Planning A Budget Wedding: 5-Month Guide

Planning a wedding in five months is a challenge, but it can be done. The key is to be organised and to stay focused. The first step is to set a budget and then shop within it. You'll also need to be decisive: talk to one or two florists, for example, and then pick one. Don't agonise over the small details. The venue is the next priority, and it's worth being flexible on the date to get the right one.

Budgeting

Once you have a figure in mind, it's time to start allocating that money to the different parts of your wedding. The venue is likely to be one of the most expensive parts of your day, so it's important to shop around and find somewhere that fits within your budget. You might also want to consider getting married on a weekday, as this is often cheaper than getting married at the weekend.

When it comes to food and drink, there are a few ways to keep costs down. You could opt for a buffet-style meal, which is usually cheaper than a sit-down dinner. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you could try making the food yourself. Drinks can also be expensive, so think about providing a limited bar or even a bring-your-own option.

Another big expense is often the wedding dress. One way to save money here is to buy a second-hand dress or to wear a dress that you already own. You could also try shopping around for sales or discounts. Finally, don't forget about the little things like decorations and favours. These can quickly add up, so try to be mindful of your budget when making these smaller purchases.

Venue

When it comes to planning a wedding in a short space of time, the venue is one of the most important things to sort out first. You technically don't have a date until you have a venue booked, so it's best to be flexible with your date and venue choice.

If you're looking for a cheap venue, you could consider a bar or restaurant, which often offer per-person packages that include food and drink options. You could also look at venues that are a little further afield from your hometown, as your hometown may have a small number of venues and vendors. For example, you could consider a gorgeous greenhouse, a historic mansion, a quirky theatre, a conservatory, a restored factory, a riverfront restaurant, or a boutique hotel.

If you're looking for a venue with a view, you could consider a rooftop wedding with a city skyline, or a venue with oceanfront acres and views of the beach.

It's also worth noting that most wedding stores slash their prices during the off-season, so you could consider getting married during this time to save some money.

Vendors

When it comes to vendors, it's important to get married in a city or area with lots of options. Your hometown may only have a small number of photographers, florists and venues, so branching out will give you more choice.

Once you've found a venue, you can start to think about the other vendors you need to hire. This could include a DJ, caterer, cake maker, photographer, florist and more. To save money, look for package deals. For example, some venues will include catering, cake and linens.

When it comes to choosing vendors, don't be too picky. Make quick decisions and don't agonise over small details. Talk to one or two florists, for example, and then pick one. The Knot and Wedding Wire both have helpful checklists for the logistics.

Invitations

Planning a wedding in five months is a challenge, but it can be done. The first step is to get a venue and a date. Then, you can start thinking about invitations.

The cost of wedding invitations can quickly add up, but there are ways to keep the costs down. You can order inexpensive invitations online, with some companies offering prices as low as 99 cents each, including free RSVP cards. You can also save money by using standard paper stock, or by opting for an all-in-one invitation, which combines the invitation, RSVP card and other details onto a single sheet of paper or cardstock.

If you're feeling creative, you could even make your own invitations. This gives you the freedom to personalise your invites and save money at the same time. You could use a simple, modern font layout, or add a photo to create a one-of-a-kind invite. You could also incorporate seasonal or rustic themes, such as autumn leaves or sunflowers.

When it comes to sending out your invitations, it's a good idea to give your guests plenty of notice, especially if you're getting married in a city or area that's a few hours away from where you live. This will give them time to make travel arrangements.

Decorations

Planning a wedding in five months is a challenge, but it's definitely possible. The key is to stay organised and focused, and to not get overwhelmed.

When it comes to decorations, there are a few ways to save money. Firstly, be honest with yourself about what's essential. Custom table numbers that match your invitations are nice, but not necessary. You can save money by opting for a simplified design and allocating those funds elsewhere.

Another way to save money is to avoid buying cheap wedding decorations just because they're inexpensive. Instead, look for simple ways to upgrade your tablescapes yourself. For example, decorate cloth napkins with hand-tied ribbons instead of polished silver napkin rings.

If you're looking for a rustic style, check out local stores like Hobby Lobby for ideas. However, be careful with cheaply made products that might break easily.

You can also create an immersive atmosphere with vintage-inspired wedding decor, featuring lifelike flowers and greenery in designer colour palettes.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask your wedding vendors for advice. They are industry experts who can help you plan and identify where you can splurge or save.

Frequently asked questions