Planning A Budget Wedding: Tips For A Frugal Celebration

Planning a wedding on a budget doesn't have to be stressful. With the right tools and mindset, you can create a memorable day without breaking the bank. The first step is determining your budget, which will be the foundation of your planning process and help you decide on the guest list, venue, catering, decor, and more. From choosing an affordable venue to DIY projects and flexible floral arrangements, there are numerous ways to save money without sacrificing style and the overall experience.

DIY decorations and favours

Decorations

• Flowers: Instead of expensive floral arrangements, opt for artificial flowers from Amazon or other discount stores. You can use these for the bridal party and groomsmen, as well as table centrepieces.
• Venue: Choose a venue that doesn't require extensive decoration, such as a church or a rustic barn.
• Lighting: Create a romantic ambiance with candles, especially DIY lavender-rosemary candles, which are crowd-pleasing and can be made in advance.
• Table settings: For place settings, visit thrift stores to find unique items such as bowls or vintage plates. You can also decorate the tables with DIY coasters or vintage bowls filled with flowers.

Favours

Personalised favours are a thoughtful way to thank your guests, and they don't have to be expensive. Here are some DIY favour ideas:

• Mini jars of honey: Include honey dippers and a cute phrase or quote.
• Succulents: Paint miniature terra cotta pots with modern designs and plant small succulents inside.
• Cake slices: Instead of making a separate favour, gift your guests a slice of your wedding cake to take home.
• Treat bags: Fill small bags with your favourite sweets, such as candy barks or decorated Oreos.
• Hot chocolate mix: Assemble kits with hot chocolate powder, marshmallows, chocolate stars, and cookies for a delicious winter-themed favour.
• Cocktail kits: Buy DIY cocktail kits with all the ingredients for drinks like espresso martinis.

Choose an affordable venue

The venue is the highest-budget item on your wedding checklist, so choosing an affordable option is a great way to keep costs down and divert funds to other items like food, vendors, or your honeymoon.

Firstly, consider the number of guests you plan on hosting. Venues for up to 130 guests are often the most affordable, as going above 150 guests can increase the price substantially due to factors like fire codes, spacing, and table requirements.

Next, consider the time of year. Many couples opt for Fall and Spring weddings, so wedding venue prices are at their highest during these seasons. Opting for an off-season date like winter or summer can save you money, and Fridays and Sundays are also cheaper than Saturdays.

You can also save money by choosing an outdoor venue surrounded by natural beauty, as you can skip the extra decor. Barn venues, like Circle D Farm, are another affordable option, as they are usually out of the way and reduce your overall venue costs. If you're set on an indoor venue, you can save money on decor by choosing a venue that is already perfectly outfitted.

If you're working with a wedding planner, they can help you find the most budget-friendly venues and use their connections to ensure you get a good deal. If you're not working with a planner, you can find affordable venues by checking online for venues within your desired price range. Many venues have their pricing information right on their page.

Remember, affordability is relative, and choosing a less expensive venue will enable you to spend more of your budget on the things that matter most to you, whether that's food, design, decor, or photography.

Save on catering costs

Catering costs can quickly add up, but there are several ways to save money in this area. Firstly, the number of guests you invite will have a significant impact on the overall catering cost. A smaller guest list means less mouths to feed, which will naturally result in lower costs.

Another way to save on catering is to opt for a potluck-style wedding, where guests bring their own dishes to create a buffet. This not only reduces costs but also ensures a variety of options to cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions. Alternatively, you could provide only dessert, which can be a more affordable option. Baking your own wedding cake, for example, can save you a significant amount compared to ordering a custom cake from a bakery. Box cake mixes are inexpensive, and you can add your own decorations to make it special.

If you prefer a more traditional catering service, consider choosing a caterer that can source affordable ingredients based on what's in season and available. This flexibility can result in significant savings. Additionally, look for venues that include tables and chairs on-site, as renting these items can add up quickly. Finally, don't forget to compare prices and ask about discounts. Many caterers offer deals or discounts for various reasons, such as military discounts or discounts for upfront payment.

Cut costs on flowers

Flowers are a beautiful addition to any wedding, but they can also be expensive. Here are some tips to cut costs on flowers without compromising on style:

Firstly, be flexible. Suggest a colour scheme or overall look to your florist, but let them take the reins and determine which flowers are in season. This will help cut costs and ensure you get the best blooms for your budget. You can also repurpose flowers from the ceremony to the reception. For example, aisle arrangements can be turned into tabletop centrepieces, or you could opt for smaller pops of flowers if your venue has an existing arch or a garden on-site.

Another way to save money on flowers is to opt for artificial flowers instead of fresh ones. Amazon is a great place to find simple artificial flowers for the bridal party and groomsmen, and they will last much longer than fresh flowers. If you have your heart set on fresh flowers, consider using fewer blooms by spacing them out with candles or other decorations, or trust your florist to source affordable options based on what's available and your colour palette.

Finally, if you're handy with arts and crafts, you could try making your own paper flowers or even drying and pressing flowers to create unique, cost-effective arrangements.

Budgeting and tracking expenses

To start budgeting, you should think about how much you have in savings, how much you can put towards the wedding, and how much you will receive from friends and family. Then, you and your partner should make a list of priorities and create a comprehensive breakdown of expenses to come up with a realistic budget. It is important to remember that some costs are fixed, while others are variable. For example, the flowers you choose will impact the cost of your centerpieces, and the food you put on the menu will affect the catering costs.

To track expenses, you can make a spreadsheet or use a budget app. This will help you to visualize and prioritize your goals and ensure that you do not become overwhelmed. It is also a good idea to choose a few ideal dates for your wedding and be flexible, as certain dates may be more expensive due to higher demand, and venues may be less available.

There are also many ways to save money on your wedding. For example, you could make it a potluck, with guests bringing their own dishes, or you could bake your own cake. You could also save on decorations by doing DIY projects, such as favors and welcome bags, or by repurposing aisle arrangements as tabletop decor.

Frequently asked questions