Planning A Dream Wedding On A Shoestring Budget

Planning a wedding on a budget of $1500 is a challenge, but it can be done. The key is to prioritise what's most important to you and spend your money there, while cutting back on other areas. For example, you could opt for an indoor ceremony and reception in a church hall or civic group facility, and bring your own food and drink. You can also save money by doing your own flowers and decorations, such as simple votive candles and balloons.

Choosing a venue

Firstly, consider the size of your guest list. A smaller, more intimate wedding will give you more venue options within your budget. If you're open to a less traditional setting, look into community halls, church halls, or civic group facilities. These spaces are often more affordable than dedicated wedding venues and can be decorated to create a beautiful and unique atmosphere.

Another option is to choose an outdoor venue, such as a park pavilion. Outdoor weddings can be absolutely stunning, and you can save money by bringing in your own food and drinks. Just be sure to have a backup plan in case of inclement weather!

When it comes to decorations, keep it simple and elegant. White balloons can add a touch of festivity without breaking the bank. For centrepieces, opt for simple votive candles with scattered petals, or create your own paper flowers. You can also ask your guests to contribute to the decorations by providing their own centrepieces or favours, such as bulk candy wrapped in tulle with a ribbon.

Finally, don't be afraid to negotiate. Many venues will be willing to work with you to create a package that fits within your budget. Be upfront about your financial constraints, and see if they can offer any discounts or flexible payment options. With careful planning and creativity, you can absolutely have the wedding of your dreams within your $1500 budget!

Food and drink

If you want to serve a hot meal, pasta is a good option as it's affordable and can be dressed up with a variety of sauces and toppings. You could also ask your catering team to create custom dishes for each guest.

If you're happy to serve cold food, grazing tables and charcuterie boards are a popular choice. They can be expensive for large groups, but for a small wedding, they're a good option. You could also serve finger foods such as sliders or finger sandwiches.

If you're looking for a fun theme, a Southern-style menu could include fried chicken, fried okra, and macaroni and cheese.

To save money on drinks, you could bring your own liquor and charge a small amount per drink to cover the cost.

Flowers and decorations

Balloons are a fun and cheap way to decorate your wedding venue. You could let them fly around or tie them to string and hang them everywhere.

Favours can be bulk candy wrapped up in little squares of tulle with a ribbon.

Entertainment

When it comes to entertainment, there are a few ways to save money. Firstly, consider having your wedding indoors, as this will be cheaper than an outdoor venue. You could opt for a church hall or civic group facility, which are often more affordable.

To keep costs down, you can bring your own food and drinks. For example, you could buy all the liquor and charge a small amount per drink to cover the cost. Alternatively, you could ask guests to bring their own drinks, which will save you money and give a more casual feel to the day.

Balloons are a fun and affordable way to decorate your venue, and you can hang them from the ceiling or let them float around. Candles can also be a cheap and effective way to create a romantic atmosphere, and you can buy these in bulk at a craft store.

When it comes to music, it is suggested that this is one area where you should not cut corners. However, you could consider a DIY approach to other aspects of your wedding, such as making your own paper flowers or centrepieces.

Budgeting

When it comes to food, flowers and entertainment, there are many ways to save money. You could consider doing your own flowers by buying them online in bulk or making paper flowers. Alternatively, you could opt for simple centrepieces such as votive candles with scattered petals, which can be bought in bulk at a craft store. Favours can be bulk candy wrapped in tulle with a ribbon.

For food, you could cater the wedding yourself and bring in your own food. You could also charge for cocktails to cover the cost of liquor. If you're looking for something simpler, balloons are a fun and inexpensive decoration.

Finally, don't try to do everything yourself. Music is one area where it's worth spending money rather than doing it yourself.

Frequently asked questions