No budget is too low for a celebration - nope, not one!

You may be in a bit of a panic with your budget, but I assure you, it can work! It’s all about priorities, some DIY, and using the resources you have access to. Mentally, it’s about dealing with unrealistic expectations, and being focused on your energy, money, and time, and not others.

Grand ultra weddings have pushed themselves into our everyday thoughts, as social media has propelled the idea that every wedding should take place at a $15,000 venue, $5,000 in decor, $2,000 dress, and $85/per person on food. This doesn’t even account for the photographer, invitations, groom’s outfit, etc. This unrealistic view, and the wedding machine that promotes it, can lead to some real discouragement. If you’re reading this, your budget is likely under $10,000, and for many, under $5,000. Let’s work on planning a great celebration within your budget.

Start with remembering that the purpose is to celebrate your marriage.

I encourage you to look at two other blogs - “Expectations,” and “Priorities, First Things First.” Hopefully these will help focus your mind and energy so we can move on to the practical aspects of wedding planning.

The lower your budget, the more critical it is to bring down costs wherever possible; and while this requires discipline and very intentional decisions, it really can actually be fun.

There is a concept in interior design that the odd spaces can become the very place we love and enjoy the most about our home. The same can be true for weddings, as that quirky venue or unique food idea is likely to be very memorable for you and others. As you move through the process, if you hit a snag, keep moving in some other area the that needs done. Paralyzing over a decision isn’t helpful, just take a break and come back to it.

While everyone’s budget comes together differently, it seems there are usually four areas that are the hardest to mitigate financially - venue, photography, food, dress.

If your budget is around $10,000, you can accommodate these four with just a reasonable amount of effort by looking at non traditional wedding venues, shorter photography times, DIY decor, food from a local restaurant (or DIY), and a dress from the discount section or consignment.

When shopping around DO NOT use the term “wedding” in your searches. Just eliminating that one word will give you more options and less cost. Specifically do not use the term “wedding venue,” rather use the terms “party space for rent” or “churches for rent.” Also, check out peerspace.com. Another example is “wedding caterers.” Yep, that one will cost you! Instead, try looking up local restaurants you enjoy, and asking them if they do catering.

Here are two $10,000 wedding examples, showing their major expenses:

Wedding A - 100 guests

Location - $600 (Community Center)
Floral/Decor - $1,000 (DIY bouquets and decor including linens & table setting)
Photo - $2,500
Dress - $1,000
Food - $2,000 (Food, drinks, dessert, cocktails)
Music/DJ - $1,000 (Stringed trio)
Communication - $350

Wedding B - 200 guests

Location - $2,000 (Simple wedding venue mid week)
Floral/Decor - $750 (Florist, DIY & borrowed)
Photo - $2,500
Dress - $750
Food - $2,000 (Food, drinks, cocktails, desserts donated)
Music/DJ - $0 (DJ friend, musician friends, and recorded music)
Communication - $300

Both of these weddings were strikingly beautiful and had everything these couples wanted, and more.

Moving on to those with a budget of $5,000 or less. You really have to find, or create, a way for at least one or two of these areas (venue, photo, food, dress) to be under $500. Here are two examples:

Wedding C - $5,000/100 guests

Location - $100 (their church)
Floral/Decor - $500 (decor, but borrowing linens)
Photo - $1,700
Dress - $0 (given as a gift)
Food - $750 (lunch with beverages, desserts donated)
Music/DJ - $0
Communication - $250

Wedding D - $5,000/ 75 guests

Location - $500 (renting park, tables, chairs)
Floral/Decor - $500 (decor, but borrowing linens)
Photo - $2,000 (limited to 6 hours of time)
Dress - $700 (consignment shop and alterations)
Food - $500 (DIY buffet)
Music/DJ - $0
Communication - $100 (most communication online)

Both of these were simpler in nature, but very fun and focused on the couple and their personalities. There certainly was no feel of “less.”

While we pick apart the details for practical sake, don’t loose site of the fact that the people - you, your fiancé, your family and friends are the real target. Stay focused on what you CAN do and what options are presenting themselves, instead of what you CAN’T do.

Hold your dreams and ideas loosely and let things evolve, possibly bringing more joy to your day t han you ever imagined.

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You will notice that with really tight budgets I do not include unnecessary expenses, like party favors, extra fun things for the girls getting ready, even cocktail foods. Of course you can add those into the mix, but you really need to focus on the critical things first, and see if you can add these in later.

I also don’t include alcohol, and for some of you this is an important expense. If your budget is around $5,000 and under, your alcohol costs need to be kept at a glass of champagne or similar. The cost of drinks, as well as a paid bartender, can throw a big hole right through your budget. If you want or feel you need more alcohol consider a cash bar or something similar. This can really be a stress point for couples as they feel they need to provide an open bar. It just isn’t reasonable on a tight budget, and if those coming have a hard time with that, then I say be bigger than those expectations.