How to Plan a Wedding on a Tight Budget

Did you know the average U.S. wedding costs $33,000? That’s a lot of cash to spend on one day! Some newlyweds come to regret spending too much on the event, leaving little left over for other important long-term financial goals like buying a home, starting a family, saving for retirement, and building an emergency fund.

The good news is that modern couples are pushing back on tradition and designing their own weddings with their own rules in order to save money, from sending invitations online, registering for honeymoon events instead of gifts, buying wedding gowns on eBay and encouraging fun before formality. Learn how to bring your budget-conscious wedding to life with bargain-hunting, making budget-smart decisions, and prudent and innovative planning.

…But first, set a budget.

If you haven’t already, it’s crucial for you and your partner to determine how much money you can afford, and are willing to spend, on your wedding. Then, allocate your funds accordingly. Jot down a list of all the wedding expenses you expect to have, such as venue rental, catering, photography and decorations, and prioritize them based on their importance, attaching a higher dollar amount to your top priorities.

Remember, a budget is a chance to get creative. Together with your partner, find unique ways to make your wedding special without spending a fortune.

Tip: Choose your top priority.

Most couples-to-be have some fantastical dreams about their wedding day. It might be a huge wall of flowers, a custom wedding gown or a wedding aisle fitted with hundreds of floating candles.

Whatever your dream, count on it costing a pretty penny. To avoid going into debt for your special day, choose the one item for your wedding that is most important to you as a couple. That one must have you are willing to get at almost any cost. Trim costs in other places to leave room in your budget for your top priority.

Can you save money on your wedding venue? You bet!

In The Knot’s 2025 study, the wedding venue came in as the most expensive element at an average cost of $12,200. It’s not surprising: top hotels, resorts and country clubs can push the total cost of a wedding well above $50,000 depending on where you live. With that said, you have options.

Book a venue for a Friday or Sunday wedding (or even a weekday!), and you’ll save anywhere from 15 to 40 percent of a Saturday wedding. You could also leave town and schedule your wedding in the country, a bed and breakfast, vineyard or orchard. Those slightly atypical wedding venues command a lower rate because they are not downtown and aren’t as in demand, so you can take advantage of both money-saving elements. For example, an upstate New York country location can cost $40,000 less than a Manhattan venue. Speaking of atypical venues, many public spaces, like parks or beaches offer affordable or even free venue rentals. And a college campus may offer a student discount!

Other money savers include having your wedding ceremony and reception in the same location. This can save on transportation costs and can be more convenient for your guests, too. Look for venues that offer both indoor and outdoor spaces so you have a built-in backup plan in case of inclement weather. For your venue consideration: a vacation home rental can serve as your wedding venue, lodging for out-of-town guests and a honeymoon destination for after the wedding!

Tip: Choose a venue that has no outside contracts.

Wherever you decide, confirm that the venue no outside contracts. This way, you can shop around for the cheapest caterer, photographer and DJs. Consider switching from pricey formal five-course dinners to less costly brunches that are sometimes additionally discounted (if they take place during off-peak hours). Also, don’t be afraid to ask about a discount for paying in advance, as some venues will drop the bill considerably for money in hand before the big day.

Do you really need a wedding planner? …Maybe.

Wedding planners offer a network of contacts in venues, bakeries, photography, music and more. However, according to The Knot’s same study, on average they’ll cost you more than $2,100. Planners price services from the start, for the day, or by the hour. For some couples, the stress relief they provide makes it a worthwhile expense.

Destination weddings and some venues provide day-of-the-wedding planning support as part of their fee. Software products like AllSeated or The Wedding Planner will give structure and flexibility to your planning, including meeting your budget goals.

Tip: Split tasks among friends and wedding party members.

Many brides seek planners because they want a central control, but you can also split tasks among friends and wedding party members.

Can you get a wedding photographer for less money? Yes, but there’s a catch.

Compare the work and costs of several providers on a short list. Be sure to read recent online reviews to get a good understanding of what you can expect. Some of these reviews will give you insights on what offerings to pass on and stretch your dollars further.

You can save money by controlling the photographer’s hours and the number of prints, combining or unraveling package offers, and paying with a cash-back credit card. Also, give your photographer a shot list before the wedding and negotiate in real terms so they’ll know what you’re asking for and they can only charge you for what you want.

