Let’s be honest, weddings are not getting any cheaper. Between venues, florals, rentals, and all the little things that add up quickly, it’s no surprise couples often feel overwhelmed by the total cost. But lately, I’ve been seeing some beautiful wedding trends that not only make your day feel more intentional and personal, but also help you save money. If you’re currently planning for the big day and looking for ideas for weddings on a budget, these are some of my favorite trends I’ve seen firsthand that can help you cut costs without cutting on style.
Set the Mood Without Overspending: Romantic Lighting Ideas With Electric Candles
Here’s a sneaky cost many couples don’t think about: real candles. They may look simple, but real candles often require glass towers around them for fire safety and those towers can cost extra to rent per candle. So instead, why not go with electric candles? They’re safe, easy to reuse, and totally customizable. Don’t love the color? Spray paint them like Lexi and Dom did for their wedding! I promise – you won’t notice a difference in your photos. Also, feel free to reuse florals! Did you have a beautiful floral arrangement for your ceremony? You best be using it for your reception too. Maybe even snag your bridesmaids bouquets and put them in the middle of tables.
Keep It Simple with a Tiny (or No) Wedding Party
This one is becoming more and more popular: no wedding party. Not only does it save you money, but it also saves your friends money (and stress). You don’t have to worry about coordinating dress colors, suit rentals, bouquets, or boutonnieres. Hannah and Eric had just one person each stand by their side, which kept things simple and personal. Amy and Colin chose to skip the wedding party altogether but still invited their closest friends to get ready together in the morning. Those photos were so much fun. And an added bonus? It’s way easier to move around for photos when it’s just the two of you.
Backyard “I Dos” That Prove Stunning Weddings Don’t Need Big Budgets
Another major way to save: your venue choice. You don’t need to book a luxury ballroom to have a memorable wedding day. Some of my favorite celebrations have been right at home or in a loved one’s backyard. Jacob and Jared held their entire wedding in their own backyard, and their pup even made multiple appearances throughout the day (including a nap right in the middle of their first dance). Jeff and Jeff hosted their wedding in front of a beautiful historic house in Kansas City, creating an elegant yet personal atmosphere without the high price tag of a traditional venue.
Floral Magic For Weddings on a Budget: Beautiful Alternatives That Still Wow
Okay, this one hurts my flower-loving heart a little but I’d be a hypocrite if I didn’t mention it. Faux florals are becoming a huge trend and they’ve come a long way. Listen, I FREAKING LOVE FLOWERS, but that doesn’t mean you have drop a ton of money for flowers to “make your wedding.” I actually used faux florals for my own wedding bouquet from Honoring Yours because my husband is allergic to real flowers. For others, it’s a great way to save money and stress. Lindsey and Cody rented stunning faux florals from Something Borrowed Blooms whereas Robby and Jayden ordered dried florals from Etsy for a beautiful, natural look.
Meaningful Micro Weddings: One of My Favorite Ideas for Weddings on a Budget
Last but not least, one of the best ideas for weddings on a budget: a micro wedding. I’ve photographed several that were under two hours and they were some of the most meaningful, intentional celebrations I’ve ever seen. A smaller wedding lets you truly focus on what’s important and spend your money where it matters most. You can read more about why I love micro weddings in this blog post.
Feeling Inspired by These Ideas for Weddings on a Budget?
At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong way to have a wedding. If you want the full-scale celebration with all the bells and whistles — go for it! I’d recommend checking out my favorite Kansas City wedding planners to help you bring your vision to life. But if you’re looking for ideas for weddings on a budget, I hope these trends help you see that you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a day that feels beautiful, intentional, and uniquely you.
If we haven’t met yet, hey! I’m Kelsey — a Kansas City wedding photographer who believes in documenting your day exactly as it unfolds, with warmth, emotion, and all the in-between magic. You can learn more about me here, and contact me here to chat all about your upcoming wedding. I can’t wait to hear all the details! You can view more Kansas City wedding venues and inspiration on the blog!
Kelsey Diane Photography | Kansas City Wedding Photographer
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