Planning A Budget Wedding: 3-Month Guide

Planning a wedding in three months is challenging but achievable, especially if you have a clear budget and the right tools. The key is to keep your planning basic and be flexible, prioritising what's most important to you. You can save money by opting for off-peak dates and times, choosing a buffet or family-style meal, making your own decorations, limiting the guest list, and renting or buying second-hand decor and attire.

Opt for off-peak dates and times

When planning a wedding on a budget, it's important to consider the date and time of your celebration. Opting for an off-peak date and time, such as a weekday wedding or brunch reception, can significantly reduce venue costs. This is a great way to save money without compromising on the overall experience.

By choosing a date during the week, you can take advantage of lower demand and potentially secure your dream venue at a more affordable price. Weekday weddings also tend to have more availability, making it easier to find a date that works for you and your guests.

If you're open to a less traditional reception time, consider hosting a brunch or lunch celebration. These options often come with lower price tags than evening receptions, as they typically require less food and drink. You can still create a memorable and elegant experience, but at a fraction of the cost.

When planning an off-peak wedding, it's essential to keep your guests in mind. Make sure to give them plenty of notice, especially if they need to take time off work or travel. You may also want to consider providing transportation or accommodation options to make attending easier for your guests.

By opting for an off-peak date and time, you can significantly reduce your wedding expenses while still creating a meaningful and enjoyable celebration. With careful planning and consideration, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Simplify your menu

Planning a wedding in three months is challenging, but it's absolutely achievable with the right tools, mindset and wedding tips. One of the key ways to save money is to simplify your menu. Instead of a plated dinner, opt for a buffet or family-style meal. This will save you money on waiting staff and make your wedding feel more relaxed and intimate.

If you're set on a sit-down meal, consider a weekday wedding or brunch reception. Venue costs are often cheaper during off-peak times, and you might be able to negotiate a better deal with caterers too.

Keep your menu simple and choose seasonal ingredients to keep costs down. You could also offer a limited bar, with just wine and beer, or a signature cocktail, rather than a full bar. This will help you stick to your budget.

If you're having a small wedding, you could even ask a talented friend or family member to cater it. This will add a personal touch and save you money.

DIY decorations

Planning a wedding in three months is challenging but achievable. The key is to keep your planning basic, be flexible and prioritise what's most important to you.

• Opt for off-peak dates and times: Consider a weekday wedding or brunch reception to save on venue costs.
• Limit the guest list: A smaller, more intimate gathering can be just as meaningful and much more budget-friendly.
• Get crafty with centrepieces and favours: Add a personal touch while saving money. You could make your own table decorations, such as candles or flowers, and create your own favours, such as small jars of homemade jam or bags of sweets.
• Rent or buy second-hand: Consider renting decor items or purchasing gently used wedding attire to cut costs. You could also look for second-hand decorations online or in charity shops.
• Keep it simple: Choose a buffet or family-style meal instead of a plated dinner. This will save you money on catering staff and reduce the need for complex table settings.

Limit the guest list

Planning a wedding in three months is challenging, but it can be done. The key is to keep your planning basic, be flexible and prioritise what's most important to you.

One of the best ways to save money is to limit the guest list. A smaller, more intimate gathering can be just as meaningful and much more budget-friendly. If you're worried about offending people, consider having a cut-off point, such as 'only school friends' or 'only family'. You could also have a rule about not inviting anyone you haven't seen in the last year.

Another way to save money is to opt for off-peak dates and times. A weekday wedding or brunch reception will save on venue costs. You could also consider a buffet or family-style meal instead of a plated dinner.

If you're set on a particular vendor, be aware that you might need to pay a premium because of the short notice. However, if you're open to working with other vendors, you may be surprised by the options available and how much money you can save.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. Wedding planning can be stressful, so consider hiring a wedding planner to take some of the pressure off.

Rent or buy secondhand

When planning a wedding on a budget, it's important to be creative and prioritise what's most important to you and your partner. One way to cut costs is to rent decor items or buy them secondhand. You could also consider purchasing gently used wedding attire. This can be a great way to save money, especially if you're planning your wedding on short notice.

If you're open to working with different vendors, you may be able to find more affordable options that can work creatively within your budget. This might involve multiple revisions and options, but it can be a great way to discover new ideas and save money.

When it comes to the wedding attire, consider buying secondhand or renting. This can be a more sustainable and cost-effective option, especially if you're only planning to wear the outfit once. You can often find gently used wedding dresses and suits online or in specialty stores.

Additionally, don't be afraid to ask for help. Planning a wedding in three months can be challenging, and enlisting the support of friends, family, or even a wedding planner can make the process less stressful. Remember to keep your planning basic and focus on what matters most to you and your partner.

Frequently asked questions