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How To Plan A Really Cheap Wedding

Hold The Ceremony At Home Or Outdoors

how to plan a low-budget wedding how much our wedding cost

According to The Knot, the average wedding venue costs $10,500, adding up to around a third of the total cost of the big day. While trimming the guest list can certainly help reduce this cost, another approach is to think outside the box with your venue.

You might consider hosting the wedding at someones home, particularly if they have a nice yard or plenty of space. If your guest list is small, thats much more feasible.

Strategy: Have the wedding and reception at a friend or family members property Savings: $10,500

Another approach is to see if you can use a public park for the wedding and utilize any structures the parks and recreation department may have for a reception. Many such departments have nice older houses near parks that can be used for events like this. Contacting local parks services in my area found that such venues were available with a range of $1,000 to $4,000, though there would be some additional costs to help set up some services. While there will still be a notable cost involved for this, its often significantly lower than paying for a full-service venue.

Strategy: Have the wedding and reception at a park Savings: $6,500

How To Make Your Cheap Wedding Look Expensive

Although most of us who are planning a wedding on a budget, dont want their wedding to look cheap at all. This means that you need to act wisely while giving an expensive look to your cheap wedding. This requires you to manage all the things in a perfect way.

Especially, when you are taking help from your family and friends, make sure that they know what you are expecting them to do. For instance, while decorating the venue, use good materials that fit within your budget.

In addition, the food you prepare should be on par with one that you experience at different weddings. Although the dress should be inexpensive, it should not look cheap.

After all, appearance is what counts the most at your wedding. So choose a dress that gives you a perfect look.

A Sophisticated Backyard Wedding In Connecticut

A wedding producer at Fête NY, Allison Aronne has years of experience planning weddings, but planning her wedding to Ryan Beauchamp was that much more special of a job. And through her industry connections, Aronne found the perfect location for their nuptialsher boss, , stunning backyard in Kent, Connecticut. With a gorgeous backdrop for their ceremony and the most beautiful tent set up on the lawn for dinner, this backyard wedding left no detail untouched.

Don’t Miss: Where To Buy Cheap Wedding Dresses

Buy A Small Cake Or Cupcakes From A Grocery Store

Brides Magazine reports that the average cost of a wedding cake is $350. This is an area where the cost can easily be trimmed by having something a bit more simple. Rather than heading straight to a wedding cake specialist, see what options are available for a smaller, simpler cake from a grocery store. In my area, the local grocery store chain, Hy-Vee, offered an enormous variety of cake options, ranging from very classy tiered wedding cakes that almost matched the $350 tag to much simpler options that would serve 50 guests for around $100.

Strategy: Look at grocery stores for cake options Savings: $250

Another option is to simply buy cupcakes. You can buy large numbers of cupcakes from many bakeries for as little as $1 each. Pair that with a $30 cake stand and you can provide 70 cupcakes with a beautiful display for just $100.

Strategy: Buy cupcakes and arrange them yourself Savings: $250

Wedding Reception Food Ideas On A Budget

Really eager for trying this. Wedding in a Budget in 2020 ...

Food and alcohol is another place where couples tend to spend a lot of money.

Its important that your wedding guests are well fed for your big day.

Depending on where you are getting married, you may have no choice but to use their catering.

If possible, try to negotiate your wedding foods and drinks.

And if your able to find a location that can allow you to bring your own catering, here is where you can attempt to save some money.

Lookup cheap wedding food ideas that will allow you to stick within your budget.

Think things like:

  • Even hotel rooms

Why not get that package and add on to it?

But make sure to do a bit of research before jumping in with both feet to make sure you are getting the best deal possible.

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Utilise Your Friends’ Talents

Is one of your best friends a talented musician, photographer or DJ? Utilise their skills by asking if they would kindly help out on your wedding day, whether its performing during your drinks reception or doing a DJ set in the evening. Chances are they will love the opportunity to play an important role in your wedding, and it could save you thousands on booking the services elsewhere.

MORE: 5 ways to save money on your wedding venue

How To Book An Affordable Wedding Venue

Choosing an affordable option will all come down to what your total wedding budget looks like. Typically, a couple will devote at least 40 percent of their budget to their venue, as venue fees can run anywhere between $3,000 to $15,000.

