How To Throw A Wedding On A Budget

Tips to make your special day just as special, but maybe a little cheaper!

If you have just got engaged and are planning a wedding, you’re now entering one of the most exciting yet busiest times of your life. Your wedding is one of the biggest days you will ever experience, and as such, you want it to be exactly as you plan it. From the moment you get that ring on your finger to the moment you change to your official married name via free deed poll, it will all feel like a wonderful dream you don’t want to wake up from.

This is why you don’t want to rush it, and you want it all to go just as you’ve planned. If you are on a budget, this doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your day. In fact, there are many ways you can get married on a budget and have a fantastic day from start to finish. In this article, we explore just how you can do that.

Consider the time of year and day you get married

There are a few factors that can impact the cost of your wedding, and one of them is the time of year and even the day of your wedding. Getting wed on one of the peak days, such as a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, is a lot more expensive than if you were to tie the knot Monday to Thursday. You should also think about the time of year. Summer is the most expensive, with the other seasons knocking off a big chunk of what you pay.

Remember that even vendors like a Northamptonshire wedding photographer (or wherever you're getting married) may adjust their prices based on the date, so it’s wise to consider both venue and vendor costs. Speak to your wedding venue and photographer about their on-peak and off-peak pricing to see where you can save.

Extra tip: Venues and photographers often offer last-minute deals when they’re trying to fill diary gaps, especially for weekday or winter dates. If you’re flexible, this can cut hundreds (sometimes thousands) off your budget.

Think about where you get married

Some venues can be a lot more than others, so consider this when you’re deciding where to host your special day. Places such as luxury hotels can cost a lot more than a village hall, for example. You need to look into the different venues and what they offer, and find somewhere that ticks all your boxes while also being within your budget.

Different places also offer different packages, so some might include food and drinks, and others might include venue hire only. Think about what you want from it and how much work you want to do, as sometimes going all-in with a package can be cheaper, depending on where you go.

Extra tip: Registry offices, pub function rooms, or even outdoor licences (like woodland or garden spaces) can be significantly cheaper and still give you that “wow” factor.

Decide on the number of guests

The more guests you have, the greater the cost. Think about whether you want to invite everyone or have a more intimate wedding.

It can feel difficult culling down your potential guest list, but you need to consider how often you see the people you are inviting and the value they bring to your life. Are you close? Or is the next time you see them likely to be your next family wedding?

Extra tip: Remember that catering is usually charged per head. Cutting just 20 guests could save you £600–£1,000, depending on your menu choice.

See what you can do yourself

DIY can be a great way to save some cash and also get fantastic results on your wedding day. There are so many elements that can be made yourself, from decorations to invites and favours.

We recommend finding out the things you can do yourself, pricing it up and seeing how much money you can save. If you will only save a little, it might not be worth all the hassle, but if you’re set to make a big chunk of money back, it’s definitely worth doing.

Extra tip: TikTok and Pinterest are goldmines for DIY hacks, from upcycled jars as centrepieces to homemade favours. Just don’t overload yourself, only DIY the bits that excite you.

Change the way you do the food

There are many food options for weddings. You can choose a full sit-down meal complete with wine pairings, a buffet option, or something in between. Think about the vibe you want to go for and weigh up the pricing differences.

You could choose to have one set menu (with dietary options) or offer a selection of menu options. If you decide on a buffet, think about what will be served. If you are going to do evening food too, consider how to differentiate it and ensure there’s enough for everyone.

You can also save money on drinks. Some people choose to provide an open bar and have all the alcohol available for the entire wedding. Some put a certain amount behind the bar, and others have everyone pay for their drinks, providing wine with dinner.

Also consider the provenance of the wines you serve, opting for certified, sustainably produced bottles can be both affordable and reassuring for guests with dietary or ethical preferences.

Choosing wines that are clearly labelled as organic and vegan-friendly reduces guesswork for those with allergies or lifestyle constraints, and often suppliers will offer mixed-case discounts to keep costs down.

For couples wanting a greener wedding approach, specialist retailers of organic wine can be a practical source of well-priced, clearly specified options to pair with your menu. Discuss any paired choices with your caterer so the wine complements rather than complicates your food plan.

Extra tip: Food trucks and BBQ caterers are becoming more popular for weddings, often cheaper, more fun, and more memorable than a traditional sit-down meal.

Scrap the paper

Making things like wedding invitations, thank you cards, and the such can all quickly add up. Not only do you need to have the initial materials in the first place, but you also need to pay to post them all out to everyone. This can soon add up to a lot when, in this day and age, it’s all too easy to send an email or even message everyone.

Extra tip: A simple wedding website (many are free or low-cost to build) lets you send updates, gather RSVPs, and share travel details without a single stamp.

Ask for honeymoon contributions

A big cost for any wedding is the honeymoon that follows. This is why many couples nowadays ask for contributions to their honeymoon in lieu of gifts.

When looking to save money on your wedding, why not do this? This way, you get money towards your honeymoon of dreams and don’t need to worry about spending it yourself. It also helps those who are stuck on what to buy you!

Extra tip: Platforms like Patchwork or Honeyfund let guests “sponsor” parts of your honeymoon (dinners, trips, activities), which feels more personal than giving cash in an envelope.

Traditional vs Budget-Friendly Wedding Options

Wedding Element	Traditional (Expensive)	Budget-Friendly Swap	Potential Saving
Venue	Country house hotel / luxury estate	Village hall, community space, pub, or registry office	£2,000–£10,000
Date	Saturday in summer	Midweek (Mon–Thu), autumn/winter dates	20–40% off
Food	3-course sit-down meal	Buffet, BBQ, food trucks	£30–£50 per guest
Drinks	Unlimited open bar	Limited tab, cash bar, or wine only	£1,000+
Invites	Printed stationery	Digital invites	£200–£500
Décor	Professional styling	DIY décor or artificial flowers	£500–£2,000
Cake	3-tier cake	Cupcakes / supermarket cake hack	£200–£600
Entertainment	Full band + DJ	Spotify playlist / solo musician	£500–£2,000

Real-World Example: £25k vs £7k

Cost Area	Typical UK Wedding	Budget-Savvy Version	Saving
Venue & Ceremony	£7,500	£1,500	£6,000
Catering	£6,000	£2,500	£3,500
Drinks	£2,000	£600	£1,400
Photography	£2,000	£1,200	£800
Décor & Flowers	£1,500	£400	£1,100
Cake	£500	£80	£420
Entertainment	£1,500	£400	£1,100
Stationery	£400	£50	£350
Honeymoon	£4,000	£500	£3,500

Total Saving: £18,170

When you hear “budget wedding,” don’t think of something cheap or cut-back. Think smart. Think intentionally. By making these swaps, you’ll save thousands, without losing any of the joy.

The truth is, your guests will remember the food, the music, and the laughter, not the price tag.