How to Plan a Wedding on a $10,000 Budget

It’s no secret—weddings are expensive! But what if I told you it’s totally possible to plan a beautiful, stylish wedding for $10,000 or less? Because it is—and I’m here to show you how. Whether you’re a bride-to-be, a groom getting involved in the planning, or a couple charting this exciting chapter together, this guide will help you achieve that dream wedding without the hefty price tag.

By the end of this post, you’ll have all the tips and tricks you need to plan a stunning wedding on a budget. From affordable venues to finding the perfect dress, and even cutting costs on catering, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how to cut wedding costs without sacrificing style.

Establish a Realistic Budget

First things first: you need to figure out how you’re going to allocate that $10,000. Breaking down your budget is the foundation of your planning process. Start by outlining your top priorities. What’s most important to you? Is it the venue? The food? The dress?

Here’s a potential breakdown of how your $10,000 wedding budget could look:

• Venue & Catering – 40% ($4,000)
• Photography/Videography – 15% ($1,500)
• Dress & Attire – 10% ($1,000)
• Décor & Flowers – 10% ($1,000)
• Entertainment – 10% ($1,000)
• Invitations & Miscellaneous – 5% ($500)
• Emergency Fund – 10% ($1,000)

Tip: Always set aside at least 10% of your budget for unexpected expenses. Trust me, those “surprises” can and will creep in.

Venue Selection: Beautiful Doesn’t Have to Break the Bank

The venue is typically one of the most expensive line items, but it doesn’t have to drain your budget. Think creatively—there’s beauty in non-traditional options. Here are some affordable venue ideas:

• Public Parks – Many parks offer a picturesque backdrop for a small fee.
• Backyards or Private Homes – Know someone with a gorgeous space? It could make for an intimate and cozy wedding.
• Community Halls or Libraries – These are often budget-friendly and can be dressed up beautifully.
• Off-Season or Midweek – Choosing a date during the off-season or on a weekday can lead to significant savings.

The key is flexibility. If you’re willing to think outside the box, you’ll be surprised at how much you can save.

Invitations: DIY or Budget-Friendly Options

Gone are the days when you had to spend hundreds on elegant stationery. With a bit of creativity, you can save big on invitations:

• Use sites like Canva to design your own invites—it’s easy and free!
• Opt for digital invitations. Platforms like Evite or Greenvelope offer modern, eco-friendly options.
• Print them yourself! Purchasing a digital template from Etsy and printing at home or a local print shop can save you roughly 50% of the cost.

Décor & Flowers Without the Overspending

When it comes to décor, remember—simplicity can still be stunning. Here are some ideas:

• Reuse & Repurpose – Borrow items from friends or family, such as vases, candles, or table linens.
• Go Green – Potted plants or succulents double as décor and wedding favors!
• Shop Smart – Dollar stores, thrift shops, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace are goldmines for affordable décor pieces.
• Seasonal Blooms – Opt for flowers that are in season and locally grown to save money. Or, consider artificial flowers—they can look incredibly realistic and last forever.

Catering Hacks That Save Big

Feeding your guests doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a little innovation, you can serve up delicious meals on a budget:

• Buffet Style – Sit-down meals often incur additional service fees, whereas buffets are generally more affordable and less formal.
• Food Trucks – These add a trendy, casual vibe to your big day and often cost less than traditional caterers.
• DIY Desserts – Recruit a baking-savvy friend or family member to create a dessert table. Guests will love the personal touch.

Tip: Alcohol tends to be a major cost. Save by offering only beer and wine, or create a fun “signature cocktail” rather than an open bar.

Attire on a Budget

You can absolutely look like a million bucks without actually spending it!

• The Dress – Consider buying off-the-rack, shopping sales, or browsing second-hand sites like Stillwhite, Poshmark or Once Wed. You’d be amazed at what you can find for under $500.
• Rentals – Websites like Rent the Runway offer phenomenal gowns without the hefty price tag.
• Accessories – Thrifting vintage stores or borrowing heirloom pieces saves both money and adds sentimental value.
• Suits – Instead of a custom-made tux, try suit rental services or buy a classic suit your groom can reuse for other occasions.

Entertainment That Won’t Break the Bank

Keep the dance floor alive, without spending a fortune on entertainment:

• DIY Playlist – Put together a Spotify playlist and designate someone to manage the music (or use automated playlists!).
• Student Musicians/DJs – Look to local colleges or music schools for talented individuals who often charge less.
• Interactive Activities – From DIY photo booths to lawn games, there are plenty of inexpensive ways to entertain your guests.

Affordable Photography to Capture the Moment

Stunning photography is possible without spending half your budget:

• Hire a talented up-and-comer. Many budding photographers offer competitive rates to build their portfolios.
• Limit the time. Hire a pro for just the ceremony or for a few hours instead of the entire day.
• Ask friends with photography skills to step in. Just be sure to set expectations clearly upfront.

Budget Weddings Are Beautiful and Doable

Planning a wedding on a $10,000 budget isn’t just possible—it can lead to a more creative, intentional, and memorable day. Every choice you make reflects your unique style and story, proving that a stunning wedding doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

If you feel overwhelmed at any point, remind yourself why you’re doing this. Your wedding is about love, commitment, and celebrating your future together—not how much you spend. Focus on what matters most to you as a couple, and the rest will fall into place.

Have your own tips for planning a wedding on a budget? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!