Tip: Enlist your guests’ help!

While a photographer can capture your must-have moments, but your guests can easily grab unplanned fun and unforgettable moments with disposable cameras at each table; encourage them to help you make memories during the reception.

Can you have a wedding without flowers?

The Knot’s study revealed that flowers for the wedding party, place of worship and reception tend to run more than $2,700.

To save some money and to be more creative, many contemporary brides have been opting for non-floral arrangements. They carry wreaths, paper flowers, origami displays, seasonal fruits, fabric flowers or seashells. Fans, umbrellas and baskets replace bouquets. Balloons, candles, shells, crystals, lanterns and random glassware make attractive alternative centerpieces because they add some flair and personality to your event and kick costs way down from a typical affair.

Consider DIYing some, or all, of your wedding decorations. You can look up tutorials online to learn how to do a job that will bring professional results, and with the help of a few friends, and a minimal investment in materials, you can create beautiful, low-cost decorations for your wedding. This can include centerpieces, floral arrangements, favors and more.

Another way to save on wedding decor is to repurpose items you already own. Mason jars, vintage books, old picture frames and unique vases can all serve as decor elements for your wedding. You can pick up more low-cost decor items in secondhand shops or borrow from friends.

Finally, consider renting decorations instead of buying them. Many rental companies offer affordable options for wedding decor, such as tablecloths, chair covers and ceremony arches. This can shave lots of money off your budget wedding while also reducing waste.

More ways to save on your big day.

In addition to the cost-saving strategies above, we’ve got plenty more impactful tips to help you save on your wedding day:

1. Skip the invites (average cost: $518).

Snail mail is so last millennium. Bring your wedding up to date and make some budget breathing room by creating a cost-free e-invite that includes all the wedding details and the ability to RSVP electronically. You’ll be doing your wallet, and the environment, a favor!

2. Ditch the rehearsal dinner (average cost: $2,700).

Why not put that money toward something with lasting value?  If you feel like you need a rehearsal to make sure everything goes smoothly, ask the officiator and the members of the wedding party to practice the ceremony with only a short, no-food run-through.

3. Choose a non-bridal gown (average cost: $2,000).

Everything on your list gets more expensive when you tack on the word “wedding.” Save on one of these expenses by purchasing a gown that’s not designed exclusively for a wedding. Any floor-length white gown from a department store or boutique will do, and you can always add embellishments to dress it up a bit. You’ll still save a fortune.

Or, consider a pre-owned gown on eBay, OnceWed.com or PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com.  You can often find a beautiful gown for under $100!

4. Limit your guest count (average cost per guest: $284).

So many parts of your wedding, from the catering, to the bar, to the cake, cost more with each added person. Keep your wedding intimate by only inviting guests who really count. You can limit the plus-ones, specify that the reception is adults-only or restrict the guest list to people who are currently in your life, instead of inviting every acquaintance you’ve ever had.

5. Rethink your cake (average cost: $540).

Consider a shorter or narrower cake for pictures and cutting, and have the caterer serve a frosted sheet cake so there’s enough for all your guests. If you can’t stomach the idea of a cake-less wedding, ask your baker to fake it for you by creating a false cardboard bottom for your cake and only baking a genuine top layer or two. You’ll get the same look without the huge cost.

Another option? Set up a dessert bar. You can serve hot waffles, brownies or chocolate chip cookies with ice cream, caramel sauce and a selection of other fun toppings. You’ll pamper your guests at a fraction of the cost!

6. Try not to say “Wedding.”

Every vendor has a “special” wedding price. Often, this means they charge more for any wedding-related service. You can save as much as 30% by keeping the occasion to yourself.

Is it possible to have a beautiful wedding on a tight budget? Absolutely!

Innovative approaches are shaping a new wedding economy that offer enjoyment, sentiment and memories within any budget. The tools you use to make your wedding more budget-friendly are yours to decide; just remember to make the day your own, without forced expectations that push you to spend money or to follow unwanted customs.

Today’s couples are dramatically changing the traditional wedding rituals and if you want to save money, so can you!

How did you save money on your wedding day? Tell us about it in the comments section!