Once the initial excitement of the engagement has worn off. You then have to start to think about the wedding day. As soon as you mention the word wedding, you can guarantee the price goes up. I am sharing a few tips on how to plan a wedding on a budget. Once you set your date, you can then start to move forward with planning your perfect wedding – in budget.
Table of Contents
Set Your Budget First
Knowing your wedding budget before you start to plan your wedding is a must. It is easy to get carried away. So both of you agreeing to your budget is the first place to start before you start to book anywhere.
- Break it down into categories ie venue, food, dress, photography, etc
- Use a spreadsheet or wedding budget app to track every cost.
- Discuss the type of wedding you both want
Choose a Budget-Friendly Venue
Once you have the date, you need to start looking at venues. Depending on budget there are so many options available. Saturday weddings are always popular and prices will be higher. If you have your heart set on a particular venue, there are ways you may be able to get it a little cheaper.
- Off-peak months/days: Winter weddings or weekdays can save thousands.
- Consider non-traditional venues: parks, your back garden, community halls, small restaurants.
- Pick a venue that includes tables, chairs, and decor to cut rental costs.
Look At Food & Drink Options
Guests need feeding, which is probably the most expensive part of the wedding. Look at all options available
- Buffet or family-style is often cheaper than plated service.
- Limit open bar hours or offer beer/wine only.
- Choose seasonal, local ingredients for affordable and fresher catering.
Get Creative with Decorations
Another expense is the decorations. Ask the venue if you can provide your own decorations to save on the cost.
- Use DIY centrepieces: candles, fairy lights, vases.
- Repurpose the wedding ceremony flowers for the reception.
- Borrow decorations from friends or rent instead of buying.
Save on the Dresses and Suits
Finding the perfect dress does not mean spending all or most of your budget on the dress and suits. There are options available.
- Shop sample sales or buy second-hand from bridal resell sites.
- Rent or borrow accessories instead of buying new.
- Look at white evening gowns or bridesmaid dresses in bridal tones.
- Look for prom dresses for the bridesmaids with the help of prom dress finder
Use Your Network
Use your friend network to help with cutting down some of the expenses.
- Do you have a friend who is a photographer, DJ, baker, or florist? If so ask them for mates rates
- Use a Wedding Photo Swap app where you can share photos that your guests have taken.
Have you planned a wedding on a budget? Can you share some tips on budgeting?
surprising how much can be saved when your budget is tight great ideas thanks
You can still have the perfect day if you plan properly and stick to a budget
Some great ideas. With the cost of living rises and the cost of housing budgets are being squeezed
You can have a perfect day at a fraction of the cost if you plan wisely
You don’t need to spend too much on a wedding,when i get married it’s gonna be a simple affair
Muy first wedding was huge, when I married my late husband we did it a lot cheaper and it was a much happier day
interesting read
can have a spectacular day on a budget
I think we often forget it is just a day and the important thing is having those around us to share the day rather than all the expense