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Organizing a wedding can seem like an enchanting flurry until the spreadsheets come into play. The gown, the catering, the location, the decorations; it all adds up fast.
But here's the truth: couples don't need a five-figure budget. You can create a day filled with happiness, meaning, and character on a tight budget, too.
Spark a remarkable event with inventive approaches, adaptability, and a sprinkle of ingenuity. A wedding doesn't have to drain finances or mental well-being. Here's how to plan a cheap wedding.
Image by Olcay Ertem from Pixabay
Before swooping into decor ideas or dessert tables, breathe and get clear on the top priorities. Every relationship is unique: perhaps one partner emphasizes luxury while the other is indifferent. Sit together and determine the three paramount things to you both. That might be:
Having all your friends and family there
Killer music and a packed dance floor
A scenic location for your vows
Whatever those must-haves are, first, spend your energy on a wedding budget breakdown. Everything else? That’s where you get creative.
Locations can take up a substantial part of your budget, but they shouldn’t. Many ceremonies occur in backyards, vineyards, or parks.
Looking for a more organized option? Venues like Pacheco Ranch Winery provide a stunning, cost-effective setting. Consider the rustic allure and simplicity of the venue.
Plenty of platforms can help you browse venue options. But if you want real-time pricing and availability, use Breezit to explore more venue options. Breezit (alongside alternatives like Zola or Wedding Spot) lets you compare venues in a few clicks.
Inviting everyone you know is tempting, but the guest list is one of the biggest budget drivers. Feeding 50 is significantly less expensive than feeding 150. It doesn’t imply removing people from your life. It’s being intentional.
Ask yourselves: "Would we invite this individual to dinner and cover the cost? If we don’t, why include them on the list?"
The trend of intimate gatherings is increasing, mainly among couples who value experiences over material excess. They have a personal touch and are an excellent opportunity to concentrate on what truly matters.
The good news? People remember if the food is delicious, not if it was plated or passed around by tuxedoed waiters. So, how to save money on a wedding regarding the food?
Taco Bar: Set up a taco station. It’s interactive and affordable.
BBQ Buffet: Offer traditional BBQ staples. This choice is ideal for outdoor settings.
Pizza Party: It appeals to many and is more cost-effective than conventional catering.
Food Trucks: The selections vary from high-end burgers to various global dishes.
Charcuterie Boards: It’s a fantastic alternative that doesn’t involve cooking.
Source: Pexels
Potluck-style gatherings are undergoing a revival. Imagine enjoying your aunt’s renowned lasagna with your friend’s brownies. It creates a shared feast that feels like home. Just organize sign-ups to avoid having eight potato salads and no main dish.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on a picture-perfect arrangement. Creating your decorations can be delightful, unique, and thrifty. Think:
Glass jars packed with field flowers
Repurposed wine bottles as candle holders
Chalkboard signs for menus and seating charts
If you don’t consider yourself very crafty, ask friends or family members with those skills. Alternatively, search for decorations in nearby thrift stores. You can discover diverse items like table runners and lanterns for a much lower cost than retail prices.
Pro tip: Select a naturally stunning location to minimize decoration expenses and allow nature to take center stage.
Stationery is sneakily expensive. With save-the-dates, invitations, RSVP cards, and postage, it’s easy to rack up expenditures. The workaround? Go digital.
Platforms such as Canva provide free or affordable templates that you can personalize. If you’d still like to send some printed invitations (hi, grandma), print them and deliver them in person.
Not into digital? Try postcard invites. They cost less to produce and send. Additionally, they’re charming and simple, aligning with your budget’s preferences.
You don’t have to wear a designer gown to feel incredible on your wedding day. Pre-loved bridal boutiques offer beautiful dresses for just a few hundred dollars or even less. Renting gowns and suits is also a great alternative.
Source: Pixabay
As for accessories: borrow, borrow, borrow! Something old, something new, something borrowed? Check.
Hair and makeup? You’re golden if you have a talented friend or a reliable YouTube tutorial. Just don’t try a new skincare routine the week before. It might blow up on your face (or skin).
Establish a practical budget and assign priorities
Select a smaller event
Host it during the off-peak season or on a weekday
DIY where possible
Borrow or rent attire
Use free or low-cost wedding venues
Simplify the menu
Limit extravagant extras
Leverage technology
Consider alternative vendors
A solid wedding budget isn’t about limiting your dreams but prioritizing them. It’s how to plan a cheap wedding. Try allocating your total budget using a flexible breakdown like this:
40% Venue and Catering
15% Photography/Videography
10% Attire
8% Decor and Flowers
6% Entertainment
3% Stationery and Invitations
10% Miscellaneous (tips, license, insurance, etc.)
5% Emergency Buffer
Use a spreadsheet to monitor expenditures. Statista reports that nearly 50% of couples say budgeting is the most stressful part of the process. Gaining insight into your spending habits (and what remains) enables you to maintain control.
Organizing a wedding with limited funds isn’t simply about skimping; it’s about eliminating the unnecessary. Whether that involves hiring a live band or enjoying a relaxed day surrounded by loved ones. You get to define what makes it beautiful.
And if that looks like barefoot vows on the beach, a potluck dinner, and your best friend officiating? That’s not a “cheap” wedding. It’s your wedding.
By making thoughtful decisions and adding a touch of flair, your ideal day is nearer (and more budget-friendly) than you realize.