Planning a Wedding? This HUGE list of Budget Wedding Ideas will make planning your beautiful day a breeze!
Then plan your menu with these Wedding Food Ideas that your guests will rave about!
Budget Wedding Ideas
Are you searching for the very BEST Budget Wedding Ideas? You just hit the jackpot!
Beautiful weddings don’t need to cost a fortune… you’ll be amazed at how many good deals you can find! Check out this enormous list of budget friendly wedding tips and tricks to save a bundle on your special day!
This HUGE list of budget wedding tips and hacks will help to make your special day the most memorable day ever… all without breaking the bank!
So what are you waiting for?
Let’s get started…
Related: Score Walmart Deals for frugal wedding supplies!
The BEST Budget Wedding Planner
When you’re prepared with the best tips for how to budget for your wedding, it’ll be so much easier to afford the beautiful wedding you’ve always dreamed about!
Affordable Indoor Wedding Venues
Lydia writes: “We went to Las Vegas, bought a package wedding that included a decent chapel, pictures, a minister, etc. then went to Bucca di Beppo for a dinner party. The next morning we did a brunch buffet, and then relaxed for two days in Vegas.”
Kimberlee writes: “October. We had our wedding in October… gorgeous weather and cheaper venue.”
Colleen writes: “Winter. We got married in the winter for half the cost.”
Melissa writes: “I found that moving your wedding date to a Friday or Sunday will save you THOUSANDS of dollars. I saved almost $3000 moving my wedding date from Saturday to Sunday.”
Davina writes: “We held the reception in the gym at my church.”
Kimberlee writes: “For the venue, we really wanted something unusual, so we were married at a turn of the century paper mill in Phoenixville, PA (right outside Philly).”
Sally writes: “Get married in a rural area. Prices are more reasonable for everything”
Christina writes: “We got married at the Justice of the Peace and put the money towards a nice reception with everything we wanted!”
Outdoor Budget Wedding Venues
Heather writes: “I had my wedding and my reception in the same place to save money. It was at a local park at the wood cabin pavilion, and it was free for locals to rent for the day!”
Kathryn writes: “We had our wedding in a historical park. City permit was $37.”
Kylee writes: “My son is getting married this Spring, and is saving by using a friend’s property for the wedding and reception.”
Hannah writes: “We got married in my parent’s backyard (free)”
Mona writes: “My daughter is having her wedding in October using the woods behind my house for the ceremony.”
Heather writes: “We got married outside and our guests sat on covered hay bales (we farm)” 🙂
Katie writes: “We got married in my parents’ front yard, and held the reception in the back!”
Betsy writes: “I got married in my sister’s back yard.”
Christin writes: “We had our wedding on a Sunday, and the venue was half price.”
Holly writes: “My daughter is saving money on her wedding day by having it ‘off season’. The wedding venues are less money in the ‘off season’ months.”
Michelle writes: “We got married on a golf course with the reception on site in April.”
Grace writes: “We used a friend’s lake house for the location of our wedding.”
April writes: “To save money, we had our wedding in my backyard.”
Frugal Tip: Have a dreamy wedding on a budget, skip the fancy resorts, and get married right on a public beach!
Related: 101 Frugal Travel Tips
Sandy writes: “Take the 20 thousand that you will spend on a wedding… put it down on a nice little house, then get married in your own backyard.”
Cheap Wedding Food Options
Wedding Food Ideas Guests Will Rave About
From Wedding cakes to creative alternatives, and tasty dinners to classy beverages, you’ll be celebrating in style at your wedding reception… all while staying on budget!
Budget Wedding Invitations
Robin writes: “To save money, we printed our own invitations.”
Kimberlee writes: “We also made our own invites and programs for 100 guests.”
Hannah writes: “We printed our own invitations. We just bought some fancy stationary from an office store (so not super fancy – just preprinted with a design we liked) – my husband designed them and we printed them on a home computer. Super cheap.”
Anna writes: “I designed the invitations, and made them myself.”
