How to Plan a Wedding Under $5k

Planning a wedding doesn’t have to mean draining your savings account. With a little strategy (and a few insider tips!), you can plan a beautiful, meaningful celebration under $5,000. Here are some of my favorite ways to save without sacrificing style or joy.

1. Save Big with Flowers

Flowers are one of those details that can sneak up on your budget — fast. Instead of going the traditional florist route, try sourcing locally:

Farmers markets & local growers often sell seasonal blooms at lower prices.

Costco & Trader Joe’s are surprisingly great for bulk flowers — perfect for bouquets, centerpieces, and even ceremony arrangements.

Gather your friends or family the day before and make it a fun DIY project. It’s affordable and personal.

2. Rethink the Reception: Skip the Full Meal

One of the biggest expenses in any wedding? Food. But here’s the secret: you don’t actually have to serve a full meal.

Early afternoon ceremony (1–2 p.m.) → Follow with light hors d’oeuvres, cake, or coffee and dessert.

Evening ceremony (7 p.m.) → Skip dinner and go straight into drinks, dessert, and dancing.

The key is clear communication. Your invitations can simply say “Light refreshments to follow” or “Dessert and dancing to follow” so guests know what to expect. You’ll save thousands while still hosting a fun, memorable celebration.

3. Want a Meal? Keep It Casual

If you’d love to serve a meal, you can still keep costs low by making it informal and fun:

Barbecue or Potluck → Especially great for park or backyard weddings.

Pizza or Taco Bar → Always a crowd-pleaser and much cheaper than plated dinners.

Smaller Guest List → No matter what food you serve, fewer guests = lower cost overall.

4. Keep the Venue Simple

You don’t need a traditional ballroom to have a beautiful wedding. Parks, beaches, gardens, and even a family backyard can be magical settings with the right touch.

Community spaces or all-in-one venues that include tables and chairs can also save on rentals.

5. Cut Costs on Attire

Look for dresses at sample sales or buy pre-loved online.

Rent or buy an off-the-rack suit and tailor it for a perfect fit.

Keep accessories minimal — they add up quickly!

6. Prioritize Photography

Photos are one of the few things you’ll keep forever. Even with a small budget, I recommend hiring a professional for at least a few hours of coverage. There are photographers out there who are both amazing and budget friendly (hi 👋 ). Trust me, this is not the area to cut corners.

7. Or… Just Elope ✨

If the stress of planning and budgeting feels overwhelming, eloping is always an option. You can have a simple, romantic ceremony without all the extra costs — and still walk away with gorgeous photos and lifelong memories.

👉 I offer an Elopement Package designed for couples who want something small, easy, and stress-free. [Learn more here.]

A wedding under $5,000 is completely doable. By being creative with flowers, rethinking your reception style, keeping the guest list small, and focusing your budget on what matters most, you can create a day that feels intentional, joyful, and totally “you.”