14 Ways to Plan a Wedding on a Budget

Planning a wedding can be exciting, but it can also become overwhelming when the costs start to add up. Fortunately, there are many ways to save money without sacrificing the beauty or elegance of your big day. Here are 14 tips to help you plan a wedding on a budget while still having an unforgettable celebration.

1. Choose an Off-Peak Wedding Date

One of the simplest ways to cut costs is by selecting an off-peak wedding date. Weddings are most expensive during peak seasons (late spring to early fall) and on popular days like Saturdays. By opting for a winter or weekday wedding, you can often secure discounts on venues, catering, and other services that are less in demand.

2. Host the Ceremony and Reception at the Same Venue

Instead of booking separate locations for your ceremony and reception, consider hosting both at the same venue. This not only saves money on venue rental fees but also cuts down on transportation costs for guests. Many venues offer package deals that can include both, making it a convenient and affordable option.

3. Limit Your Guest List

The number of guests you invite has a significant impact on your budget. By keeping the guest list smaller, you can reduce costs for catering, seating, and favors. A more intimate wedding will also allow for a more personal experience and can create a relaxed atmosphere.

4. DIY Invitations and Stationery

Wedding invitations and stationery can be expensive, but they don’t have to be! Consider designing your own invitations or using affordable templates from websites like Etsy. If you enjoy crafts, you can also make your own invites, save-the-dates, and thank-you cards to add a personal touch while saving money.

5. Opt for a Smaller Wedding Cake

A large wedding cake can be costly, especially when you’re catering for a big crowd. Instead of ordering a cake for every guest, choose a smaller, beautifully designed cake for display purposes and serve guests with sheet cakes or other desserts. This way, you’ll still have a stunning cake for photos, but at a fraction of the cost. You can also choose an alternative desert, such as cupcakes, doughnuts, or assorted cookies for additional options.

6. Skip the Expensive Wedding Dress

While the perfect wedding dress is important, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Look for pre-owned wedding dresses, shop during off-season sales, or consider renting a dress. Many online shops and local bridal boutiques offer stunning options at more affordable prices, so you can find a dress that fits your budget without compromising on style.

7. Hire a DJ Instead of a Live Band

Hiring a live band may seem like a great way to elevate your wedding, but it can quickly add up. Opting for a DJ instead of a live band can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. A skilled DJ can create the same lively atmosphere and play a wide variety of music that appeals to all your guests.

8. Repurpose Floral Arrangements

You can save on floral costs by repurposing the flowers used in your ceremony for the reception. For example, floral arrangements used at the altar can be moved to the reception space to decorate tables. The bridesmaid bouquets can be placed on the head table after the wedding party is announced. Additionally, consider using more affordable flowers like Queen Anne’s Lace or seasonal blooms that still look beautiful but cost less.

9. Choose a Budget Friendly Venue

Think outside the box when it comes to choosing a wedding venue. Instead of booking an expensive banquet hall, consider alternative spaces like a backyard, park, or restaurant. Non-traditional venues can offer a unique vibe while being more affordable, and they may provide you with more creative freedom to personalize the space. If you are considering a traditional venue, be mindful of the venue’s preferred vendors list. They may require you to work with a caterer that charges $100 per plate minimum, which adds up quickly.

10. Cut Back on Wedding Favors

Wedding favors are a sweet gesture, but they can be costly and often end up unused. If you want to keep the tradition of giving guests a little gift, consider simple, meaningful items like personalized cookies or small potted plants. Alternatively, you could donate to a charity in your guests’ names or skip the favors altogether.

11. Negotiate with Vendors

Don’t be afraid to negotiate with wedding vendors. Many professionals are willing to offer discounts, especially during off-peak seasons, or for a smaller-scale event. Be upfront about your budget and see if there are any services they can reduce or adjust to help meet your needs while keeping costs down.

12. Borrow or Rent Wedding Accessories

Instead of purchasing expensive accessories like veils, jewelry, or shoes, consider borrowing them from a friend or family member, or renting them from a bridal boutique. Many brides don’t wear their wedding accessories after the big day, so renting or borrowing is a great way to save money without sacrificing style.

13. Cater Your Meal and Appetizers From a Restaurant

Food can take up a large portion of your wedding budget, but there are ways to keep it affordable. Instead of a formal, multi-course meal, opt for a buffet or family-style dinner. Look into catering from a restaurant, which may cost $20 per plate or less. You could also serve finger foods or a mix of appetizers to keep the meal more casual and budget-friendly while still offering plenty of delicious options. Close friends or family could also help make desserts, appetizers, or other items to cut down costs. Be sure to consider hiring waiters, bartenders, and set up/breakdown crew into your budget.

14. Budget-Friendly Table Decor

When it comes to table decor, creativity can go a long way in keeping costs down. Consider using simple, inexpensive materials like candles, antique bud vases, or seasonal flowers to create a cozy, elegant atmosphere. Used centerpieces or vases like new from Facebook Marketplace or Ebay can also add sophistication without breaking the bank. Additionally, you can use cloth napkins, string lights, or thrift store vases to elevate the look while keeping your budget intact. Using a rental service can be great; however, sometimes it is cheaper to buy materials in bulk, such as tablecloths, and put in a little extra work to get everything ready for your big day.

Final Thoughts

Planning a wedding on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your dream day. With these creative tips, you can save money while still creating a beautiful, memorable celebration. By thinking outside the box, prioritizing your must-haves, and getting creative with your options, you can make your wedding just as special without breaking the bank.

About the Author

Sasha is a wedding photographer based in the Chicagoland area, with a passion for capturing the moments that make each couple's story unique. She loves writing blog articles that cover a wide range of topics, from portrait locations to gift ideas, wedding advice, and more—anything that will help her couples create a meaningful and stress-free journey. When she’s not behind the camera, Sasha enjoys traveling internationally and indulging in her favorite treat, salted peanut butter ice cream from Jeni’s. Sasha also spends her downtime hanging out with her foster cat, Missy, and listening to pop punk bands. Currently, she’s booking weddings for 2025 and 2026, and she’s excited to help even more couples bring their wedding visions to life!