Planning a Wedding on a Budget: Step-by-Step

Start by talking with your spouse-to-be about what you want included (and excluded) from your special day. Be sure you both list anything that is an absolute must so that you include it in your budget.

Have a journal or notebook to write it all down…There is a lot to remember when it comes to planning the big day, especially if you are on a budget and are doing a lot of the work yourself. Take down notes and ideas as they come up…a pretty location that might work for the reception, a great cake flavor, a source for flowers that comes highly recommended, slip in samples of wedding invitations and fabric for dresses, and of course a place to keep your budget handy.

Things to keep in mind:

Size of the wedding—keep the guest list small to contain costs, determine who absolutely must be invited. The guest list determines almost all of your other costs—the more guests the bigger the venue, more food and drink.

Size of the wedding party—keep down the number of bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers. Even though they buy their own clothing, you are paying for rehearsal dinner, flowers and thank you gifts. A small casual wedding allows you to forego the flower girl and ring bearer, too.

Formality—the more formal, generally the more expensive, but if you scale it down even a formal wedding can be done on a budget.

Time of year—get married in the off- season, typically November – March, except for right at Christmas, but check in your area to be sure.

Day of the week—avoid Saturday weddings—you will save money and have more options

Time of day—this tends to dictate the type of food you serve which is a big cost and less alcohol is consumed at weddings held early in the day

Location—save money by having your wedding and reception in the same place. Beautiful weddings and/or receptions can be in your backyard or a local park

Photography—augment professional shots with candid shots by your friends and family

Music—hire student musicians, or a young DJ, or ask a couple friends to run the sound system that you rent with CDs that you love

Clothing—look at cocktail, party and prom dresses. Look for pre-owned gowns, hats or veils on eBay, Craig’s List or consignment shops. Borrow a gown or rent one that can be custom fit. Cleaning is expensive so be sure the gown is immaculate as well as fits. The groom can wear a nice suit with a new tie rather than renting a tux. Shop sample or “trunk” sales if you are a size 6-10. Don’t forget undergarments, hosiery and shoes.

Invitations—Save printing costs by using thermography or laser printing rather than engraved invitations, or make your own. Eliminate the inner envelope and blotter paper. Use a reply post card rather than card and envelope. Use a standard mailing size to save on postage.

Flowers—Choose flowers that are in season. If you absolutely want exotic flowers, go with simple and elegant rather than large bouquets. Remember bouquets for the bridesmaids, corsages for mothers and boutonnieres for the men including fathers. Can you make the arrangements yourself, or will you hire a florist? Rent or borrow large potted plants for decorations rather than displays of flowers.

Food—will you and your family be able to prepare and set up the food? Save money by having a buffet or by serving breakfast or brunch for morning weddings, hors d’oeuvres for an afternoon wedding or dessert after a night-time ceremony.

Alcohol—A dry wedding is the least expensive, or consider having a champagne toast only. If you are at a catered event have a cash bar or serve house brands or only beer and wine. If you are providing the alcohol buy in bulk at a local warehouse type store.

Beverages—be sure to include non-alcoholic drinks such as punch, sodas or coffee and tea

The cake— Make your own cake or arrange for a small fancy cake for display and the cutting ceremony with large sheet cake for the remainder. Pick out your own topper rather than buying one from the bakery.

Gifts for the wedding party—simple, thoughtful gifts are best.

Wedding Favors—Go without or make them—enlist the wedding party to make them ahead of time.

Decorations—Rent bows, swags, plants, chair covers, linens, etc from a rental supply company, check local thrift and discount stores for other inexpensive decorations. Add white LED lights for lots of sparkle.

Often overlooked expenses—fees for the ceremony (the minister or justice of the peace), the marriage license; transportation to the wedding and the reception for the wedding party, parking attendants; tips; Jewelry for the bride and cuff links for the groom, hair, makeup and manicures (pedicures if toeless shoes); guest book and pen (drop the monogram and save money)