Your Guide to a Cheap Wedding: How to plan a wedding on a tight budget
Plan the Wedding of Your Dreams—Without Breaking the Bank
Yes, weddings can be expensive—but they don’t have to be. With the right strategies, you can have an unforgettable celebration and stay within your budget. Here’s how:
💌 Start With a Smaller Guest List
It’s not always what couples want to hear—but trimming your guest list is the most effective way to cut costs.
Here’s why:
Venue size: Fewer guests means you can book a smaller, more affordable venue.
Food and drink: Catering is one of the biggest expenses, and it typically charges per head. Fewer people = major savings.
We know it’s tough to cut names, but if budget is a priority, this is where you’ll see the biggest impact. Even better, many indoor venues cap attendance at around 150-200 guests anyway. Outdoor venues offer more flexibility—but be warned, that space can come with a hefty price tag.
Let’s be honest—most of us don’t actually have 200+ close friends, right?
🛠 Go DIY Where You Can
If you’re looking to save, the golden rule is: do it yourself wherever possible.
DIY weddings give you full control over the experience. Whether it’s invitations, table décor, signage, or even music playlists, taking a hands-on approach allows you to personalize your day while saving money.
Plus, DIY elements make your wedding feel truly you. In a world where weddings can sometimes feel like cookie-cutter productions, your unique touches will stand out.
🏡 Book Your Venue in the Off-Season
Timing is everything.
Booking your wedding venue between November and February can save you a bundle. This is considered the “off-season,” and many venues offer significant discounts during these quieter months. You could even save up to 50% compared to peak wedding season (April–July)!
Another trick: opt for a midweek wedding. Fridays and Saturdays come with a premium price tag. Consider booking from Sunday to Thursday for a better deal.
🍽 Choose Affordable Food & Drink Options
Catering eats up a large chunk of your budget—literally.
If your venue allows it, choose your own caterer or even consider a DIY approach. Just make sure they’re familiar with the space and have everything they need to deliver a smooth service.
Got a smaller guest list? Feeding 20–50 people can sometimes be handled by a skilled home cook. A giant one-pot chilli, buffet, or BBQ could be the perfect fit. Just remember: asking a loved one to cater your entire wedding is a big favour—be sure it’s manageable for them.
👗 Shop Second-Hand
Why pay full price when you can get gorgeous wedding essentials second-hand?
From your dress to your décor, there are tons of places to find pre-loved items:
Bridal Reloved – a UK chain that specializes in second-hand wedding dresses
Facebook Marketplace & wedding groups – perfect for picking up used décor and attire for a fraction of the cost
You’ll need to act fast, but the savings are worth it. And who knows—you might just find your dream dress tucked away in an unexpected place.
🎥 Have Friends Film Your Wedding
Hiring a professional videographer can be costly—but there’s a creative, affordable alternative.
Love Reels lets your guests be the videographers! We provide the equipment (or you can use your own phones), and after the event, we professionally edit the footage into a beautiful wedding film.
It’s a budget-friendly way to capture the day—and often results in a more intimate, personal video that truly reflects your relationships and energy.
