How to Plan a Small Wedding on a Budget: 6 Smart Tips

Last updated on October 19th, 2024 at 07:08 pm

Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting, yet stressful, times in a couple’s life. And, one of the biggest causes of wedding anxiety is money.

However, wedding preparations don’t have to be all stress and no fun. With careful planning, savvy shopping, and creative thinking, you can have a beautiful wedding—without spending a fortune! 

In this article, we’ll give you a few tips for planning a small wedding on a budget. We’ll discuss ways to cut costs on decorations, food, and the venue, as well as offer advice on the best time to buy certain items or services during your planning process.

By following these simple steps, you’ll save money, stress less, and enjoy an unforgettable wedding day! Let’s get started.

Tips for Planning a Small Wedding on a Budget  

Tuxedos and Dresses

First up…save money by renting a tuxedo and/or dress for the big day versus buying. This will save you money and allow you to get the exact look you want without breaking the bank.

Spending lots of money on something you’ll likely only wear once just doesn’t make good financial sense.

Browse online and in stores for deals on tuxedo rental packages. You can even get your tux through the mail, and return it after the wedding.

When it comes to bridesmaids’ dresses, there are also lots of options for renting dresses for special occasions. 

Decorations

Let’s talk decorations. There are all kinds of low-cost, do-it-yourself options that will add a personal and beautiful touch.

Look for craft items online or at discount stores to create your own centerpieces, banners, and favors. You can also save money on flowers by arranging them yourself with locally-sourced blooms.

If you’re feeling creative, you can even make your own invitations, programs, and thank-you cards. You could also look for used decorations like candles and lanterns on sites like eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

Lastly, you can enlist the help of friends, family, and sites like Pinterest to come up with a fabulous wedding theme that will reflect your personality and be truly memorable.  

Photos

Saving money on wedding photos doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality! One way to cut costs is to consider having your photos taken during an off-peak time of year, such as in the fall or winter when fees may be lower.

You’ll also want to hire someone local so you don’t have to pay them to travel to your venue. And, think about having the photographer stay for the wedding and the beginning of the reception only, if they charge by the hour. 

You can enlist your wedding guests too, since they’ll be taking photos anyway. And, no, they aren’t professional photographers, but make sure you create a way to share all the photos taken on your wedding day. There are likely to be some candid shots you’ll want to save.

And lastly, don’t be afraid to negotiate with your photographer. They may be willing to work with you on a package that fits your budget.  

Food

When it comes to planning a wedding, food is often one of the biggest expenses. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to save money on the menu for your big day without sacrificing on taste or presentation.

One way to save money on food is to have a potluck-style reception. Ask your friends and family to bring their favorite dish. It will not only save you money on food, but also adds a personal touch to the reception. Just make sure to coordinate with your guests and provide some guidelines so you don’t end up with too many casseroles or not enough appetizers.

To maintain the look you want for your wedding reception, transfer the food to serving plates, bowls, and trays that you’ve purchased (or rented) for the day.

Another way to save money on food is to have a buffet-style reception. This allows your guests to serve themselves and can often be less expensive than plated meals.

You can also hold your wedding at a time of day when guests aren’t necessarily expecting a large meal. Serving hors d’oeuvres or having a cocktail hour reception is totally acceptable.

Another money saver? Opt for a smaller wedding cake or cupcakes instead of a big traditional cake.

Some couples even make their own cake, which can be a fun and creative way to save money on the big day. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to food for your wedding.

Venue

Booking your wedding venue as soon as you’ve decided on a date is crucial for budgeting purposes. Popular venues often book up quickly, especially if you’re looking at dates in the spring and summer months. If you wait too long to reserve your chosen venue, it could become unavailable or cost significantly more.

When shopping for a venue, be sure to consider all the available options. Perhaps you could rent out a local park or community center for your ceremony and/or reception rather than an expensive banquet hall. Also, consider alternative days of the week such as Thursday or Sunday instead of Saturday to find better deals on venues and vendors alike. 

I personally used both of these ideas when booking my wedding many years ago. I was married on a Sunday afternoon in a lakeside rose garden that was part of the city parks department. It was very inexpensive to reserve, and of course it came with its own decorations!

Another cost-saving tip is to ask the venue if they provide chairs, tables, and linen rentals as part of their package or for an additional fee. This could save you on rental fees from a third-party vendor.

And, lastly, don’t be afraid to negotiate with your chosen venue to get the best deal possible. You may be able to find discounts on the venue, food and beverage packages, or chairs and tables.

Prioritize Your Spending

Our final tip for planning a small wedding on a budget is to prioritize your spending. Some items will be more important to you than others, so create a budget, and set aside funds for what you feel you can’t compromise on.

For example, if top-notch photography is your priority, allocate more money toward that, and skip the expensive decorations.

Use this prioritization system as you think about each item on your wedding checklist. Put your money where it will make the most difference to you.

In summary, you can plan a small wedding on a budget with careful thought and smart shopping. You just need to prioritize your spending, and with a bit of effort, you’ll have an unforgettable day that you made happen!

Do you have more ideas for how to plan a small wedding on a budget? Leave a comment.

Also read:
8 Ways to Take Care of Yourself While Planning Your Wedding
How to Save Money on Wedding Invitations: 7 Tips
Create Your Wedding Registry at Target, Plus Check Out the 15% Discount Offer

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