SAN CARLOS, CA / ACCESS Newswire / August 25, 2025 / Weddings are often considered one of the most important days in a couple's life. So, it's only natural that you want to make sure your big day is perfect. Luckily, a wedding doesn't have to be expensive to be beautiful and memorable. You can use smart budgeting and thoughtful touches to create your perfect day at a fraction of the cost of the average wedding. Here's how:

Set your budget

Your wedding budget will largely be determined by how you plan to pay for it. For example, some couples use wedding loans to fund their big day, choosing to pay it off with a fixed monthly amount over the next several years. Other couples might plan to use a combination of payment methods, like money from a savings account, contributions from loved ones, or credit cards.

Regardless of how you fund the wedding, come up with a single number that represents your total budget. Then, commit to having that number be your guide as you plan the wedding of your dreams.

List the potential costs

Before you get into the weeds of wedding planning, start with the big picture and outline all of the potential costs you might encounter. Keep in mind that these costs will fluctuate depending on the number of guests you have, so certain things might have a price range instead of a static number. Be sure to consider:

• Food (cocktail hour hors d'oeuvres, dinner, cake, late-night snacks)

• Alcohol (wine and beer or cocktails too? catered or self sourced)

• Venue (including rentals for chairs, tables, glassware - and check their catering requirements)

• Flowers (for the ceremony and reception)

• Table decor (linens, candles, table numbers and seat assignments)

• Officiant

• Music (live band, DJ, ceremony music)

• Servers and bartenders (including tips)

• Rings

• Photographer and videographer

• Wedding planner or day of coordinator

• Attire (dress, suit/tux, clothing for attendants)

• Hair and make-up

• Transportation

You might have a bit of sticker shock after estimating the price of your wedding. But don't stress yet; this is where prioritization comes in.

Prioritize what matters most to you and your partner

There are certain elements that most weddings have, such as the ceremony, photos, and cutting the cake. But that doesn't mean your big day needs to follow the same cookie-cutter style. Instead, take time to review your list of expenses and dream big with your partner about what your big day looks like and what you want the experience to be for you and your guests.

If you're not crazy about a nighttime reception, you might opt for a wedding brunch, which can reduce food, alcohol, and venue costs. If you and your partner are flower enthusiasts, you might allocate more of your budget to stunning floral arrangements and forego having a videographer present for your intimate wedding. And if you've been dreaming of a certain venue for your whole life, you might be willing to splurge to secure it while leaving transportation up to guests. Look at your big day from every angle to get clear on your non-negotiables and shift your budget accordingly.

The most important thing is that you and your partner align on your priorities and each of you is heard. Once you decide what matters most, you can allocate money from your budget to cover those areas and cut back on potential expenses that don't hold meaning.

Negotiate with vendors

Once you've decided where you want your money to go, it doesn't necessarily mean you need to pay full price. Negotiate with vendors and ask for discounts or extras if it makes sense. For example, if you have a large social media following, you might ask for a discount from a newer vendor in exchange for posting online about your experience and letting them use you as a case study in their portfolio. Or, if a photographer you love is on the upper end of your budget, see if they'll add an extra hour to shoot some sunset photos for the same price.

Dust off your DIY abilities

You can eliminate some of the most expensive parts of a wedding by taking a DIY mindset. Consider using your creative side to make handwritten seating cards, a homemade ceremony arch, or custom table decor. Making a few things yourself alongside family and friends can be a fun way to commemorate your big day while also saving a few dollars.

Stick to the budget (even when it's hard!)

It's easy to see how spending can get out of control with an event like a wedding-adding last-minute guests or a cocktail hour before the reception can easily put you over budget. As costs stack up, re-commit to only spending what's outlined in your budget and stick with your prioritized list.

If you really want to include something in your wedding, but it's out of budget, consider finding ways to increase the budget. For example, you might pick up a side job for a few months, pull some cash from a savings account, or even ask loved ones if they'd contribute.

The bottom line

When it comes to planning your wedding on a budget, you can truly have your cake and eat it, too. Sticking to your budget throughout the planning process can help you begin married life in wedded bliss, not wedding debt. Remember what matters most to you and your partner, and spend most of your budget on the memorable things that will really make your big day special.

CONTACT:

Sonakshi Murze
Manager
sonakshi.murze@iquanti.com

SOURCE: Oportun