Planning A Traditional Wedding On A Shoestring Budget

Planning a traditional wedding can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. The venue is usually the biggest expense, but there are budget-friendly options available. Catering is another big cost, but you can save money by choosing a food truck or asking guests to bring a dish. Other ways to save include DIY and choosing a free venue.

DIY decorations

Planning a traditional wedding on a budget is totally possible, and DIY decorations are a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day.

If you're handy with crafts, or even if you're a beginner, there are plenty of DIY wedding decoration ideas to choose from, for a range of themes, styles and vibes. You could create a charming ceremony arch made of driftwood and adorned with seashell and copper foil garlands, or add a sentimental touch to your bridal bouquet by pinning a photo of a late family member.

If you're getting married outdoors, a rug and wooden frame can give your celebration an intimate, homey vibe. You could also decorate your ceremony chairs with fresh flowers, waterproof fairy lights or monogrammed mason jars. If you're getting married on a farm, use hay to create a unique lounge area for guests, decorated with whimsical flower arrangements, pillows and sheets.

Another idea is to ask your guests to bring a dish to your reception instead of a gift, and provide a home-cooked main dish yourself. This will save you money on catering, and you can transform your wedding reception into a potluck.

Budget-friendly venues

The venue is the biggest expense for a wedding, with the average couple spending $10,400 on this alone. However, there are many ways to save money on your wedding venue. Firstly, you could consider a park venue or a venue that is outdoorsy, such as an amphitheatre. These are often listed as cheaper options and can be rented relatively affordably through the county. You could also consider a venue that is not typically used for weddings, such as a restored turn-of-the-century brick building or a family-run venue with an open floor plan and exposed brick walls. These venues can provide all the amenities and style you want without the massive price tag.

Another way to save money on your venue is to choose a date that is not typically in high demand, such as a Friday or Sunday instead of a Saturday. You can also save money by bringing your own food and having a buffet-style meal instead of a served dinner. If you have amazing family and friends, you might even be able to snag a free venue!

Catering options

Another option is to ask your guests to bring a dish instead of a gift to your reception. This can transform your wedding reception into a potluck, making it totally free. You can always bring a dish or two yourself, perhaps by providing a home-cooked main dish and asking your guests to bring sides.

Guest list

The guest list is one of the most important aspects of planning a wedding on a budget. The number of guests you invite will have a direct impact on your costs, especially when it comes to catering and the venue.

If you're aiming for a traditional wedding with full-service catering, 50 guests will cost around $3,750 for dinner. If you're inviting more guests, you'll need to consider ways to save money on catering. One option is to choose a more informal catering style, such as a food truck, which can feed a crowd for around $20-$40 per guest. Another idea is to ask your guests to bring a dish to the reception instead of a gift, turning your wedding into a potluck.

If you're set on inviting a large number of guests, you may need to look for a bigger venue, which can be more expensive. The average couple spends $10,400 on the venue alone. To save money, consider asking family or friends if they have a space you can use for free or at a discounted rate.

When creating your guest list, be mindful of your budget and the impact that each additional guest will have on your costs. Prioritise the people who are most important to you and your partner, and don't be afraid to cut back on the guest list if necessary to stay within your budget.

Food and drink

If you don't want to go down the potluck route, you could opt for a food truck instead of traditional full-service catering. According to Roaming Hunger, a food truck can feed a crowd for around $20-$40 per guest, which is much more affordable than traditional catering. It can also lend your wedding a fun vibe and provide an adorable photo op.

Another way to save money on food and drink is to limit your guest list. The more people you invite, the more you'll spend on catering. So, if you're looking to cut costs, consider keeping your guest list to a minimum.

Finally, don't be afraid to DIY. If you're crafty or have friends and family who are, you can save money by making your own food and drinks. This could be anything from baking your own wedding cake to mixing your own signature cocktail. Just be sure to give yourself enough time to prepare and test out your recipes beforehand.

Frequently asked questions