Erin writes: “I bought mismatching clearance invitations from Target – since no one ever compares invites, they never knew there were 3 different styles sent out!”
Budget Wedding Flowers
Amanda writes: “I used my bridesmaids’ flowers and my bouquet on the head reception table as decor! Just put out empty vases with water on the table, then drop them in there when you get to the reception!”
Anna writes: “Double the use of bridesmaids flowers and put them on the wedding cake table for decoration and pictures.”
Holly writes: “I ordered all my white roses from Sam’s Club. We got 125 roses for $90!”
Court writes: “Sam’s club has unbelievable deals on flowers. I have worked for 3 major flower companies and was completely content with not having flowers at my wedding because of the cost.”
Laura writes: “We made our own flower arrangements and bouquets.”
Mary writes: “Flowers from the exterior of the ceremony were transported ahead of me to decorate our tented reception. We used flowering shrubs in low planters so they were easy to scoop and go. I also gifted them to the moms later so they each have shrubs from our wedding day blooming at their homes.”
Frugal Tip: How to Grow Your Own Roses for Your Wedding! (See Rose Gardening Tips)
Grace writes: “We only used flowers that were in season.”
How To Save Money On Floral Arrangements
Robin writes: “To save money, we had minimal floral arrangements as decorations.”
Becky writes: “When my daughter got married, she chose to only have one large flower arrangement in the church. The beauty of the church was enough. Also, at the entrance to the church were Fall potted flowers that belonged to the church.”
Lisa writes: “Ask for cheaper prices, and shop around. I did with my florist. I got flowers for 7 girls, 6 guys, the mothers and 2 huge arrangements for the ceremony all for $600 because I asked. And I still got almost all the flowers I wanted.”
Martine writes: “We saved a bunch of money getting flowers at a local Flower Market/District and then having a local florist (who came recommended) put them together for centerpieces. Or you could do it yourself, too! To save the most money, pick flowers that are in season.”
Kimberlee writes: “My mom ordered all my flowers in bulk from a flower farm, and all the women came to put them together. We also did the centerpieces and hall decorations ourselves. The flowers and jewels hanging from the gazebo were artificial flowers from Michael’s and Dollar Tree… we hung them the night before, just after our rehearsal dinner.”
Heather writes: “We made our own flower arrangements using artificial flowers.”
Katie writes: “I made the bouquets myself using silk flowers from Michael’s. The centerpieces were also silk flower bouquets from Michael’s.”
Becky writes: “Costco has some pretty nice flowers for cheap, too.”
Erin writes: “I had my matron of honor make the flower bouquets, and we purchased bulk roses from Costco.”
Teressa writes: “I bought artificial flowers at the Dollar Tree to make my bouquet.”
Erynn writes: “I had the wedding at my own home on a few acres outdoors during an already decorative season (Autumn), so no flowers or decorations were needed. We handmade the bouquets and boutonnieres. Then we glued fall leaves and silk flowers to terra cotta pots from the dollar store to make center pieces and put a bottle of sparkling wine in each. I hollowed out tiny pumpkins to make tealight holders for each table. We put up a canopy in the yard and trimmed it with Christmas lights.”
Wedding Guest List Tips
Angie writes: “We saved money by keeping our guest list very small, like 40 people. Only family and the best of friends were there.”
Dee writes: “We had a short notice and small wedding, but we used Facebook Live to share our special day with those too far to make the long trip on short notice.”
Wanda writes: “To save money, we only had 50 people attend our wedding.”
Cindy writes: “We had a very small ceremony of about 35 people.”
Budget Wedding Dresses and Accessories
Emily writes: “I got a designer dress on discount for $250… it was originally $2,000!”
Hannah writes: “My dress was purchased used (garage sale so super cheap & altered by my mom) Bridesmaid and flower girl dress were made by family.”
Shari writes: “I got my dress on the clearance rack at Macy’s”
Erin writes: “Budget dress? I bought my dress online and paid under $300, including alterations. I intentionally ordered it too big and then had a seamstress alter it.”
