How to Throw a Wedding That’s Under $5,000—According to a Wedding Planner
As a newly engaged woman, I’ve realized why I keep putting off wedding planning—it all comes down to my bank account balance. Of course, I dream of a romantic wedding surrounded by friends and family at a stunning venue, holding hands with the love of my life. But right now, my wedding budget looks more like a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese (no shame—pizza is included 🍕).
Once I realized that my money anxiety was stopping me from planning the wedding I truly wanted, I knew I needed expert help. That’s when I reached out to professional wedding planner Jennifer Taylor, founder of A Taylored Affair, to get the real deal on how to plan a beautiful wedding on a small budget. From the wedding dress to affordable photography, here’s how you can still have the wedding of your dreams for under $5,000—without going into debt.
1. Limit the Guest List
One of the smartest ways to save money on your wedding is to trim the guest list. Jennifer Taylor, a professional wedding planner, always recommends that couples get cozy, pour a glass of wine, and each write down a list of the people they truly love. Then, combine those lists into one and start narrowing it down to the smallest guest list possible.
💡 The smaller the guest list, the lower your total wedding cost—from food and seating to invitations and rentals.
A great option? Host a small wedding ceremony and intimate reception with just 20 to 30 guests. Later, throw a fun wedding after-party for your extended circle. You can even include a cash bar at the after-party to help reduce expenses.
2. Bridal Stores Aren’t the Only Place to Find Your Dress
There’s no rule that says your wedding dress has to come from a high-end bridal boutique. In fact, you can find affordable wedding gowns from popular retailers like Bloomingdale’s and Nordstrom, which offer helpful filters—just search by color and choose “white” to see hundreds of elegant options.
If you want to save even more, check out websites that sell pre-owned wedding dresses like OnceWed, Nearly Newlywed, and StillWhite. These platforms offer gently used designer gowns for a fraction of the price. Another great site is BHLDN, known for its stylish and budget-friendly bridal dresses.
3. Get Creative with the Venue
The wedding venue—along with catering—is usually one of the most expensive parts of your big day. But there are smart ways to cut costs. I always ask couples if their apartment building or community has a rental amenity space or clubhouse. These spots can often be booked for a very low price.
You can also get creative with your wedding location. Think outside the box: a family backyard, a local park, or even a private dining room at a restaurant can be beautiful and budget-friendly. When you look at it creatively, the options for cheap wedding venues are truly endless.
4. Consider a Destination Wedding
Planning a destination wedding is a smart way to naturally keep your guest list small—and save money. Setting clear boundaries from the start helps avoid awkward conversations. For example, if you only invite your wedding party and immediate family, most people will understand they’re not part of the plan.
A smaller guest list means lower travel, accommodation, and catering costs, giving you more room in your budget for what really matters—like the venue, dress, or honeymoon.
5. The Caterer
When choosing a wedding venue, try to find one that lets you bring in your own caterer or food vendor. This gives you the freedom to save money on catering and personalize your menu.
Have a friend who loves to bake? Ask them to make your wedding cake—it’s a great way to involve people you care about and cut down on costs. I always tell couples that weddings are the perfect chance to connect with talented friends and family. Most of the time, they’ll be honored to be part of your big day.
6. Don’t Skimp on Photography
Wedding photography is one area you may not want to cut too much—these photos are your memories of one of the most important days of your life. But that doesn’t mean you have to overspend. A smart option is to limit the photographer’s hours. For example, ask your wedding party to take behind-the-scenes photos while you’re getting ready (hair, makeup, getting dressed), and hire the professional photographer to start right before the ceremony.
This way, you still get high-quality photos of the most important moments, while saving money on wedding photography packages. Plus, with so many free photo editing apps available today, it’s easier than ever to enhance any casual shots taken by friends.
7. You Don’t Need a DJ
Music is the heartbeat of your wedding day—it sets the mood and keeps the energy flowing. While I absolutely love live music for wedding ceremonies, creating your own playlist is a fun and budget-friendly way to handle the reception. It’s your chance to show off your DJ skills and keep guests dancing all night.
If you’re hiring professional wedding entertainment, book during off-peak months like January through March for lower rates. Also, consider reaching out to local music schools. Many music students are eager to perform at weddings for a lower cost, and they bring fresh energy to the event.
8. Avoid “The Rules”
At the end of the day, the most special part of a wedding is having all the people you love in one place. While traditional weddings can sometimes feel repetitive for guests, adding creative and unique touches can turn your celebration into something unforgettable.
Remember—there are no strict rules in wedding planning. Want your guests to dress like they’re on a Hawaiian vacation in the middle of winter? Go for it! Have a friend greet guests with flower leis as they arrive at the ceremony. You could even host a DIY lei-making party the night before with close friends and family—it’s a fun, low-cost activity that adds meaning and personality to your big day.
