It is true that you’ll need an enormous pile of cash to pull off your dream celebration. Before couples even get started, they’re already playing the comparison game.
So reset your attitude if you know you’ll be working with limited funds, and always keep your "why" in mind, think about what is truly important to them, too.
It’s not about what you have at your wedding, it’s truly about the ‘who’—you as a couple and the people there celebrating you. If the thing you’re thinking about splurging on doesn’t serve your “why,” then it might not be worth the money.
With these fundamental guidelines to help you prioritize where to spend—and where to cut—when planning a wedding on a budget.
First Things First is Setting a Budget
Sit down and have a conversation as a couple about what you feel you can realistically afford.
It's a must for planning purposes so you don't stretch yourself too thin.
Deciding What is Most Important
Spending prioritizing looks different for all couples.
We advice couples to choose three categories for allocating bigger chunks of the budget.
For instance, a foodie couple can feel justified in spending extra on a food bar at the cocktail hour but doesn’t need to go overboard on decor elements like signage or the seating chart.
Finding Affordable Venues
Every city or county has at least one county-run facility—usually a historic manor, they are often overlooked, but are really beautiful places, they’re designed for events.
Getting hitched at home is another options. The option is on the rise.
It can be very cost-effective for micro weddings, 22% of brides surveyed were planning a backyard wedding
Saving on Food and Drinks
Buffets are typically the cheapest, followed by family style and then plated.
A food truck is more personalization option, offer your favorites, like tacos or pizza.
It ties the food to the couple, and sometimes it’s more inexpensive.
For drink, forget the open bar and “minimize to just beer and wine and maybe one or two signature cocktails.
Or have the open bar, but only during cocktail hour.
And if your venue allows it, it can also be economical to buy your own alcohol in bulk.
Get Budget Wedding Gowns
Wedding dress is one of the major costs of a wedding, but it doesn't have to be with so many chioces.
There are lots of wedding dress that feels really affordable to you online or offline. You can even consider renting!
It will allow you to allocate those extra funds to something that feels really important.
Get your high quality but affordable wedding dresses from Promboutiqueonline if you are OK with shopping online.
Order: High Collar Sequined Lace Modest Long Sleeves Wedding Dresses
DIY Decorations for Budget-Friendly Wedding
There are many ways to bring the costs down regarding wedding decorations.
keep in mind that consider some simple DIY wedding decorations, this can be done well ahead of the wedding.
Consider DJ Instead of Live Music
You can saving on music and entertainment by hire DJ instead of a band.
DJs are almost always going to be less than a band, and significantly so, this is an easy way to save several thousand.
Use In-Season Flowers
When it comes to florals, suggest a color and an overall look, but leave it up to your florist to determine what’s in season, which will cut down on budget.
Look for Built-In Décor at Your Venue As Arch or Focal Point
Instead of building out a floral arbor, take a look around your venue to find if there is an existing arch or focal point you can hold your ceremony under
Take advantage of that natural beauty of a garden, frame it with some smaller pops of décor here and there.
Maximize Venue Inclusions
Tables and chairs on site are going to be a huge cost saving.
Negotiate to get a deal on a multi-day rate if you also host your rehearsal dinner there.
There are multiple ways to shave off a few dollars here and there, you need to be willing to negotiate with these questions:
Do you have any packages or promotions?
Are there any cancellations that need to be filled?
Are there times of the year or days of the week with lower rates?
Do you offer discounts of any sort? (e.g. military discounts, AAA discounts, small business owner discounts)
Can I get a discount if I pay the entire fee upfront and all at once?
Cut Non-Essentials
It’s important for couples to ask: Is this truly going to enhance our guest experience? Forgo anything you don’t feel attached to, such as welcome bags and wedding favors.
If you can envision your day without it, then it’s probably worth cutting.
Go Paperless If Possible
There are many lovely low-cost and no-cost digital invitation options. Opt for digital RSVPs, and, instead of mailing out thank you cards, send video thank-yous.
You will save lots of postage expense.
Get your $1 wedding invitations online, or digital wedding invites from Happyinvitation.com.
Steer Clear of Saturdays Wedding
Venue rates are often cheaper on Fridays and Sundays, and even cheaper Monday through Thursday, which is leading many budget-conscious couples to opt for a non-Saturday soiree.
The weekday wedding is on the rise, as long as it works for the majority of your important guests and provides decent cost savings, it’s something to consider.
Doing it on an off-day can help thin out your guest count.
Inviting fewer guests
Shrink your guest list is one of the simplest ways to cut down on your wedding budget.
That said, a small wedding might also give you the opportunity for upgrades or additions you wouldn’t have been able to pull off with a larger guest list, so it’s a double-win.