Planning A Budget Wedding: $2000 And Under

Planning a wedding on a budget of $2000 is a challenge, but it can be done. With a little creativity and flexibility, you can have a gorgeous, intimate wedding without breaking the bank. From choosing a cheap venue to DIY decorations and food, there are plenty of ways to save money and still have your dream wedding.

Invites and rehearsal dinner

Planning a wedding on a budget can be challenging, but it is possible. Here are some tips for keeping the costs of invites and the rehearsal dinner low:

For invites, consider sending them online through websites such as Paperless Post and Punchbowl. This can be very cheap or even free. You could also make your own invitations by hand, which would be a lovely personal touch. If you are having a small wedding, you could even call your guests to invite them, which would be free.

For the rehearsal dinner, a simple get-together can be a great option. You could ask your siblings or close friends to bring snacks, and play some games or do an activity together. This could be held in a park, or even in someone's backyard, which would be a lot cheaper than hiring a venue. If you are having a church wedding, you could also ask about holding the dinner in the church hall.

Table decorations and favours

For favours, you could make something by hand, like a paper cover with special scriptures or words inside. This can serve two purposes, as it can also include the service program and thanks. You could also send invites online through Paperless Post or Punchbowl, which are very cheap or free.

Food and drink

Another way to save money is to choose a venue that allows you to bring your own food and drink. This could be a church hall, a friend's backyard, or a park. You could also have a brunch wedding, with cheaper breakfast foods like French toast, or a late Friday wedding, which is usually cheaper than a Saturday wedding.

To save money on drinks, you could bring your own booze. You could also skip the champagne toast and have a non-alcoholic toast instead.

When it comes to the wedding cake, you could decorate it yourself or ask a friend or family member to do it as a gift.

Venue and date

When it comes to venue and date, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you can save money by choosing a non-traditional wedding venue, such as someone's backyard, a church building, or a public park. You could also opt for a Friday night or Sunday brunch wedding, as venue prices are usually cheaper during these times.

Another way to save money is to keep your guest list intimate. This will not only reduce costs but also allow for a more personalised celebration. If you have a large family, consider asking a parent or someone close to you to host the wedding reception. This will not only honour them but also give you more flexibility in planning an intimate and gorgeous wedding.

When it comes to decorations, keep it simple and elegant. Talk to friends and family about borrowing items such as tablecloths, serving platters, and table decorations. You can also look for simple and affordable decorations at dollar stores or opt for handmade items.

For invitations, consider sending them online through services like Paperless Post or Punchbowl, which can be cheap or even free. By choosing a non-traditional invitation method, you can save money on printing and postage costs.

Remember, the key is to be creative, flexible, and open-minded when planning your wedding under $2000. With careful planning and a bit of resourcefulness, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding without breaking the bank.

Music and cake

For music, consider asking a friend or family member to perform or create a playlist for you, rather than hiring a DJ or band. This will save you money, and also give your wedding a personal touch. You could also ask a musically-inclined guest to perform a song or two during the ceremony or reception.

When it comes to cake, there are a few ways to save money. Firstly, you could ask a talented friend or family member to bake and decorate the cake for you as a wedding gift. This will save you the cost of hiring a professional baker. Alternatively, you could opt for a smaller, simpler cake, and supplement it with other desserts, such as cupcakes or cookies. This can be more cost-effective, as larger cakes tend to be more expensive.

Another way to save money on your wedding cake is to choose a design with fewer decorations. Fondant icing, for example, is more expensive than buttercream. Fresh flowers can also increase the cost, so consider using silk flowers or other decorations instead. Finally, think about the time of year you're getting married. If you're having a summer wedding, for example, you may be able to get away with a lighter, less expensive cake, as heavy fruit cakes are more typical of winter weddings.

By being mindful of your choices and getting creative, you can have the music and cake of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Frequently asked questions