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1. Say “I Do” in a Free or Low-Cost Venue
👉 In a Nutshell: Skip the pricey ballroom and find a budget-friendly spot that still feels special.
Weddings are expensive, but your venue doesn’t have to be.
Imagine paying $10,000 just for a room. Nah, let’s not.
Think parks, beaches, or even a stylish Airbnb with a view 😎
One couple I know got married in a botanical garden for $500. and it looked straight out of a magazine.
No one remembers the venue price tag, but they will remember the vibe.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Search Local Gems: Look up public parks, city halls, or backyard options.
Step 2: Ask About Permits: Some free spots require a small fee for events. It’s way cheaper than a venue rental.
Step 3: Dress It Up: A few fairy lights and rented chairs can make any place feel magical.
2. Invite Only the People Who Truly Matter
👉 In a Nutshell: The smaller the guest list, the bigger the savings.
Big weddings = big stress and big money.
You don’t need to invite your mom’s coworker from 10 years ago.
One of the biggest regrets couples have? Inviting too many people 😅
Keep it intimate, and you’ll have more fun, less chaos, and way fewer expenses.
And let’s be real. Do you really need your third cousin’s plus-one eating your $60 steak?
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Make a Must-Have List: Only the people you can’t imagine your day without.
Step 2: Skip the Obligations: You don’t owe anyone an invite just because they invited you.
Step 3: Be Honest: Tell extended invites, “We’re keeping it small, but we’d love to celebrate another time!”
3. Serve a Delicious but Affordable Wedding Feast
👉 In a Nutshell: Ditch the fancy caterers and serve food that won’t cost a fortune.
You don’t need a $150-per-plate dinner to impress people.
Buffets, food trucks, or even a backyard BBQ can be just as fun (and way cheaper).
😜 People remember good food, not overpriced five-course meals they can’t pronounce.
Trust me, a late-night pizza delivery will make your guests way happier than tiny hors d’oeuvres.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Explore Fun Options: Look at food trucks, family-style meals, or local restaurants that cater.
Step 2: Skip the Fancy Stuff: No one needs filet mignon. Choose crowd-pleasers like tacos or pasta.
Step 3: Keep It Simple: DIY a dessert table instead of spending big on a wedding cake.
4. Find a Wedding Dress That Looks Expensive but Isn’t
👉 In a Nutshell: Stunning dresses don’t have to come with a four-digit price tag.
You wear it for one day, so why spend a mortgage payment on it?
😏 Thrift stores, sample sales, and online boutiques have gorgeous options for a fraction of the price.
One bride I know got her dress for $200 at a secondhand store. Looked like a designer gown.
Another hack? Buy a simple dress and have a tailor work some magic. Cheaper and custom-made.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Check Resale Shops: Brides sell their barely-worn dresses all the time.
Step 2: Hunt for Discounts: Look for sample sales or outlet stores with high-end dresses at lower prices.
Step 3: Think Outside the Bridal Shop: Non-wedding stores often have elegant white dresses at normal prices.
5. Decorate with Affordable, Stylish DIY Touches
👉 In a Nutshell: Make your wedding look high-end without the high-end cost.
You don’t need $5,000 worth of flowers to make your wedding feel dreamy.
DIY centerpieces, string lights, and thrifted decor can make any space look amazing 🤗
A friend of mine used candles and greenery from the dollar store. Looked straight off Pinterest.
Florists charge a small fortune, but a trip to Costco or a farmers’ market can cut those costs in half.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: Gather Inspiration: Look up simple wedding decor ideas that don’t require pro-level crafting skills.
Step 2: Shop Smart: Buy in bulk from discount stores or use rental services for decor.
Step 3: Keep It Minimal: Sometimes less is more. Focus on key decorations that make an impact.
6. Avoid Unnecessary Expenses and Stick to What Counts
👉 In a Nutshell: Cut out the stuff no one actually cares about.
You don’t need custom napkins, fancy invitations, or a $3,000 photo booth.
Most people don’t even notice half of those “wedding extras.”
Think about what actually adds to your day. Skip the rest 👌
A couple I know skipped wedding favors and put that money toward an epic honeymoon instead.
↪️ Here’s How You’ll Do It
Step 1: List What Matters: Pick 3 things you actually care about spending money on.
Step 2: Cut the Fluff: If it won’t be remembered a week later, scrap it.
Step 3: Redirect the Savings: Put that money toward a better honeymoon, house, or savings.
A wedding is about love, not debt.
Keep your focus on what truly matters, and your big day will be just as magical without the financial headache.
“The best weddings aren’t the ones with the biggest budget, but the ones with the biggest heart.” ❤️
Hi! I'm the founder of Money Vice and a passionate personal finance enthusiast.
Here we love to talk about money using a unique type of blender, where we combine juicy chunks of money lessons, slicing them into bite-sized steps, and sprinkling some South Florida vibe for that little zing! (the perfect cocktail to learn how to stack cash to achieve financial independence).
