So… weddings are supposed to cost $30,000 now? LOL, no thanks. If the thought of spending the down payment on a house for one day makes you easy, you’re not alone. Let me tell you a secret: you can totally throw a beautiful, fun, and unforgettable wedding for just $1,000. Yup, it’s possible. I’ve seen it. Heck, I’ve lived it. And how to plan a wedding.
My mom and stepdad threw one of the most fun weddings I’ve ever been to – and get this, they did it for under $1,000. No joke. It had amazing food, good vibes, and zero stress about credit card debt.
Over the years, I’ve photographed more than 500 weddings, and trust me, I’ve seen just about every money-saving trick in the book. Couples have taught me some seriously clever ways to cut costs without cutting joy.
If you still have to announce your engagement find some great ideas in this article.
So if you’re planning your big day on a tight budget, I’ve got you. Here are 25 super practical tips to help you pull off an unforgettable wedding – for less than a grand.
Let’s break down exactly how you can pull this off (without selling your soul or maxing out a credit card).
Save Major Cash on the Venue
Let’s kick things off with one of the biggest money-eaters: the venue. But guess what? You can totally skip the overpriced ballroom.
Think Backyard Bash
- Backyard weddings? Total vibe. Yours, your parents’, your BFF’s – you just need some grass and good lighting.
- My wife and I got married in her parents’ backyard. String lights, a Bluetooth speaker, and tacos. No regrets.
Public Places FTW
- City Hall weddings are short, sweet, and surprisingly photogenic.
- In Pennsylvania, you can use the gorgeous Capitol building for $200 and rent chairs for $1 each. Classy AND cheap.
- Local parks are awesome too. Reserve a spot for under $100 and boom – instant nature venue.
Budget-Friendly Food (That Still Tastes Amazing)
People will remember your food. That doesn’t mean you need a personal chef.
Potluck = Love
- Ask your guests to bring a dish. No shame in the potluck game.
- My mom’s wedding had a cookie table that would make Martha Stewart weep with joy.
Keep It Simple
- Skip catering. Go DIY with comfort food or finger foods.
- Make it a buffet, not a plated dinner. People love variety.
Cost to you: $0.
10 Practical Ways to Save Money On Your Wedding
Wedding Attire: Cute Doesn’t Mean Costly
Forget that “you must spend thousands on a dress” nonsense.
- Wear something you already own.
- Borrow something stylish.
- Hit up thrift stores, Poshmark, or Marketplace.
- If you want new, try SHEIN, Temu, Lulus, or Forever 21.
Same for the groom – shirt, slacks, add a tie = done.
Invitations: Digital Wins
Don’t waste money on paper invites that’ll end up in the trash.
Print a few for Grandma if you want, but go digital otherwise.
Total cost to you: $0
Hair and Makeup Without the Price Tag
Unless you’re doing a Vogue cover shoot, you don’t need a glam team.
- Do it yourself or enlist a friend.
- YouTube is full of tutorials. Like this one.
- Practice in advance = no stress on the big day.
Total cost to you: $0-$30 (either using makeup you already have or purchasing a few products)
Photos That Don’t Cost $2,500
Yes, photography absolutely matters. You’ll want to remember this day – and share those memories. But good wedding photos don’t have to wreck your budget.
Tap into Your Circle
Got a friend or relative with a decent camera or photography hobby? Ask them to capture the key moments—like the ceremony, vows, and a few posed shots. Many great photographers started by shooting a wedding or two for friends. And hey, if they’re passionate about it, they’ll likely go the extra mile.
I once shot my cousin’s wedding just for fun – no pressure, no fee. Years later, she still frames those pictures.
Let Your Guests Join In
Everyone has a phone with a solid camera these days. Encourage your guests to snap candid moments and share them in a shared album (Google Photos, Dropbox, etc.). You’ll get dozens of authentic, behind-the-scenes memories from teary eyes to wild dance moves.
Find a Local Gem
If you want a few polished shots for the photo album or Instagram, hire a local portrait photographer. Seriously, many family or lifestyle photographers are happy to cover a small event for an hour or two and they’re often way more affordable than full-day wedding pros.
Check local Facebook groups or community boards. Just post what you’re looking for, when, and your budget (like $100–$200). You’d be surprised who’s available.
Budget Range: $0–$200
Result: Beautiful memories, zero financial stress.
Officiant: Get Someone You Know
Ask a friend or family member to get ordained online. Takes like five minutes.
- It’s free.
- It’s personal.
- It’s awesome.
Cost to you: Typically $0
Flowers: DIY Magic or Skip ‘Em Entirely
Florists create stunning arrangements but they also come with stunning price tags. If you’re watching your wedding budget, you’ve got beautiful alternatives.
Go the DIY Route
Head to Costco or Trader Joe’s and grab a mix of roses, baby’s breath, and eucalyptus. For under $40, you can craft a gorgeous bridal bouquet, plus matching bridesmaid bouquets and boutonnieres. It takes about an hour, zero floral experience needed just a little creativity and maybe a YouTube tutorial.
