Congratulations! Your partner (or you!) popped the question, and you are finally on the path to planning your dream wedding. There’s only one tiny problem…
Weddings are expensive. Like, really expensive.
And that can make a dream wedding seem out of reach for many husband-and-wives-to-be. Luckily, planning your own DIY wedding can cut costs in many areas!
In this blog, we’ll break down the ultimate budget wedding planning checklist and timeline so you can prepare your wedding day to be the best day of your life.
A Beautiful Budget Wedding: Is It Possible?
Absolutely! But if you want to plan a budget wedding, you might have to accept that some things might be out of your reach. You might not have an ice sculpture, or the most expensive venue. But with a little creativity, you can transform any venue into a beautiful wedding that will be fondly remembered for the rest of your life. We won’t lie, it’s going to be hard work to throw it yourself. But it is very possible to have a wonderful day without spending $30,000.
12 Months Before
Twelve months out from your wedding day might feel like a rollercoaster of emotions—excitement buzzing through your veins, a pinch of anxiety, and maybe even a touch of confusion.
It’s the official kickoff to your budget wedding planning journey, and while the thrill of engagement is still fresh, you might find yourself wondering where to begin.
No need to worry! This is the perfect time to lay the groundwork for your dream day. It’s time to focus on the big decisions like budget, date, and the ideal venue.
Set a budget
The average wedding expenditure is around $33,000 – which can be discouraging for couples and make it feel like a wedding is completely out of reach. Luckily, that’s not true!
Listen—no matter what you do, you’re looking at a budget higher than you want to spend. One of our team members planned her own $5,000 budget wedding, but later found that her lack of industry knowledge led to many missteps and unnecessary expenses.
“I was navigating blindly, and I made a lot of mistakes when it came to budgeting and what I didn’t know at the time was possible.
But now I know it’s not just about spending less but spending smart.”
But rest assured, with the right knowledge and some smart workarounds, it’s entirely feasible to host a beautiful wedding for under $10,000.
Choose a date and venue
One of the first things you need to do is choose a date and secure a venue.
If possible, consider hosting your wedding during off-peak wedding seasons. That’s going to be anytime in January or February, due to the chilly and overcast weather. Most couples prefer to get married in the spring or summer, which is much more comfortable for them and their guests.
That means it’s a fantastic time for you to save some money on your venue!
But if you aren’t digging the chilly weather, you definitely do not have to host your budget wedding in the dead of winter if you want to find a good deal.
Here are a few unconventional but affordable places you can host your wedding:
- Local community buildings: You can find these spaces by checking with your local community centers, civic groups, or municipal websites, which often list available venues for public rental. They’re perfect for couples looking to manage their budget while still creating a memorable celebration.
- Community parks: Ideal for nature lovers, parks offer a scenic backdrop that minimizes the need for elaborate decorations. They’re perfect for spring and summer weddings, allowing you to take advantage of the natural beauty and open spaces for a fraction of the cost.
- A friend or family member’s backyard: Know somebody with a big yard? Yeah, that can double as a wedding venue. Take a look at this dad who spent a year transforming his backyard into the perfect wedding venue for his daughter!
Create a guest list
Remember, the more guests you invite, the higher your costs will be. This is largely due to catering and venue size requirements. To keep expenses manageable, consider limiting your list to 25-50 people, focusing on close friends and family.
When Haley planned her wedding, she capped the guest list at 20 due to venue constraints and a desire for a small, meaningful gathering.
“We included out-of-town family members and friends who could not attend by livestreaming the wedding ceremony! It saved us a ton of money and still allowed people who were out of town to feel included.”
9 Months Before
At the nine-month mark, budget wedding planning really starts to get exciting! The biggest thing on your mind is probably what you’ll wear on your big day. But there’s a lot more to consider during this phase!
This is the perfect time to finalize important decisions like booking rentals, testing menu ideas, and – arguably the most exciting part – saying yes to the dress (or suit).
