of bridal boutiques.
• Have your gown custom-made: Consider having a local seamstress create a custom gown for you. This option eliminates the markup between the manufacturer and retailer, and you only pay for the fabric and the seamstress' time and expertise.
• Don't try on dresses above your budget: Trying on expensive dresses can be tempting, but it's a bad idea if you're on a budget. Once you try on a pricier dress, you're likely to be dissatisfied with cheaper options.
• Buy a bridesmaid dress: Some designers offer bridesmaid dresses in ivory or white tones that are almost identical to their bridal gowns but at a much lower price.

With these tips, you can find a beautiful wedding dress that fits your budget and your style. Happy shopping!

DIY invitations and decorations

Invitations

Creating your own wedding invitations is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Editable invitation templates: Find an editable digital template online that you can personalise with your names, wedding details, and even a photo. Then, print them yourself or order them to your door.
• Printable templates: Purchase a customisable template from online marketplaces like Etsy, and print the invitations yourself at home or through a printing shop. This option gives you more freedom to choose your own paper and add DIY touches like a wedding stamp or hand-written signatures.
• From-scratch invitations: Design your invitations completely from scratch using platforms like Canva, which offer free templates, design tools, and inspiration. You can then print them or send them as digital invitations via email or messaging apps.
• Gold foil details: Gold foil is an inexpensive way to add elegance and luxury to your invitations. You can add gold foil to the borders or any other part of the invitation.
• Watercolour backgrounds: If you're artistically inclined, paint the invitation backgrounds with watercolours. Each invitation will be unique, and as long as you use similar colours and placement, they will look amazing as a set.
• Textured paper: Print, draw, write, or paint your invitations on textured paper for an elevated, handmade feel.
• Vellum invitation jackets: Wrap your invitations in vellum cases for a professional and expensive look.

Decorations

• String lights and greenery: Create a relaxed and chill atmosphere with string lights and greenery, especially for an outdoor ceremony and reception. Greenery can also be used for centrepieces and is very affordable.
• Jam jars and dried flowers: Pop tea lights in jam jars and scatter oven-dried rose petals on tables for a simple yet charming effect.
• Photo booth: Instead of hiring a photo booth, set up a tablet on a tripod in a corner to capture fun and memorable pictures. Add some silly hats from a local fancy dress shop for extra entertainment.
• Handmade wedding favours: Make your own wedding favours, such as little pots of homemade jam, or donate to charity on behalf of your guests.

Frequently asked questions