On August 11, I got married! While the day itself was a testament to the love both between my partner and me as well as our love with our friends and loved ones, getting to that special day was truly a feat. After all, weddings are expensive. And depending on your finances, you may want to know how to plan a budget-friendly wedding. After all, a budget wedding can feel a lot more enticing. So, how do you do it?
Well, for us, we have to figure out how to plan a wedding on a small budget in six months. Yep, we were pushing against the clock, but we knew that we wanted a wedding on a small budget. After going through it, here are my tips on how to plan a budget-friendly wedding:
1. Set Clear Priorities for Your Budget-Friendly Wedding
Identifying your wedding priorities is the foundation of a successful budget-friendly plan. Sit down with your partner and discuss what elements matter most to both of you. Is it the venue, the vibes and ambiance, the quality of the photographs, the menu, or the overall atmosphere? By clarifying your priorities, you can allocate your budget to align with what truly matters, ensuring a balance between cost savings and your dream wedding experience.
For me, what mattered the most was having our parents there, having great photography or videography, and somewhere tasty to eat afterward so that we could celebrate with our party. Note: None of the things I mentioned required a massive venue or hundreds of invites. It’s your special day — determine what matters to you.
Moreover, this process of setting priorities extends beyond finances; it’s a chance to connect with your partner and establish a shared vision for the day. It’s about making conscious choices that reflect your values and personalities, allowing you to make the most of your budget while creating lasting memories.
2. Plan Ahead
Although you can plan a lot of things fairly quickly, the more time you give yourself, the better you will feel. Time is a necessity when it comes to planning a budget-friendly wedding. First and foremost, it allows you to secure venues and vendors at a lower cost, as last-minute bookings often come with premium fees. Additionally, planning well in advance gives you the luxury of time to scout for deals, discounts, and limited-time offers, whether it’s for decor, attire, or services.
Early planning also gives you ample time for DIY projects and planning affordable wedding ideas. Creating your own invitations, decorations, and even some elements of your attire can save money and infuse your wedding with a personal touch. As an example, we wanted to jump the broom. You would be surprised how expensive brooms were on Etsy and other websites! Sure, we would have loved to get things customized. However, we immediately turned it into a DIY wedding decor project and saved lots of money.
3. Create a Realistic Budget:
Successful budget-friendly wedding planning is establishing a well-defined and realistic budget from the outset. I can’t emphasize this enough: Set a realistic budget that you know you can afford. So often, I hear or see couples going into major debt just for a beautiful day. While that may be alright for some, I personally didn’t see value in amassing a ton of debt when I already have personal debt I’m trying to pay off.
Research the average costs of different wedding elements, taking into account factors like location, guest count, and preferences. It’s important to be both thorough and honest during this process. Leave a little buffer for unexpected expenses that might arise down the road – this way, you won’t be caught off guard if additional costs surface. Someone told me that you should double whatever budget you have in your head. When I tallyed up the numbers from our wedding, they were right.
A well-structured budget serves as your roadmap, helping you allocate funds to each aspect of the wedding. It’s a tool that empowers you to make informed decisions and keep your spending on track. As you move forward with your planning, revisit and adjust your budget as needed.
4. Choose the Right Venue:
Selecting the perfect venue is important and doesn’t necessarily have to come with a hefty price tag. Think outside the box and explore non-traditional options, such as public parks, botanical gardens, or even the homes of friends or family members. For us, we went with our neighborhood church, which offered us the option of getting married in the sanctuary or chapel. These unique settings can add an intimate and personalized touch to your celebration while being cost-effective alternatives to conventional event spaces. Again, we don’t all need million-dollar venues.
If you want to optimize your budget further, consider hosting your ceremony and reception at the same location. This eliminates the need for transportation and streamlines logistics, making the day more convenient for you and your guests. You can also host receptions at smaller restaurants that can offer a discount because you’re bringing in business. Ultimately, this will depend on who you invite and what’s needed for your big day. For us, we kept the reception portion under $2,000 for our budget-friendly wedding.
