How To Plan A Beautiful Wedding Under $10K

Is it possible to plan a beautiful wedding under $10K?

If you listen to people talk about how expensive weddings are, a wedding under $10,000 may not seem possible. However, with some creativity and careful planning, it can be. Having a wedding on a strict budget doesn’t mean sacrificing elegance or personal style. All it means is that you were able to prioritize effectively and curate a wedding that includes only what is meaningful to you and your partner.

The good news is that planning a wedding on a budget does not have to be a worthless task. The key is to look at every single element of your wedding, and find ways to make each of them cost less. To have a wedding under $10K, you’ll need to save both on the big items, and the small ones. More on all that later.

This post is going to share how to plan a beautiful wedding under $10,000. It will not tell you to cut this, or cut that. This post will, however, help you navigate the best way to allocate your budget. It will also prompt you to think strategically about your wedding as you plan it. With the right mindset, and a good plan, anything is possible.

Let’s get into it!

SET YOUR BUDGET AND PRIORITIES

The secret sauce to having a wedding under $10K is to be really clear about your budget, and your priorities.

Before making any decisions regarding your wedding, sit with your partner and determine what is truly meaningful to you both. For example, a videographer may not be an expense you care about. If not, save yourself the money. Or, you may really, really care about having an open bar. If so, you know you should factor that into your costs.

Beyond your priorities, your budget needs to be very clear and non-negotiable. This post is using $10,000 as the example, but you may have a little more or a little less to work with. If you go into wedding planning with the mindset that “there is no more money than this”, it will help you stay on budget.

A budget breakdown for a $10,000 wedding might look like this:

Venue and Ceremony: $2,000
Catering: $2,500
Photography/Videography: $1,500
Attire: $1,000
Flowers and Décor: $500
Entertainment: $1,300
Invitations and Stationery: $200
Cake/Dessert: $300
Miscellaneous (permits, marriage license, tips, etc.): $700

In the coming sections, I go into how to save in each of these categories so you can stay on budget.

CHOOSE AN AFFORDABLE VENUE

Venues can be one of the most significant expenses in wedding planning. If you choose a venue that has staff included, the prices can go up and up.

However, there are many budget-friendly options out there when it comes to wedding venues. In fact, I have a post here about affordable venues. Sometimes if you go off the beaten path, or are willing to do the setup and clean up yourselves, you can save a lot of money.

Some prime examples of beautiful, yet affordable, venues include public parks or gardens, beaches, or lakeside areas. Additionally, local community centers and church halls can be made up to be absolutely gorgeous. Many couples have friends or family who will let them get married in their backyards, too. Or, in a pinch, you can look into restaurant event spaces with no rental fees in exchange for food and beverage purchases.

BOOK A BUDGET-FRIENDLY CATERER

Catering can be a huge wedding expense, but there are ways to keep it affordable.

Depending on your personal style, your vision for your wedding, and how much you and your partner prioritize the food at your wedding, you will likely want to consider all the affordable catering options out there. For example, you may opt for buffet-style or family-style meals instead of plated dinners. Food trucks, barbequed food, and taco bars are also crowd pleasers, yet affordable. Some couples opt for a brunch or lunch wedding, which tend to be more budget-friendly than dinner receptions. And, lastly, potluck catering where your friends and family contribute can save a ton of money.

FIND AN AFFORDABLE PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER

I don’t care who you are, or your vision for your wedding. You need photos.

Yes, some couples spend a lot on wedding photography. However, you don’t have to overspend. For example, you can hire a newer photographer who is looking to build their portfolio. Or, book a photographer for just a few hours instead of the full day. You may have a talented friend or family member who is willing to help. And, lastly, you can skip an expensive videographer but still have videos by handing an old-school camcorder to a tech-savvy and trusted guest.

SAVE MONEY ON WEDDING ATTIRE

There are so many ways to keep your wedding attire affordable. Yes, some people can go overboard but with strategy you don’t have to.

Pre-owned or sample dresses can be found on bridal resale sites. Some brides even rent their wedding gowns, which is growing in popularity. Most grooms will rent their tuxedo or suit, as well. If you want a new gown or suit, look for sales at department stores or online retailers. And, if possible, keep things simple so the costs are low.

AFFORDABLE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS AND DÉCOR

This is a personal preference, but I believe flowers and décor do not have to be a big wedding budget item if you are willing to compromise and be creative.

Yes, flowers and decorations set the mood, but you don’t have to break the bank. Using in-season and locally sourced flowers help. You can also opt for greenery-heavy arrangements, which are often more affordable than flowers. Another strategy is to go minimal on flowers and instead use candles, fairy lights, and DIY centerpieces. You may even be able to borrow items from friends and family to save costs. And, of course, repurpose where you can. Flowers from the ceremony can usually be brought to the reception for a dual purpose.

ENTERTAINMENT ON A BUDGET

It is absolutely possible to have a wedding under $10K, and still have entertainment for your guests.

For example, look into hiring a DJ for just a couple hours rather than a live band. Paying just one person will be more affordable than a big group. You can also curate your own playlist and hook it up to a good sound system for something to dance to. Just be sure to consult with someone who knows what they are doing. You may also have a friend who can perform live music, or even set up karaoke for guests. Think outside the box, and you can make sure your guests have fun.

For more ideas, check out this post on entertaining guests at a small wedding, and this one on saving on your DJ.

SAVE ON INVITATIONS AND STATIONERY

I used to think that digital invitations were absolutely tacky for weddings. However, over the last few years I’ve changed my mind. After the pandemic, when wedding dates changed so much, digital became the most efficient option for many couples.

While paper invites are likely going to stay the norm, you can totally save money on your invitations and stationary by going digital. If you want to send paper, print invitations at home or use an affordable online service. Keep your design simple to save on printing costs. Also, put as much information on your website as you can to avoid adding more weight to your envelops.

CUT COSTS ON YOUR WEDDING CAKE

Wedding cakes can really add up in price, but there are budget-friendly options out there.

Rather than have a large, multi-tiered cake, go for a small decorated cake as well as a sheet cake. You cut the small cake for the photos and serve the sheet cake to your guests. No one will know. You can also save money on your wedding cake by not having one at all. Instead, consider cupcakes, donuts, or even a potluck dessert bar. If you really want a cake but don’t want it to eat away at your budget, you can even buy a simple store-bought cake and decorate it yourself. There is no reason your wedding cake needs to blow your budget.

OTHER COST-SAVING TIPS

Okay, need more tips to keep your wedding under $10K?

How about getting married on a weekday? Or in the off-season? Not only will you save on venue and vendor prices, but you’ll have more availability to choose from. You can also keep prices low by keeping your guest list small. You’ll save on catering and rental costs, as well as coordination. Additionally, borrow or rent décor items instead of purchasing new ones. Lastly, skip what you don’t find value in. For example, programs and favors are easy items to omit from your wedding.

THOUGHTS ON HOSTING A WEDDING UNDER $10K

Planning a wedding under $10,000 is achievable with thoughtful choices and strategic budgeting. The key is to find ways to save on every aspect of your wedding. Be sure to prioritize what truly matters to you early on, and be resourceful with vendors and DIY options. By doing so, you can create a beautiful and memorable wedding without overspending. Happy wedding planning!

More On Wedding Budget From Hummingbird Wedding Advice

How To Split Wedding Costs Among Both Families

The Minimalist Wedding: 12 Tips To Cut Costs and Stress

Nine Benefits Of A Wedding Budget

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