Wedding budgets vary widely. This wedding cost report offers some background, but your own budget is the useful starting point. Below are ways to compare costs and plan a celebration that fits it.

Our wedding cost less than $2,000 at the time. We had very little money available, so we chose a small ceremony and spent on the parts that mattered most to us.

These ideas include choices we made and others you can explore. Savings will depend on your location, guest count, and priorities.

1. Consider a smaller guest list

A smaller guest list usually means fewer invitations, meals, and drinks to pay for.

2. Compare lunch and evening celebrations

Compare a lunchtime celebration with an evening reception.

Think about the kind of gathering you want and how long you'd like it to last.

A restaurant lunch may suit a small group. If you don't want dancing, you can leave DJ hire out of the plan.

3. Buy a used wedding dress.

Consider secondhand wedding dresses on eBay. Allow time to check measurements, condition, and any alterations before deciding.

Etsy is another place to browse.

These used and vintage dresses offer a starting point for your search.

4. Do your own bridal hairdo.

If you'd like to style your own hair, practice ahead of time. A hair accessory can be a simple finishing detail.

You can also browse wedding hair tutorials for a style that feels manageable.

5. Do your own makeup.

If you're doing your makeup, try the full look before the day.

I used this compact powder for my wedding makeup.

I liked how the finished makeup looked in our photos.

Take a few practice photos in different light to see whether you're happy with your own makeup.

That was more useful to me than trying to achieve a completely different look.

6. Discuss photography options

If photography matters to you, consider the experience and time the job requires as well as the equipment.

A friend may be willing to help, but discuss what you hope to receive and whether they're comfortable taking it on.

7. Choose the details that matter to you

Choose a celebration that suits you and your partner rather than using someone else's plans as a standard.

Compare ring designs and materials, including options like these, within an amount you're comfortable spending.

8. Explore a courthouse ceremony

A courthouse ceremony is one option to investigate. Check the relevant local office for current availability, fees, and requirements.

Include the marriage license and any other required costs in your budget.

9. Choose a honeymoon that fits your plans

You can spend time together near home or plan a honeymoon later. Choose the timing and cost that suit you both.

10. Compare sewing and alteration options

If you have sewing experience, compare the material costs and time for making or altering an outfit with buying one.

Patterns can help you explore the work involved, including designs inspired by Kate Middleton's dress and Meghan Markle's dress.

11. Discuss bouquet help

If someone offers to help with flowers, agree on the scope, materials, and timing together.

My husband's sister is a florist and gave us my bouquet as a wedding gift. I loved having something she had made for us.

You could also make your own bouquet if the project fits your skills and schedule.

Fabric or paper flowers are other possibilities.

Browse faux flower bouquets on Etsy for ideas.

Check the listing details, photos, and reviews before ordering.

12. Plan the day together

Decide which details matter to the two of you.

You might care most about the ceremony, sharing a meal, or having particular people there.

Use those priorities to guide the budget.

A smaller celebration can still hold the moments you want to remember.

Talk through your expectations with your partner, including anything you each feel strongly about, and make the plan together.

Our budget covered our outfits, rings, ceremony fees, dinner with our two witnesses, and a hotel stay. It was a small celebration that felt special to us.

Save Money On A Big Wedding

If you're planning a larger gathering, these are some areas where it helps to compare options.

1. Save On The Wedding Venue

This wedding took place at a summer camp. Video by Bryan Tranminh on Vimeo.

Look beyond venues marketed specifically for weddings.

A local summer camp may be worth asking about.

Check whether it hosts events outside its main season, and what spaces, kitchen facilities, and fees are included.

A backyard can work if the owner is happy to host and there's enough space and access for your guests.

A park is another possibility. Ask about permission, capacity, facilities, and any restrictions before making plans.

2. Save Money On The Wedding Food

Compare buffet service with a seated meal.

A potluck may suit some gatherings if guests are willing to contribute.

Make those requests clearly and leave people room to decline.

Lunch or a shorter reception with refreshments can also change the food budget.

Ask venues whether you can bring your own drinks and what rules or fees apply.

Compare the full cost before choosing.

4. Consider a wedding website

For printed invitations, compare quantities, paper choices, and delivery costs.

This invitation site has designs to browse. See the options here.

Include any save-the-date cards in the same budget.

4. Make A Wedding Website Instead Of Invitations

A wedding website can hold details guests need.

Send the link in a way your guests can easily access.

If your chosen service supports RSVPs, it can keep responses in one place.

5. Save On Wedding Decorations

Paper flowers are one decoration you can make yourself.

Try a sample first to judge the time and materials needed.

If you'd rather buy them, browse these ready-made options.

6. Save on wedding flowers

Flowers can add color and fragrance to a room.

Choose a few arrangements where you'll enjoy them most.

Compare a florist's quote with the materials and time needed to arrange them yourself.

If you make your own, plan who will prepare and place them on the day.

Small arrangements can work in mason jars or bud vases.

This flower supplier is one source to compare.

Check quantities, delivery timing, and what preparation the flowers will need.

7. Saving Money On Your Wedding Photography

Photography costs depend on the coverage and services included. This cost guide gives some background.

Buying a camera is another expense to compare if someone has agreed to take your photos.

Equipment alone doesn't determine the results. Talk through expectations, image delivery, and how the photos may be used with whoever takes them.

8. Save On Wedding Music

A venue with live music may already provide the atmosphere you want.

Ask what will be playing, when, and whether it suits your gathering.

A friend or family member might be willing to manage a playlist.

If renting speakers, check the equipment and connections before the event.

9. Save Money On Wedding Favors

If you'd like favors, small bags of sweets or mints are an option.

You can also leave favors out if they aren't a priority.

10. Save On The Wedding Cake

A homemade cake may suit your plans if someone wants to make it and has time.

Cupcakes, cookies, brownies, or doughnuts can be served instead.

Compare bakery and grocery-store options, including this store, with the time needed to bake.

11. How To Save Money On The Groom’s Tux

We rented a tuxedo for our wedding.

The full outfit cost less than $100 at the time.

This site has new and used formalwear to compare.

12. Save Money On Your Wedding Dress

You can also browse secondhand wedding dresses here.

These bridal accessories offer another place to look.

13. Ways To Save On Your Wedding Makeup

A makeup tutorial can help you practice a look ahead of time.

Use products you're comfortable wearing, and check how they photograph.

Keep the result close to what feels like you.

I used this product for my wedding and liked the coverage in our photos.

If you're comparing mascara, this is one option from the original list.

For lip color, consider how it feels and whether you're happy to reapply it.

I used this lip color and liked its natural-looking finish.

Choose a product within your own makeup budget.

14. How To Save On Wedding Hair

You can style your hair yourself or ask someone who is comfortable helping.

Choose a style you've practiced and can manage on the day.

Loose waves, flowers, or hair accessories can add a detail you enjoy.

15. Other Areas To Save Money On Your Wedding

Using your own car may suit your transport plans.

For decoration, these bottle-painting ideas can provide color inspiration for the reception.

A smaller wedding party reduces some coordination and costs. If attendants choose their own outfits, agree on expectations and budgets together.