Planning A Dream Wedding On A Budget Of $3500 Or Less

Planning a wedding on a budget of $3500 is challenging but achievable. The key to staying within budget is to keep the guest list small. The number of guests will have the biggest impact on your budget, so be ruthless with your list and keep numbers low. You could also save money by having a lunch or brunch reception, or just serving hors d'oeuvres.

Keep the guest list small

Keeping the guest list small is one of the most effective ways to stay within a wedding budget of $3500. One couple who were planning their wedding on a budget of $2500 said they cut their guest list "without mercy" down to 25 people.

If you are set on having your wedding in a particular location, such as Atlanta or Savannah, reducing the number of guests is one way to make your budget go further. You could also consider moving the wedding to a cheaper location, such as the Blue Ridge Mountains in Georgia, where you can get more for your money.

A small guest list also gives you more flexibility with the type of reception you can have. For example, you could have a lunch or brunch reception, or just serve hors d'oeuvres, which will help you save money.

If you are able to keep your guest list small, you will also have more options for your wedding venue. For example, state parks often have beautiful outdoor areas that can be rented for a fraction of the cost of other venues, and you can bring your own alcohol and caterers, which will help you save money.

Opt for a lunch or brunch reception

Keep the guest list small. The more people you invite, the more expensive your wedding will be. If you can keep your guest list to 25 people or fewer, you'll save a lot of money on food, drinks, and venue hire.

Choose a less expensive location. If you're willing to consider a different location, you may be able to find cheaper venues. For example, state parks often have beautiful outdoor areas for a fraction of the rental fee, and you can bring your own alcohol and caterers. Or, if you live in a city, consider getting married in a nearby town or rural area, where venue hire is likely to be cheaper.

Look for all-inclusive packages. If you're trying to keep costs down, an all-inclusive package can be a great option. This means that the venue will provide everything you need for your wedding, including food, drinks, and decorations. This can be much cheaper than hiring multiple different vendors, and it's also less stressful, as you won't have to coordinate everything yourself.

Get married on a weekday. Venue hire is usually cheaper on weekdays than at weekends, so if you're willing to get married on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you could save a lot of money.

Choose a location outside of the city

Keeping the guest list low is the best way to keep costs down. A lunch or brunch reception can also help to save money.

If you're willing to travel outside of the city, you can get more for your money. For example, one couple who were getting married in Florida found some great prices in the Blue Ridge Mountain area of Georgia. State parks are another option for a cheaper outdoor wedding, and you can bring your own alcohol and caterers.

Bring your own alcohol

When planning a wedding on a budget, it's important to keep costs down wherever possible. One way to do this is to bring your own alcohol to the reception. This can be a great way to save money, especially if you're having a large number of guests.

There are a few things to keep in mind when bringing your own alcohol to a wedding. First, check with the venue to see if they allow outside alcohol. Some venues may have restrictions on this, so it's important to get their approval beforehand.

Another thing to consider is the type of alcohol you'll be serving. Wine and beer are typically less expensive than liquor, so if you're looking to save money, it might be best to stick to those options. You can also save money by buying alcohol in bulk from a wholesaler or warehouse club.

If you want to serve a signature cocktail at your wedding, you can bring your own alcohol and mix the drinks yourself. This can be a fun and unique way to personalise your wedding, and it can also save you money.

Finally, don't forget to plan for non-alcoholic beverages as well. These can include soft drinks, juice, and water. By bringing your own alcohol to your wedding, you can save money and personalise your celebration. Just be sure to plan ahead and coordinate with your venue to ensure a smooth and enjoyable event.

Find a venue that allows you to bring your own caterers

To plan a wedding under $3500, the main thing to consider is the number of guests. Keeping the guest list low will help you to stay within your budget. You could also consider having a lunch or brunch reception, or just serving hors d'oeuvres, as this will save money.

When it comes to finding a venue, look for somewhere that allows you to bring your own caterers and alcohol. State parks, for example, often have beautiful outdoor areas for a fraction of the rental fee, and they allow you to bring in your own suppliers. If you are willing to travel, you may be able to find better prices. For example, one couple found good prices in the Blue Ridge Mountain area of Georgia, and decided to migrate there for their wedding.

Frequently asked questions