Junior Rasmussen
Planning a wedding on a budget can be stressful, but it is possible to create a memorable day without breaking the bank. The average wedding costs $35,000, but the concept of affordability varies depending on location and personal finances. Prioritisation is key when budgeting for a wedding, and there are many ways to save money, such as choosing a non-traditional venue, DIY projects, and opting for budget-friendly catering options. With careful planning and creativity, couples can have a wedding that reflects their unique style and stays within their financial means.
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What You'll Learn
- Venues: parks, clubs, lodges, restaurants, backyards, courtyards, or public halls are cheaper
- Catering: opt for a food truck, potluck, or budget caterer. Skip the bar
- Flowers: buy from Sam's Club, or opt for fake flowers or DIY
- Dress: shop online or consider a second-hand dress
- Guests: keep the guest list small and only invite close friends and family
Venues: parks, clubs, lodges, restaurants, backyards, courtyards, or public halls are cheaper
When it comes to venues, it's worth considering that they are the most expensive part of a wedding. So, if you're looking to save money, opting for a non-traditional wedding venue is a good idea. Parks, clubs, lodges, restaurants, backyards, courtyards, and public halls are all cheaper options.
For example, you could reserve a covered pavilion in a public park, bringing in your own table cloths, speakers, and other decorations to fit your budget. You can also check out community centres, clubhouses, and even Airbnbs. One person shared how their cousin got married in the courtyard of an Airbnb, with a pizza food truck providing the food.
If you're set on a more traditional venue, consider a city organisation hall, which can be cheaper than dedicated wedding venues. You can also bring your own food to these venues, which can save you a lot of money.
Another option is to get married at a state park, which can be very affordable. For example, one couple shared that they rented a state park for just $100! They then had their reception at a local ranch that wasn't typically used for weddings, which was cheaper than a dedicated wedding venue.
If you're looking for a more intimate setting, consider a backyard wedding. This can be a great way to save money, especially if you're happy with a smaller guest list.
To keep costs down, it's a good idea to prioritise what's important to you and your partner. For example, if having a nice venue is a priority, you can allocate more of your budget to that and save in other areas, such as catering or decorations.
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Catering: opt for a food truck, potluck, or budget caterer. Skip the bar
Catering can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, so it's a great place to cut costs. Here are some ideas for cheap wedding catering:
Food trucks
Food trucks are a fun and trendy way to feed your wedding guests without breaking the bank. You can hire multiple food trucks to ensure quick service and offer a variety of food options. For example, you could have a pizza food truck, a dessert food truck, and so on. You can also dismiss guests by table to get their food to keep the lines short.
Potluck
Potlucks are a casual and budget-friendly option, especially for small, local weddings. You can ask guests to bring food instead of gifts, but be mindful that not everyone may be on board with this idea. It's a good idea to ask a few trusted family members or friends to bring dishes to ensure there is enough food and to avoid ending up with only cookies and chips.
Budget caterers
You can save money by choosing a budget caterer or a restaurant that offers catering services. Most restaurants offer catering, so you can choose a place you know and love. Consider using a food delivery app to bring the meals to your venue to save even more money. You can also opt for a buffet-style meal, which can be more cost-effective and offer a variety of options for your guests. Choose seasonal foods to help reduce costs and ensure freshness.
Skip the bar
Alcohol can be very expensive, so skipping the bar is a great way to cut costs. If you're set on having a bar, you can limit the options to a few types of drinks or have a signature cocktail instead of a full bar. You can also ask guests to bring their own drinks (BYOB).
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Flowers: buy from Sam's Club, or opt for fake flowers or DIY
Flowers can be expensive, but there are a few ways to save money in this area. Firstly, you could opt for fake flowers, which can be purchased in a wide range of colours and styles, and can be sourced cheaply. Fake flowers won't wilt, and can be arranged in advance, giving you more time to focus on other things.
Another option is to buy flowers from a wholesale retailer, such as Sam's Club, which offers a wide selection of fresh flowers, including wedding flowers, at a discounted rate. You can purchase flowers in bulk, and even buy pre-made bouquets and arrangements, or the supplies to make your own.
A third option is to DIY your wedding flowers. This can be a great way to save money, as well as add a personal touch to your big day. You can buy flowers in bulk from wholesale websites, such as Flower Moxie, which offers a range of different packages to suit your needs, and can save you up to 65% compared to a traditional florist.
