When it comes to weddings, talking about finances can be deflating, right? After all, with inspiration from Pinterest and celebrity weddings, it’s easy to dream. Yet adhering to a budget can make grand ideas seem out of reach. Well, let this budget wedding inspire you that your dreams can become a reality.

Are you planning a budget wedding?

Being strict with your finances doesn’t necessarily mean you have to skimp or have a wedding that feels less than. However, if you take a cue from this event, you can learn how to concentrate on what’s important. Whether you want a holiday wedding or a summer affair, you, too, can have a gorgeous wedding.

How to Plan a Budget Wedding

1. First, make a financial plan.

Part of doing anything successfully is putting a plan in place before you even start. Therefore, know what you’re working with financially. As a result, you’ll keep on track and hopefully not overspend.

2. Concentrate on your priorities.

Notice that says your priorities. Determine what is important to you and your partner. For this couple, it was photography—and it shows. Here’s what the bride said about her big day. “Photos were important to me because they capture the teary smiles during the precious moments and the expressions I may not have been able to see,” she reflected.

The fact that wedding photos last a lifetime made hiring a quality photographer top of mind. What sage advice to invest in something that lasts well beyond the wedding day!

However, if other things are non-negotiables for you—say, flowers or a fabulous DJ—go for it. Additionally, skimping in some areas to save in others is the way to go.

3. Work with a wedding planner.

A what? How can you even afford that? I know that for some folks, hiring a planner seems out of reach. But, I ask—how can you afford not to? Some may think it’s counterintuitive to hire someone to help plan and manage the wedding if you have a strict budget. But often they can save you money and headaches in the long run.

Wedding planners, coordinators, and stylists can also help you streamline your event. Plus, they offer a wealth of information to help you hone in on what’s important. Their vendor relationships will also be useful. As a result, they can help connect you with wedding professionals who can work within your budget.

This budget wedding bride took the step of hiring a planner, who also helped her with her mental health. “Our wedding planner helped me tremendously because she is a professional who was emotionally disconnected from the wedding,” she says. “She was able to provide reason and stability during the ‘freak out’ moments of planning a wedding on a budget.”

Her planner kept checks and balances to ensure she was on track with the timeline and budget. Another plus is that when a problem arose, the wedding planner offered creative solutions.

4. Think beyond what’s typical for weddings.

“Planning a wedding on a budget can call for sacrifice at times because it requires letting go of some items that ‘typical’ weddings have,” this bride reflects. However, don’t feel that you can’t break from the norm.

Because this couple was selective about their budget, their wedding included a curated day. The bride revealed, “Less was really more.” Working within a budget gave Michelle and Luke a stunning, memorable day that was a perfect celebration of their love.

5. Make an impact.

Part of this event’s success was that, although it was simple, it took place at a stunning venue. What they couldn’t pay for financially, the venue had in significant ways. From a sprawling lawn and stately home to a gorgeous interior, this couple chose to highlight the structure of their location.

Beautiful Wedding on a Budget

Virginia Wedding Vendors:

• Photography – Adam Barnes Photography
• Planning, Design, and Rentals – Max & Dexter Event Design
• Ceremony – Oak Ridge Estate
• Reception – Old Metropolitan Hall
• Wedding Gown – Vera Wang at David’s Bridal
• Bridesmaids’ Dresses – BHLDN
• Florals – Bloom by Doyle’s
• Makeup and Hair – Bethany Bell
• Cake – MacKenzie Snavely
• Caterer – The Great Room
• Invitations – hand-painted by the bride and her mom, printed by Service Printing

Save this budget-friendly wedding!