Empower Your Life: DIY Solutions for Happiness and Healthier Living

How to Save Thousands by Planning Your Own Dream Wedding

Your wedding day should be one of the most magical and memorable days of your life—not the most expensive. With the average cost of a wedding soaring into the tens of thousands, more couples are choosing to take control of their budgets and plan their own weddings. The good news? It’s not only doable—it can also be fun, creative, and deeply personal. Here’s how to save thousands while planning the wedding of your dreams.

1. Set a Realistic Budget (and Stick to It)

Before you start pinning your dream Pinterest board, decide what you can truly afford. Sit down with your partner and discuss your finances honestly. Consider setting a maximum total budget and individual spending limits for items such as attire, food, and décor. Prioritize the things that matter most to you (hint: it’s not always the venue).

2.Become your own wedding planner

3.Choose a Non-Traditional Venue

Instead of a pricey hotel or banquet hall, think outside the box. Public parks, backyard weddings, community halls, Airbnbs, or even a family farm can be stunning with the right touches, and often cost a fraction of a traditional venue. Bonus: Many alternative venues allow you to bring your own food and drinks, saving even more.

4. DIY Your Décor

This is where you can let your creativity shine. From handmade centerpieces and thrifted vases to DIY floral arrangements and signage, you’d be amazed how elegant a wedding can look with a little crafty elbow grease. Not only will you save money, but your wedding will reflect your unique style.

5. Go Digital with Invites

By downloading a digital wedding suite like the one I've created here, you can have full control over things like color, font style, and layout while already having a beautifully designed template to work with. You save a ton of money because you wont be paying a designer to create things like your invitation, save the date, rsvp card, bridal shower invitation, reception welcome poster, menus, wedding program, place cards, rehearsal dinner invitations, a rehearsal dinner welcome sign and even includes a thank you card, in a printable and digital version. Creating a digital invite for those who would prefer one can also save you tons. Check out our templates in our store here.

6. Find the Dress (or Suit) for Less

You don’t need to spend thousands to look incredible. Explore options like sample sales, pre-loved gowns, online boutiques, or even renting your outfit. For grooms and groomsmen, consider purchasing a stylish suit off the rack rather than going with high-priced rentals. Don't be shy about asking for a clearance rack if you are buying your dress. I had a friend get a $3000.00 dress for $300.00 because there was some loose beading on it that was easily fixed by a private seamstress whom she was paying to do the fitting anyway. It was the most beautiful dress I have ever seen!

7. Limit the Guest List

This one can be tough, but trimming your guest list is the most effective way to reduce your overall cost. Focus on inviting the people who truly matter to you. A more intimate wedding allows for a better experience for you and your guests, and your budget will thank you.

8. Skip the Full-Service Catering

Instead of hiring a traditional caterer, consider a buffet, food truck, potluck, or even a picnic-style setup. Choose a menu that fits your vibe and your budget. Homemade charcuterie tables, taco bars, and family-style pasta dinners are not only affordable—they’re crowd-pleasers!

9. Hire Freelancers or Friends for Photography & Music

Professional vendors can cost a small fortune. Reach out to up-and-coming photographers, DJs, or musicians who are building their portfolios, or ask a talented friend to help out. Be clear about expectations, offer fair compensation, and sign an agreement to keep things smooth.

10. Buy in Bulk and Secondhand

From plates to table runners, many wedding essentials can be found secondhand online or bought in bulk for huge savings. Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, and wedding resale groups are treasure troves for savvy couples.

And Finally Make It Yours

The biggest advantage of planning your own wedding is that you can do it your way. Whether you want a cake made by your aunt, a playlist you built together, or vows you wrote on napkins—you make the rules. That personal touch is priceless.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a six-figure wedding to have a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. By planning it yourself, you can save thousands, stay in control of your day, and create a wedding that’s a true reflection of your love story. It’s your day—make it beautiful, memorable, and unapologetically you.

If you think about no one can bring your vision to life as well as you can, because you have the clearest idea of what you want. Also, aside from the cost of hiring a planner, the services they use tend to add more and more to the costs of planning the event. Many people shy away from asking for help from talented and loving friends and family, feeling that they will be looked down on. However since there is more happiness in giving than receiving when asked to help many people feel honored and get the joy of being part of the event so think about who in your life you know that could help with such things as making a cake, (this seems huge but trust me I have been the cake maker for several friends weddings and its so special to be able to help with such an over priced item) you can read more about saving on cake expenses here. Or maybe someone who has a backyard that could host your wedding beautifully. Who is crafty and could help with making bouquets or party favors, decorations, etc.

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