Planning A Wedding On A Shoestring Budget

Planning a wedding can be expensive, but it is possible to have a spectacular day on a budget. From the dress to the flowers, there are ways to cut costs and still have a day to remember. Here are some tips for planning a wedding when you're broke.

Wedding attire on a budget

Planning a wedding can be expensive, but there are ways to save money on your wedding attire.

One option is to buy second-hand. Vintage shops often have hidden gems, and dresses can be altered to fit your style for a fraction of the cost of a new dress. You can cut off sleeves, change necklines and add accessories. You can also look for sales online. One bride saved $70 on her gown by buying it online.

If you're looking for a suit, try high-street shops. One bride found a tuxedo for her groom and groomsmen for a grand total of $140. You can also buy bow ties online for as little as $5 each.

Another option is to rent your wedding attire. This can save you a lot of money, and you'll still look fabulous.

Cheap wedding flowers

Planning a wedding on a budget can be stressful, but it's definitely possible to have a spectacular wedding on a shoestring. Here are some tips for keeping costs down when it comes to flowers.

First, it's worth noting that bigger isn't always better when it comes to wedding flowers. You can create beautiful, inexpensive arrangements with a little creativity. For example, vintage, mismatched vases and candles can be a spectacular look, and grocery store bouquets can look amazing if chosen wisely. You can also try using Pinterest for inspiration.

If you're handy with flowers, you could try making your own arrangements. However, if you don't want to DIY, you could check out the floral department of your local grocery store, which may be able to provide beautiful flowers for a fraction of the cost of a traditional florist. If you do decide to go with a florist, try to pick in-season, local flowers, and be sure to shop around to find the best price.

Wedding decorations

Planning a wedding can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs and still have a beautiful day.

One way to save money on wedding decorations is to get creative with flowers and table settings. Flower bouquets and centrepieces can be expensive, but with a little careful planning and creativity, you can have spectacular table decorations and bouquets at a fraction of the cost. For example, vintage, mismatched vases and candles (several clustered on each table) can look spectacular, and grocery store bouquets can look amazing if chosen wisely.

Another way to save money on decorations is to shop second-hand. Visit vintage shops and thrift stores to find unique and affordable items that can be used as decorations. You can also alter dresses to fit your style for a fraction of the cost of a new dress. Sleeves can be cut off, necklines can be changed, and accessories can be added.

If you're looking for a more modern look, consider renting your decorations. Websites like Rent The Runway offer affordable options for wedding decorations, and you can still achieve a fabulous look.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. You can save money by making your own decorations or using items you already have. For example, you could use fairy lights, paper lanterns, or even just simple tea lights to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere.

Wedding food

If you or your family members are talented cooks, you could consider catering the wedding yourself. This is a great way to save money, but it will also be very time-consuming, so make sure you have the capacity to take this on.

If you'd rather not cook the food yourself, there are still ways to save money. One option is to have a reception or post-wedding brunch. Since this usually happens earlier in the day, it can be cheaper than an evening reception. You could serve inexpensive appetizers like sliders or grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup.

Another option is to have a backyard BBQ. This is a casual choice that works best for smaller weddings, as more guests will mean more food, which will increase your bill. You can also save money on decor, as this type of food is usually eaten in a more relaxed environment.

If you're looking for something more interactive, a taco bar is a great option. Guests can add their own toppings, or you could have chefs make custom tacos for them. Pizzas are another crowd-pleaser that can be tailored to your guests' dietary restrictions.

Finally, don't forget to consider the details when it comes to wedding food. Flower bouquets and centrepieces can be expensive, but with a little careful planning and creativity, you can have spectacular table decorations at a fraction of the cost. Vintage, mismatched vases and candles can be a spectacular look, and grocery store bouquets can look amazing if chosen wisely.

Saving money for a wedding

Planning a wedding can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Here are some tips to help you plan your dream wedding on a budget.

Firstly, consider buying second-hand. Vintage shops are a great place to find a wedding dress, and they can often be altered to fit your style for a fraction of the cost of a new dress. You can cut off sleeves, change necklines and add accessories to make it your own. The same goes for suits – you can find affordable options on the high street, and buy bow ties and other accessories online.

When it comes to flowers, Pinterest is a great source of inspiration. Flower bouquets and centrepieces can be expensive, but with a little careful planning and creativity, you can have spectacular table decorations and bouquets at a fraction of the cost. Vintage, mismatched vases and candles can look spectacular, and grocery store bouquets can work well if chosen wisely.

Another way to save money is to rent items for your wedding. For example, Rent The Runway can save you money on your wedding dress, and you'll still look fabulous.

Finally, don't be afraid to pick up extra shifts at work or take on side hustles to save for your wedding. With a bit of creativity and hard work, you can plan a spectacular wedding on a budget.

Frequently asked questions