Low-Budget Wedding Ideas When You Want to Avoid Debt
- A wedding celebration doesn't have to be overly expensive.
- Consider creative, unique solutions like hosting a weekday event or having a daytime celebration with a brunch or lunch menu.
- Making your own decorations or scaling back the reception entertainment are other ways to plan a memorable celebration that aligns with your budget.
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Congratulations on your engagement! Now that you've both decided to get married, it's time to think about what type of wedding or celebration you want to have. Don't let sky-high prices overwhelm you as you begin to explore your options.
There's no need to host an expensive event. You can plan a memorable celebration that doesn’t leave you in need of debt relief. By making planning choices that align with your budget, you can begin your marriage without the burden of wedding debt.
Here are some low-budget wedding ideas for couples who want to avoid debt.
Get Married on a Weekday
Many couples have their wedding day on a Saturday. This scheduling approach is often preferred when having guests visit from out of town. Fridays and Sundays are also popular days to get married, for similar reasons.
But with those dates comes higher venue rental fees. If you're open to a non-traditional approach, getting married during the week can help you keep costs more affordable.
Keep the Guest List Small
It can be challenging to decide who to invite to your wedding. When you have many people in your life that you care about, you may feel pressure to invite them all.
But it's your celebration, and you should only invite those you truly want to be there to see you get married. Trimming down your guest list helps keep costs reasonable.
If you're having trouble deciding whether someone will make it on the final guest list, ask each other if this person will be a part of your lives five, 10, or 20 years from now. A small guest list makes for a more intimate celebration and helps you stay on budget.
Pick a Non-Traditional Venue
Hotels, museums, and country clubs can make for a beautiful setting for your wedding reception. But the cost of booking these venues could drain your bank account and hurt your personal finances.
The savings could be significant for couples who are open to choosing a reception venue that's outside of the norm. Places like a local park, a community center, or a family member’s backyard could all be budget friendly alternatives.
Another option is renting out a small brewery, cocktail lounge, or restaurant for several hours. Some businesses like these allow you to rent the whole space, or they offer private rooms. The rental fee may be much more affordable than if you chose a traditional wedding venue.
Get Creative With the Menu
There's no rule that you need to serve particular food or drinks at your wedding. In fact, your event could be more memorable if you create a unique menu featuring the dishes you enjoy most as a couple.
You could have a daytime wedding celebration and offer breakfast or brunch instead of dinner . Having a buffet spread instead of a sit-down, plated wedding dinner is another way to potentially save money. And instead of finishing with an expensive cake, you might serve cookies, cupcakes, or muffins.
Take a DIY Approach to Decor
It can be expensive to hire a florist, have centerpieces made by professionals, or pay for pre-made ornamentation. To stay on budget, consider a DIY approach to the decor.
Simple decorations, minimal signage, and affordable flower arrangements are some low-budget ideas to consider—especially if you can find all the supplies you need at your local craft store. If you need help making it all happen, ask your closest friends and family members if they're willing to be involved.
As long as you're comfortable with the work and planning involved, this strategy could help you avoid racking up expensive credit card debt for your dream wedding look.
Explore Affordable Entertainment Options
Entertainment is another wedding expense that can be costly if you're not careful. While many couples hire a DJ with a wedding surcharge, there are other ways to keep your guests entertained throughout the reception. You might hire a friend or family member with musical skill or a small local band to play live music. You could also keep it simple and put together a playlist yourselves via your favorite music streaming service.
Plan to Elope
Do you want to go into your marriage with financial freedom? You don't have to get married or celebrate your marriage in front of a big crowd of friends and family. Skip the whole expensive ceremony and it'll be much easier to avoid wedding debt.
Eloping could be a great option if you're happy to get married with just the two of you (along with a witness, if needed) or with only a few close family members or friends. Some couples choose to travel and get married at a unique destination. Others stay close to home in a meaningful location. Choose what feels right to the two of you.
This approach offers a more intimate way to celebrate your marriage, and it can be much cheaper than a full wedding celebration with a big guest list.
Celebrate Your Union Without Going Into Debt
Congratulations on your commitment! Get creative as you look for low-cost ways to celebrate this special occasion. There's no one way to plan a wedding or reception. Couples who are willing to think outside of the box can host a low-budget wedding that doesn't leave them needing to deal with debt immediately after tying the knot.
Author Information
Written by
Natasha Etzel
Natasha is a contributing writer for Freedom Debt Relief. She is a veteran professional financial writer. She provides realistic strategies to help readers improve their knowledge and change their financial situations.
Reviewed by
Kimberly Rotter
Kimberly Rotter is a financial counselor and consumer credit expert who helps people with average or low incomes discover how to create wealth and opportunities. She’s a veteran writer and editor who has spent more than 30 years creating thousands of hours of educational content in every possible format.
How much should a wedding budget be?
Your wedding budget should be whatever amount you both feel comfortable spending. To avoid wedding debt, take a careful look at your finances when setting your wedding budget. The best strategy is to set a budget that doesn't leave you overspending beyond your means. If you know you want a big wedding, start saving as soon as possible.
How can I lower the cost of a wedding?
Planning a non-traditional wedding and thinking outside the box could help you keep your wedding costs low. Choosing a low-cost venue, making your own decor, and keeping your guest list small are some ways you could stay on budget when planning your wedding.
What should you do if you can't afford a wedding?
Don't feel pressure to host a wedding that you can't afford. If money is tight but you still want a big wedding, you should wait until you improve your financial health before planning the wedding. Another idea is to scale back on the size of the wedding so it fits your budget. You could keep it as simple as an intimate dinner with your closest friends and family.