5 Unique Ways to Have a Low-Cost Wedding

low cost wedding

In the US, over 2 million people get married every year. The average cost for each event is $33,391, though some people spend much more than that.

Plus, the couple is often chipping in more for the wedding and reception, averaging 41 percent of the total cost. The bride’s family usually pays the most, coming in at 45 percent, and the groom’s family adds 13 percent.

If the idea of covering all or a portion of a $33,000 wedding leaves you shuddering, then looking for low-cost options is wise. It is possible to significantly lower your expenses without having to sacrifice style and personality, as long as you can keep a creative mindset while you plan.

1. Select a Unique Venue

When people think of weddings, certain locations come to mind. Churches, hotels, and similar venues can be incredibly popular, but may not be the most economical option. But, you may be able to find a magnificent alternative if you keep an open mind.

What you need to do is consider every beautiful location you’ve seen in your target city. Is the library amazing? What about a local theater or college campus? Do you have a favorite spot at a nearby park? Is there an aquarium with a great display or a zoo with amazing landscaping? Would you enjoy renting a yacht for a wedding on the water?

All of these non-traditional venues can be incredibly gorgeous while also remaining affordable. If people don’t usually use the space for weddings, you likely won’t face much competition for your preferred date. Plus, if the location doesn’t tend to field requests for holding any kind of event, the cost may be lower since it isn’t part of their usual business model.

2. Schedule Your Wedding Near a Religious Holiday

If you are planning to have a church wedding, you can save on décor by scheduling your event near a religious holiday. Most churches decorate for specific occasions, such as Christmas and Easter, and may already have flowers and other embellishments on-site.

This allows you to have a wedding filled with beautiful bouquets, candles, and similar items without actually having to buy them.

Just make sure that your guests are aware that the décor isn’t yours. In some cases, wedding guests will seek to take centerpieces and similar displays home, but this likely won’t be an option under these circumstances.

Alternatively, you can look for a church that is ornate or naturally beautiful, as the architecture may make décor unnecessary. This would give you more flexibility in regards to choosing a date.

3. Shop for Used Wedding Décor

Many brides and grooms invest a significant amount of money in wedding décor. But, after the big day, they don’t have a need for all of these items.

Consider checking websites like eBay or Craigslist for gently used décor pieces. You can also explore thrift stores, as some people may donate these items to make space in their home. Garage sales can also be a great resource, though you may have to hunt around to find something usable.

By taking this approach, you may find unexpected items that work with your theme. Additionally, you may discover décor for sale at discount prices for brands you may otherwise not be able to afford.

4. Take a Trip to the Dollar Store

You can find a lot of potential décor at dollar stores. Candles, glass bowls, balloons, and many other items can be found at these retailers, giving you the ability to add some elements to your design.

Don’t forget to check every aisle along the way, as you may find some non-traditional items that would work well. For example, metallic wire baskets can be a fun in a variety of designs, ranging from formal to country. Small metal buckets, wooden letters, and glass bottles can also be interesting editions.

As you walk along, keep your color scheme in mind. Then, examine every item that matches your colors to see if it could be used in an unexpected way to be a part of your décor.

It is important to note that not every item is cheaper at dollar stores. If you find something you like, consider doing a quick online search at retailers like Amazon and Walmart to make sure it is a good price. Then, if it is actually a deal, go ahead and make a purchase. If not, then pick the item up elsewhere.

5. Hire a Food Truck, Not a Caterer

If you want your wedding to have a cool element, consider hiring a food truck in lieu of a caterer. This can be a fun way to have freshly made food available that features a unique flavor.

Additionally, if you are having an outdoor wedding that isn’t near a kitchen, you don’t have to worry about setting one up or the food getting cold in transport. As long as the truck has a safe and legal place to park, that’s all you need.

However, if you are planning to have your reception in a public place, such as a beach, hiring a food truck can be complicated. Other visitors (who are not wedding guests) may try to buy food, and they’ll be disappointed if they’re told no. They may even claim to be part of your wedding to land a free meal, and that could lead to inventory shortages for your guests.

If you go the food truck route, make sure your venue is reasonably private.

All five of the tips above can help you have a low-cost wedding without having to sacrifice style or fun. You can try one or all of the suggestions, ensuring your event is one to remember while allowing you to keep some cash in your pocket.

Do you have a low-cost wedding idea? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Looking for more great wedding articles? Give these a try:

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Tamila McDonald

Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.