If you don’t have a planner, start by thinking about places in your area that are naturally beautiful, or have meaning to you and your fiancé, says Nichols. This could mean public parks, beaches, vistas, or other public areas. Generally speaking, venues like that will have lower site fees than say a hotel or resort. Its also important to consider what other wedding necessities will be included if your rental is wrapped up into a package fee. According to Nichols, there are definitely a few key points to keep in mind when booking a venue on a budget to be sure you’re not adding more stress to the big day:

  • Asking your wedding planner for a list of venues to best suit your budget will help to avoid countless hours of searching on Google and Instagram.
  • Double-check if the pricing stated includes items such as tables, chairs, any décor or games, or even catering.
  • When considering a public space as your venue, double-check if the space is required to stay open to the public during the event.
  • If your date is flexible, work with the venue on finding the best date to suit your budget, even if its a Friday or Sunday.

Recommended Reading: What To Get Best Friend For Wedding

Help Your Clients To Set Wedding Day Priorities

It’s important for any engaged couple to decide what elements of a wedding are the most meaningful and which are less important. For some couples, the food and beverages have to be top-of-the-line. Others want to dance to only the very best band or most skillful DJ. Others want the most artistic and striking possible. If having a big wedding with lots of guests is a must for your clients, you’ll need to help them to make some drastic cuts elsewhere. Some of the easiest and least-noticed cuts to make are as follows:

How Can I Get Married Without A Wedding

wedding planning: how to have a wedding on a budget

Self-solemnization or self-uniting without a third party is the best option. Choose a state that legalizes self-solemnization. Submit all necessary documents and apply for the relevant license. The appropriate document costs about $30 to $40. This procedure helps you get married legally in the absence of an officiant or witnesses.

Also Check: How To Sell Wedding Ring

Here Are Affordable Wedding Reception And Food Ideas:

When you compare venues and food service costs, remember to compare apples to apples. All-inclusive packages may have a higher sticker cost, but a site thats a blank slate means you may need to bring in tables, plates, and linens, as well as the food. Calculate expenses for those items as well so that youre making a useful comparison.

Explore creative, low-cost catering options with a lower price tag:

Opt For More Casual Bites

A buffet or family-style meal is typically easier on the wallet than a more formal, plated dinner. Everyone serves themselves and you forgo the cost of waited table service. You can also keep it casual by ordering from a local BBQ joint, your fave Mexican restaurant, or a fun food truck! And if you really need to save money, rely on your guests to contribute potluck-style.

Lauren Fair Photography

Also Check: How To Pick Wedding Flowers

Tips For How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget

1. Skip the alcohol

Serving alcohol at your wedding, especially an open bar, can run up the total cost by quite a bit. Save hundreds simply only allowing soft drinks and juices.

2. Buy wholesale flowers

Custom floral arrangements made by a florist can cost you a pretty penny. Buy flowers in bulk from a wholesaler and keep the money in your pocket.

3. Make your own dessert bar

Wedding cakes can cost up to thousands of dollars. If youre a dessert fiend, consider baking your own sweets for the big day.

4. Pass on the Save the Dates

With social media, its easier to keep track of other peoples timelines. Consider making a digital announcement via e-mail or Facebook group and put the money you save towards paper invitations.

5. Consider a smaller venue

Instead of a catering hall, save money by looking into venues like community centers, churches, and even local parks!

Related: Had to Cancel or Postpone Your Wedding Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic? Heres How to Cope

6. Create a wedding website

Have a link to your website on the invitation and have guests RSVP to save on return postage.

7. Skip the tent

Having an outdoor wedding, a tent may seem essential but it can be one of the most expensive items you can rent!

8. Make the food yourself

If you consider yourself a regular MasterChef in the kitchen, save thousands by passing on the caterer and prepare the food yourself.

9. Skip the DJ

10. Buy good wine

11. Have a friend take pictures

12. Opt for a smaller wedding

25. BYOC

Suits Dont Need To Be Special

Top 11 Tips For Planning a Budget Destination Wedding

The groom doesnt really need a tux or something specially made. Honestly, he might even have a nice suit already in his closet that may just need to be altered to fit better.

