How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget of $1,000

Everyone dreams of a wedding day that’s romantic, intimate, and memorable. Something that no one dreams of? Footing the bill. The average cost of a wedding in 2020 was nearly $20,000! With prices like these, many couples are turning to more budget-friendly ways to celebrate their big day. Thanks to new trends like microweddings, it’s never been easier to plan an amazing ceremony without breaking the bank. Here’s how to plan a wedding on a budget of $1,000 or less for brides and grooms on a budget. So get your champagne glasses ready. It’s time to get started! 

Layout your expenses

If you want to know how to plan a wedding for less than $1,000, start by making a list of every expense you could anticipate at a wedding. This includes essential expenses, like the wedding license and officiant, and other traditional wedding accouterments like the dress, floral arrangements, the cake, catering, decorations, invitations, entertainment, photographers, and the venue. Next, research on wedding planning websites to get an idea of how much each element ordinarily costs. After you’ve laid out all your expenses, start looking for ways to cut them back. 

Instead of sending out custom-designed invitations in the mail, you can cut out this expense entirely by sending out a free e-vite via social media or email. Instead of hiring a florist, carry a bouquet of fresh-cut flowers from your own backyard garden. Forego professional makeup artists and stylists by doing your own hair and makeup, or fire up the grill instead of hiring a caterer. Be on the lookout for creative ways that you can save money. But don’t skimp out on what’s important to you. 

If there’s something that you absolutely have to have, like a professional photographer or a gourmet cake, don’t compromise on something you won’t be happy with. Instead, try picking something to splurge on and budgeting the rest of your expenses around it. This is a great strategy to save money without sacrificing important elements of your dream wedding. 

Find an affordable wedding venue on Peerspace 

This is crucial if you want to know how to plan a wedding on a budget of $1,000. Most couples spend anywhere from 40-50% of their wedding budget on the venue alone. With the average wedding venue costing around $10,000, it may seem impossible to find a wedding venue that’s affordable for a budget wedding. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution. 

As the largest online event marketplace globally, Peerspace has venues for every occasion and every budget. You’ll find all kinds of gorgeous and affordable locations that you can rent by the hour. It’s super easy to find the right one, too. To view a list of available wedding venues in your area, start by telling Peerspace that you’re planning a wedding. Then choose your city and select the date and time of your big day. You’ll get tons of beautiful spaces where you can host both your ceremony and reception. You can easily filter your results by price, the number of attendees allowed, and even special amenities like outdoor space or a bar. Every Peerspace listing comes with high-quality photos of the event space, so you know exactly what to expect before your big day. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the host with any questions or concerns you may have. Most Peerspace hosts are super friendly and more than happy to help out in any way that they can. If you need something that your event venue doesn’t have, like A/V equipment, extra furniture, or even catering services, Peerspace concierge can accommodate nearly any request with the help of our amazing partner vendors. 

Dial back the guestlist for a more intimate gathering 

After you’ve picked out the perfect venue, you can cut back on expenses by only inviting your closest friends and family. This can make your special day even more special and intimate. A true microwedding is considered to be 50 guests or less, but it’s possible to plan a wedding on a budget of $1,000 with a longer guest list, too. It all depends on what’s most important to you. 

Secondhand stores are your friend

Buying a wedding dress brand new can set you back on some serious cash. Don’t fret, though. You can find plenty of gorgeous dresses at thrift stores or online. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try alternative bridalwear like a bohemian sundress or a plain white jumpsuit. You can find plenty of gorgeous styles right off the rack, no expensive alterations required! You’ll feel like a princess, and no one will be any the wiser for your bargain bin finds. You can also find dresses for bridesmaids and flower girls via clearance racks or secondhand stores.  

For grooms and groomsmen, you can save money by renting a tuxedo instead of buying one outright. For weddings with a more laid-back vibe, consider sporting more casual attire like button-down shirts and suspenders. It’s a great way to save money and make a unique statement at the same time. 

DIY as much as possible

For more ideas on how to plan a wedding on a budget of $1,000, channel your inner crafter. Instead of decorating your venue with expensive pre-fab supplies and professional floral arrangements, save money by crafting the decorations yourself. Pinterest is a goldmine for easy and adorable DIY wedding decorations you can craft on a budget. Making your own decorations can add a personalized touch that will make your wedding extra memorable! 

Don’t be afraid to enlist the help of close friends and family here, either. Your wedding can be a wonderful time for the whole family to come together and give you a helping hand. For example, does your sister enjoy baking as a hobby? Ask her to bake your wedding cake instead of commissioning a professional baker. Is your cousin an aspiring photographer? Have them capture the moments of your big day in exchange for displaying the photos in their portfolio. 

Above all else, remember that a wedding isn’t about flexing your wealth or impressing other people. It’s about celebrating your love for your spouse and celebrating the beginning of your life together. Whether you spend $100 or $10,000 on your wedding, there’s nothing more special than being surrounded by the people you love on the most important day of your life.

Find unique wedding venues on Peerspace