Book rentals
Nine months before your wedding, it’s time to tackle the essentials: tables, chairs, a wedding arch, and perhaps a tent if you plan an outdoor celebration. These foundational elements set the stage for your big day. When it comes to decorations and additional supplies, you’ll want options that align with your vision and budget.
Usually, planning a wedding involves calling a ton of vendors, comparing invoices, and spending a ton of time locating everything you want. Luckily, you don’t have to do that anymore. Reventals is the largest rental marketplace in the U.S., effectively eliminating all of the back-and-forths in event planning.
With Reventals, you can easily choose what you need for your wedding, add it to your cart, and get a detailed invoice from our vetted, high-quality vendors. This service doesn’t cost you anything! Think of Reventals as your free wedding planning assistant.
Resources to help you find what you need:
- Free Wedding & Party Drink Calculator
- Dance Floor Size Calculator & Cost | What Size Do You Need?
- Tent Calculator for Parties & Events
- How Much Glassware to Rent (For Weddings & Events)
- 12 Smart Ways to Save Money on Wedding Rentals
Decide what to wear
When choosing your budget wedding attire, there are wallet-friendly options that don’t compromise on style. Renting a wedding dress can be a cost-effective alternative, often allowing you to wear a designer gown for a fraction of the retail price.
That being said, don’t overlook clearance sections at major retailers. Haley found her wedding dress off the rack at David’s Bridal for about $600, alterations included. Although she saved money, she reported regretting dress shopping too late and having to rush a decision.
“It is extremely important to start shopping ASAP for your wedding clothes, especially if you want to save some money. And you need to leave plenty of time for alterations, or you’ll spend a pretty penny on quick turnaround time. Trust me, I made that $200 mistake!”
Deal hunting can take time, so you might need to shop aggressively for a few weeks before you find a dress you love for a price that doesn’t hurt your wallet.
6 Months Before
Halfway to your big day! With six months to go, it’s the perfect time to start solidifying some of the more exciting details for your budget wedding.
By now, you should have the major decisions nailed down, and you can focus on sending out those save-the-dates, tasting and finalizing your menu, and maybe even starting some DIY projects for your decor.
Send save-the-dates
At the six-month mark, it’s time to send out your save-the-dates. Opting for an affordable online service can simplify this process significantly. These platforms allow you to design, customize, and send digital save-the-dates directly to your guests’ emails or phones.
Here are some popular options to consider:
- Paperless Post: This platform has a ton of designs, and you can send digital envelopes for a personal touch. While some designs are free, others require purchasing credits.
- Evite: Evite is known for its simplicity, which means it is very easy to use. They offer both free and premium digital save-the-dates. You can customize your cards with photos and choose from various templates.
- RSVPify – RSVPify allows you to create fully tailored save-the-dates and includes features like guest list management and email tracking.
Plan decor
Here are some affordable décor ideas that can make your DIY wedding both beautiful and budget-friendly:
- String Lights: Hang them overhead or wrap them around trees or columns to transform any space into a fairy-tale setting.
- Renting Linens: Instead of buying, consider renting tablecloths, napkins, and runners. Rental companies often offer a range of styles and colors that can match your wedding theme without the labor associated with purchasing them.
- Thrifting Vases: Visit local thrift stores or second-hand shops to find a variety of vases to put flowers in for your centerpieces. You don’t need matching sets; a collection of mismatched vases can add character and a vintage feel to your table settings.
- Fake Flowers: Opt for high-quality fake flowers instead of fresh ones. They can be bought in bulk at a lower cost, used in various ways throughout your decor, and even reused after the wedding.
Start picking up various items from thrift stores – like doilies, small picture frames, and small glass cups, vases, or containers. These make fantastic items for unique centerpieces.
Hire a photographer
Let us be the first to warn you — a wedding photographer will probably cost at least $1,000. This is a major expense that you technically do not have to have, but we highly recommend you spring for it.
