How to Plan a Wedding for Under $10,000

If you're wondering how to plan a wedding under $10,000, you're in the right place. When most people picture a wedding, they picture a $30,000 price tag. But here's the truth - you don't need to spend a fortune to have a meaningful, beautiful wedding. Plenty of couples are pulling off stunning celebrations for under $10,000, and with the right plan, you can too.

Here's how to make it happen.

Start With a Real Budget

One of the most important steps when planning a wedding under $10,000 is getting clear on your numbers before you book anything. Decide on your total budget and break it down by category - venue, food, flowers, attire, invitations, and so on. It sounds simple but most couples skip this step and end up overspending fast.

Our free Wedding Planner App has a built-in budget tracker that makes this easy. You can set your total budget, assign amounts to each category, and track every expense as you go.

Choose the Right Venue

Venue is typically the biggest wedding expense, so this is where you can save the most when planning a wedding under $10,000. Consider:

• A backyard (yours, a family member's, or a friend's)

• A public park with a permit

• A restaurant private dining room

• A community center or church hall

Outdoor and non-traditional venues can save you thousands compared to a dedicated wedding venue.

Keep Your Guest List Tight

Every person you add to your guest list adds cost - food, cake, seating, favors. The single fastest way to cut your wedding budget is to keep the list small and intentional. Invite the people who truly matter and don't feel guilty about it.

Save on Invitations

Beautiful wedding invitations don't have to cost a fortune. Online options like Amazon, Zazzle, and Etsy offer stunning designs at a fraction of what traditional print shops charge. Check out our full guide to the Best Wedding Invitations for honest reviews and budget-friendly picks.

Find Your Dream Dress for Less

Your dress is another area where you can save significantly without sacrificing style. Retailers like David's Bridal and Azazie offer gorgeous gowns at budget-friendly prices, including options under $500. See our Best Wedding Dresses guide for our top picks.

DIY Where It Counts

A few areas where DIY can save you hundreds when planning a wedding under $10,000:

• Flowers - wildflower bouquets and greenery are beautiful and inexpensive

• Decorations - candles, string lights, and simple centerpieces go a long way

• Food - a brunch or lunch reception costs significantly less than a dinner

Write Your Own Ceremony

One of the most meaningful things you can do - and it costs nothing - is write your own ceremony. Personal vows and a customized script make for a far more memorable experience than a generic ceremony.

Our free Ceremony Wording Library gives you 7 complete ceremony scripts plus 80+ customizable building blocks so you can mix and match to create something that feels completely yours.

Set Up a Smart Registry

A good registry helps guests find gifts you'll actually use while saving you money on things you need for your new home. Amazon and Target are great starting points - wide selection, easy returns, and options at every price point. See our Best Wedding Registries guide for more ideas including honeymoon funds.

Stay Organized From Day One

The key to successfully planning a wedding under $10,000 is staying organized from the very beginning. The biggest budget mistakes happen when couples lose track of what they've spent or forget to compare prices before booking. Download our free Wedding Planning Checklist to stay on top of every detail from engagement to wedding day.

The Bottom Line

Planning a wedding under $10,000 isn't a compromise - it's a choice to focus on what actually matters. With the right tools, a clear budget, and a little creativity, you can have a beautiful, meaningful celebration without starting your marriage in debt.