Planning A Wedding On A Budget: Tips For Saving

Planning a wedding can be a costly affair, with the average wedding in the United States costing just under $34,000. However, it is possible to have a memorable and special day without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to make your wedding more affordable:

- Create a budget and stick to it.

- Keep the guest list small.

- Choose an off-peak wedding date and time, such as a mid-week day or during the winter.

- Opt for a naturally beautiful location that doesn't require extensive decorations.

- Consider a local restaurant instead of a traditional caterer.

- Do-it-yourself projects, such as making your own decorations or baking your own wedding cake, can save money.

- Shop at thrift stores or buy second-hand items, such as a wedding dress or suit.

- Skip the open bar and offer signature cocktails or only serve wine and beer.

- Choose a simple cake design and opt for buttercream over fondant.

- Use fresh flowers sparingly or choose in-season or wholesale flowers.

- Recruit talented friends and family to help with tasks such as photography, music, or catering.

Choose an off-peak date and time

Choosing an off-peak date and time for your wedding is a great way to save money. Wedding venues, caterers, and vendors tend to be more affordable on Fridays and Sundays because most people want to get married on a Saturday. Even more savings can be had by choosing a mid-week wedding date—a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Your guests can then enjoy a three-day weekend if they take Friday off.

Another way to save money is to time your wedding for the winter. January through March is considered the off-season for weddings throughout most of the country. You are likely to find the lowest-cost venue options during deep winter. You may even be able to haggle down the cost—venues would often rather have a low-cost wedding than no wedding on a particular date.

If you live near a popular vacation spot, you can rent a lovely home for your wedding in the off-season. This option comes with indoor and outdoor space and restrooms for guest comfort.

If you're set on a summer wedding, consider a mid-week wedding. It's not the norm, but there's no rule against it.

Minimise the guest list

A smaller guest list is a surefire way to keep your wedding costs down. The fewer people you invite, the less you'll have to spend on food, drink, tables, table settings, and invitations. It's as simple as that.

But how do you go about minimising your guest list? Well, one strategy is to make a list and then cut it by 20%, and then cut it by another 20%. Another approach is to start with just parents, siblings, and grandparents, and then add a couple of close friends each. Then, shut down the list to new additions without exceptions.

If you're worried about offending friends and extended family who don't make the cut, remember that most people will understand if you don't have the budget for a large wedding. You could also consider hosting a less formal reception on another day, for more people.

One couple, for example, had a small ceremony in Hawaii, which doubled as their honeymoon, and then a cocktail reception party with about 100 guests when they returned home. For their ceremony, they informally invited their close friends and family and ended up with 11 guests. They made it clear that everyone was responsible for booking and paying for their own travel and accommodations.

Another option is to have a rule of thumb for friends: if you've never invited them to your house, or they've never invited you to theirs, they don't make the list.

If you're concerned about your in-laws adding endless names to the guest list, kindly establish some boundaries. Explain that their financial contribution doesn't mean they can invite whoever they want—that will quickly undermine your low-cost goal.

Opt for a non-traditional venue

Opting for a non-traditional venue is a great way to save money on your wedding. Here are some tips and ideas to help you find an affordable location that still feels special:

• Choose a naturally beautiful location: Opt for an outdoor location with a beautiful view, such as a public park, a beach, or a zoo. Nature's beauty will do the work for you, and many outdoor public spaces don't have large rental fees.
• Think outside the box: Consider unique venues that may be more affordable, such as a college library, a city-run space, a public garden, an art venue, or a restaurant. These locations often have lower rental fees and may offer more flexibility in terms of catering and bar services.
• Host an at-home wedding: If you have a big backyard or know someone who does, consider hosting your wedding there. Even with the cost of renting items like a tent, tables, and chairs, you may still save money compared to traditional venues.
• Choose a dual-purpose venue: Look for a venue that can accommodate both your ceremony and reception. This will save you money on transportation and decorations for two separate locations.
• Vacation rental wedding venues: Consider using a vacation rental property, such as an Airbnb, as your wedding venue. These can be more intimate and affordable than traditional venues, especially if you book well in advance.
• Destination weddings: While they may not always be cheaper, hosting an intimate destination wedding can help you cut costs by reducing the number of guests who attend. It can also double as your honeymoon!
• Consider a day other than Saturday: Saturdays are the most popular days for weddings, so you can save money by choosing a different day of the week. Fridays, Sundays, and even weekdays like Tuesdays or Wednesdays can yield significant savings.
• BYOB venues: Alcohol can be a large expense, so look for venues that allow you to bring your own beverages. This gives you more control over the cost per bottle and can help keep your bar budget in check.

Choose a naturally beautiful location

Choosing a naturally beautiful location for your wedding is a great way to save money on decor. The natural beauty of your surroundings will wow your guests and create a memorable experience without breaking the bank.

