{"id":5943,"date":"2025-05-30T06:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-30T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/?p=5943"},"modified":"2025-06-15T09:32:25","modified_gmt":"2025-06-15T16:32:25","slug":"21-wedding-ideas-on-a-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/21-wedding-ideas-on-a-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"23 Wedding Ideas on a Budget"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Planning your big day can be both inspiring and stressful. While Pinterest and Instagram offer tons of wedding ideas, those ceremonies and receptions can get really expensive, really<\/em> fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you\u2019re committed to tying the knot while celebrating in a budget-friendly way, we\u2019ve got you covered. We\u2019ve compiled a list of ideas for your special day with your financial health in mind \u2014 you can have a wonderfully unique wedding without breaking the bank!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See how Quicken can help you stay on budget.
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23 wedding ideas on a budget:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Opt for a backyard wedding<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Embrace a DIY ethos<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Skip the wedding planner<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Stick with a small guest list<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Design it yourself<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Keep wedding invitations digital<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. String lights and greenery<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Bake your own cake<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Hire a food truck<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Serve-yourself open bar<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. Rent a portable dance floor<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. Buy your flowers in bulk<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  13. Forget the destination wedding<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  14. Rock all night with a great playlist<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  15. Enlist a friend for wedding photos<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  16. Rent your linens, tents, and tables<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  17. Skip matching bridesmaid dresses<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  18. Find a cheap wedding venue<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  19. Wear a recycled wedding dress<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  20. Cupcakes to the rescue<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  21. A friendly officiant<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  22. Head to city hall<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  23. Consider a mid-week ceremony<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Want to know more? Read on! \ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Best <\/strong>budget wedding ideas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    While planning a wedding might feel a bit daunting, you can think outside the box and follow these tips to keep it affordable. Remember, your wedding should be a reflection of your personality \u2014 you can fully express yourself and stick to a cheap wedding by doing the planning and execution yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Opt for a backyard wedding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There are few things greater than being outside on a perfect sunny day, but getting married in the great outdoors<\/a> can be a pretty magical experience. If you or your loved ones have a large outdoor space, consider using this as your wedding venue. You can also opt for a national (or state) park, as well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2. Embrace the DIY wedding ethos<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Do it yourself \u2014 learn it, live it, love it. By being a DIY champion, you can save big bucks when implementing your own budget wedding ideas, and also add your own personal touch to nearly everything. Wedding planning doesn\u2019t need to be expensive, and by committing to do it yourself, you can keep that extra money in your pocket (or stash it in the honeymoon fund)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    3. Skip the wedding planner<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Did you know that the average cost of a wedding planner<\/a> is around $2,100 for a hometown wedding? By taking control of your own wedding plan, you can save big. Write out a checklist with your partner for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and wedding reception, and fill in the blanks by talking to friends and family. Planning the wedding yourself is a surefire way to keep it budget-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Stick to a small guest list<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    There\u2019s no disputing it \u2014 it\u2019s great to have friends. However, should you invite all of your followers on Instagram to your wedding, you\u2019re in for a hefty bill. Instead, opt for a smaller number of guests \u2014 an intimate gathering of just your closest friends and family. By keeping your guest list short, you can save on table and chair rentals, food and drink costs, and venue fees, and, ultimately, enjoy a small wedding with a relatively small bill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Design it yourself<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Weddings are generally pretty beautiful, right? The flowers, the lights, the colors \u2014 this could be a great time to flex your creative muscle by designing your wedding themes yourself. Think about building your own wedding arch, designing your own floral bouquets (mason jars make great vases), and creating an overall theme from ceremony to reception.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Keep wedding invitations digital<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    When it comes to inviting your guests and gathering your RSVPs, opt to keep things digital. Not only can designers, card stock, and print shop fees add up, but the ease of doing things digitally can make your life much easier. There are plenty of services online that can help you design and send your invites \u2014 all you need to do is compile email addresses for your guest list!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7. String lights and greenery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Create the vibe with string lights and greenery for a relaxed and chill atmosphere, perfect for an outdoor ceremony and reception. The best part? Both types of wedding decor are very affordable! Depending on how big your space is, you can plan to use anywhere from 50\u2013100ft of string lights, and if you\u2019re outdoors, you can take advantage of the natural greenery for a cozy, relaxed vibe. Greenery can also make for great centerpieces! If you need to use artificial greenery, consider opting for a faux ivy wall \u2014 you can repurpose it your home after the reception for a cool, cozy vibe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    8. Bake your own wedding cake<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    We\u2019re all extremely familiar with the quadruple-decker wedding cake with the married people on top, but let\u2019s break with tradition for a minute \u2014 especially to save money. Instead, consider baking your own cake (or tapping a friend with a penchant for baking). A homemade cake can serve as a sentimental reminder of your intimate wedding and keep things within your budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    9. Hire a food truck<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Traditionally, we think of caterers serving your choice of grilled salmon or prime rib, but let\u2019s embrace modernity for a minute, shall we? Zany taco truck with killer al pastor? Do it. BBQ truck that smokes brisket over post oak for 15 hours? Yes please. Food trucks can cost substantially less than traditional caterers and provide a new, fun take on traditional wedding fare \u2014 and keep your wedding guests happy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    10. Serve-yourself open bar<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you and your guests are looking forward to celebrating with libations, consider bypassing a bar staff and setting up a serve-yourself open bar. Stock up on drinks from Costco or Sam\u2019s Club, where you can get better prices than paying liquor store markup. For beer, trying tapping a friend who works in the industry \u2014 they may be able to grab you several cases directly from the distributor. Set up a station for drinks and get on with the festivities!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    11. Rent a portable dance floor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    What\u2019s a wedding without dancing? Whether you\u2019re slow dancing as a married couple for the first time or cutting the rug to \u201cThe Electric Slide,\u201d you\u2019ll need a dance floor. Reach out to rental companies in the area where the reception is being held and make sure to get quotes from multiple companies. You can also skip the dance floor and boogie in the grass \u2014 a definite way to have a budget-friendly wedding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    12. Buy your wedding flowers in bulk<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Wholesale flowers are your best bet for keeping your wedding beautiful and cost-effective. Look for bulk or wholesale flower sales in your area \u2014 you can often bypass the mark-up a florist will charge, all while making your own, custom bouquets that are unique to your wedding!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    13. Forget the destination wedding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Perhaps this is a no-brainer, but it definitely bears addressing \u2014 destination weddings are expensive for everyone<\/em>. Sure, getting married on a beach in Bali as the waves crash behind you is the stuff dreams are made of, but it\u2019s pretty darn pricey. Instead, opt for a locale that won\u2019t cost you (or your guests) an arm and a leg to get to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    See how Quicken can help you save for your honeymoon.
