How to Plan a Wedding for Less Than $5,000

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One of the biggest contributors to the cost of your wedding is how many people you invite. More people equals a bigger—and potentially pricier—venue. Large guest lists can also increase food costs. According to The Knot, for example, the average price of catering is $70 per person. The difference in food costs between 20 guests and 100 guests could thus be more than $5,000.

1. Minimize Your Guest List

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This tends to work best for smaller ceremonies. Otherwise, you may need to invest a lot of money in extra chairs, tables, and other amenities. Don’t be afraid to seek out non-traditional wedding venues as a way to cut your costs. Options for those with larger guest lists could include: – Churches and associated fellowship halls – Local clubs and halls – Local parks where you can reserve space or pavilions

2. Rethink Your Venue

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– Public land, such as national parks, where you can reserve event space Typically, if you’re a member of a church or local social club, you could get a space for free or a much lower cost for a wedding.

2. Rethink Your Venue

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According to The Knot’s 2019 survey, the average cost for a live band was $3,700. Compare that to the average cost of a DJ, which was $1,200, and you can see the potential for savings.  Families with large playlists and their own stereo systems could save even more by DIYing the reception music.

3. Opt for a DJ Instead of a Band

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Along with the venue, food and beverages can be the most expensive line items for any wedding.  Here are a few tips for saving on catering and refreshments: – Opt for a venue that lets you choose your own catering or bring in your own food. Venues that require you use in-house catering don’t provide you with a lot of wiggle room on budgeting. – Consider food truck catering options, especially if you’re having an outdoor or

4. Get Creative with Food and Beverages

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casual event. Food truck catering typically costs much less than traditional wedding catering. – Skip the alcohol. You don’t have to serve alcohol at your reception. That’s especially true if you have a daytime wedding. – Don’t have an open bar. If you do want to serve adult beverages, limit the open bar. Offer each guest one free drink. If they want more, they’ll have to pay for their own.

4. Get Creative with Food and Beverages

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A brand-new wedding gown at a bridal boutique can be thousands of dollars. You can save a bundle by thrifting your wedding dress via a second-hand shop such as OnceWed or StillWhite.  Another option is to eschew the dress and black-tie altogether and opt for a themed wedding and clothing that are unique and comfortable for you.

5. Say Yes to a Different Type of Dress

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You can save money on all types of wedding services by having your event outside of peak season. It’s basic supply and demand–if not as many brides and grooms are looking to say “I do,” you’re more likely to find venues and vendors willing to negotiate prices to get your business. And that’s not only true for seasons. You could also get a deal if you’re willing to have a mid-morning or early afternoon ceremony instead of an 

6. Book Your Event Outside of Peak Season

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early evening affair. Consider getting hitched at 11 am, for example, and following it up with a backyard BBQ-style reception.

6. Book Your Event Outside of Peak Season

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If you’re looking for how to throw an elegant wedding on a budget, you may not want to dump the flowers and decor altogether. But you can put the creativity of yourself and your loved ones to work.  Dollar stores offer plenty of vases, floral craft materials, candles, glassware, and other items that can be used to create fun table pieces and other decor. And you can get fresh-cut flowers and/or balloons in bulk and within budget to create your own decor.

7. DIY Decor and Flowers

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Save money by asking loved ones to pitch in. They might even offer services or help as your wedding gift.  Your sibling who’s good with a camera, your aunt/uncle, the secret baker, and your BFF with a knack for arranging flowers can all help you bring your wedding vision to life without breaking the bank.

8. Call in Favors From Friends and Family

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Finally, make smart purchases when it comes to ‘save the dates’ and wedding invitations. You could print them yourself, but you’ll still have to invest in paper, ink, and postage, which can add up faster than you might realize.  Before you do that work, look into inexpensive online stationery providers that print and mail budget-friendly options for you.

9. Make Smart Stationery Decisions

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