Planning A Budget Wedding: $10,000 And Under

Planning a wedding on a budget of $10,000 is no easy feat, but it can be done. From the venue to the rings, there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing style. Whether it's opting for cupcakes over a wedding cake or renting a mic and speakers instead of hiring a DJ, there are lots of ways to cut costs and still have a memorable day.

Venue: Consider a backyard, terrace or restaurant

When planning a wedding on a $10,000 budget, the venue is a good place to get creative and trim costs. Consider a backyard, terrace, or restaurant that you can rent out for free as long as you cover the cost of food and drink. If you don't know anyone with a suitable outdoor space, take a look at sites like HomeAway.com or Airbnb to see if you can find a venue deal. Just be sure to check with the host that they're happy for you to host a party there and that they have the necessary insurance.

If you're set on a more traditional wedding venue, look for venues that offer package deals, which can often work out cheaper than paying for individual elements. You could also consider getting married on a less popular day of the week, such as a Tuesday, when venues may be more likely to offer discounts.

When it comes to food and drink, you can save money by skipping the wedding cake and opting for cupcakes from a local bakery instead. You don't need to mention that they're for a wedding, as costs can skyrocket when you use that word! If you're set on a sit-down meal, look for venues that allow you to bring your own alcohol, as this can be a significant cost-saving measure.

Finally, don't forget the little details that can add up quickly, like a DJ or place card succulents. If there are specific elements you're not willing to compromise on, look for ways to save money elsewhere, such as by skipping flowers to get a great band instead.

Food and drink: Pick up cupcakes from a local bakery

When it comes to food and drink, it's important to keep costs down. One way to do this is to pick up cupcakes from a local bakery. There's no need to mention that they're for a wedding, as costs can skyrocket when you say that word. Set them out beside the buffet and they'll look just as good as a traditional wedding cake.

If you're looking to save money on food and drink, it's also worth considering the venue. Rack your brain: who do you know with a great backyard, terrace or restaurant you can rent out for free as long as you cover the cost of food and drink? Last resort, take a peek at sites like HomeAway.com or Airbnb to see if you can snag a venue deal. Just be sure to check that they're cool with you hosting a party there and that they have the right insurance.

You could also consider skipping flowers to get a great band instead of a DJ. Or, if you're set on a DJ, rent a mic and a couple of speakers from your local A/V store and splurge on an audio cable (about $10) to connect your iPhone. Then, put together a playlist in advance.

Finally, if you're looking to save money on the rings, jewellery tends to get heavily discounted right before Valentine's Day to pave the way for wedding proposals, so make it a point to pick up your wedding rings then.

Music: Rent a mic and speakers, or hire a band

Music is a key part of any wedding, but it can be expensive. If you're looking to plan a wedding on a $10,000 budget, you could consider renting a mic and speakers from a local A/V store and creating your own playlist. This is a much cheaper option than hiring a band or a DJ. You could also ask a relative to act as an emcee to introduce the big moments, like the first dance.

If you have your heart set on live music, you could look into hiring a band instead of a DJ. Bands can be expensive, but you might be able to find one that fits your budget if you're willing to compromise on other aspects of your wedding, like flowers. You could also try to negotiate a deal with the band, perhaps by offering to pay a lower rate for a longer set or by booking them for your ceremony and reception.

Another option is to look for up-and-coming bands or solo artists who are looking to build their portfolio and may be willing to perform for a reduced rate. You could try contacting local music schools or universities to see if any students or recent graduates are available.

Finally, don't forget to factor in the cost of any additional equipment you may need, such as a sound system or lighting. If you're renting a venue, they may be able to provide this, or you may need to rent it separately.

Rings: Shop the sales, especially before Valentine's Day

When planning a wedding on a $10,000 budget, it's important to be mindful of costs and get creative. A good place to start is the venue, which can often be the most expensive part of the wedding. Consider asking a friend or family member if you can use their backyard, terrace or restaurant, and offer to cover the cost of food and drink. You could also look at sites like HomeAway.com or Airbnb for venue deals.

When it comes to rings, it's a good idea to shop the sales, especially before Valentine's Day. Jewellery tends to be heavily discounted at this time to encourage wedding proposals, so you can often find great deals on wedding rings. Keep an eye out for sales and be prepared to make a purchase when you see a good deal.

To save money on other aspects of the wedding, consider renting a mic and speakers from your local A/V store, and creating your own playlist instead of hiring a DJ. You can also save on cake by opting for cupcakes from a local bakery, and avoid mentioning that they're for a wedding as costs can skyrocket.

Prioritise your spending by deciding what's most important to you. For example, you might choose to splurge on food or skip flowers to get a great band. By being mindful of your budget and getting creative, you can have a wonderful wedding celebration without breaking the bank.

Flowers: Choose to skip them and spend the money on a band instead

If you're planning a wedding on a budget, you might want to consider skipping the flowers and using the money to hire a band instead. This is a great way to save money without compromising on the fun and atmosphere of your big day.

Flowers can be expensive, and if you're not a flower person, you might prefer to allocate that money elsewhere. A band will create a fun and memorable atmosphere for you and your guests, and will be a unique touch that reflects your style and personality.

To save money on a band, consider hiring a local group or up-and-coming artists who might charge less. You could also ask the band to play an acoustic set, which will require less equipment and therefore cost less. If you have a friend or family member who is musical, you could ask them to perform, which will add a personal touch to your wedding.

If you're set on having flowers, there are ways to save money. You could opt for a smaller number of flowers or choose less expensive varieties. Alternatively, you could use flowers that are in season, as these will be cheaper and more readily available.

Frequently asked questions