Contrary to popular opinion, planning a dream wedding day doesn’t have to drain your bank account. With a little creativity and savvy decision-making, you can plan an affordable wedding without sacrificing style or elegance. As a former bride on a budget, I found countless ways to save on my wedding day. It’s all about knowing what to splurge on and where you can get crafty. Here’s 20 creative wedding ideas on a budget for the couples who want their dream wedding on a price that doesn’t put them into debt.
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Average Wedding Cost in 2024
A crucial first step to planning your dream day on a price tag you feel good about is defining your wedding budget. Because, it doesn’t really matter what the average wedding cost in 2024 is if it’s not a realistic benchmark for your finances.
That being said, it’s helpful to see how most couples allocate their wedding budgets, so we can see where the biggest savings opportunity are. So, we’ll quickly check out what couples are spending on average for their wedding in 2024 and what they are spending it on.
When you look at the data, here are the areas we need to really hone in on when we talk about wedding ideas on a budget.
- Wedding Venue: 37% of wedding budget
- Food & Drinks: 38% of wedding budget
- Decorations: 13% of wedding budget
- Music: 5 – 15% of wedding budget (Band vs. DJ)
- Rings & Attire: 16% of wedding budget
- Photography & Videography: 15% of wedding budget
Saving in these areas will have the biggest impact. So, let’s get into it shall we?!
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Wedding Budgeting the Right Way | 7 Simple Steps
20 Wedding Ideas on a Budget
Remember, just because we’re talking about saving on your wedding day, being budget-friendly DOES NOT mean you need to sacrifice on the experience or the style of your big day. These wedding ideas on a budget offer creative alternatives that’ll give you the wow factor of your dream wedding, while keeping your wallet happy.
1. Go with a DIY Wedding Venue
First things first on our list of wedding ideas on a budget: your venue. Consider a budget-friendly DIY wedding venue, such as a park lodge, a community center, or even your own backyard (like I did!), instead of going with an all-inclusive venue. DIY wedding venues just mean that instead of providing a complete package (the space, furnishings, decor and even sometimes catering), you’ll need to finish the space yourself and bring in your own vendors.
By opting for a more budget-friendly location, you can allocate those savings towards other aspects of your special day. Plus, DIY wedding venues give you complete flexibility over the vendors you bring in, allowing you to shop around for a vendor roster that fits your vision and budget. This one is HUGE, for all you budget brides.
Figure out the best venue for YOU by reading my complete guide on wedding venue selection!
2. Trim Your Guestlist
Trimming your guest list is a powerful way to reduce costs if you’re on a budget.
Think about it. Each person is potentially TWO people if you’re giving them a Plus 1, and that means two more place settings, two more dinners, two more desserts, and two more bar tabs. So, with that in mind, consider inviting only your closest family and friends for a more intimate (and budget-friendly) gathering filled with loved ones. You might even consider going with a micro wedding!
Having trouble with this? Consider putting this rule in place and stick to it.
If they can’t tell a story about you or your significant other on queue, then they got to go.
Sorry second cousin twice removed, Helga, you’re not making the cut. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity!
3. Consider Shopping Secondhand First
You could go CRAZY spending money on brand new wedding decorations. Practically every retailer has a wedding aisle these days (even the Target Dollar aisle!) These are ripe for impulse buy traps!
Resist the impulse and shop secondhand wedding items first. There are plenty of happily married couples now looking to sell their gently used wedding decorations and supplies. I bought the majority of my wedding decorations and supplies from other brides and thrift shops and saved THOUSANDS!
4. Get Crafty with DIY Wedding Decoration Ideas on a Budget
Next on our top list of creative wedding ideas on a budget: get crafty with DIYs! From centerpieces to table settings, there are plenty of resources and tutorials to guide you in creating DIY wedding decorations. One of our big DIY projects was our wedding arch (pictured below) – and it was incredibly easy! So, embrace your inner DIY guru and transform simple materials into stunning decorations that will wow your guests.
5. Create Your Own Wedding Invites
Ditch the extravagant, custom made-to-order, wedding invitations and opt to create your own instead! They are truly so, so sooooo easy to do and you’ll save hundreds of dollars in the process! I made my own invites pictured below!
Check out my complete guide to DIY wedding invitations as well as my favorite places to shop wedding invitation templates.
6. Skip the Response Cards & Track RSVPs Online
Create a wedding website and track your RSVPs online instead of printing and mailing a physical response card. Not only will these save you on printing and postage, but it’ll also save you TIME. And honestly, that’s a valuable commodity when it comes to DIY wedding planning.
7. Choose Wedding Centerpiece Ideas on a Budget
Flowers can be a significant expense, but there’s no need to fret. Embrace a minimalist approach by choosing flowers that are in season and readily available. Alternatively, explore non-floral centerpiece options like greenery or potted plants, which can add a touch of nature while keeping costs in check.
- For my own vintage-inspired wedding, I made DIY greenery garlands and incorporated thrifted votives.
- A friend of mine created a beautiful tablescape for her boho wedding of thrifted bud vases.
- Another, used driftwood, vintage glassware and wood flowers to create stunning beachy centerpieces.
Whatever your style, there are so many options you can go with to keep wedding centerpiece costs in check and plan the budget wedding of your dreams.
8. Create a Playlist for Your Ceremony & Cocktail Hour
Consider creating a playlist for your wedding ceremony and cocktail hour, rather than hiring a band or DJ. By curating a personalized selection of your favorite tunes while guests are mingling and not yet ready to break out their best moves on the dance floor, you’ll add some personal style to your day, while also saving on your wedding budget.
