Ten Ways to Have a Fantastic Wedding on a Budget

Wedding planning can be one of the most fun times of your life but also the most overwhelming, especially when you’re on a budget. But having a unique and memorable wedding without breaking the bank is doable. Here, we’ll sell you the top 10 ways to have a fantastic wedding on a budget, covering everything from the dress to the reception.

Planning and Wedding Budgeting

Set a Real Budget

First things first, set an accurate budget. Look at the average wedding cost in the UK, but remember you can have a fantastic day for a lot less. Please work with your partner to decide on your overall budget and break it down into venue, dress, food, and entertainment. Prioritise what matters most so you don’t get bogged down in the little things.

What’s important to you both? Is it the perfect dress, the food or the entertainment for your guests? By deciding what’s most important to you, you can allocate more of your budget to those areas and cut costs elsewhere.

Being honest with your budget and sticking to it will help you enjoy the planning process stress-free. Communication with your partner and family can also be key to managing expectations and avoiding surprises.

Wedding Budget Breakdown

Creating a wedding budget breakdown is crucial to keep track of your spending. This way, you’ll know exactly how much you spend on each part of your wedding day. Many couples find that spreadsheets or budgeting apps help them keep track of costs and where they can cut back.

Break your budget into venue, catering, attire, decorations, and entertainment. Set a limit for each and try to stay within that limit. If you go over in one area, find ways to cut back in another. Consider hidden costs like alterations, tips for vendors, and transportation. You can avoid surprise expenses and stay on track by being organised and proactive.

Choose the Right Time and Date

The time and date of your wedding can significantly impact your budget. To save money, consider having a weekday or off-peak season wedding. Venues offer discounts for off-peak bookings, and your vendors might charge lower rates. A morning or afternoon ceremony can also help cut costs, as some venues and caterers charge less for early events.

The season you choose can also impact your budget. Winter weddings, for example, can be less expensive than summer dates.

Choosing an off-season month can give you more bargaining power with vendors and venues. Also, consider having your wedding during a time of day that doesn’t include an entire meal – like a brunch or afternoon tea reception – to save on catering costs.

Wedding Venue

Wedding Venue on a Budget

The venue is one of the biggest expenses of any wedding. To cut costs, look for unique wedding venues like village halls, local gardens or your family home. Reception venues that allow you to bring your drinks and caterers are often cheaper and more flexible. Consider having your ceremony and reception at the same venue to save on transport and hire fees.

Think outside the box when it comes to venues. Nontraditional spaces like parks, community centres or even a friend’s garden can be a beautiful setting for your wedding without the hefty price tag. Many venues offer packages that include tables, chairs and linens, which can help you save on rentals. If you like your venue choice, you can find a place that fits your budget and style.

Reception Venues that Fit Your Budget

When looking at reception venues, consider how many guests will impact the price. Small, intimate venues will be more budget-friendly, and you can also save money by limiting the guest list. Many couples host their receptions at nontraditional venues like village halls or community centres, which can be an affordable alternative to high-end wedding venues.

Another way to save on your venue is to negotiate the rental fee. Some venues may offer discounts if you book during off-peak or have a shorter event. It’s worth asking about any extra fees upfront, like cleaning or overtime charges, so there are no surprises. Being open to multiple venue options will help you find a beautiful and budget-friendly space.

Wedding Fashion

Budget Wedding Dress Options

Every bride wants to feel like a princess on her big day, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune on her dress. Consider buying a second-hand wedding dress or renting one—both are budget-friendly and eco-friendly.

Sample sales are also a great way to find gorgeous dresses at a fraction of the price. You could even consider a nontraditional, non-bridal wedding design, which is much cheaper.

Another option is to look online for budget-friendly dresses. Many online retailers offer beautiful gowns for a fraction of the cost of traditional bridal boutiques. If you’re online, read reviews and order well in advance to allow time for alterations. You can also save money by choosing a simpler dress and adding a sash or jewellery to personalise it.

Dresses for the Bridal Party

Dressing at the bridal party doesn’t have to cost a lot. Many brides choose mismatched dresses, so bridesmaids can choose something within their budget. Alternatively, consider renting dresses for the bridal party or buying from high-street stores, which often have beautiful gowns for a reasonable price.

Letting your bridesmaids choose their dresses in the colour palette you’ve chosen can be a great way to save money and make sure everyone is comfortable. Another option is to select a specific dress style and ask bridesmaids to find something similar within their price range. This way you’ll have a coordinated look without the hefty price tag of designer bridesmaid dresses.

Food and Drink

Budget Wedding Cake Ideas

Wedding cakes can be pricey, but there are many ways to save without sacrificing taste or style. Instead of a big, multi-tiered cake, consider having a smaller cake for display and serving a simple sheet cake to guests.

You could also set up a dessert table with various sweets for guests. Local bakeries often offer more budget-friendly options, and you can even bake your own cake if you have the skills.

Cupcakes, doughnuts, or a simple assortment of pastries can replace a traditional wedding cake and still give your guests a beautiful and tasty treat. Many couples have a smaller, decorated cake for the cake-cutting ceremony and serve other desserts to guests. This way, you can save on cost but still have the tradition of cutting the cake.

