Guide to Planning Your Dream Wedding on a Budget in 2025
If you are recently engaged, congratulations! It is time to begin wedding planning! Once couples sit down to look at the numbers, it’s common to adjust to a smaller budget. But don’t worry! We gathered our favorite budget-conscious wedding planning tips to share with you to ensure that you can have your big day without breaking the bank. Let us show you how to make every dollar count while still creating those unforgettable moments you'll cherish forever.
Write down your budget and make it firm.
Your dream wedding begins with a simple step - creating a clear budget. Don’t just keep those numbers in your head though! Write everything down and track your spending as you go. Skipping this crucial step can lead to overspending. From the venue to the save the dates, it's essential to write down and monitor your expenses regularly.
Don’t skip the wedding planner.
Deciding not to hire a wedding planner may seem like a money-saving choice. However, a budget-savvy wedding planner can be your financial secret weapon. These pros have industry connections and know exactly where to cut costs without sacrificing your vision. Remember this, many of them have worked with low-budget weddings before. They will know how to make the best moves for you!
Limit your guest list.
Fact: Each additional guest means additional costs—from food and drinks to seating and favors. Cutting your guest list might be the most powerful budget move you'll make! Co-workers, long-removed friends, or anyone you haven’t spoken to in years are all some great options to trim down the list without removing the people you truly want to be a part of your day. Many couples discover that their "smaller" celebration feels remarkably more special, creating an atmosphere where everyone feels connected to the love story.
Choose your venue wisely and consider off-peak season.
Smart couples know that the right venue isn’t just about the looks, it’s also about what’s included! Many venues offer packages with tables and chairs, draperies, lights, and plenty of other perks that will save you a pretty penny. Not to mention, most venues have significantly discounted rates for weekdays or months outside of the peak season, potentially saving you thousands!
While the venue and guest list typically dominate the budget, we see a lot of unexpected costs incurring in some of the smaller details as well. Let's zoom in on the smaller details that often catch couples by surprise with hidden costs.
Send digital invitations.
Invitations and save-the-dates can cost hundreds of dollars for just the stationary, let alone the envelopes and postage costs. Today’s online invitation platforms offer stunning designs that won’t sacrifice style. Create your own for nearly nothing, or use affordable templates that handle RSVPs automatically! Saving both money and trees.
Consider a dry wedding.
Alcohol is a large cost of many weddings in fact, it averages anywhere from $15-$45 per person! Consider offering wine and beer only, or go alcohol-free with a creative mocktail station and gourmet coffee instead. This can be a great way to take down costs and your guests will actually remember all of the fun they had the next morning. !
Bake your own cake!
Everyone loves cake, but a professional wedding cake can cost a large chunk of change. If you or a talented family member enjoys baking, why not make this a meaningful part of your celebration? Today's online tutorials can guide even novice bakers through creating simple, elegant cakes that taste infinitely fresher than many commercial options and can provide a personal touch that nobody else but you and your significant other could give!
Use in-season florals.
Do you know which flowers will be in bloom at the time of your wedding? Using in-season flowers can significantly decrease your floral budget. If you choose out-of-season flowers, you run into issues of costly climate-controlled environments and expensive shipping fees. Instead, we recommend going to a local florist and getting their insight on what flowers are in season! You’ll discover beautiful options at a fraction of the cost!
Rent or purchase preowned attire.
Lastly, buying your wedding dress or tuxedo brand new can cost hundreds or even thousands. Consider sample sales, consignment boutiques, or online marketplaces where once-worn pieces can find new life. This will shave down your cost considerably, but you will still look fabulous!
Staying on budget for your wedding can seem like a daunting task. But once you have a strategy and someone to help you stick to it, you’ll see that it is far less stressful than originally thought. If you found this guide helpful, remember to look at our sidebar for more tips and articles like this one. Don’t forget to follow our social media @worldclassweddingvenues for more content like this! Happy planning!
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