For more on this topic, read my guide on planning a DJ-less wedding with pro tips from REAL brides who went this route!
9. Consider Wedding Dessert Ideas on a Budget
An extravagant multi-tiered wedding cake may look impressive, but it often comes with a hefty price tag. Skip this altogether, or go with a small cutting cake and dessert bar for a budget-friendly option. Ideas to think about include:
- Donuts
- Pie Buffet
- Italian Pastries
- His and Hers cupcakes
- Candy Buffet
10. Affordable Wedding Catering Options
Next up in our list of wedding ideas on a budget: catering. Explore cost-effective catering options served buffet-style or at food stations instead of a formal sit-down dinner. Additionally, consider working with local restaurants or catering schools that offer quality service at a fraction of the cost.
11. Wedding Favor Ideas on a Budget
Wedding favors can be a thoughtful gesture, but sadly, for all the effort and money that goes into them, they often get left behind. So, I highly recommend considering ditching them altogether if you’re planning a budget wedding. A well-crafted thank you letter and/or a speech thanking your guests at the wedding is more than enough of a gesture.
That said, if you feel strongly about thanking your guests with a physical memento, consider homemade treats or personalized DIY favors instead. For my wedding, my husband’s mom made coconut cluster chocolates that we gave out as our favors.
12. Keep your bar simple and “soft”
Ooof, the bar tab. Honestly, this is an area that I think many couples don’t fully consider until you’re getting quotes from your venue. The price tag can be hefty.
Instead of offering a full bar with a wide range of alcoholic beverages, consider a more budget-friendly option. Opt for a “soft bar” that includes non-alcoholic beverages, wine, and beer. This way, you can still provide some options for your guests to enjoy without the high cost of a fully stocked bar. You can always consider adding in a signature cocktail or two, if your budget allows.
For more on this topic, ready my guide to stocking your own wedding bar, including a calculator that does the work for you!
13. Ditch the Champs
A sip of champagne is more expensive than a glass of wine.
It’s true and it sucks. Rather than splurging on expensive champagne for a toast, consider offering a more affordable alternative. You can choose sparkling wine, hard cider, or even a non-alcoholic sparkling beverage to raise a toast to your special day.
14. Lose the Wedding Programs
For short and sweet wedding ceremonies, there’s no need for detailed printed programs. Save money by skipping the printed programs altogether. Guests will appreciate the simplicity and focus on the ceremony itself. Plus, you’re considering the environment by printing less paper. Win-Win!
15. Consider Wedding Photography Ideas on a Budget
Hiring a professional wedding photographer and videographer can be expensive. Consider these affordable wedding photography options, like hiring a talented student photographer or asking a friend who has a knack for capturing beautiful moments. You can also encourage guests to take and share their photos with a sign and a designated wedding hashtag or shareable Google Drive Folder.
16. Be Your Own Make-up Artist
Hiring a professional makeup artist can be a luxury expense. And, to be honest, no one knows you quite like you. Unless you’ve gotten make-up professionally done before and know what looks good on you for the glammed up version of you… you might actually not feel quite yourself in going with a professional MUA.
Instead, consider dedicating some time to practice and experiment with glam makeup styles that suit you best. With countless tutorials available online, you’ll be able to achieve a gorgeous bridal look that is uniquely you. Plus, it adds a personal touch to your special day!
17. Host Your Ceremony & Reception in One Location
While arriving in a fancy vintage car or sleek limousine is undeniably glamorous, it’s also a significant expense. Especially if you’re planning your wedding in the summer months when limos are in high demand. To skip this altogether, look for a wedding venue that can host both your ceremony and reception in one location. This cuts out the need for transportation altogether.
That said, if you’re having a religious ceremony, your wedding ceremony and reception are likely in two different locations. In this case, consider skipping the extravagant transportation and opt for more budget-friendly options like carpooling with close friends or using a decorated family vehicle. It’s a charming and practical way to make a memorable entrance!
18. Shop Wedding Dress Ideas on a Budget
If you’re a budget bride, there are so many great options to save on your wedding attire.
From affordable wedding dress brands, to budget wedding dress marketplaces, and online second-hand retailers, the options are virtually endless to save on this big expense.
19. Go with Mismatched Maids
In addition to choosing budget-friendly attire for yourself, consider a more budget-friendly bridal party look look as well. Mismatched bridesmaids are completely on trend, and more affordable to execute, because you have much more options to consider than traditional bridal boutiques.
20. Consider Wedding Resale
The wedding resale market is always a buzz with newly engaged couples looking for bargain deals on wedding decor and supplies. So one of the best ways you can save on your wedding decorations and supplies is by prepping them early for resale later. This means taking good photos of everything and carefully repacking items after the wedding for posting on wedding resale marketplaces. I practically ended up paying nothing for my wedding decorations by doing just this!
Wedding Ideas on a Budget Wrap-up
To recap, the best wedding ideas on a budget to save on your big day focus on your biggest wedding expenses, but there are many ways you can save big and small by thinking outside of the box.
Planning a budget wedding is all about being intentional, prioritizing what truly matters, and finding joy in the journey. Now, it’s time to put these budget-saving wedding ideas into action. Happy planning, and here’s to an unforgettable wedding day that perfectly captures your love story without leaving a dent in your wallet!
Happy Planning!
xo,
Kels
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