Photos of your big day are priceless. We can practically guarantee that you will regret not having a qualified photographer there to document your first kiss, dance, and family members who attended. Most packages come with tons of photos, so when you break down the actual cost per photo, sometimes it’s actually a pretty good deal.
Here are a couple great sites for finding good wedding photographers:
Find an officiant
You can’t get married without somebody there to make it official. An officiant is an essential part of your wedding ceremony. They have the legal authority to marry you and will help you get the paperwork for your official marriage moving.
Whether you choose a religious figure, a civil officiant, or even a friend or family member who becomes ordained online, selecting the right person is key. They should reflect your values and understand the type of ceremony you envision.
Take the time to meet with potential officiants to discuss your relationship and expectations for the day, ensuring they can provide a personal and meaningful service.
3 Months Before
Now’s when things start getting real — your DIY wedding day is just around the corner, and it’s time to tackle the details that will bring everything together.
This phase is about finalizing the finer points, from confirming menu choices to final dress fittings and ensuring your décor details are sorted.
Finalize the menu
Three months out is the perfect time to finalize your budget wedding menu, and yes, while food is always going to be a key expense, there are creative ways to serve great food without overspending.
Here are a few fun and budget-friendly catering ideas:
- Baked Potato Bar: Offer a spread of toppings from classics like sour cream and chives to unique options like pulled pork or broccoli and cheese sauce, which allows guests to customize their meal.
- Macaroni and Cheese Buffet: Serve different types of macaroni and cheese—think classic, bacon, and a spicy jalapeño version. This is a memorable and delicious way to feed a lot of people at an affordable price. If you are a great cook, you could prep this before the wedding and then rent chafing dishes to keep warm!
- Pizza Party: Who doesn’t love pizza? It’s a crowd-pleaser and can be an affordable option for your wedding. Offer a variety of toppings to cater to different tastes, from classic pepperoni to vegetarian. You can go affordable and simple with any local pizza chain or check your area for higher quality and unique options. What vendor you go with will definitely depend on you and the vibe of your wedding!
- Fast Food: Hear us out. A lot of fast food chains offer catering. These can be a hit, especially for more casual weddings with close-knit groups.
“ For my wedding, I chose Chik-Fil-A! I definitely got a few giggles because I had been talking about doing that since I was a kid.”
And you can’t forget about the alcohol! Check out our party drink calculator to determine how much alcohol you’ll need for your DIY wedding.
Make final wedding attire alterations
Three months before your wedding is the crucial window for finalizing your wedding attire. This is typically your last opportunity to make any alterations to ensure your dress, suit, or ensemble fits perfectly on your big day. It’s a good idea to schedule your final fitting around this time.
Doing so allows you to see exactly how your attire will look and ensure there is enough time for any last-minute adjustments. This final check is key to making sure you feel comfortable and look stunning, leaving you free to focus on enjoying your upcoming celebration without any wardrobe worries.
1 Month Before
With just one month to go before your wedding, it’s all about tying up those loose ends to ensure everything runs smoothly. This crucial stage is your final stretch to confirm details, make last-minute adjustments, and set everything in motion for your special day.
It’s time to finalize guest lists, confirm vendor arrangements, and ensure all your plans are set.
Confirm vendors and guests
This includes touching base with your photographer and any rental companies you’ve used for essentials like tables, chairs, or special decor. Since much of your budget wedding is DIY, check in on all the projects you or your helpers manage.
For a budget wedding that’s heavy on the DIY, this might mean a final run-through of tasks with friends and family who have offered to help. Confirm who is responsible for each task on the day of the wedding, such as setting up decorations, managing the music playlist, or assembling the buffet if you’re handling your own catering.
As for guests, now is the time to finalize your headcount. Reach out to those who haven’t yet responded to ensure you can adjust your plans accordingly. This might mean scaling back on supplies or food if fewer people are attending, which will help you stay within budget.
DIY wedding favors
DIY wedding favors are a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your budget wedding without overspending. Here are some affordable and creative ideas for personalized wedding favors that your guests are sure to cherish:
- Homemade Treats: Bake your favorite cookies, make jam jars, or create spice mixes. Package them in cute jars or custom bags with a personalized label thanking your guests.
