It’s no secret that weddings are expensive. On average, couples spend tens of thousands of dollars on their special day, but that budget isn’t a requirement. Whether you don’t have to funds to spend that much on a wedding, or you simply don’t want to, you can still have a lovely wedding on a smaller budget. If you want to keep the price of your wedding under $10,000, this is where your money should go.
For the ceremony and reception: $4,600 MAX
Unless you’re having a backyard wedding, the venue will be the most expensive part of your wedding. When looking into venues, seek out options that have packages including catering (some even include cakes), bar, basic rentals (linens and chairs), and service. If you have to get your cake elsewhere, limit it to $200-300. Some houses of worship will allow you to marry there for little money if you are a participant of their congregation, just don’t forget to set aside a few hundred dollars as a donation.
This portion of your budgeting should also include the funds you allocate for your wedding officiant. A good rule of thumb is to account for roughly five percent of your budget going towards your officiant.
For attire and accessories: $1,300 MAX
This number is for both you and your partner, and while it seems scary, it is quite doable. There are plenty of stores and sites that sell beautiful gowns for a fraction of major department stores, but no matter where you get your dress, the best time to find one is during closeout sales. Just like any other store, wedding shops go through seasons and get new stock. During this time, you will find beautiful dresses significantly marked down. Another option to save even more money is to rent all your wedding attire. Just don’t forget to budget for alterations and accessories as well. Save even more money by doing your hair and makeup yourself, or enlisting the help of a friend.
For photo and video: $1,200 MAX
This is one place where you might not want to choose the cheapest option, as a quality photographer will memorialize your special day forever. Look for packages that include photo albums if that interests you. Comb through your social media to find any friends or family members who are photographers, as they may be willing to give you a discount.
For flowers and décor: $900 MAX
You can get crafty with your bridal bouquet. Spend a little more on your specific bundle and save money on your bridesmaids. Their bouquets can even be repurposed as centerpieces at the reception. Another cheaper option is to buy fake flowers. These days, you can find fake flowers that look real, and because they were fake, you can keep them as a centerpiece in your home forever. Other decor can be found on websites like Craigslist from brides who no longer have a use for the 15 mason jars they purchased for their wedding.
For entertainment: $900 MAX
You likely won’t be hiring a band with a budget of $900, but for a lot of people, that is okay. DJs allow you to customize a playlist to your liking while weaving in other crowd pleasers, just make sure they supply their own equipment. If you really wanted to save money, skip the DJ completely. Make sure your venue has nice speakers (or that you have some of your own), create a lengthy Spotify playlist, hook up your phone or laptop to Bluetooth, and just let the playlist go.
For invitations: $400 MAX
This is a place where couples can spend a lot of money, but don’t need to. When the wedding is over, where do the save the dates and invitations go? The recycling bin. Certainly make it nice, but don’t go above and beyond for invitations. Make a simple but elegant design through a service, or even on your own, and instead opt for a wedding website where all your ceremony and reception information is. The money you saved on invitations can go to menus, ceremony programs, and other paper needs you might have on the actual wedding day.
For favors and gifts: $400 MAX
This is another place where you could save a great deal of money. More often than not, wedding favors end up in the trash. You could instead opt to send each of your guests a thoughtful thank-you note, or if you really feel the need to give guests something tangible, consider giving them candy or cookies. If you are planning on giving your wedding party gifts to thank for the help, keep it simple.
For lodging and transportation: $300 MAX
Sometimes, when setting up a room block for a hotel, they offer a free stay for the couple if the minimum number of rooms is met. If that is not the case, don’t splurge on an expensive hotel for one night. Keep it simple and inexpensive. Even better– if you are getting married in your town, stay home, or at a friend’s, for the night. Instead of renting a limo to the ceremony, hitch a ride with your bridal party.