If you're looking to save money on your wedding, it's a good idea to consider a cheaper option for your flowers. By buying from a wholesale retailer, or using fake flowers, you can save a significant amount of money, which can then be put towards other parts of your wedding, or even your honeymoon.
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Dress: shop online or consider a second-hand dress
If you're looking for a wedding dress on a budget, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you could shop online at various retailers that offer affordable wedding dresses, such as BHLDN, Torrid, ASOS, Lulus, Revolve, and TheDressWarehouse. These websites offer a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, with prices starting as low as $40.
Another option is to explore second-hand or pre-owned wedding dresses. Websites like Stillwhite, the largest global marketplace for pre-owned wedding dresses, offer designer gowns at discounted prices. You can also find second-hand dresses on sites like Gumtree, where you might discover hidden gems that have only been worn once and are in excellent condition.
When shopping online, keep an open mind and don't be afraid to explore the formal or cocktail dress sections of department stores. You might find a beautiful white dress that's perfect for a low-key ceremony or reception, saving you money that can be allocated to other aspects of your wedding.
Additionally, consider the versatility of your dress. Some websites, like Lulus, offer not only wedding dresses but also bridesmaid dresses and honeymoon outfits, allowing you to take care of multiple needs in one purchase.
Lastly, if you're looking for a unique or custom-made dress, don't be discouraged by the potential cost. Stillwhite, for example, offers a platform to connect with sellers and find custom-made gowns at affordable prices.
Remember, opulence doesn't have to cost a fortune. With a bit of research and flexibility, you can find the perfect wedding dress that fits your budget and makes you feel like a star on your special day.
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Guests: keep the guest list small and only invite close friends and family
When planning a wedding on a tight budget, one of the most effective ways to cut costs is to keep the guest list small. This may be challenging, but it is a necessary step to keep expenses in check. Start by sitting down with your partner and creating a preliminary list of guests, focusing on only your closest friends and family members. Consider those who you truly couldn't imagine celebrating without, the people who have been a significant part of your lives, and those with whom you have a deep and meaningful relationship. It is important to be selective and remember that this is your day, so you shouldn't feel obliged to invite everyone you know.
Keeping the guest list intimate has several financial benefits. Firstly, it reduces the cost per head, which quickly adds up when you factor in catering, drinks, and venue capacity. A smaller guest list also opens up more venue options, as you won't need a large space to accommodate everyone. This can lead to significant savings, as some venues charge based on the number of guests, or you may be able to choose a less expensive location that suits your smaller group.
To further trim the budget, consider having a 'no children' policy, which can reduce numbers significantly and also create a more adult-focused atmosphere. You could also opt for a 'no plus-one' rule, unless your guests are in a long-term relationship or married. While this may be a difficult conversation to have, most guests will understand if they know you are trying to keep the wedding small and intimate. Another way to keep costs down is to host the wedding on an off-peak day or time, such as a Friday evening or Sunday brunch, as this may also encourage guests to decline the invitation, naturally reducing your numbers.
Finally, remember that a smaller guest list doesn't mean compromising on fun or celebration. An intimate wedding can be just as memorable and special, and often creates a more relaxed and meaningful atmosphere where you can truly connect with your guests. You could also plan some additional, smaller celebrations with those who couldn't be invited, such as a post-wedding party or a casual get-together, to ensure everyone still feels included and a part of your special day.
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Frequently asked questions
The venue is usually the most expensive part of a wedding. To save money, you could consider a public park, a community centre, a clubhouse, an Airbnb, a ranch, or a hall belonging to a club or lodge. You could also look into restaurants with private rooms, which often offer affordable packages for events.
Catering halls and all-inclusive venues can be very expensive. Instead, you could ask family and friends to contribute food, look into restaurant drop-off catering, or hire a food truck. You could also skip the bar, as alcohol can be very expensive. If you want to serve alcohol, consider a limited bar with cheaper drinks, such as beer and wine.
You can save money by buying second-hand wedding decor from marketplace sites. For flowers, you could use fake flowers, or buy them from a supermarket or Sam's Club. You could also make your own centrepieces, or ask a professional to create affordable arrangements based on what's in season.
