Planning A Budget Wedding: Where To Start?

Planning a wedding on a budget can be challenging, but it's possible to create a beautiful and memorable day without breaking the bank. The first step is to define your priorities and decide what aspects of the wedding are most important to you as a couple. This could include the venue, catering, photography, or entertainment. Once you've established your top priorities, you can allocate your budget accordingly and find creative ways to save on other expenses. For example, you might opt for a DIY wedding with simple decorations, buy flowers from a local store instead of a wedding florist, or choose a student photographer or a food truck instead of a traditional caterer. Remember, your wedding should reflect your values and personalities, and it's important to stay true to yourselves rather than trying to meet external expectations.

Budgeting and prioritising

The first step in budgeting for your wedding is to determine how much you can realistically afford to spend. This includes considering your daily expenses, such as rent or mortgage, as well as any larger costs on the horizon, like a down payment on a home or medical expenses. Be sure to also factor in the cost of a honeymoon if you plan to take one immediately after the wedding.

Once you have a clear understanding of your financial situation, you can start allocating your budget. The venue is typically the largest expense, followed by catering, so these are good places to start. Consider cheaper venue options, such as dry hire, spaces within a pub or hotel, or simply choosing a location outside of the city. You can also save money on catering by skipping starters or post-dinner tea, or opting for a food truck instead of a traditional sit-down meal.

Another major expense is the guest list. The number of guests can have a significant impact on the overall cost of the wedding, so it is important to keep the guest list as tight as possible. This will also reduce costs in other areas, such as catering and stationery.

When it comes to prioritising, it is important to decide what is most important to you and your partner. This might include items such as a dream dress, catering, a band or DJ, or a professional photographer. Allocate more money to these must-haves, and consider ways to save money on other elements. For example, you could opt for a cheaper photographer, fake flowers, or DIY decorations and invitations.

Remember, it is crucial to stick to your budget and avoid the temptation to overspend. This might include hunting around for deals, using cash-back programs, or being creative with your planning. Ultimately, the most important thing is to create a day that reflects you as a couple, within your financial means.

Venue selection

Start with your priorities:

Decide what is most important to you and your partner and what you are willing to compromise on. Do you want an intimate ceremony in a unique location, or are you looking for a more traditional venue? Do you prefer a natural setting or a more urban environment? By determining your priorities, you can allocate your budget accordingly and find a venue that aligns with your vision.

Consider alternative venues:

Think beyond traditional wedding venues like hotels or event spaces, which can be more expensive. Public parks, beaches, botanical gardens, and city halls are excellent options for budget-friendly weddings. These locations often have lower site fees and provide a beautiful backdrop for your ceremony. Some public parks and beaches may require special event permits, which are typically much cheaper than renting a private venue.

Be flexible with your date:

Venue prices can vary depending on the day of the week and time of year. If you can be flexible with your wedding date, consider choosing an off-peak season or day of the week when venue rates are typically lower. Fridays and Sundays, for example, may be more affordable than Saturdays.

Keep the guest list in mind:

The number of guests you plan to invite will impact your venue selection. A smaller, more intimate wedding gives you more flexibility in venue choices, as you can book a smaller space or even a room within a larger venue, which can significantly reduce costs.

Look for hidden costs and inclusions:

When considering venue options, be sure to ask about what is included in the rental price. Some venues may provide tables, chairs, décor, and catering services, while others may require you to bring in your own vendors, which can add to the overall cost. Understanding what is included in the price will help you make an informed decision and avoid unexpected expenses.

Food and drink

Prioritize and Plan:

Start by prioritizing what is important to you and your partner regarding food and drinks. Do you want a full sit-down meal, or would you prefer a more casual buffet-style reception? A simple country buffet or a potluck-style meal can be a cost-effective option. If you opt for a buffet, choose a few less expensive dishes that can be prepared in large quantities, rather than offering a wide variety of costly options.

Guest List:

The number of guests will directly impact your food and drink costs. A smaller guest list means you can stretch your budget further. Be mindful of who you invite, and focus on those closest to you.