Budget-Friendly Food for Your Reception

Food is a significant cost for many weddings, but there are many ways to save money and feed your guests. For example, having a buffet or a hog roast instead of a sit-down meal can save you money.

Some couples have a wedding breakfast or brunch, which is generally cheaper than a dinner. You can also bring alcohol to the venue and reduce the bar bill.

Another way to save on food costs is to serve seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, which can be more affordable and add a fresh twist to your menu. If you’re having a smaller wedding, consider having a potluck-style meal where family members bring dishes. This can be a fun, communal way to celebrate and share different foods from your family.

Budget Wedding Ideas

DIY Decor and Favors

DIY decor is a great way to save and add a personal touch to your wedding. Consider using jam jars as centrepieces, making flower arrangements or creating personalised favours for your guests. Friends and family are often happy to help with DIY projects, which can also be a fun part of the planning.

You can also save by reusing decorations from the ceremony at the reception. For example, flowers that line the aisle can be moved to the reception tables, or an archway can be used as a photo backdrop. Look online for inspiration and don’t forget to get creative with what you already have. DIY projects can make your wedding feel unique and reflect your personality as a couple.

Budget Friendly Entertainment

Entertainment is essential to any wedding, but you don’t have to break the bank. Instead of hiring a live band, consider having a DJ or a curated playlist for your reception. A DIY photo station or a photo booth can give your guests hours of fun without the hefty price tag. Many couples ask friends or family members to perform, adding a personal and budget-friendly touch to the entertainment.

Games are another way to entertain your guests without spending a lot. Lawn games like giant Jenga, cornhole or ring toss can be great for outdoor weddings and are fun for all ages. If you have musically inclined friends, consider having them play during the ceremony or reception – it’s a way to involve loved ones and save on entertainment costs.

Photography and Videography

Budget Friendly Photography

Wedding photography is a must, but it can be expensive. To save money, consider hiring a student photographer or a professional who offers smaller, more affordable packages. You could also ask a friend or family member with a camera to help. Some couples even opt for a mix of professional and DIY photography to capture all the critical moments while staying within budget.

Consider shortening the photographer’s time to cover only the main parts of the day, such as the ceremony and key moments of the reception. Another option is to hire a photographer for an engagement session, use those photos for wedding decor, and then have a friend take photos on the wedding day. This way, you’ll have beautiful memories without the cost of a full-day photographer.

Hair and Beauty

Budget-Friendly Hair and Makeup

Having your hair and makeup done professionally can be expensive, but there are ways to save. Consider asking a friend or family member with beauty skills to help you. Or look for local salons that offer bridal packages or discounts. A DIY hair and makeup station at your venue can also be a fun way for you and your bridesmaids to get ready together and save.

Practicing your hair and makeup beforehand can also help you feel more confident if you decide to do it yourself. Plenty of tutorials online can walk you through step by step. You can save by going for a simple and natural look that doesn’t require many products or time. By keeping it simple, you’ll be able to like the best version of yourself without breaking the bank.

Transportation and Accommodations

Budget Friendly Transportation

Transportation is another area where you can save. Having your ceremony and reception at the same venue will eliminate the need for transportation between locations. If transportation is needed, consider hiring a wedding party bus or shuttle, which can be more affordable than individual cars. Some couples also use family or friends’ cars, adding a personal touch to the day.

If you have a friend or family member with a vintage or classic car, consider asking if you can borrow it for the day. Not only will this save you money, but it will also give you some great wedding photos. Coordinating with your guests to carpool can also reduce the number of cars needed and transportation costs.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation for Guests

If your guests are out of town, look for budget-friendly accommodation options like nearby hotels or vacation rentals. Negotiating group rates can help save money, and many couples opt for accommodations close to the venue to reduce transportation costs.

Consider giving your guests a list of different accommodation options at various price points so they can choose what fits their budget. If your venue allows, you could also set up a tent or camping area for guests who want a more budget-friendly and adventurous experience. This can be a fun and memorable way for everyone to be close by without the cost of hotel rooms.

Conclusion

A beautiful wedding on a budget is doable with creativity, planning, and focusing on what matters to you and your partner. By setting a realistic budget, prioritising your spending, and making wise decisions on every aspect of your day, from the venue to the food and decorations, you can create an experience that is genuinely you as a couple.

Finding budget-friendly options may take some extra effort, but you can have the wedding of your dreams with determination and flexibility. This may mean looking at unique venues, embracing DIY elements, and enlisting the help of family and friends. But it will all be a day filled with love and beautiful memories. You can also save by making informed decisions—having a weekday wedding, working with local vendors, and taking advantage of off-peak seasons.

Focusing on the moments and experiences, not the fancy displays, you can have an authentic, intimate, and meaningful wedding without breaking the bank.

Remember, the most important thing is you’re reliving your love by being surrounded by family and friends—everything else is just a bonus. Focus on what makes you happy; your wedding will be true to you and your love.