Smart Tips for Planning a Beautiful Wedding on a Budget
So the time has come. He’s popped the question, you have the ring, and the chance to organize the biggest day of your life is just around the corner. The only issue is that you are strapped for cash and lack the budget for a large, elaborate, Kardashian-esque “I do”. That’s where I come in! Here are my best tips for planning a beautiful wedding on a budget!
Wedding Budget Checklist
Looking for a simple wedding budget checklist? This will keep your ideas organized and also see what your budget is and where you are to planning your dream wedding on a budget!
Trim The Guest List
One of the biggest issues with weddings is that the more people who are invited, the more the day will cost you, and it’s easy for this to spin out of control. The key thing to remember is that your wedding is a special day for you and your partner, so you have the final say.
Sit down as a couple, and calculate how many people your budget can accommodate. Then, each make a list of guests you would like at the wedding and compare these. This offers a chance to really think about the people who matter and you may find that the two of you have overlaps.
Prioritize
For me, photography was super important. Things like party favors weren’t at the top of my priority list. Discuss the most important things to each of you. You can put a bigger chunk of the budget towards your higher priority items.
Don’t Feel Pressured By Tradition
Remember, your wedding day is all about the two of you, so don’t feel pressured to follow expensive traditions. In recent years, there has been a trend of elaborate, exotic bachelor and bachelorette parties in far-flung locations, as well as a schedule of pre-wedding events. These can drive up costs.
Plan your wedding your way. If you want a small, intimate bachelorette party, then plan dinner with a few close friends. Not your thing? Then don’t be afraid to do away with it altogether. You are under no obligation to follow any “rules”.
DIY Projects
I got married before Pinterest and Youtube really picked up steam. Because of that, it was much more difficult to find out how to make things myself. I was also working two jobs and going to school full time. However; doing a lot of things myself really saved money. It doesn’t always though. Make sure you are really weighing the cost of materials and your time.
Get Married Out of Season
If you don’t have a particular preference about your wedding date, then consider getting married outside of the main “season”. Wedding season is usually between April and September.
During these months, the weather tends to be warmer and brighter, so weddings are more popular and prices go up. Booking a December wedding not only gives your day a unique twist, but it could also cut your venue costs in half.
You can usually also get a cheaper deal if you opt for a midweek wedding, so this is something to consider if your guests are flexible.
Rent or Borrow
Renting or borrowing can really save a pretty penny and make a huge difference for your wedding on a budget. See if your venue has decorations you can use. What if your fiancé can rent a tux vs buying it? Not only will this reduce the amount you have to spend, but you won’t have to worry about what to do with the items when your wedding day is over.
Host a Dry Wedding
My husband’s friends weren’t a fan of mine, but considering I wasn’t even 21, we opted for a dry wedding. My family doesn’t tend to drink, so they didn’t bat an eye However; it ended up saving a ton of money. There was a bar onsite, so they were welcome to purchase their own drinks, which they did.
Host a Morning Wedding
When friends of ours got married, they found the perfect venue, but it was pricey. They opted for a morning wedding. It actually turned out really great. Wedding days can tend to be super long, but we were done by around lunch time. You can also save a ton of money on food by opting for donuts vs a cake. A breakfast buffet will be much more cost effective than a dinner buffet.
Keep it Minimal
We are all about minimalism around here. The less you have, the less you spend. Focus on what’s really important. I promise, guests won’t focus on every single tiny detail.
Thrift It
I have seen so many gorgeous wedding items at the thrift store. From dresses, to shoes, to decor. It’s worth taking a glance at. Don’t forget to check places like eBay and Facebook Marketplace as well!
Elope!
Ultimately, your wedding is about the love that you and your partner share. A large party is not essential. If you really cannot make the budget stretch or simply want to avoid family drama, then why not find your dream spot, get on a plane, and run away to get married?
Depending on your location, you may have to have another ceremony at home to ensure that the marriage is legal, but this is usually fairly inexpensive.
Final Thoughts
Organizing your wedding is a chance to celebrate your love and spend time with those closest to you. Keep your eyes on the main focus and don’t feel distracted or anxious by expensive, unnecessary extras. Your wedding on a budget will be amazing!
Other Ways to Have Your Dream Wedding on a Budget:
Budget Friendly Wedding Themes to Make Your Day Special
Frugal Finger Foods & Party Snacks Your Guests Will Love