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    14. Rock all night with a great playlist<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Wedding bands are pretty cool, in theory. But instead of shelling out big money to hear half-way decent Michael MacDonald covers, opt to use your own music streaming app instead! Whether you subscribe to Spotify, Apple Music, or any other service, you can curate your own playlist tailored to your tastes and skip the wedding band prices \u2014 and the dreaded \u201cMambo No. 5\u201d cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    15. Enlist a friend for wedding photos<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    With the advent of new technology, photography has never been more accessible. Chances are you have a friend with a decent Canon and some experience editing. This is a great opportunity to bypass spending hundreds on a professional photographer. Instead, tap a friend who enjoys shooting as a hobby to document your special day!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    16. Rent your linens, tents, and tables<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In the course of planning your wedding and reception, it\u2019s almost guaranteed you\u2019ll have to rent something<\/em>. In order to keep things within your budget, it\u2019s important to decide exactly what is a rental necessity and what you can provide yourself. Tables, chairs, linens, and tents are all great options for a rental, but things like decor, table runners, and other wedding day decor can be provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    17. Skip matching bridesmaid dresses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Matching bridesmaid dresses can be costly \u2014 stick with your affordable wedding plan and bypass identical attire. Instead, you can decide on a color for your wedding party. Have your bridesmaids, groomsmen, or other members of the wedding party pick up a dress, suit, or other formal attire that corresponds to the motif. This encourages individuality and makes things easier on everyone\u2019s checkbook!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    18. Find a cheap wedding venue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    While country clubs, vineyards, and private beaches all serve as excellent wedding venues, they don\u2019t exactly come with a dainty price tag. In fact, according to a 2025 survey, Americans spent $12,200 on average for their wedding venues<\/a>. Instead, opting for a cheap wedding venue can save you on costs and keep your wedding ceremony within your budget. Along with national parks and backyards, you can look at farms or other green spaces in your area. For an indoor wedding, consider a family or friend\u2019s home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    19. Wear a recycled dress<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The growing environmental crisis stemming from textile waste<\/a> has been well documented, and, unfortunately, it doesn\u2019t seem to be stopping any time soon. A great way to remove yourself from the cycle is by finding a second hand wedding dress. See if anyone in your family has one they\u2019ve been saving, or check in at your local thrift or consignment stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    20. Cupcakes to the rescue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    In keeping with our themes of modern weddings, consider serving cupcakes to your wedding guests. Your friends and family members will be just as happy without a traditional wedding cake, and cupcakes are much more friendly to your wedding budget! Serve a variety \u2014 everyone loves cupcakes! You can even get creative with cute little cake toppers for your cupcakes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    21. A friendly officiant<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Every wedding needs an officiant \u2014 but hiring that person can be costly! Instead, enlist a close friend or familiar member (preferably one without stage fright!) and have them become an ordained officiant in the state where you\u2019re to be married. Having a friend officiate brings a sense of relaxation and closeness that the three of you can share, as well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    22. Head to city hall<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    If you want to skip the big ceremony and keep it very low-key (and cheap), consider heading to get married at your municipality\u2019s city hall. This process differs a little bit everywhere, but the best move is to make an appointment to sign for a marriage license, and then get in touch with your municipal court probate to schedule the ceremony. You may bring a few guests, exchange vows, and get married in a flash \u2014 all without spending more than $200 altogether.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    23. Consider a mid-week ceremony<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Weekend premiums at wedding venues (especially during the high season) are definitely something that can tap your budget pretty quick. Instead, consider having your ceremony in the middle of the week to avoid paying big-time. You may find vendor fees and availability to be cheaper and more flexible, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

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    Whether you want to get married in a huge wedding or tie the knot in a tiny ceremony, these 23 budget wedding ideas will help you save money.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":5959,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"69","_seopress_titles_title":"23 Wedding Ideas on a Budget | Quicken","_seopress_titles_desc":"Whether you want to get married in a huge wedding or tie the knot in a tiny ceremony, these 23 budget wedding ideas will help you save money.","_seopress_robots_index":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[69],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5943","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-personal-finance"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/outdoors-wedding-reception-crowd-toast.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5943","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/59"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5943"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5943\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8801,"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5943\/revisions\/8801"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5959"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5943"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5943"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.quicken.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5943"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}