National Parks

National parks offer a budget-friendly option for couples who want to tie the knot surrounded by nature's beauty. In the US, a special use permit for a national park will cost you a fraction of the price of other venues, typically around $100. Some parks with stunning views include Yosemite National Park in California, Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, and Zion National Park in Utah.

Beaches

If you've always dreamed of a seaside wedding, consider asking friends or family with beach access for help, or look into renting a vacation home on the beach for an intimate gathering. This option provides a gorgeous backdrop for photos and saves you tons of money on decor.

Backyards

While a backyard wedding isn't free, it can save you a significant amount on venue costs, leaving more room in your budget for other necessities like furniture rentals, decor, and catering. It also provides a cozy and comfortable space to get ready and allows you to revisit the spot where you tied the knot.

Public Spaces

Public spaces like parks, gardens, and beaches often have lower site fees than traditional venues. However, keep in mind that these spaces may be required to remain open to the public during your event, and you may have limited time for set-up.

Bed and Breakfasts

A bed and breakfast venue can offer a cozy and intimate space for your wedding, often featuring charming on-site guest rooms and quaint gardens perfect for outdoor ceremonies. This option typically includes a built-in post-wedding brunch for you and your guests.

Farms and Vineyards

For a rustic or wine-themed wedding, consider a farm or vineyard venue. These locations often feature expansive fields, vintage details, and stunning natural backdrops for your ceremony and photos. Some may even include estate-grown wine!

By choosing a naturally beautiful location for your wedding, you can create a memorable and affordable celebration. These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg, as there are many more options to explore, including courthouses, libraries, museums, and more.

DIY projects

There are many DIY projects you can take on to make your wedding more affordable. Here are some ideas for projects that can be easily done by yourself or with the help of your wedding party:

Decorations

• Paper flowers: Create lovely little vase fillers using simple coffee filters. You can use red, orange, and metallic gold paints for a fall theme, or change up the colors to match the other seasons.
• Vintage family photo display: Put family wedding photos on display. Affix the images to teapot lids using 6-inch pieces of artistic wire.
• Centerpieces: Fill painted lanterns with photos of the couple or throwbacks from their childhood. Alternatively, create eclectic centerpieces using succulents or greenery instead of flowers.
• Solar-powered lamps: Brighten up any outdoor wedding with these lamps made from Mason jars.
• Hanging flower arrangements: Personalize this idea with your favorite flowers, waterproof fairy lights, or monogrammed Mason jars.
• String light canopy: Design and assemble your own tent made of string lights to serve as a beautiful and romantic focal point for the reception.
• Photo booth props: Make your photo booth special by crafting your own DIY props or even a backdrop.
• Confetti party poppers: Hand out these handmade party poppers to your guests for a fun send-off.
• Gilded table numbers: Give your table numbers a unique flair by adding a gold accent to make them look more expensive than they are.
• Moroccan lanterns: Save old spaghetti jars to create these exotic-themed lanterns.
• Rose petal aisle runner: Create a striking runner with silk petals glued to tulle for easy cleanup and a beautiful look.
• Tissue paper fan wedding arch: Surprise your guests with this stunning DIY project as you exchange your vows.
• Geo chalkboard place cards: Put a geometric twist on place cards with gold glitter for a glamorous touch.
• World map seating chart: Make a DIY seating chart with a world map so your guests can easily find their assigned seats.

Attire and Accessories

• Embroidered bridal denim jacket: Add a unique touch to your wedding day look with a custom denim jacket featuring hand-embroidered details.
• Rhinestone wedding veil: Create your own veil with a touch of sparkle to complement your bridal ensemble.
• Wedding hairpiece: Give your bridal hair the perfect final touch with a simple and elegant DIY hair accessory.
• Glitter soles: Add a little extra sparkle to your wedding shoes for fun photos.
• Groom's bow tie: Sew your own bow ties for the groom and his groomsmen by hand, adding a personal touch to their attire.
• Felt ring bearer's pillow: With minimal sewing required, this is a great option for a less frilly wedding style.

Stationery and Favors

• Wedding invitations: Design and create your own invitations without needing to be an expert in graphic design.
• Wedding vow notebooks: Instead of memorizing your personalized vows, create vow notebooks for the bride and groom to read from during the ceremony.
• Wedding guest book: Capture your guests' well wishes with a DIY guest book that doesn't have to break the bank.
• Photo album guest book: Cut out angular shapes of paper and let your guests affix their messages and photos to the pages.
• Wedding favors: Say a simple "thank you" with a heart-shaped bird feeder that your guests can hang in their yards.
• Paper cone rice tossers: Make these cute cones from pretty paper and a hole puncher, and fill them with rice or rose petals to hang on chairs.
• Pre-mixed Mason jar cocktails: Save money on an open bar by preparing and serving these gorgeous cocktails in Mason jars.

Frequently asked questions