Planning A Budget Wedding: Tips For A Cheap Ceremony And Reception

Planning a wedding and reception on a budget is a great way to save money without compromising on the special day. There are many ways to cut costs, from holding the ceremony and reception in a friend or family member's backyard to prioritising your must-haves, such as a DJ or photo booth. With a little creativity and outside-the-box thinking, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding without breaking the bank.

Budgeting: Start planning your budget before you spend any money

Budgeting is the first step to planning a cheap wedding and reception. Before you spend any money, sit down with your partner and decide on a budget. Discuss with both your families and ask them what they are willing to contribute. Once you have a clear idea of your budget, you can decide on your priorities. For example, you might want a DJ or a DIY photo booth. From there, you can allocate your remaining budget to other items.

To save money, you could consider holding the ceremony and reception in your backyard, or that of a friend or family member. Tent, chair and table rentals are low-cost options for a beautiful outdoor wedding. If you are marrying in a large city, you could head to the town hall for the ceremony, and then on to a nearby affordable restaurant for a celebratory meal.

Another way to save money is to be cautious about the location you choose for your wedding reception. Reserving a location can be expensive and significantly reduce your budget. Instead, think outside the box. For example, you could save money by hiring a DJ instead of a band.

Location: Consider holding the ceremony and reception in a backyard

If you have access to a suitable backyard, consider holding both the ceremony and the reception there. Tent, chair and table rentals are low-cost options for a beautiful backyard wedding. If you're marrying in a large city, you could have the ceremony at the town hall and then head to a nearby affordable restaurant for a celebratory meal.

If you're not cautious, the cost of reserving a location for your wedding reception might significantly reduce your wedding budget. To avoid this, sit down with your future spouse and decide how much you have to spend. Talk with both of your families and ask them what they’re willing to contribute. Once you know this, decide what your priorities are. For example, maybe there’s a DJ you have dreamed of having at your wedding or a DIY wedding photo booth you think would make the day fun.

Guest list: Keep the guest list small to save money

When it comes to planning a wedding and reception on a budget, one of the most effective ways to save money is to keep the guest list small. This is because the cost of catering, drinks, and venue hire is often calculated on a per-head basis, so reducing the number of guests can significantly lower your overall expenses.

To start, consider the size of your guest list and whether it is feasible to reduce it. If you have a large extended family or many friends, it may be challenging to invite everyone. Prioritise those closest to you, such as immediate family and close friends, and be selective with plus-ones.

If you're open to a more intimate celebration, a micro-wedding with a handful of guests can be a beautiful and cost-effective option. This could mean holding the ceremony and reception in a backyard, with tent, chair, and table rentals creating a charming and affordable setting. Alternatively, you could opt for a brief ceremony at a town hall, followed by a celebratory meal at a nearby affordable restaurant.

By keeping the guest list small, you not only save money but also create a more exclusive and personalised atmosphere. This allows you to focus your budget on other priorities, such as hiring a DJ or creating a DIY photo booth, ensuring that your special day is memorable for both you and your guests.

Entertainment: Think about what entertainment is a must-have, like a DJ or a photo booth

When it comes to entertainment, it's important to think about what is a must-have for you and your partner. For example, a DJ is a common choice for wedding entertainment, but it can be an area where you can save money. If you have a friend who is a DJ, you could ask them to perform, or you could create a playlist in advance and ask a trusted guest to manage the music on the day.

Photo booths are another popular choice for wedding entertainment, and there are ways to include one on a budget. You could create a DIY photo booth with a fun backdrop and some props, and ask guests to take photos on their phones or cameras. Alternatively, you could hire a photo booth, which can be a more affordable option than a DJ.

If you have access to a suitable backyard, you could hold both the ceremony and reception there, which can help reduce costs. This option may require a micro-sized guest list, but it can be a unique and joyful experience, with guests heading to a nearby affordable restaurant for a celebratory meal.

Hair and makeup: This can cost an average of $250

Hair and makeup can cost an average of $250. This is a significant expense, but there are ways to reduce the cost.

One way to save money is to do your own hair and makeup. If you feel confident enough, there are plenty of online tutorials that can guide you through the process. You could also ask a friend or family member who is skilled in hair and makeup to help you.

Another option is to look for deals and discounts. Many salons offer wedding packages that include hair and makeup services at a discounted rate. You can also shop around for the best prices and compare different salons to find the most affordable option.

If you have a small wedding party, you may be able to negotiate a group discount with a salon. This can be a great way to save money, especially if you have a large bridal party.

Finally, consider doing a trial run before the wedding. This will give you a chance to test out different looks and ensure that you are happy with the final result. By planning ahead, you can save money and have peace of mind knowing that you will look your best on your wedding day.

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