This blog post is all about wedding planning on a budget!
Weddings are beautiful, but let’s be honest—they can get very expensive, very quickly. When I started planning my own wedding, I was shocked at how fast small things added up.
Between venue costs, catering, outfits, and flowers, it felt like every conversation ended with a quote that made my heart sink.
But with a little creativity (and a lot of spreadsheet magic), I found ways to save money without sacrificing what mattered most.
Wedding Planning on a Budget
Whether you’re planning a big celebration or an intimate gathering, here are 23 real, practical tips for planning a wedding on a budget, without it feeling like a “budget wedding.”
1. Set Your Priorities Early
Before booking anything, sit down with your partner and decide what actually matters. Is it the food? The dress? The photography? For us, it was the vibe—good music, lots of food, and a cozy, candlelit atmosphere. We splurged there and cut costs elsewhere.
2. Create a Realistic Budget
Use a spreadsheet (I loved Google Sheets) and break down every single category: venue, attire, decor, etc.
Set a number you’re both comfortable with and stick to it.
This keeps impulse buys in check.
3. Cut the Guest List
This one is tough, but it’s the biggest money-saver.
Every guest means extra chairs, meals, drinks, and space.
We invited 137 people instead of the 200+ we originally planned, and it saved us thousands.
4. Consider Non-Traditional Venues
Skip the banquet halls. Think: local parks, family backyards, community halls, art galleries, or even Airbnb properties (just check with the host first!).
We chose a brand new hall in a community centre with a private space and no rental fee—it came with tables, chairs, and a beautiful setup already.
It was so worth it because we got to do our own catering and stock our own bar, which saved us easily $10,000.
5. Get Married on a Weekday or Off-Season
Saturday weddings in summer are premium real estate. We saved money by booking a Sunday in the shoulder season (May). Same vendors, better rates.
6. Reuse Ceremony Décor at the Reception
Our ceremony florals doubled as reception table décor. We had our bridal party quickly transfer arrangements during cocktail hour. No one noticed—and it saved us at least $500.
7. Borrow Instead of Buy
There’s no need to buy everything. I borrowed my veil from a friend, reused a pair of heels I already owned, and got centerpieces from a cousin who got married the year before.
8. DIY What You Can—But Be Strategic
DIY can save money, but only if you don’t overextend yourself.
I made our seating chart, menus, and signage using Canva and printed them through Vistaprint.
It saved hundreds, and they looked beautiful.
9. Shop Sample Sales & Pre-Loved Dresses
My wedding dress came from a sample sale. Originally $2,400, I snagged it for $899. You can also check sites like Stillwhite or local bridal resale Facebook groups.
10. Limit the Bridal Party
Every bridesmaid means extra bouquets, gifts, and makeup. I kept my bridal party small—just three girls—and it kept costs manageable (and logistics simple!).
11. Use Digital Invites or RSVPs
We sent traditional invitations but used digital RSVPs through our wedding website.
It cut down on postage and printing, and let guests RSVP faster.
12. Stick to Beer, Wine & a Signature Cocktail
Open bars are pricey. We offered wine, a few beers, and a “his & hers” cocktail. People still had fun, and we avoided a massive bar tab.
13. Find a Photographer Who Offers Hourly Rates
Instead of a full-day package, we booked our photographer for 6 hours. It was enough to capture all the key moments—getting ready, ceremony, speeches, and first dance—without paying for coverage we didn’t need.
14. Skip the Wedding Favors
I promise—no one misses them.
People always end up forgetting them.
Instead, we donated to a charity in memory of our grandparents and added a small note at each place setting.
15. Use a Spotify Playlist Instead of a DJ
If your venue allows it, plug in a curated playlist for dinner or dancing. We hired a DJ only for the ceremony and the first part of the reception, then let Spotify take over. It saved us $800.
16. Negotiate with Vendors
Don’t be afraid to ask if vendors can work within your budget. Some are open to customizing packages or removing things you don’t need. We did this with our florist and photographer, and it worked out perfectly.
17. Go Minimal With Flowers
We focused on greenery and bud vases with seasonal flowers. I also used Trader Joe’s blooms for our welcome table. Total flower cost: under $900.
18. Buy Decor That You Can Resell
I bought glass votives, signage frames, and table runners secondhand and resold them right after the wedding. I got back around $300 this way.
19. Opt for a Smaller Cake + Sheet Cake
We had a small, pretty cake for cutting photos, and served guests slices from a much cheaper sheet cake made by a family friend. No one knew the difference.
20. Skip the Extras That Don’t Matter to You
We didn’t do a photo booth, wedding programs, or fancy linens. And no one noticed. If something doesn’t feel important to you, don’t include it just because it’s “standard.”
21. Ask for Help Instead of Gifts
Instead of a registry, we asked close friends and family to contribute their time or skills, like baking, setting up décor, or driving vendors.
It saved us money and made the day feel more personal.
22. Buy Things Gradually
Spreading out your purchases helps your budget breathe. I bought bridesmaid robes during a Black Friday sale, and picked up candles and signs months in advance when I found deals.
23. Keep Perspective
The most important thing is that you’re marrying your person. The rest is details. Some things will go wrong. Some guests won’t show. But if you’re surrounded by love and joy, it’s going to be perfect.
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing your vision—it just means being intentional with every decision. I look back on our day and don’t feel like we “missed out” on anything. If anything, being budget-conscious made us appreciate the little moments even more.
Whether you’re planning a $5,000 backyard bash or a $25,000 restaurant reception, remember: you get to define what your dream wedding looks like. Make it yours, spend wisely, and enjoy the process.
This blog post is all about planning a wedding on a budget!
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