Of course, dont do what my husband did, which was getting his suit jacket and shoes on the morning of our wedding.

Try shopping around at simple department stores Macys or JC Penney.

Read Also: How To Become A Wedding Officiant Online

Pick Out Your Reception Dress / Wedding Attire

What will you wear for your wedding reception? Some brides decide to forego the traditional gown, partially because they wont be wearing it down the aisle, the reception is usually less formal, and because of the cost. On the other hand, many brides DO still want to go big and a traditional wedding gown is definitely acceptable for a reception only wedding. The style you choose for the gown is completely up to you. It helps to pick out attire that complements the tone and theme of your wedding, so if youre planning a big ballroom reception with elegance, go with a formal ballgown.

Another popular choice is a two-piece wedding dress with an elegant top and full ballgown skirt.

If your wedding is being held in a backyard setting or outdoors i.e. a barn reception, farm, field, etc., plan for a wedding dress like this to suit this style. Boho wedding dresses are especially fitting for weddings like this. And dont forget the boots!

Planning a reception on the beach? Go with a maxi dress or convertible wedding dress like this and dont forget to choose the most comfortable wedding shoes you can.

If your wedding reception is taking place at a traditional venue such as a banquet hall, choose any kind of dress youd like, from a formal gown to a more casual bridal jumpsuit or boho dress. I love this wedding gown by Barzelai.

by barzelai

The bottom line is to choose ANY wedding dress you like best. Its your wedding, so make sure its everything YOU want it to be.

The Museum Or Art Gallery Gathering

If your budget is $12,000, you could spend your money like this:

Venue and full-service catering: $8,000 for tables, chairs, linens, food, beverages and staffAttire: $200 for a dress $0 for a suit you already ownFlowers and decorations: $800 for lighting rentals and DIY bouquets and centerpiecesWedding Planner: $600 for the hour minimum $1,000Entertainment: $750 for a DJDessert: $400 for a cakeInvitations: $100, DIY

Read Also: How To Get A Certificate To Officiate A Wedding

Think In Season For Your Flowers And Food

Two words will lower both your catering and floral expenses: seasonal and local. When you buy what’s in season, you get food and flowers at the peak of their supply when the price is normally lower. Plus, when they’re locally grown they don’t need to be shipped halfway around the globe. So not only do you save money, but you also reduce your carbon footprint. Win-win.

Dont Skimp On The Good Stuff

How to plan for a wedding with small budget how much our wedding cost

When it comes to saving money on wedding planning in New York, dont settle for less when it comes to your lifelong memories. If youre looking for an affordable NYC wedding photographer who can deliver quality and value, weve got the right team. As two of the top NYC wedding photographers, we want to make sure your celebration is captured exactly how you want to remember it.

Also Check: Should I Hire A Wedding Planner

New Primark’s Launched A Bridal Range Including 6 Lingerie 2 Hen

Weddings probably aren’t what first comes to mind when you think of Primark, but it’s just launched a bridal range. And while sadly there are no wedding or bridesmaids’ dresses, if you’re in the market for a floral hair crown or some bargain ‘bride-to-be’ flip-flops… you’re in luck.

The new section includes cheap hair accessories, hen-party gear, bridal basques and so on with accessories from £2, pyjamas from £5 and lingerie from £6.

The range was launched in mid-February, and Primark says you should find it in stores UK-wide for the next couple of months, while stocks last.

We checked out the selection at the Primark nearest MSE Towers, at Tottenham Court Road . Prices seemed competitive, though we can’t attest to quality. Here are some of our finds:

  • £2 ‘bride-to-be’ flip-flops. The next cheapest similar we found were £4.80 on Amazon.
    • £2 hen-night photo props. We found similar, also for £2, at The Works.
    • £4 floral hair crown. The next cheapest similar was £8 at Claire’s.
    • £5 ‘bride-to-be’ pyjamas. The next cheapest similar were £11.99 at Sports Direct.
    • £6 pink satin cami top. The next cheapest similar was £7.99 at Gap.
    • £15 satin bride robe. The next cheapest similar was £18 at John Lewis.

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