Planning A Rustic Wedding: Budget-Friendly Tips And Tricks

Planning a wedding can be expensive, but there are ways to save money and still have a beautiful rustic celebration. From choosing a romantic venue to creating DIY decor, there are plenty of ways to plan a rustic wedding on a budget. Here, we'll explore some of the best ways to save money without sacrificing style, so you can have the wedding of your dreams.

Choosing a venue

The wedding venue cost can really eat up a budget, so one great way to save money is to select a venue that is not a full-service type of wedding location. You could opt for something more casual for your reception, such as a backyard BBQ. Your guests will love it, and you will end up spending less money.

When it comes to choosing a venue, it's important to keep in mind that rustic themes are versatile, making it easy to incorporate personal elements and put your own spin on the theme. You could choose a romantic venue, such as a barn or a garden, that already has a rustic feel to it. This will save you money on decorations, as you won't need to transform the space as much.

Another way to save money on the venue is to keep your guest list to a reasonable number. The fewer guests you have, the smaller the space you'll need, and the more money you'll save.

Finally, if you're feeling creative, you could consider DIYing some of the decorations for your venue. This can be a great way to save money, but it's important to note that DIYing everything may not actually save you money in the end. It's best to pick only a few items to DIY and leave the rest to the professionals.

DIY decor

Planning a rustic wedding on a budget? Here are some DIY decor ideas to help you save money and create a beautiful, personalised celebration.

Firstly, it's important to remember that DIY-ing your entire wedding might not actually save you money. Instead, pick a few select items to make yourself, and leave the rest to the professionals.

One of the simplest ways to add a rustic touch to your wedding decor is to incorporate natural elements. Pinecones, for example, are a perfect addition to any rustic wedding. You could also use vintage suitcases as a functional and decorative feature. If you're feeling creative, you could make your own tin lanterns – these are beautiful and super easy to make in large quantities. Simply buy some tin paint cans and get crafting!

If you're looking for something a little more unusual, why not try making modge-podged pumpkins? These are perfect for an autumn wedding and can be used as centrepieces or to decorate your guest tables and buffet line. You could also use paint to add a rustic chic touch to your decor – chalk paint is a great option for this.

Finally, don't forget that your wedding flowers will be the highlight of your decor. Opt for a picturesque ceremony setting with floral arrangements to create a romantic, rustic atmosphere.

Guest list

One of the most important things to consider when planning a rustic wedding on a budget is the guest list. The more people you invite, the more expensive your wedding will be. So, it's important to keep your guest list to a reasonable number. This will help you save money on food, drinks, and venue costs.

When creating your guest list, start by making a list of your must-have guests, such as close family and friends. Then, consider adding additional guests based on your budget and the size of your venue. If you're having a small, intimate wedding, you may only need to invite a handful of additional guests. If you're having a larger wedding, you may want to invite extended family, coworkers, and other acquaintances.

It's also important to consider the cost of invitations and stationery. Very little attention is given to them, but they are among the most important parts of planning a wedding. You can save money by opting for digital invitations or creating your own invitations.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your guest list. If you're having a backyard BBQ-style reception, you may want to invite a wider range of guests, including neighbours and community members.

Invitations

When it comes to invitations, there are a few ways to save money. Firstly, consider the number of guests you are inviting. The more guests you invite, the more invitations you will need to send out, so keeping your guest list to a reasonable number can help you save money.

You could also opt for a more casual reception, such as a backyard BBQ. This will likely be cheaper than a formal reception, and you can send out more casual invitations to match.

If you're feeling creative, you could try making your own invitations. This can be a fun and personal way to save money, but be aware that DIY doesn't always mean large savings. You could also look for budget-friendly invitation designs online or opt for electronic invitations to save on printing costs.

Finally, don't forget that invitations are an important part of your wedding. They set the tone for your big day, so make sure you give them the attention they deserve, even if you're on a budget.

Wedding bar

Planning a rustic wedding on a budget? The venue cost can really eat into your funds, so consider choosing a location that isn't a full-service wedding venue. You can also save money by keeping your guest list to a reasonable number.

If you're looking to save money on your wedding bar, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, consider having a cash bar, where guests pay for their own drinks. This can help to reduce costs for the happy couple. You could also provide a limited selection of drinks, perhaps just wine and beer, rather than a full bar. Another option is to have a signature cocktail, which can be a fun and affordable way to offer something special to your guests. If you're having a backyard wedding, you could set up a self-serve bar, where guests can help themselves to drinks. This can be a fun and informal way to serve drinks and can also help to reduce costs. Finally, don't forget to shop around for the best prices on alcohol. You may be able to find deals or discounts, especially if you're buying in bulk.

Frequently asked questions