In 2020 the average cost of a wedding dropped by $10000. This is unheard of but could we reduce it even further?

According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding was over $33,000 in 2019. In 2020, that number dropped to around $23,000—a saving of over $10,000! How did this happen? And how can you have a beautiful wedding on an even tighter budget?

It starts by getting creative and thinking outside the box. Keep reading for our wedding planning tips on how to plan a beautiful wedding on a budget.

Limit your guest list

One of the biggest factors that will affect your budget is the number of guests you invite. The more people you have, the more expensive your wedding will be. If you’re looking to save money, one of the best ways to do it is to limit your guest list.

This may seem like a difficult task, but it’s not impossible. Start by making a list of the people you need to invite, such as close family and friends. From there, you can add in other guests as you see fit.

If you’re struggling to cut down your guest list, there are a few things you can do to make it easier. First, you can set a limit on the number of guests each person can invite. This will help to keep the numbers under control.

You can also ask your guests to RSVP as early as possible. This way, you’ll have a better idea of how many people are actually coming and can make adjustments accordingly.

Choose an Unconventional Venue

Wedding destinations can be extremely expensive, especially if you’re looking at popular locations. If you want to save money on your venue, you’ll need to get creative.

One way to do this is to choose an unconventional location for your wedding. This could be anything from a friend’s backyard to a local park or farm like this. If you’re open to non-traditional venues, you’ll have a much easier time finding one that fits your budget.

Off-Peak Days

Another option is to get married during the off-peak. Many couples choose to get married on a Saturday because it’s the most convenient day for their guests

But what if we told you that you could have an equally beautiful day without spending a fortune? In fact, by making a few simple changes, you could save thousands of dollars on your big day.

Have your wedding on a Friday or Sunday instead of a Saturday. Or, if you’re looking to save even further, consider getting married on a weekday.

Catering

Food will be one of your biggest expenses but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to feed your guests.

There are a few ways you can save on catering costs. One option is to have a buffet-style meal instead of a sit-down dinner. This can be a great way to save money, as it’s typically cheaper to prepare buffet-style meals.

Another option is to forgo having a full meal and instead opt for heavy hors d’oeuvres or even just cake and champagne.

Do Your Own Flowers 

Flowers can be one of the most expensive aspects of a wedding. But there are ways to save on floral costs without compromising on quality or style.

One option is to do your flowers. This may sound daunting, but it’s not as difficult as you might think. There are several resources available that can help you plan and execute your floral vision without spending a fortune.

Another option is to choose in-season flowers. This can be a great way to get beautiful blooms at a fraction of the cost.

Get Creative With Your Wedding Dress

Wedding dresses can be extremely expensive, with the average bride spending between $2000 and $4000 on her gown. But there are ways to save on this cost without sacrificing style or quality.

One option is to buy a used wedding dress. You can find gently used gowns at a fraction of the cost of a new one at thrift stores or online.

Another option is to rent a dress. This can be a great option if you’re looking for a designer gown but don’t want to spend the money to buy one.

You can also look for alternatives to traditional wedding dresses, such as bridesmaids’ dresses or even white cocktail dresses. These options can be much less expensive than traditional wedding gowns and can still look beautiful on your big day.

Have a Smaller Wedding Party

Wedding parties can be costly, as you’ll need to pay for dresses, tuxedos, and other expenses. If you’re looking to save money, one option is to have a smaller wedding party. This can be a great way to reduce your wedding cost without sacrificing the quality of your big day.

Another option is to ask your friends and family members to help with some of the tasks that typically fall to the wedding party, such as addressing invitations or helping with decor. By doing this, you’ll be able to reduce the size of your wedding party without compromising on quality or style.

Simplify Your Decor

Decorations are another big line item in a wedding budget. Save money on this by doing simple, elegant décor. This could include things like white lights, candles, or even putting together small bouquets.

Another option is to use repurposed décor. This could include things like using vintage vases or antique furniture. This can be a great way to add style and character to your wedding without spending a lot of money.

Plan a Beautiful Wedding on a Budget

Wedding planning can be a daunting task, especially if you’re working with a tight budget. But by following these tips, you can have a beautiful wedding on a budget without breaking the bank.

Check out our other articles on decor and event planning for even more ideas on how to save money on a wedding.