Choose Thematic Menus:

Thematic food and drink menus that rely on fewer, cheaper ingredients can be more affordable and appealing. For example, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, and grilled cheese sandwiches can be part of a delightful Southern-themed or California-inspired menu.

Local and Seasonal Ingredients:

Consider using local and seasonal ingredients, which can be more cost-effective and eco-friendly than exotic or out-of-season produce. Local producers may offer competitive prices, so it's worth checking with them.

Drinks:

Beverages can be a significant expense. Consider limiting the wine service during dinner, especially if you are already offering cocktails or other drinks during a cocktail hour. If possible, allow guests to help themselves to drinks, perhaps with tubs of beer on ice and chilled, pre-mixed cocktails in dispensers. This can reduce the need for additional bartenders. Also, provide a variety of non-alcoholic options to stretch your supply and encourage guests to pace themselves, especially in hot weather.

DIY and Outside Help:

If your wedding is small and intimate, your loved ones might be willing to help prepare and serve food and drinks. This can be a fun and cost-effective way to involve your bridal party or close friends and family.

Remember, your wedding is about celebrating your love and marriage. You can create a memorable and beautiful day without breaking the bank.

Photography and music

When planning a cheap wedding, it's important to remember that your wedding is about you and your partner and your marriage, not about spending a ton of money. The first step is to figure out your budget and what aspects of the wedding are most important to you. This will allow you to allocate larger portions of the budget to those must-have items and find ways to save on other elements.

Photography

Photography is often one of the most expensive items in a wedding budget, but it is possible to find cheaper options without sacrificing quality. Here are some tips to get the best wedding photos on a budget:

• Determine your budget: Before starting your search, establish a clear budget for wedding photography.
• Prioritize your needs: Decide what aspects of photography are most important to you. Do you want a photographer for the full day, or just a few hours?
• Local talent: Hiring a photographer from your area can reduce travel and accommodation expenses.
• Seasonal discounts: Consider getting married in the off-season or on weekdays when photographers may offer discounts.
• Research and compare: Research average costs and compare different photographers, considering factors like experience and package types. Look for photographers who have good reviews and recommendations, and who understand your vision and budget.
• DIY: If you have a very limited budget, you could try DIY wedding photography. This option can add a personal touch to your wedding memories, but it requires basic photography equipment and a keen eye for detail.

Music

There are several ways to save money on music for your wedding:

• Solo musicians or small groups: For a more relaxed event, consider a solo musician or a small group, such as a pianist, harpist, or small jazz band.
• DJ instead of a band: A DJ is typically cheaper than hiring a full band, and they can still get your guests dancing.
• Limit the duration: You don't need to have music playing for your entire wedding. Consider limiting the music to just the dancing portion of the reception.
• Book in advance: If you know you want a band or DJ, book them well in advance to avoid last-minute price increases.
• Compare prices: Shop around and compare prices from different musicians or DJs to find the best deal.
• Negotiate: Don't be afraid to negotiate with musicians, especially if you are flexible with dates or are booking during an off-peak season.

Flowers and decorations

Firstly, decide what is most important to you. If flowers are a priority, you might want to allocate a larger portion of your budget to them and find other areas to make savings. If you're adamant that you want to keep costs down across the board, there are still ways to have beautiful flowers and decorations without spending a fortune.

One way to save money on flowers is to opt for local, high-quality blooms that stand out on their own. Choose single-stem flowers that are in season, as these will be cheaper than flowers that are harder to source. You could also go for small, minimalist arrangements—a dainty spring posy can be an elegant and affordable option. If you're crafty, you could even try making your own bouquet and buttonholes with flowers from your local market or supermarket.

When it comes to decorations, the venue is key. A smaller, more intimate guest list means you can book a room within a venue, which will cut costs dramatically. You won't need to spend as much on decorations if the space already looks great. You can also save money by keeping the guest list tight, as a smaller number of attendees will reduce costs across the board.

If you're handy, you can save money by making your own decorations. There are plenty of DIY wedding ideas online, from centrepieces to table plans and seating charts. You could also scour sample sales and pre-loved sites for decorations, or keep an eye out for deals and discounts from wedding vendors.

Frequently asked questions