Katie writes: “I ordered a $340 dress online, and rented the veil to save money.”
Tiana writes: “I found my dress at David’s Bridal for just $99!”
Chelsea writes: “My wedding dress was actually a bridesmaid dress I ordered in ivory… saved a ton!”
Keylee writes: “I wore my Mom’s wedding dress.”
Michelle writes: “I bought a ‘previously loved’ wedding dress and had a veil made for me for $75.
Frugal Tip: How to Get a FREE Wedding Dress for Military and First Responders
Betsy writes: “I actually wore a prom dress as my wedding dress!”
Elecia writes: “I had a hand-me-down dress and made my own veil.”
Kimberlee writes: “The veil I wanted was $400… I made mine for about $50.”
Davina writes: “I made my own dress!”
Rachel writes: “Actually, I got my wedding dress off eBay!”
Daniela writes: “I rented an expensive wedding dress, so I only spent about $500 and I didn’t have to store it afterwards.”
Budget Wedding Rings
Frugal Tip: Save BIG on your man’s ring with these deals… I bought my hubby’s ring here for less than $10… seriously, and he loves it!
Anna writes: “To save money, I had no wedding band added to my ring.”
How to Clean Your Diamond Ring at Home (Tips from a Jeweler to Make it Sparkle)
You won’t believe how gorgeous your ring will look after you try this easy trick for How to Clean Your Diamond Ring at Home!
Save Money on Wedding Hair and Makeup
Frugal Tip: Recruit a friend to help you! That’s what I did… my sweet friend who had recently finished cosmetology school did my hair and makeup for free! It was the best gift ever!
To save even more money, I opted to skip the veil all together. 🙂
Michelle writes: “I had a friend do my hair and makeup that was coming to the wedding, also.”
Budget Wedding Photographers
Anna writes: “Definitely splurge on photography. These will be your captured memories and worth every penny. Hire a company that has 2 photographers (to get best photos from multiple angles and to capture more memories) and that will give you the rights to print yourself. DO NOT hire someone who will only give you proofs and then pay A LOT to print through them. I did a photo book online and it turned out beautifully.”
Brandi writes: “Find people you know who specialize in photography, and ask if they will donate their time as your wedding gift, and you just pay the cost!”
Cindy writes: “We asked our guests to take pictures and forward them to our email address.”
Frugal Tip: You can also ask your guests to snap pictures and share on Instagram using a personalized wedding hashtag you share with them. It’s another easy way to capture fun candid photos of your wedding and reception… for FREE!
Erin writes: “My husband and I found a photographer that provided no prints at all and instead gave us a proof book and digital copies (WITH the copyright release) of every picture taken. So we are able to go through on our own time and choose exactly which photos we want to have prints of, and then either print them at home or take them to a professional printing place and pay a fraction of what the photography studio would have charged.”
Emily writes: “I had my friends take the pictures.”
Amber writes: “I wanted candid moments and I found a great photographer who did just that. She also gave me a discount since she didn’t do before pictures. She only photographed the ceremony and reception.”
Angel writes: “Check out any local schools that offer photography, they usually have a list of recently graduates and their work on file and they usually are pretty cheap and need the experience. Also check Craigslist for photographers looking for work, and request a portfolio of their work. I have a friend who does local photography and he is charging me 150 dollars for my wedding, including prints, and digital copies of every photo.”
Rachel writes: “To save money, my brother was the photographer.”
Michelle writes: “I had my best friend’s husband take our pictures, and it also helped him build his photography business portfolio!”
Budget Wedding Videographer
Susan writes: “My brother did the video saving us $3,000. He rented really good equipment for just $200.”
Wedding Music on a Budget
Frugal Tip: In lieu of a wedding gift, ask musical friends or family to sing or play songs for your wedding, and you’ll save a bundle!
Christine writes: “We made a playlist and played it through the night so no DJ.”
