Planning a Wedding on a budget: Where to Save & Where to Splurge
How to have the wedding of your dreams—without breaking the bank.
Weddings are a beautiful celebration of love—but let’s be real, they can also get expensive fast. Between venue costs, attire, food, décor, and everything in between, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you start crunching numbers. But here’s the good news: you can absolutely have a stunning, meaningful wedding on a budget.
The secret? Knowing where to save and where to splurge. Smart spending allows you to prioritize what really matters while still creating a day that reflects your vision and values.
Here’s your guide to building a budget-friendly wedding that feels luxurious—even if the price tag says otherwise.
Where to Splurge: What’s Worth the Investment
Some wedding elements are worth allocating more of your budget because they impact the overall experience or create lasting memories.
1. Photography & Videography
You spend months planning for this one day—but your photos last forever. A great photographer knows how to capture emotion, tell your story, and make even simple details look incredible. If you’re debating where to invest—this is it.
Tip: Skip the photo booth and put that money toward high-quality photo coverage of real moments.
2. Wedding Planner or Coordinator
Hiring a planner may feel like a luxury, but in reality, it often saves you time, stress, and even money. A good planner will help you avoid costly mistakes, negotiate with vendors, and keep your day running smoothly—so you can enjoy every second.
3. Statement Décor (But Only a Few Pieces)
Instead of decorating everything, focus on a few wow-factor areas—like your ceremony arch, sweetheart table, or entryway. Investing in key visual moments gives your wedding a polished, Pinterest-worthy feel without needing to go overboard.
4. Food Experience
Guests remember the food. You don’t need to serve filet mignon, but make sure the food is tasty, hot, and served in a timely way. Consider creative alternatives like food trucks, family-style service, or even brunch weddings to stay within budget without sacrificing quality.
Where to Save: Smart Cuts That No One Will Notice
You don’t have to pay top dollar for everything. Some details are easy to scale back without affecting the experience.
1. Flowers
Fresh flowers are beautiful, but costs add up quickly. Save by:
Using in-season blooms
Choosing greenery-heavy arrangements
Repurposing ceremony flowers at the reception
Mixing in high-quality faux florals or dried elements
2. Rentals
Chiavari chairs and luxury chargers look great—but they’re not a must-have. Stick to standard rentals and dress them up with affordable linens, signage, or candles. No one will remember what their chair looked like, but they will remember the ambiance.
3. Stationery
Opt for digital RSVPs, printable programs, or semi-custom invitation suites instead of full letterpress designs. If you love a classic printed invite, save on extras like envelope liners, wax seals, or calligraphy.
4. Cake
A beautiful cake makes for a great photo, but a towering three-tier design can be pricey. Consider:
A smaller display cake with sheet cake for serving
Faux cake layers with one real tier for cutting
Dessert alternatives like cupcakes, donuts, or mini pies
5. Favors
Truthfully, most wedding favors end up left behind. Instead of spending $2–$5 per guest on personalized trinkets, consider skipping them or offering something edible or useful (like a late-night snack or mini hand sanitizer).
Bonus: Budget-Friendly Tips
Choose an off-peak wedding date (Fridays, Sundays, or winter months)
Host the ceremony and reception in one location to save on transportation and rentals
Limit your guest list—fewer people = lower costs across the board
Use candles and string lights to elevate your décor for less
DIY selectively—don’t take on too many crafts that add stress
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a six-figure budget to have a wedding that’s elegant, joyful, and so you. By making thoughtful decisions about where to spend and where to save, you can stay financially sane and create a celebration that wows your guests and honors your relationship.
At Hansen Weddings and Events, I specialize in helping couples get the most out of their budget—without compromising on beauty or experience. Whether you need a little guidance or full planning support, I’m here to help you stress less and celebrate more.
Let’s create your dream wedding, your way—and within your budget.