Budget Wedding Ideas

Trying to plan your wedding on the cheap? (Who isn’t?)

Scroll down to see a bunch of useful articles + ideas about planning a wedding on a budget.

Thanks, but I just want to find affordable wedding venues near me...

Our Most Recent Budget-Friendly Wedding Articles:

6 Simple Steps To Setting A Wedding Budget

Whether you’re working with $100 or $100,000, creating (and sticking to) your budget is arguably the most important part of planning a wedding. To get you started, we’ve broken the wedding budget planning process into 6 easy steps that can help you decide what you can spend, and what you’ll want to save or splurge on.

The OC is Affordable!: 15 Budget-Friendly Orange County Wedding Venues

Orange County may have recently acquired a reputation for being high-end (thanks a lot, reality TV!), but don't fret—the region still has plenty of affordable wedding venues. Check out this list for proof that your budget and a beautiful wedding can harmoniously co-exist in The OC.

10 Wedding Favors Under $1

Do yourself a favor and save money with these super-cheap wedding favor options. Whether DIY, edible, drinkable, or just plain adorable, these affordable wedding favors will be a hit with your guests! And the best part? They're all under $1.

Affordable Santa Barbara Weddings: 12 Cool Venues That Are Easy On Your Budget

Bounded by white sandy beaches and forested mountains, Santa Barbara has a temperate climate, tons of historic charm, and a vibrant culinary and arts scene. All this makes it among the most desirable (read: pricey) places to live—and to wed. But if your wedding budget is less than celebrity-size, don't despair! Here are 6 places where you can celebrate without breaking the bank (especially if you're willing to be a little flexible on the day of the week and the season).

Happiness Is Calling! 20 Affordable San Diego Wedding Venues

Hoping to find an affordable San Diego Area wedding venue? Don't despair! From resorts and hotels to a historic ranch and county park, here's a selection of places that won't break the bank.

Hay-bale Budget? Money-Saving Tips for your Rustic Barn Wedding

Barn wedding reality check! These beautiful, "blank slate" barn venues can get downright expensive. So we've put together some smart ways to save so that you can have your dream barn wedding on a hay-bale budget.

BIG DREAMS, small budget: 29 Affordable Bay Area Wedding Venues

Hoping to find an affordable Bay Area wedding venue? Don't despair! From historic mansions to enchanting redwood groves and everything in between, here's a selection of places that won't break the bank.

Real Wedding Disaster Stories: 5 Expensive Ways A Wedding Could Go Wrong

It's Murphy's Law: Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. And when something goes wrong at a wedding, it can be frightening how quickly costs add up. This is pretty much why wedding insurance exists—to help couples recover from any financial consequences resulting from unanticipated (and expensive!) wedding mishaps.

Brides Want To Know: Trunk Shows

So, what exactly IS a wedding dress trunk show? And is it worth going to one? We answer this question and describe what a trunk show experience entails. Plus, we give you tips for how to get the most out of going to one!

5 Austin Wedding Venues Where BYO and DIY are A-OK!

Austin's a city brimming with creative spirit, so it's no surprise that couples here appreciate flexibility and freedom when it comes to wedding planning. We've rounded up some of the best Austin venues that welcome outside caterers and other vendors…or let you mastermind your own event.

17 Elopement Ideas + Intimate Wedding Inspiration

If the pomp and circumstance of “traditional” wedding planning makes you want to pull your hair out, an intimate elopement is probably right up your alley. Check out our 17 Elopement Ideas + Intimate Wedding Inspiration.

Affordable Wine Country Weddings: 16 Napa and Sonoma Venues We Love!

The Napa/Sonoma Wine Country is famous for its wines and gorgeous scenery, but it’s also renowned as a wedding mecca. And although hosting your Big Day here can be pricey, you’ll be happy to know that the region is also home to more affordable venues. Here’s a list of places that are easier on your wallet!

Sanity-Saving Tips From A Bride Who Planned Her Wedding In 60 Days

Whether you have a year to plan your wedding or you’re trying to organize a last-minute celebration, you don’t have to feel completely overwhelmed by the process. Here Comes The Guide staffer Shannon Montero planned her own wedding in 2 months flat—and here's how she did it.

By Popular Request! 13 of our Favorite Affordable Virginia Wedding Venues

Affordable wedding venues in Virginia? YES! Even if you’re on a budget you can still have a celebration with panache. Whether you’re into historic charm, industrial chic or penthouse panoramas, you’ll find a place that’s compatible with your style—and your bank account—in this selection of some of Virginia’s most affordable wedding venues.

You asked...We answered! 12 Affordable Chicago Wedding Venues you'll love.

Dreaming of a stylish, Chicago wedding that won’t break the bank? Here are a few practical tips that can help you have the celebration you envision and stay within your budget.

5 Manhattan Venues That Won't Break The Bank!

Yes, it is possible to have an affordable Manhattan wedding. The following venues offer options that accommodate a wide range of budgets, and don’t forget: If you’re flexible with your date and can host your event on a weekday, Sunday or during an off-peak time, you’ll get the biggest bang for your buck.

Hiring Wedding Professionals Pays Off

Yes, you will save money by hiring the cheapest vendors you can find or doing things yourself. But the old adage, “You get what you pay for,” really comes into play here. Skimp on services and you could end up paying a big price anyway. We give you all the reasons hiring seasoned wedding professionals pays off, plus tips for finding the right vendors for your wedding.

Brides Want To Know: Destination Wedding Etiquette—Who Pays?

Dear Here Comes The Guide: My fiance and I are considering a destination wedding somewhere in California. We aren’t sure what the expectations are in terms of covering the costs of our guests. Also, what do you think is the best place for a California destination wedding?

San Francisco is more affordable than you may think! 13 SF wedding venues that won't break the bank.

San Francisco is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, which makes it a much sought-after setting for both local and destination weddings. And although it has a reputation for being pricey, there are quite a few affordable venues where you can host your event.

Wedding Budget: Venue Fees and Other Costs

You’d think that working from a budget would be obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people, especially brides and grooms, are unrealistic about what they can afford. Part of the problem is that most people aren’t very experienced with event budgeting and don’t know how to estimate what locations, products and services will ultimately cost.

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