- Seed Packets: A lovely symbol for growth and new beginnings, packets of seeds like wildflowers or herbs make for a delightful and eco-friendly gift. Customize the packets with your wedding date and names.
- Mini Succulents: These are easy to care for and can double as table decorations. Place them in small pots that match your wedding theme and add a thank you tag.
- DIY Candle Jars: Candles are always a hit. Choose your scent and color, pour them into small jars, and finish with a custom sticker or tag.
1 Week Before
We’re down to the wire with just one week left until your wedding! This is the home stretch where you’ll be finalizing all the details to ensure your day runs as smoothly as possible.
Final checklist
With just one week to go, it’s time to review your final checklist to ensure every wedding detail is covered. Review all arrangements, including everything from the ceremony’s flow to the reception’s setup.
Here are some key things to double-check:
- Venue Setup: If you’re using a friend or family member’s yard as your venue, consider beginning the setup process now. Make sure you have a clear plan for where everything will go, from seating arrangements to the dance floor.
- Vendor Confirmations: Reconfirm details with all your vendors—caterers, photographers, florists, and any rental companies. Ensure they know exactly where and when to show up, and confirm any last-minute details or requests you have.
- Decoration Details: Check that all your decorations are ready to go and that you have everything you need. If you’re doing a DIY setup, organize a day to start decorating, ideally with the help of friends and family.
- Emergency Kit: Prepare a wedding day emergency kit with items like safety pins, tape, scissors, a sewing kit, and anything else that might help with last-minute fixes.
- Rest and Relax: Finally, try to set aside some time for yourself to relax and rejuvenate before the big day. You’ve planned meticulously, so allow yourself a moment to breathe and enjoy the anticipation.
Night Before
On the night before your wedding, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. This is a pivotal moment to make sure everything is set for your big day and to take some time to relax and prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Here’s what you can expect and a checklist to help ensure you have everything ready for the following day:
Night before expectations:
If you’re having a rehearsal, walk through the ceremony with your wedding party to finalize any last-minute details and timing. Enjoy the rehearsal dinner as a time to relax with close family and friends before the big event.
It’s common to feel a bit anxious or nervous. Try to unwind with soothing activities like reading, listening to calming music, or practicing meditation.
Personal preparation checklist for the wedding day:
- Ensure your wedding attire is set out and ready to go—dress, suit, shoes, accessories, and any special items like cufflinks or jewelry.
- Pack a small bag with essentials such as makeup for touch-ups, extra hairpins, a small sewing kit, tissues, and snacks for energy.
- Consider any beauty preparations like a manicure, packing your makeup, and skincare products for the morning.
- Have your vows, speeches, or any readings finalized and printed if necessary. Keep them in a safe but accessible place.
- Set a bedtime that allows for plenty of rest, considering it might take a little longer to fall asleep. A good night’s sleep will help you look and feel your best.
- Decide what you’ll have for breakfast and ensure it will sustain you but not cause any discomfort. Have someone responsible for getting it ready, or order room service if you’re staying at a hotel.
- Have a list of vendor contacts and important guests’ phone numbers handy, possibly with a designated point person who can manage any day-of coordination issues.
Taking care of these details the night before will help ensure a smoother, more enjoyable wedding day.
Plan Your DIY Wedding with Reventals!
As you approach your big day, remember that every detail counts towards creating the perfect atmosphere for you and your guests. Maintaining a clear, organized approach will ensure your wedding is everything you’ve dreamed of.
When it comes to getting rentals for your DIY wedding, Reventals has got you covered as the leading solution for securing high-quality items quickly and easily. Whether you need tables, chairs, linens, or unique decor items, Reventals simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on enjoying your wedding journey without the stress of managing multiple vendors.
We hope this guide helps you save a couple bucks while planning your dream wedding, and check out our marketplace for everything you need to make your wedding dreams come true!
