10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING AFFORDABLE WITHOUT LOSING STYLE
Your wedding day should be a beautiful celebration of love—not a source of financial stress! With the rising costs of weddings, many couples are looking for creative ways to stay within budget while still having a day that feels uniquely theirs. The good news? With a bit of thoughtful planning and a dash of creativity, it’s possible to plan a wedding that’s both fabulous and affordable.
From choosing budget-friendly venues to prioritising what matters most, there are countless ways to reduce costs and still have a day that reflects your love story. Here are 10 tips and ideas to help you create a wedding that’s easy on your wallet but overflowing with personality, joy, and style!
CHOOSE A NON-TRADITIONAL VENUE
Why go for the typical (and often pricey) wedding venue when you can celebrate your love in a personal, unique, and budget-friendly setting? Think local parks, botanical gardens, beaches, or even your favourite café’s outdoor patio!
WHY IT WORKS?
Lower Costs: Non-traditional venues often have lower rental fees or are free to use, saving you thousands of dollars.
Personal Touch: These unique settings create a more intimate atmosphere, adding personal meaning to your day.
TEDDY’S TIP
Imagine saying ‘I do’ surrounded by lush greenery in your local park or exchanging vows with your toes in the sand at your favourite beach—pure magic! Check if your dream location requires permits or additional insurance and plan. Many local councils offer low-cost permits for small gatherings in public spaces.
OPT FOR AN OFF-PEAK SEASON OR DAY
Thinking outside the box with your wedding date can lead to significant savings. Venues and vendors often offer discounted rates for weddings held during off-peak months or on weekdays.
IDEAS FOR OFF-PEAK DATES
Consider a weekday wedding or a Sunday instead of the popular Saturday option.
Plan your wedding during off-peak months like March, April, or November, when demand is lower.
TEDDY’S TAKE
”One couple I worked with chose a Friday afternoon wedding at their favourite vineyard. Not only did they save on venue costs, but their guests were thrilled to make a long weekend out of it—talk about a win-win!”
LIMIT THE GUEST LIST
Reducing the guest count is one of the most effective ways to cut wedding costs. With fewer guests, you’ll save on catering, seating, favours, and other per-person expenses. A smaller guest list allows for a more intimate and personal celebration.
TIPS FOR TRIMMING THE GUEST LIST
Focus on inviting your closest family and friends—people who have been there through your relationship journey.
Consider a small, intimate ceremony followed by a larger reception or celebration at a later date.
PRO TIP
Micro-weddings and elopements are becoming increasingly popular for their affordability and intimacy. If you dream of a big celebration but want to keep costs down, consider a micro-wedding with immediate family followed by a casual reception or party with a larger group.
PRIORITISE WHAT MATTERS
Every couple has different priorities: food, photography, or entertainment. Decide what’s most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly. This way, you can splurge on what matters and cut back on less significant areas.
HOW TO PRIORITISE
Make a list of your top three must-haves for the wedding.
Consider areas where you’re willing to spend a little more (e.g., a talented photographer) and where you can scale back (e.g., elaborate floral arrangements).
TEDDY’S TIP
”If photography is your top priority, consider investing in a professional photographer but using DIY décor to balance the cost. There are many ways to mix high and low-cost elements to get the best of both worlds!”
DIY DECOR AND PERSONAL TOUCHES
Channel your creativity and consider DIY décor for elements like centrepieces, table numbers, and even invitations. Crafting your décor saves money and adds a personal touch to your celebration.
DIY IDEAS TO CONSIDER
Create simple but elegant centrepieces using thrifted glass jars filled with seasonal flowers or greenery.
Make your own wedding favours, such as homemade candles, baked goods, or personalised thank-you notes.
PRO TIP
Don’t be afraid to ask friends or family to help with DIY projects! A pre-wedding crafting party can be a fun bonding experience and help you tick things off your to-do list faster.
