Budget Wedding Ideas: 10 Smart Ways To Cut Costs Without Sacrificing Style

Traditional wedding favors often get left behind—or worse, thrown away. Instead of spending money on trinkets, consider skipping favors altogether, especially if you’re already offering a full meal and drinks. A heartfelt thank-you note after the wedding goes much further.

Want to offer something sweet? Edible favors are a guest favorite. Consider setting up a small dessert table with goodie bags and a DIY sign that says, “You’re sweet—take a treat!” Guests can either take a treat home as a favor or enjoy a late-night snack while dancing.

Skip the traditional wedding favor and leave to-go bags at your candy or dessert bar.

Timing your wedding around holidays like Christmas or Easter can lead to big decor savings. Many churches are already beautifully decorated with flowers, evergreens, or seasonal displays—meaning you may not need to add anything at all.

Hosting a winter wedding? Look for venues that double as public spaces (think community centers or banquet halls). In December, these spots are often filled with twinkling lights and festive greenery—perfect for a cozy, wintry wedding at no extra cost.

A tux rental may seem like the classic choice, but a black, navy blue, or charcoal suit is more versatile—and more budget-friendly in the long run. If your groom doesn’t already own one, now is the perfect time to invest. He’ll wear it again for work events, formal occasions, and more.

For wedding accessories, TieMart offers hundreds of budget-friendly ties, pocket squares, socks, and more in wedding-ready colors and patterns. Most are under $20, and we even offer free color swatches to make matching your wedding colors easy.

If you’re not renting tuxes, you’ll need wedding ties and accessories. Start by requesting free color swatches from TieMart to find your perfect match.

Your wedding gown doesn’t have to be a major budget-buster. If you're not overly sentimental about keeping your dress, consider renting from sites like Rent the Runway. You’ll find stunning options at a fraction of the retail price.

Prefer to buy? Check out secondhand wedding dress sites like Nearly Newlywed or Poshmark for designer gowns at deep discounts. You might even score a sample or never-worn dress for hundreds less.

Professional wedding photography is one area many couples choose to splurge on—but there are still ways to save. Many photographers offer packages by the hour or for just the ceremony and portraits. Be realistic about what moments you want captured.

Want to save even more? Crowdsource your reception photos. Create a clever custom hashtag and encourage guests to upload their shots to Instagram. Or use a wedding photo app like The Guest or WedShoots for private sharing. You can easily turn those snapshots into an affordable photo book later on.

Reception photos don’t have to come from a pro. Encourage guests to snap selfies and share using your wedding hashtag or a photo-sharing app.

Renting a photo booth can cost over $1,000, but you can recreate the fun for far less. Buy a set of photo booth props online (most sets are $10–$30) and create a DIY backdrop using streamers, fairy lights, or a vintage sheet.

Designate a corner of your venue and let guests take selfies or group shots. Set up a phone tripod or instant camera if you want printed keepsakes. Either way, the memories (and laughs) will last long after the wedding ends.

If you’re not hiring a band, you might be thinking about a DJ—but even that can cost upwards of $1,000. For smaller or more casual weddings, you can take full control of your music by creating your own playlist.

Download your playlist using Spotify Premium, Apple Music, or YouTube Premium to avoid ad interruptions and buffering. Then, rent simple audio equipment that connects to your phone or laptop. Don’t forget to:

• Test the setup at the venue ahead of time
• Make a backup copy of your playlist
• Assign a friend to act as emcee for announcements

Skip the DJ and take control of your wedding playlist. With a phone and rented speakers, it’s easy—and budget-friendly—to handle your own music.

Invitations and postage add up quickly, especially with RSVP cards and save-the-dates. For a streamlined (and eco-friendly) alternative, go digital. Services like Greenvelope or Paperless Post let you send beautifully designed invites online.

You’ll save money and make RSVPs a breeze for guests—plus you’ll avoid the stress of missed mail or tracking down responses.

Small weddings are still going strong—and for good reason. With a guest list of 40 or fewer, your budget goes much further. You can spend more per guest, choose a more intimate venue, and focus on quality over quantity.

Even a backyard wedding can feel special with the right lighting, music, and food. Hire a favorite local restaurant to cater, or set up a food truck for a relaxed and festive vibe.

Backyard weddings prove you don’t need a big venue to have a beautiful celebration. With fewer guests, your budget stretches further—and every detail feels more personal.

Got a cousin who’s a hair stylist? A friend who loves floral design? Don’t be afraid to ask for help—but be realistic about your time and theirs. DIY is great for tasks you can complete in advance (like making table numbers or assembling favors). But when it comes to day-of tasks, delegate.

Avoid taking on anything involving perishable items (flowers, food, cake) the night before your wedding. Your only job that day should be getting married—not arranging centerpieces at midnight.

• Are tables, chairs, or linens included?
• Is setup and cleanup covered?
• Is there a service charge or corkage fee?
• Do I need to bring my own dishware, decor, or lighting?

Getting these answers upfront will help you avoid surprise costs later.

A limited budget doesn’t mean a limited celebration. With the right planning, you can still create a wedding that’s personal, beautiful, and totally you. Every dollar you save on favors or music is money you can put toward something more meaningful—whether that’s your honeymoon, a house down payment, or the perfect pair of wedding shoes.

Planning a wedding on a budget? Start with your accessories. TieMart offers hundreds of stylish ties and wedding-day accessories that won’t break the bank. Request free swatches to match your color scheme perfectly.