A cheap wedding is generally considered to be under $10,000 (USD) or £10,000 (UK), often achieved by slashing the guest list (micro weddings for 50 or fewer), DIY efforts (decor, playlists), choosing off-peak days (Mon-Thurs), and opting for non-traditional venues like backyards or parks, with significant savings coming from skipping formal dinners for lighter fare like brunch or appetizers.
It might be the least glamorous aspect of wedding planning, but establishing—and sticking to—a budget is one of the best gifts you can give yourself as a couple. As of 2024, the average wedding costs $33,000.
The number of guests plays a major role in determining total wedding costs. Couples inviting fewer than 30 guests can expect to pay under £10,000 – about 55% less than the UK average. On the other hand, those with 150 or more guests are spending over £36,000 – about 77% more than the national average.
The cheapest way to get married involves a simple civil ceremony at a courthouse or registry office, focusing only on legal requirements with minimal guests, often just two witnesses. To save more, choose a weekday, use free locations like a park or your home (with a celebrant), and DIY decorations or food, or opt for a simple celebrant-led elopement for a personalized but budget-friendly experience.
Start With a Solid Budget Framework
Use the 50/30/20 rule: 50% for essentials (venue, catering, attire) 30% for enhancements (photography, décor, entertainment) 20% for surprises (unexpected fees or extra guests)
A realistic budget for a 100-guest wedding varies widely, but expect $20,000 to $40,000+, with essentials like venue and catering often taking half or more; you can aim lower (around $15k-$25k) with DIY and smart choices, or higher (over $50k) for luxury, depending heavily on location, choices, and priorities. Key cost factors include venue, food/drink (often $100-$200 per person), photography, and attire, with significant savings possible by choosing off-peak times, simple menus, or all-inclusive venues.
The Tradition Of Wearing White At Weddings
Since then, white has been reserved for brides in many cultures, reinforcing the idea that guests should avoid wearing the color to avoid upstaging or disrespecting the bride.
Planning a wedding on a budget starts with identifying and prioritizing spending on categories important to you. Consider non-traditional venues like county-run facilities or hosting in your home to save on space. Opt for a weekday wedding or trim your guest list to manage costs and keep the event intimate.
The most popular wedding months on the calendar tend to be June, October, and September. May and August aren't too far behind.
If you're looking to spend less on your big day, then you should consider getting hitched during the low-season winter months of January, March and November. Many venues and wedding suppliers will offer discounted rates during the off-peak period, ideal for those looking to get a wedding bargain.
While venue, catering, and photography tend to be the biggest wedding expenses, additional costs like transportation and favors can also add up.
Wedding Attire
This ultimately falls to the bride and her family. They're also expected to cover the cost of the veil, accessories and the rest of the wedding wardrobe, including outfits for the shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner and honeymoon.
The "30/5 minute rule" for weddings is a time-management strategy: expect things that usually take 5 minutes to take 30 on your wedding day (like getting dressed due to distractions), and plan for 30-minute buffers before major events, while conversely, anticipating guests might arrive 5 minutes late to key moments. This rule builds crucial flexibility into your schedule, preventing small delays from derailing the entire event and creating breathing room for spontaneous moments, ensuring a smoother, less stressful day.
Ways to Control Your Wedding Costs
According to wedding planning website The Knot, the average cost of a wedding is about $35,000. Of course, this depends on a variety of factors, including the number of guests invited, whether your reception includes dinner and the time of year. Location matters, too — not only your specific venue but where you live.
A realistic wedding budget depends heavily on location and guest count, but averages in places like Australia often fall between $30,000 and $50,000 AUD, with venue, catering (often 35%), photography, and attire being major costs. To create your budget, determine what you can realistically save monthly, research actual local vendor quotes for your guest list (e.g., 100 guests might need $35k-$45k), and allocate funds for essentials like venue/catering, then add a 5-10% buffer for unexpected costs.
A no-frills registry office ceremony is the cheapest way to get married legally in the UK. There are standardised costs you'll be expected to pay to make it legally binding, but these are significantly less than hiring out a dedicated wedding venue.
If you're working on your wedding budget, here are a few wedding hidden expenses to anticipate.
The cheapest way to get married involves a simple civil ceremony at a courthouse or registry office, focusing only on legal requirements with minimal guests, often just two witnesses. To save more, choose a weekday, use free locations like a park or your home (with a celebrant), and DIY decorations or food, or opt for a simple celebrant-led elopement for a personalized but budget-friendly experience.
5 Benefits of Having a Small Wedding
A small wedding (around 50 guests or less) in Australia can range from a very budget-friendly $1,000 (DIY) to $8,500 - $35,000+, depending heavily on venue, catering, and DIY effort; expect costs like $100-$300 per person for all-inclusive packages or venue hire, with options for community halls or private dining rooms offering lower per-person rates.
Choosing the right color not only shows respect for the couple, but it also helps guests fit in with the tone of the event. There are some colors that should be avoided at all costs – we're looking at you, white – or any colors that may be associated with the bride or bridesmaids' gowns.
If the invitation states it's a black-tie event or formal wedding, choose a black, navy, or deep rich jewel-tone dress. The color palette is more relaxed for semi-formal or casual weddings. You can wear pretty much any color, including floral patterns and lighter pastel shades.
Some women even joke about how they themselves shouldn't being wearing white. However, while many women today wear the color merely out of tradition, it is a myth that the color white has always meant virginity.