Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also be financially daunting.
However, it’s absolutely possible to arrange a cheap wedding without sacrificing the charm and elegance of the event.
In this guide, we’ll take you through practical steps to organise a budget-friendly wedding that still captures your vision and allows you to enjoy your big day without financial stress.
Let’s get straight to the point
Planning a budget-friendly wedding is possible without sacrificing charm or elegance.
Start by assessing your savings, setting aside a portion of your income, and tracking expenses using a detailed spreadsheet.
Look for family contributions, cut costs by DIYing invitations and decorations, and avoid unnecessary debt.
Opt for less expensive venues, reduce the guest list, choose off-peak dates, and simplify decor.
Prioritise what’s most important to you and your partner, and plan together to avoid misunderstandings.
With careful planning and strategic decisions, you can have a beautiful, affordable wedding without financial stress.
Count Your Cash
Review Your Savings and Income
Before anything else, you need to add up your savings and assess how much you can realistically spend on your wedding. Start by calculating the money both you and your partner have set aside for the wedding.
Remember to keep a safety buffer—three months of living expenses—for emergencies like job loss or health issues. This ensures you’re not depleting your savings for life’s unexpected turns.
You should also dedicate a portion of your current income to wedding savings.
Aim to put aside about 10% of your monthly income if possible. Setting up an automatic savings transfer into a dedicated wedding fund can make this easier to manage.
Check for Family Contributions
It’s always a good idea to check if family members, such as parents, are willing to contribute.
While you should never assume that parents will cover any expenses, it doesn’t hurt to ask. A contribution could help ease some of the financial burden.
Track Your Spending
Create a Detailed Spreadsheet
Once you have a clear idea of your finances, it’s time to keep an accurate spreadsheet.
List all your expected wedding costs in columns labelled “estimated,” “modified,” and “actual.” Start by estimating costs based on the vendors in your area.
Then, after receiving quotes from vendors, adjust your figures. Finally, record the actual amounts you pay as you go along.
This spreadsheet should also include additional costs like taxes, gratuities, and tips.
Some vendors might not include tax in their initial quotes, so make sure you account for these extra expenses. Similarly, be sure to include tips (caterers, for instance, often add a gratuity of 15%–20%).
Set Aside Extra for Unexpected Costs
It’s vital to plan for unexpected costs by setting aside about 15% of your total budget in an “Extras” column.
This will cover unplanned expenses like corkage fees, invitation postage, or overtime for your photographer or venue.
Prepare for Surprises
Read Contracts Carefully
When hiring vendors, always read the fine print to avoid hidden costs.
For example, if you’re hiring a band or photographer from outside your area, you might need to cover their travel expenses.
Additionally, some venues charge extra for overtime if your reception runs late, so plan accordingly.
DIY Where Possible
If you’re looking to cut costs, consider DIY elements like wedding invitations or decorations.
Gather your bridal party for a craft night and make it a fun bonding experience. Many brides also choose to do their own makeup or ask a friend to help with hair and beauty.
Charge Responsibly
Avoid Debt Where Possible
As tempting as it may be to use a credit card to cover wedding expenses, it’s crucial to avoid debt.
Only charge what you can pay off within 30 days unless you’re using a 0% APR credit card.
Another smart option is to set up a savings plan or a wedding registry that allows guests to contribute cash toward your wedding costs.
Find Ways to Save
Consider Less Expensive Venues
One of the most significant expenses is the venue. Consider raw venues like barns, lofts, or even local parks, which can often be less expensive than traditional venues.
However, be mindful that some raw spaces require you to rent equipment like chairs, tables, or lighting, so be sure to add these to your budget before making a decision.
Limit the Guest List
Each guest adds to your catering, seating, and favour costs. By reducing your guest list, you can save significantly.
Cutting just 15 guests from a 135-person wedding can save you roughly $1,300. Keep the list limited to close family and friends to create a more intimate and cost-effective wedding.
Opt for an Off-Peak Wedding Date
Choosing an off-peak wedding date, such as a Friday or Sunday, or opting for a winter wedding can save you thousands of dollars. Venues and vendors often offer discounted rates during these times.
Skip the Lavish Meal
Instead of a formal dinner, consider hosting a brunch wedding or a cocktail reception.
You can serve mimosas and light bites, which can significantly reduce catering costs. Guests will enjoy the unique experience, and you’ll save on a four-course dinner.
DIY Invitations and Calligraphy
Rather than splurging on professionally printed invitations, make your own! With modern technology, printing wedding invitations at home is easier than ever.
You can buy high-quality paper online and even practice calligraphy yourself to give your invites a personal touch. It’s a simple yet effective way to save hundreds of dollars.
Combine Vendor Services
Hiring vendors who offer multiple services can also help lower costs.
For example, some DJs can also provide lighting services, or your cake baker might also offer wedding favours.
Combining services can reduce setup and delivery fees, saving you money in the long run.
Make Strategic Cuts
Prioritise What’s Important
Decide which elements of your wedding are most important to you and your partner.
Perhaps you value great photography but aren’t as concerned about flowers. Shifting your budget to reflect these priorities will ensure that your money goes towards what truly matters to you.
Reduce Transportation Costs
If possible, hold your ceremony and reception at the same location or close by.
This will reduce transportation costs for both you and your guests. The savings from avoiding expensive transport options can be used elsewhere in your wedding budget.
Simplify Decorations
Instead of splurging on elaborate decor, choose simple yet elegant options. For example, candlelit centrepieces or seasonal flowers can be just as beautiful as large floral arrangements but at a fraction of the cost.
Work as a Team
Plan Together
Planning a wedding on a budget requires teamwork. Sit down with your partner and any family members who are contributing financially.
Discuss your wedding vision, budget, and how much each person is willing to contribute. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.
By working together, you can stay on track and create a budget that aligns with your priorities.
You can also enjoy fun, cost-effective date nights during the planning process, like scouting venues or crafting decorations together.
Conclusion
Arranging a cheap wedding in Australia doesn’t mean sacrificing your dream day.
By adding up your savings, tracking your spending, and making strategic cuts, you can plan a beautiful and memorable wedding that fits within your budget.
Focus on what matters most, avoid unnecessary expenses, and make the planning process a team effort.
With careful consideration and planning, you’ll be able to walk down the aisle debt-free and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Make A Low Budget Wedding?
- Limit your guest list.
- Host the ceremony or reception at home or outside.
- Ask friends and family to exchange skills for presents.
- Do-it-yourself whenever possible.
- Use a dummy wedding cake.
- Time your wedding wisely.
- Scout out vendors.
How Do You Arrange A Simple Wedding?
- Hire a wedding planner/day-of coordinator.
- Pick a venue or setting that looks great au naturel.
- Get married and have your reception in the same place!
- Embrace “All-Inclusive”.
- Give your bridal party fashion freedom.
- Shorten the timeline!
What Are The Cheapest Weddings?
- The courthouse. The courthouse has long been a go-to choice for affordable ceremonies – and a good reason.
- At home.
- An Airbnb or hotel rental.
- Parks and beaches.
- In the street.
- Libraries and museums.
- Aquariums and zoos.
- Cafes, restaurants and bars.
How Do People Afford Weddings?
- Set a realistic budget.
- Ask family and friends to chip in (when appropriate)
- Save during your engagement.
- Pick up a temporary side hustle.
- Cut costs on lower-priority items.
- Take advantage of credit card rewards.
- Consider a personal loan.
What Is A Quick Wedding Called?
Elopement refers to a marriage conducted in a sudden and secretive fashion, usually involving a hurried flight away from one’s place of residence together with one’s beloved to get married without parental approval.