One couple made their entire floral setup bridal bouquet, four bridesmaid bouquets, and four boutonnieres for just $36. That’s a florist’s dream on a DIY budget.
Think Beyond Flowers
You can also skip flowers completely. Candles, fairy lights, vintage books, vases of greenery these alternatives can be just as romantic and way more affordable. Plus, they often create a cozy, personal vibe that florals just can’t match.
$36 and about 1 hour of time can get you a gorgeous bridal bouquet, four bridesmaid bouquets, and four boutonnieres.
Cost Range: $0–$50
Pro Tip: Get friends together the night before to DIY. It becomes a fun pre-wedding memory all on its own.
Desserts: Cookies > Cake
Let’s be real – no one’s going to complain about too many sweets. But you don’t need a $600 fondant-covered tiered cake to impress.
Embrace the Potluck Vibe
Ask friends and family to bring a batch of their best homemade treats. Cookies, brownies, cupcakes—whatever they’re proud of. This isn’t just budget-friendly, it’s personal and nostalgic. In some regions, it’s even tradition (hello, Pittsburgh Cookie Table!).
DIY or Store-Bought? Both Win
Feeling ambitious? Bake your own cakeor rope in a baking-savvy relative. Want zero stress? Grocery store cakes are underrated. Add some fresh flowers or a cute cake topper and voilà: wedding-worthy.
And just so you know – Sam’s Club mini cheesecake bites are legendary. Less than 30 cents a piece and seriously delicious.
Cost Range: $0–$100
Sweet Tip: A dessert table full of variety = more smiles, more Instagram stories, and zero leftovers.
Videography on a Shoestring
- Set up your phone with a tripod and hit record.
- Ask guests to send their video clips.
- Edit everything in iMovie or CapCut.
Cost: $20 max. if not $0
Music and Entertainment: DIY Style
- Create your own playlist and run it through a borrowed speaker.
- Rent a small sound system if needed usually $150 or less.
- Got a musically talented friend? Ask them to play at the ceremony.
Total cost to you: $0-$200
Decor That Actually Looks Good
You don’t need a professional stylist to make your wedding look amazing – just a little creativity and a tight budget.
Shop Smart, Decorate Smarter
Dollar Tree, garage sales, and Facebook Marketplace are goldmines for budget-friendly decor. Think outside the box: use what you already have, ask around, or borrow from friends who’ve already tied the knot (they’ll love the excuse to declutter).
Personal Touches Make It Shine
Books, empty wine bottles, and fairy lights can transform a space. One couple filled their tables with classic novels and string lights tucked inside old bottles – super cozy, super cheap. Bonus: it reflected the bride’s love of literature (and didn’t cost more than a dinner out).
Cost Range: $0–$50
Pro Tip: Combine sentimental items with thrifted finds – it’s budget-friendly and makes your decor truly yours.
Drinks Without the Bar Tab
Let’s face it -open bars are fun, but they’re also expensive. Luckily, you’ve got options that keep the good vibes and your wallet intact.
Host a “Stock the Bar” Party
Before the big day, throw a casual pre-wedding gathering and ask guests to bring a bottle – wine, beer, liquor, mixers, whatever they like (or whatever you like). It’s a fun way to kick things off and quietly build your wedding day bar without spending a dime.
Keep It Simple and Crowd-Pleasing
For the main event, stick with the essentials: beer, wine, and maybe one or two signature cocktails. No need for a full bar lineup – guests will be happy with quality over quantity.
Buy in Bulk, Save Big
If you’re footing the bill yourself, grab everything in bulk from Costco, Walmart, or your local discount warehouse. Don’t forget bottled water, soda, and maybe some mocktail options, too.
Cost Range: $0–$250
Cheers Tip: Self-serve drink stations with cute signs and dispensers = less stress, more style.
Plan for Random Costs
Set aside $100–$200 for things you didn’t think of. Because something will come up.
Think: signs, thank-you cards, backup makeup wipes, or extra chairs.
Real Budget Breakdown (Yes, It Works)
- Backyard venue: $0
- Potluck food: $0
- Officiant: $0
- DIY flowers: $36
- Dress/suit: $0–$50
- Digital invites: $0
- Hair/makeup: $0–$30
- Photography: $0–$200
- Cake/desserts: $0–$50
- Music/sound: $0–$200
- Decor: $0–$50
- Drinks: $0–$250
- Marriage license: $30–$90
- Random stuff: $100–$200
Total: anywhere from $100 to $1,300. But $1,000 is totally realistic.
Final Thoughts
I planned my wedding on a tight budget – and honestly, it was perfect. I’ve also photographed hundreds of low-budget weddings that were way more fun than fancy ones.
Don’t spend money just to impress people who won’t remember your napkin rings.
And if you’re dreaming bigger? Start a side hustle with your partner. Make it fun. Build something together. Just don’t let a price tag kill your vibe. 🙂