5. DIY Decor and Invitations:
I know a lot of people love to send those fancy invitations to wedding guests. As much as I adore them, the truth is most people will put it on their fridge and then toss the paper as soon as it’s added to their calendars. Crafted decorations, invitations, and even wedding favors can add a unique touch that reflects your personality and style as a couple. For us, I created wedding invites in Canva and then sent out invites via text message. While it wasn’t the razzle-dazzle of some, it was easier and more cost effective than sending out cards. Same with the thank you cards.
Handmade elements also hold sentimental value for a budget-friendly wedding. Imagine looking back on your wedding day and cherishing the memories of the time you spent crafting alongside friends and family. From centerpieces to place cards, each DIY item becomes a piece of your love story intertwined with your wedding day, adding depth and meaning to every detail.
6. Opt for Off-Peak Dates:
Choosing an off-peak wedding date can be a strategic move to trim your budget while still having the wedding of your dreams. Due to lower demand, weekdays and non-traditional wedding seasons often come with reduced prices for venues and vendors. This allows you to secure the services you desire at a fraction of the cost, enabling you to allocate your budget more efficiently. For us, getting married on a Friday was significantly cheaper than the weekend. For your party, they may only have to take a few hours off from work to attend. After all, it’s your special day!
An off-peak wedding date can lead to a more intimate and cozy celebration. With fewer weddings happening simultaneously, you’ll have the full attention of your chosen vendors and venues, enhancing the overall quality of your experience. Keep in mind that while choosing an off-peak date might require some flexibility, the benefits in terms of cost savings and vendor availability can be well worth it. Also getting married in off-peak seasons can also play up the creativity. For example, why not look into winter weddings? Who says you have to get married between May-August?
7. Simplify the Menu:
Catering is a substantial portion of any wedding budget, but there are strategic ways to ensure your guests enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank. Consider opting for a buffet-style or family-style meal instead of a formal plated dinner. We did this with one of our favorite restaurants in the city, and it was amazing. This offers variety and eliminates the need for extra staff, ultimately reducing your catering costs.
Focus on quality rather than quantity, selecting a few well-prepared dishes that cater to various dietary preferences. By simplifying the menu and considering innovative food options, you can provide a memorable dining experience that resonates with your guests while adhering to your budgetary constraints. You’re seeking cost-effective catering options, so be willing to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to the things that go against it.
One word of caution: Be sure to saddle up whatever financially before your big day. The last thing you want to worry about is trying to fix an itemized check from the restaurant or determining who ordered what.
8. Prioritize Photography:
Your wedding photographs are the timeless keepsakes that will allow you to relive your special day for generations to come. As you allocate your budget, consider investing in a skilled photographer whose style resonates with your vision. High-quality photography is an area where it’s often wise not to cut corners; a talented photographer can capture the emotions, moments, and intricate details of your wedding day, creating a cherished visual narrative.
When seeking a photographer, explore different packages and discuss customization options. Some photographers offer shorter coverage periods or reduced rates for smaller weddings, which can be an advantage if you’re aiming to optimize your budget. Additionally, consider prioritizing certain photography elements, such as candid moments or couple portraits, to ensure that the most meaningful aspects of your day are beautifully documented.
My spouse and I went through two other options that both ended up not working out in the end. While there were a lot of hiccups, I rest well knowing that the photos captured that day would be ones we’ll love forever and that we can share with our family and friends.
9. Limit the Guest List:
While it’s natural to want to share your joy with everyone you know, a smaller guest list can lead to a more intimate and meaningful celebration. As you curate your guest list, focus on inviting those closest to you who have played a significant role in your lives. This creates a more genuine atmosphere and helps manage costs associated with catering, seating, and venue size.
We kept our list to less than 20 people. Of course, cutting the list down is hard when you have to remove people you love. Remind them that you’re trying to save money and that it’s not personal.
Limiting the guest list doesn’t mean sacrificing connections; instead, it fosters an environment where you can spend quality time with each attendee. You’ll be able to engage in heartfelt conversations and create lasting memories with those who hold a special place in your heart. I hope these wedding planning tips help you enjoy your best day ever! And remember, a budget-friendly wedding is never out of style.
