Budget-Friendly Wedding Ideas That Don’t Look Cheap

If you're on a tight budget, the wedding planning process can feel demoralising at times, with prices skyrocketing as soon as the word "wedding" is mentioned (apparently). There's no denying that planning a wedding can be eye-wateringly expensive, and with the average wedding budget being around $35,000, you could be forgiven for assuming that it's impossible to achieve a stylish wedding for less. The good news is that you can absolutely have your dream wedding for a reasonable price, and we're here to help with this guide to some of the best budget wedding ideas that don't compromise on class!

Planning an affordable wedding

If you're looking for cheap wedding ideas, you're not alone. As the cost of living rises, more and more couples are looking for ways to reduce their wedding costs, and it makes sense. Saving big bucks on your wedding day means starting your married life in a stronger financial position, with more to spend on the honeymoon of a lifetime - what's not to love?! To get started, it's a good idea to work out what your non-negotiables are - whether that's having a professional photographer for your wedding photos, or an amazing band to get everyone on the dance floor.

The key to planning an affordable wedding that doesn't look cheap is to spend your money wisely on the things that really matter. Choose the right venue and you'll spend less on decor, whilst you can eliminate the cost of paper wedding invitations by using digital invites through a wedding RSVP website like Say I do. Essentially, as you move through the planning process, it's wise to ask yourself whether there is a more affordable alternative, or whether certain traditions truly matter to you - do you really need those wedding favours?!

Choose an affordable wedding venue

One of the most inexpensive wedding venues around is your local public beach! You'll need to get a permit, hire some chairs and a table, book an officiant and perhaps invest in a flower arch to enhance the backdrop, all of which can be done at a fraction of the price of a traditional wedding ceremony. Of course, you'll still need to book somewhere for your wedding reception - whether that's a private dining room at a restaurant, or a dedicated events space.

If you're looking for affordable wedding venue ideas but want to stick with a traditional venue, it can be more cost-effective to book somewhere that can accommodate your wedding ceremony and reception in the same place, and offers a package with other wedding vendors. The good thing about traditional wedding venues is that they usually come with a certain amount of inherent ambience and style, which can mean that in the long run, you'll save money on wedding decor.

For a more intimate wedding, why not host a backyard celebration? Decking the place out in string lights and candles in glass sauce jars can create a beautiful vibe for your backyard wedding. If your garden won't work for a small wedding, you could even book a big house suitable for an intimate gathering for the weekend - just make sure you communicate with the host and make sure they're on board with your plans!

Cheap wedding dress ideas

The cost of your wedding day outfits can really mount up, and hiring your wedding dress or suit is a great way to save a lot of money and add a level of luxury that you might otherwise be unable to afford! Using a dedicated dress rental service, you can choose from any number of amazing designer dresses at a fraction of the price.

If you're the sentimental sort who has always dreamed of keeping their wedding dress as a memento, then fear not - there are still plenty of ways to save money on your dress! Gone are the days of going hard at hectic sample sales - the second-hand wedding dress market is huge, with apps like Stillwhite and Whitegown offering an easy way to browse hundreds of different designers, and some op shops even stocking a great range of dresses!

Budget wedding decor ideas

If your Pinterest boards are bursting at the seams with elegant wedding decor ideas, then be warned, the cost of your decor can really start to add up! Luckily, there are a few ways to approach doing your own decor which won't break the bank - and the best part is that they look super stylish!

If you're looking for cheap table decoration ideas, then an easy way to decorate your reception space is by ditching the formal floral arrangements in favour of pillar candles and lush greenery foraged for free from your back garden. You can even go one step further and combine any leftover greenery with some lengths of cotton muslin to create a stylish wedding arch!

If you're a dab hand with flower arranging and want to make your own bouquets, then enlisting some family members for a trip to a wholesale flower market will save you hundreds on the cost of a professional florist. If doing your own wedding flowers is a step too far, then you can keep costs down by choosing seasonal flowers, opting for a hand-tied bouquet, or foregoing bridesmaids' bouquets.

Book a destination wedding

A destination wedding might not be the first thing you think of when you're thinking of cheap wedding ideas, but hear us out! Firstly, getting married abroad is likely to mean you have fewer guests, and a smaller guest list generally means reduced wedding expenses. If you are looking for affordable venues with onsite accommodation, you can also rent the rooms out to your wedding party to recoup some of your costs. After all, they will expect to pay for their travel and accommodation!

Ditch the wedding cake

Switching your wedding cake for something more affordable is an easy win - you could opt for a homemade cake, cupcakes from the local bakery, or set up a make-your-own pavlova bar with lots of different toppings. If cake isn't your thing, then why not serve ice creams or posh ice lollies during the cocktail hour instead?

Planning an affordable yet stylish wedding day can be super rewarding, whether it's in your own backyard or at a more traditional venue - it's all about checking Facebook Marketplace obsessively, setting your bridal party loose with the fairy lights, and putting the personal touch on your big day. Have fun!

Budget-friendly wedding ideas that don’t look cheap