Budget-Friendly Wedding Ideas

Let’s face it; weddings can be pricey! Big, expensive weddings aren’t for everyone and aren’t possible for some. But that is okay. There are so many ways to cut costs on weddings while still getting your ultimate, Pinterest-worthy dream wedding day!

My name is Ashlee, and I’m partnering with Two Birch to share a few easy ways to bring down your wedding budget without sacrificing the details that are important to you!

My fiance and I get married this year, and we have been doing the bulk of the planning ourselves. I never anticipated some of the costs associated with weddings, but through our research and planning, we have found relatively simple ways to avoid the high prices with big weddings.

Read on for some helpful tips I have learned through the process!

Budget-Friendly Wedding Ideas

Ask for Help instead of a Gift

If your close family and friends know your wedding is on a budget, odds are they would love to help you! Take people up on their offers. For instance, we have a family member building our arch as a wedding gift, and all the women on my side of the family are putting our bouquets and arrangements together, and also have all offered to help decorate. Honestly, it’ll be pretty fun, and I’m looking forward to that part of our wedding prep!

Opt for More Greenery Than Flowers

There are many options to buy flowers and greenery in bulk and arrange yourself. If that is something you and your partner aren’t comfortable with, you can go professional. Just know that flowers are much more expensive than greenery. If you opt for bouquets full of more greenery than flowers, (which is trendy now anyway), you’ll cut a considerable cost! 

Shop Online for Wedding Rings

Online retailers don’t have the same overhead costs as most physical jewelry stores, so you can save big by browsing online. You don’t have to sacrifice quality or customer service, either! We ordered our bands from Two Birch and are completely thrilled with the quality and cost.

Find a Family-Owned Caterer

This is a big one. You don’t have to pay $15-$25 a person for dinner! Find a smaller restaurant instead of a big chain or catering company, or even hire that family friend that loves to cook! Just check your venue’s rules on food/bartender licensing.

Give Practically for Bridesmaid/Groomsmen Gifts

We are opting for gifts that they will use on our wedding day and not have to buy themselves. Buy the bridesmaids their earrings, and the guys their ties/dress socks! Another cute gift is buying pretty hangers in bulk, and writing your wedding party names on each one so they can hang their gear in the suites!

Stock the Bar Yourselves

If you choose to have alcohol at your wedding, opt for a venue that lets you bring your own. Some sites charge significant fees to use their bars and bartenders. 

Ask A Friend to Control Ceremony Music

Most DJs charge anywhere from $175+ an hour, so opting out of the added cost of ceremony music, have a friend use the venue sound equipment! Most venues and churches offer microphone services in the ceremony space. If your music isn’t very complicated, have a trusted friend or usher control it!

Browse Used Wedding Decor

Can’t stress this one enough! Find people who just had a wedding that doesn’t need all the significant decorations anymore. You’d be surprised at what great stuff you can find on Marketplace or in thrift/antique shops! We have seen all of our completely new candles at places like these. 

Shorten the Guest List

This is probably the hardest part of wedding planning. I’ve had to be reminded by my partner over and over again that this is our day, and we shouldn’t feel obligated to invite people we don’t know that well or add plus ones for everyone. It is just not always possible!

Don’t Stress

It is YOUR day, so don’t stress, and make it just how you want it. A wedding is about celebrating your marriage and love. Don’t let the little details stress you out!

Be sure to follow the TwoBirch blog for more wedding and engagement inspiration! Cheers!




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