More DIY Wedding Ideas
Gloria writes: “Hi ladies! If you’re having a colorful wedding, a great idea is using paper flowers.. made out of coffee filters. I’m working on my nephew’s wedding and it is a Spanish Fiesta themed wedding with lots of colors. On the center pieces I’m blending in some paper flowers and also in the Bride’s bouquet, and am saving tons of money!”
How to Make Pretty DIY Flower Poms
DIY: Elegant Mason Jar Centerpieces
Supplies Needed: 16 oz. Mason Jars | 2″ Burlap Lace Ribbon | Glue Dots | Baby’s Breath | Wood Slices with Bark
Instructions: Fasten Ribbon around center of Mason Jar and secure using Glue Dots all around the jar (on the underside of the ribbon). Fill with water, add Baby’s Breath, and rest on Wood Slices with Bark on the center of each table! Easy and so pretty!
Wedding Reception Sparkler Sendoff
Mason Jar Candles
Wedding Favors
60 Wedding Favors For Guests!
Flower Girl Rose Petals
Sarah writes: “Rose petals can bring color to the aisle you walk down. Instead of getting them from a florist, you’ll save money when you buy the roses from Sam’s Club. Pull the petals off the night before and store them in plastic bags in fridge.”
Or Use Silk Rose Petals! No time to purchase the roses and remove the petals? Opt for Silk Flower Petals!
Bridal Shower Ideas
25 Fun Bridal Shower Gifts
75 Bridal Shower Ideas (Fun Games, Food & Classy Decor)
Survival Kit for Brides
Bridesmaid Gift Ideas
So are you wondering how to pamper those sweet bridesmaids? Check out these fun and budget friendly bridesmaid gift ideas…
Pamper Yourself Gifts in a Jar
Coffee Gift Card Holders
Honeymoon Ideas on a Budget
Elizabeth said: “We’re going to Disney World and they have a website where you can register and people can individually pay for your trip through increments of money. It will be nice to get our honeymoon paid for.”
Most Romantic Honeymoon Destinations
So how have YOU saved money on your wedding??
Got a fun Tip or Idea? Or know of some Wedding Freebies? We’d love to hear!
Leave a comment and share!
These wedding tips and tricks are so fun Heidi! I feel like some of them could be transitioned to other celebratory events like milestone birthdays and showeres too. Hope your week has been a fun one, CoCo
Oh you’re absolutely right, CoCo… that’s a great idea to repurpose the tips for other celebrations!
Great tips, most of them also useful for other situations.
Er Faciolaro …. beautiful restaurant in Rome near the Pantheon!
Yes… it really is such a beautiful restaurant!
Love the budget wedding planning tips, especially the Instagram wedding hashtag trick.
Hugs and blessings, Heidi
Thanks, Veronica! Hope you have a lovely weekend!
This is an amazing list of tips, Heidi! So good to get ideas from brides themselves as well – we eloped and had our reception when we got back, with close friends and family in our favourite restaurant. We did our own flowers and decorations so it was just the food and drink to pay for – it was a fabulous evening!
It sounds like such a lovely wedding, Lisa! You were so smart to do your own flowers and decorations, too!
So many great tips here! I wish I could have read your post when I was planning my wedding!
Aww… thanks, Kathrine!
Nice wedding trips for the people who wish to get married or know someone who does. If I wasn’t married, I know I could use some tips. 🙂 Have a great week!
Aww… thank you! I’m so glad you found the tips helpful. Hope you have a wonderful week, too!
These are all fantastic ways to save some money for a wedding. I especially love using a personalized hashtag to share your photos on Instagram with family and friends! Thank you for sharing Heidi!
You’re very welcome… I love that Instagram wedding hashtag trick!
Great tips for planning a wedding!
Thanks, Michelle… so glad you liked the budget wedding planning tips!
Un beau budget, merci pour tes conseils
Bises
Merci beaucoup, Delphine. 🙂 Bises
These are all great tips indeed I use to work for a bridal magazine and this is spot on!
Allie
Aww… thanks, Allie! That’s so fun that you used to work for a bridal magazine, too!