8 Sneaky Ways To Plan A Wedding On A Budget

Wedding season is fast approaching, and you hear all of your engaged friends talking about how much it costs but how “it’s so worth it!” And you think to yourself: “how in the hell am I ever going to afford this?” Here’s how to plan a wedding on a budget!

1. Cut Back On The Things You Don’t Want

This seems so weird to say, but when it comes to weddings people don’t just want to make themselves happy, but also to fulfill the expectations of their friends and family and make it the most memorable day. But this means spending a small fortune on bunting, candles and things you don’t want but feel obligated to get. Remember, this is your day: make it whatever you want it to be.

2. Don’t Stress About The Flowers

As long as you have a decent florist, things can’t really go too dreadfully wrong. As well as picking the slightly cheaper florist, bear in mind the flowers: do you really need the most expensive lilies all over the venue and in the bouquets? Maybe have the slightly cheaper option which looks just as good, this could save you more money than you think, and no-one will even know!

3. Wedding favours

If the people you invite truly love you, they don’t need a super-expensive wedding favour to know that love. Something small like a handmade card, origami, sweets, succulents or personalised coasters are all great (and cheap!) options. And the more personalised, the better!

4. DIY It!

So this is basic, but so so essential to save all the money that you can. Have a family member who makes incredible cakes? Why don’t you save a few hundred bucks and get them to make your wedding cake? Know a calligrapher? Why don’t you ask them to help with the invites? If you ask around there really is no limit to what you can do!

5. Have A Low-Key Hen Do/Stag Do

Who needs a week in Europe at a huge expense to have fun before your wedding? If you want a night out just go on one in your home town. If you want to change it up, a cheap Airbnb will do the trick and you don’t need to spend the world on it. After all, the best part of getting married isn’t the party beforehand, it’s the party on the day!

6. Think About How Many People You Really Want To Be There

Do you need hundreds of guests? It can get political when deciding who to invite to weddings, because can you really invite Great-Aunt Mary who you see every week but not Great-Uncle Terry who you last saw five years ago? But remember, this is your big day. If there are only 20 people you want to spend it with, then those 20 are the only people that really have to be there.

7. Shoes! If No-One Will See Them, Do They Really Need To Be That Nice?

I’m not saying to not care, but maybe that pair of £600 Valentino heels are just a tad unnecessary. The main thing is comfort, so focus on the fact that you need to be comfy standing in those things for hours and hours.

8. Catering

3-course meals are not the be-all and end-all. Other, cheaper options are often just as good, or maybe even better! Hog roasts or huge barbecues can allow freedom of choice for guests and can also create a ‘party’ feel if that’s what you’re going for!