CHOOSE MINIMALIST FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
Flowers can be a major expense, especially if you choose elaborate arrangements or exotic blooms. Simplifying your floral choices and choosing seasonal, local flowers can drastically reduce costs.
AFFORDABLE FLORAL OPTIONS
Use greenery or foliage-heavy arrangements, which are often less expensive but still look lush and elegant.
Choose a few statement blooms for your bouquet and keep other arrangements simple.
TEDDY’S TIP
“For a truly budget-friendly option, consider potted plants or succulents as table décor. They double as guest favours, adding beauty and practicality to your day!”
CONSIDER A POTLUCK-STYLE OR BUFFET RECEPTION
Catering can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, but there are ways to reduce costs without compromising on delicious food. Consider a potluck-style reception (especially for more intimate weddings) or a buffet instead of a plated dinner.
WHY IT WORKS
A potluck lets your family and friends contribute their favourite dishes, creating a warm, community-focused celebration.
Buffets tend to be more cost-effective, as they require less staffing and offer various options for guests.
PRO TIP
If you’re concerned about coordination, ask a trusted family member or friend to organise the potluck. This way, you’ll have a variety of dishes without doubling up.
BORROW, RENT, OR BUY SECOND-HAND
From décor to attire, there are plenty of opportunities to save by borrowing or renting instead of buying everything new. Consider sourcing items like tableware, linens, and even your wedding dress from second-hand stores or rental companies.
WHERE TO BORROW OR RENT
Borrow décor items like vases, candles, and even signage from friends or family members who have recently wed.
Look for bridal consignment shops or online marketplaces for gently used wedding dresses and accessories.
Use sites like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace to find items at a fraction of the retail price. These platforms are goldmines for affordable wedding décor, furniture, tableware, and even attire. Many sellers offer items that were used just once, so you can score beautiful, gently-used pieces that fit your vision without breaking the bank. You can often negotiate prices and sometimes even arrange local pick-up to save on delivery costs.
TEDDY’S TIP
“There’s something so special about wearing a family member’s wedding dress or veil. It adds a layer of history and love to your day—and it’s eco-friendly and budget-friendly too!”
OPT FOR A SMALLER WEDDING CAKE OR DESSERT TABLE
Wedding cakes can be surprisingly expensive, especially if you opt for a multi-tiered design. To keep costs down, consider ordering a small, beautifully decorated cake for cutting and serving guests, along with a dessert table or additional sweets.
AFFORDABLE DESSERT IDEAS
Serve cupcakes, cookies, or other small treats instead of a giant cake.
Have a small “display” cake for photos and cutting, then serve guests a simple sheet cake or various desserts.
PRO TIP
Ask your favourite local bakery if they offer non-traditional options like mini desserts or a cake buffet. This way, you can still have a sweet ending to your day without the hefty price tag.
RETHINK THE ENTERTAINMENT
Entertainment can quickly add up, but there are plenty of creative alternatives to traditional bands or DJs. Consider a DIY playlist, a friend who can MC, or non-musical entertainment options like lawn games or a photo booth.
IDEAS FOR BUDGET-FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT
Create a playlist of your favourite songs and have a friend manage the music for the night.
Hire a student musician or local artist for live music at a lower rate.
Community choirs are always eager for new performance opportunities, and a modest fee from your budget can make a meaningful impact on their annual running costs.
TEDDY’S TIP
“If you know a friend or family member with a talent for singing or playing an instrument, ask if they’d be willing to perform as a wedding gift. It adds a personal touch and saves on entertainment costs!”
FINAL THOUGHTS: CREATING A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK
Planning an affordable wedding doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or personalisation. With creativity and thoughtful planning, you can have a day reflecting on your love story and budget. Remember to prioritise what matters most to you, think outside the box, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or try non-traditional options.
Ready to plan a wedding that’s as fabulous as it is budget-friendly? At Married By A Teddy, we’re all about creating unique, modern ceremonies that reflect who you are—no matter your budget. Get in touch today, and let’s make your dream wedding a reality without breaking the bank!