When I was a bride-to-be, I hopped online, expecting to find tons of helpful do-it-yourself wedding planner resources. But when I first searched the phrase "wedding planning," I was disappointed to see all the results were pretty much the same — big companies dominating the results and pressuring me into a cookie-cutter type wedding that typically costs around $35,000. The problem was, that just wasn’t for us. We had budgeted for much less. I needed options that fit our unique situation.
In the 18 months that followed, I dug deep to find reliable resources that would align with the vision we had for our day, all while keeping within our budget. After the wedding, I heard that one of my cousins had guessed our wedding cost $40,000 — we had pulled it off for $15,000! I was so glad I'd put in the time to find resources that helped.
In our journey over 15 years since then, as innovators in the wedding industry, we've learned even more about making extraordinary things happen on a realistic budget. We’ve learned that big isn’t always better. And the same applies for your wedding. By focusing on what really matters the most, rather than falling into the trap of an overpriced, cookie-cutter wedding, your big day can be the dream you’ve always envisioned.
Check out the top resources we swear by for couples eager to plan their dream wedding on a budget.
The 1-Page Wedding Plan offers a comprehensive toolkit to plan your dream wedding without exceeding your budget. It begins with envisioning the big day with your partner, and addressing questions about wedding style, size, and financial comfort zone. The 1-Page Wedding Plan emphasizes prioritizing spending on what matters most to you and includes resources for planning your guest list, choosing a venue, selecting vendors, and creating a wedding registry that aligns with your true desires.
Once you’ve worked through your 1-Page Wedding Plan, you’ll have a clearer picture of what you can comfortably spend on your wedding. That’s where our Weddings for Every Budget series comes in. These wedding budget guides walk you through different options for different price points.
The Budget-Savvy Wedding Planner & Organizer can help you bring your big day to life without breaking the bank, thanks to tons of tools and worksheets for putting together a wedding day that you and your guests will never forget. Inside you'll find helpful checklists, sample budgets, calendars, things to consider when building a guest list, and how to set wedding goals that ensure the whole affair is a smashing success.
This gem of a book, updated every two years, thoroughly covers how to buy just about everything you could possibly want for your wedding. Tips from the author's extensive research and real brides will literally save you thousands, from flowers to gowns to favors and more.
Wedding Hacks: 500+ Ways to Stick to Your Budget, Stay Stress-Free, and Plan the Best Wedding Ever!
How To Plan Your Own MicroWedding: Small Weddings & Elopements Made Easy
Equally Wed: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your LGBTQ+ Wedding
Maximize your budget with our handpicked deals and discounts, tailored to make your big day both memorable and affordable. We’ve sourced the best deals for everything from wedding attire to bridal party gifts to honeymoon must-haves.
Boost your wedding budget by setting up a Honeyfund registry. Your registry enables friends and family to contribute to your wedding in meaningful ways. Whether it’s funding for your photography or contributing to your honeymoon, a Honeyfund registry makes it easy to receive the perfect wedding gift – cash
Disclosures: Co-authored by ChatGPT.