Planning A Wedding On A Budget: 60 And Under

Planning a wedding on a budget can be stressful, but it is possible to create a memorable celebration without breaking the bank. The first step is to determine your budget and identify your top three priorities, whether that be food, music, or decorations. Next, you can look for ways to save on each expense, such as choosing a non-traditional venue, opting for digital invitations, or repurposing flowers from the ceremony as reception decor. With some creativity and flexibility, you can plan a beautiful and affordable wedding that you and your guests will enjoy.

Budgeting and planning

The first step to planning a wedding on a budget is to set a budget. Work out how much you and your partner can contribute to the wedding fund and whether anyone else will be contributing. Be sure to get clear on whether those contributing have any opinions on how their money is spent. For example, they may want to pay for a specific part of the wedding, like the flowers.

When setting your budget, it's important to consider your daily expenses, such as rent or mortgage, car payments, or debt, as well as upcoming costs like medical expenses or a down payment on a home. You don't want to be left struggling financially after your wedding.

Next, decide on your top three priorities for the wedding. This could be food, music, flowers, or anything else that is important to you. You can then allocate larger portions of your budget to these areas. For example, if you love photography, you may want to spend more on a photographer than on a wedding cake.

Once you know your budget and your priorities, you can start to plan. Research the costs of different venues, caterers, photographers, etc. and write down how much you plan to spend on each.

To save money, consider a non-traditional wedding venue such as a village hall, pub, bar, or brewery. These can often be cheaper than dedicated wedding venues. You could also save money by getting married on a weekday, as venue rates are often cheaper on Fridays and Sundays and even cheaper Monday through Thursday.

Another way to save money is to opt for digital invitations and RSVPs instead of physical stationery, which can be costly. You can also save on flowers by choosing in-season flowers and non-floral centrepieces, such as candles or lanterns.

Finally, remember that it's your wedding, and you don't have to stick to traditions if you don't want to. For example, you could have a friend or family member conduct the ceremony, or you could skip the wedding cake and serve dessert instead.

Venue and date

The venue and date are key to planning a wedding on a budget. The venue is the main backdrop for your wedding day and will determine your wedding date, guest count, vendor services, and more. It is also the highest budget item on your wedding checklist.

When trying to keep costs low, an affordable venue can be the key to reducing your overall wedding spending and diverting funds to other items, like food, vendors, or your honeymoon. Wedding venue prices are often based on the number of guests you plan on hosting. Venues for up to 130 guests are often the most affordable, and going above 150 guests can increase the price substantially.

To save money, consider a non-traditional venue such as a community centre, a barn, a park, a summer camp, or a college. These venues are often already decorated, requiring little additional work. You could also consider a restaurant for your reception, which can be a great way to save money and still cater to a large group of people. Some bars will let you use the venue for free if you spend enough on drinks.

If you are having a small wedding of 30-60 people, a house with a decent-sized garden is perfectly fine, as long as you have a couple of bathrooms.

When choosing a date, consider that venue rates are often cheaper on Fridays and Sundays, and even cheaper Monday through Thursday. A weekday wedding can save you money and ensure that only your closest friends and family will be able to attend.

Food and drink

To save money on food and drink, consider the following:

• Venue: Choosing a non-traditional venue, such as a pub, bar, or village hall, can be a great way to save money. Some bars may even let you use the space for free if you spend a certain amount on drinks. If you're having a small wedding (around 30-60 guests), hosting the wedding at home or at a friend or family member's house can be a cost-effective option.
• Catering style: Buffets are typically the cheapest catering option, followed by family-style and then plated. Food trucks are another affordable and unique option. You can offer your favourite foods, like tacos or pizza, which can be more inexpensive than a traditional wedding caterer.
• Alcohol: Instead of a full open bar, minimise the options to beer, wine, and a few signature cocktails. You could also have an open bar only during cocktail hour. If your venue allows it, buying your own alcohol in bulk can also save money.
• Other drinks: Provide non-alcoholic drinks in galvanized metal tubs, and consider serving breakfast or brunch with fresh-squeezed juices and pancake and omelette stations, which can be surprisingly affordable.
• Cutlery and crockery: If you're having the wedding at home, you can use your own cutlery. Alternatively, you can buy bamboo plates and cutlery, which is more eco-friendly than disposable plates and cutlery. If you're using a non-traditional venue, you may need to rent tables, chairs, dishes, and glasses, so be sure to factor this into your budget.
• Decor: Choose a venue that is already decorated or has natural beauty, such as a botanical garden, to save on flowers and other decor.

Remember, it's important to discuss all components with your venue to understand any hidden costs and estimate the final price.

Flowers and decor

Firstly, consider the seasonality of your flowers. Some flowers are accessible year-round, such as carnations, traditional roses, mums, larkspur, and tulips. These are often the least expensive option. If you have your heart set on pricier blooms, you can still incorporate them, but consider using fewer of them to enhance a special decor moment, such as a floral arch or backdrop.

Another way to save money is to repurpose your flowers. For example, bridesmaids' bouquets can be used as centrepieces during the reception, or flowers used to decorate the ceremony space can be moved to the reception venue. You can also save money by simplifying the designs and downsizing the arrangements. Ask your florist for advice on how to achieve this without compromising on style.

If you're crafty, you could also consider making your own floral arrangements. Baby's breath is one of the cheapest wedding flowers, and can be used for floral crowns, boutonnieres, and corsages. You can also use them to decorate a canopy at an outdoor wedding. Sunflowers are another affordable option, perfect for a low-key wedding celebration. For a spring wedding, Peruvian lilies (alstroemerias) are a good choice as they are in season and come in a wide variety of colours.

To save money on decor, consider holding your wedding in a unique venue, such as a village hall, pub, or bar function room. Some bars will let you use the space for free if you spend a certain amount on drinks. If you're having 30-60 guests, you could also ask a friend or family member if you can hold the wedding at their house, providing there are enough bathrooms.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for help. A wedding planner can help you save money by leveraging their relationships with vendors to get you the best price. They can also help you avoid overspending on unnecessary items.

Photography and music

Photography

Photography is a highly personal choice. Some couples are happy with a few candid, natural photos, while others want a professional photographer to capture every moment of their special day. If you are planning a small, intimate wedding, you may not want strangers at your celebration, including a professional photographer. In this case, you could ask a friend or family member to take photos or set up a tripod with a timer.

If you want professional-quality photos, you will need to hire a professional photographer. Wedding photographers can be expensive, and many will try to push you towards their most expensive packages. However, some photographers offer more affordable, "essential" coverage options, which may include a few hours of coverage and a gallery of downloadable images. When choosing a photographer, consider the following:

• Your priorities: Do you want family portraits, or just casual documentation? Do you want a photographer who can offer advice and coordinate your photography, or are you happy to handle that yourself? Are you comfortable with a less experienced photographer who may struggle with difficult lighting or quick location changes?
• Your budget: What is a reasonable amount for you to spend? How does this compare to the average cost of wedding photography in your area?
• Experience: An experienced photographer will be able to problem-solve and manage your wedding logistics, as well as capture amazing moments in challenging conditions.
• Style: What style of photography do you like? Look at photographers' portfolios and ask them questions to find the right fit.

Music

Music is a key part of creating a fun atmosphere at your wedding. If you know people in bands, you could ask them to play a few songs. Alternatively, you could hire a DJ, which is usually cheaper than hiring a band. If you don't want to spend a lot on music, you could simply hire some speakers and create a Spotify playlist. This option gives you control over the music and saves you money.

Frequently asked questions