Blane Ellsworth May 17, 2025
Creative, Classy & Cost-Conscious Tips for Your 2025 Celebration
Planning a small wedding doesn't mean skimping on beauty or meaning—it simply means focusing on what truly matters. Here's your ultimate list of 100 inspiring, cost-saving ideas to help you say "I do" without financial stress.
Host your wedding in a backyard or garden.
Rent a local community center.
Use a friend’s home or vacation property.
Book a weekday or off-season date.
Hold your wedding at a scenic public park.
Reserve a small chapel or historic church.
Consider a beach or forest elopement.
Host a brunch wedding at a cozy café.
Ask about packages at boutique inns or B&Bs.
Explore affordable city hall ceremonies.
Use fairy lights and candles for atmosphere.
Incorporate thrifted or second-hand décor.
Decorate with potted plants you can reuse.
Choose a minimalist aesthetic—less is more.
Borrow items from friends or family.
Create a DIY photo backdrop.
Use simple linen tablecloths with greenery runners.
Repurpose holiday lights and votives.
Make your own signage with chalkboards or wood.
Focus on one wow factor, like a single dramatic centerpiece.
Use seasonal flowers only.
Shop at farmer’s markets or grocery stores.
DIY your bouquet and boutonnières.
Ask a friend with a green thumb to help.
Use dried flowers or faux florals.
Repurpose ceremony flowers for the reception.
Choose greenery-heavy arrangements.
Incorporate herbs or wildflowers.
Go with a single-type flower look (e.g., all baby’s breath).
Order from a wholesale flower website.
Host a potluck-style dinner.
Have a brunch or breakfast wedding.
Serve gourmet pizzas or taco bars.
Limit the bar to wine, beer, and one signature cocktail.
Hire a food truck instead of a caterer.
Offer a dessert-only reception.
Ask a family member to bake your wedding cake.
Opt for cupcakes or a donut wall.
Have a cocktail-style reception with passed hors d'oeuvres.
Choose a restaurant with a private room.
Curate your own Spotify playlist.
Ask a talented friend to perform.
Hire a student musician.
Use a Bluetooth speaker for ceremony music.
Skip the DJ and rent a karaoke machine.
Make a shared guest photo album.
Create a slideshow of your relationship journey.
Play lawn games like cornhole or giant Jenga.
Host a post-wedding trivia game.
Do a first dance playlist instead of a live band.
Buy a pre-loved or sample wedding dress.
Shop for suits during end-of-season sales.
Rent attire instead of buying.
Do your own makeup and hair or ask a friend.
Choose non-traditional attire (e.g., white sundress or linen suit).
Use accessories you already own.
Have a makeup or hair trial only—then DIY on the big day.
Skip bridesmaid dresses and let them wear what they love.
Shop Etsy for affordable bridal accessories.
Go barefoot if you're getting married outdoors!
Use digital invites via Paperless Post or Canva.
Design your own invites and print at home.
Skip RSVP cards—ask for email/text responses.
Create a free wedding website.
Keep paper materials simple and minimal.
Send a digital program for the ceremony.
Use kraft paper for a rustic DIY look.
Print one sign with all key info instead of individual menus.
Offer downloadable thank-you notes.
Share your schedule via group text.
Skip favors—or donate to a charity in guests’ names.
Make edible favors like cookies or jam.
Use plantable seed packets.
Offer handwritten thank-you notes instead.
Frame a group photo as a guest gift.
Create a Spotify playlist to send post-wedding.
Share a heartfelt poem or blessing.
Offer mini soap or candles from a local maker.
Use polaroids for instant photo keepsakes.
Gift each guest a custom thank-you tag.
Limit your guest list (under 30 is best).
Skip printed programs and menus.
Use repurposed furniture for the altar.
Hire a student or new photographer.
Book vendors-in-training for reduced fees.
Combine ceremony and reception in one space.
Skip traditions you don’t care about.
Do your own makeup trial using YouTube tutorials.
Source vintage items from family.
Ask guests to take photos instead of hiring a pro photographer.
Write your own vows.
Share a unity ritual like candle lighting or handfasting.
Include pets in your ceremony.
Ask loved ones to read or bless you.
Exchange letters the morning of your wedding.
Display family photos or heirlooms.
Include a moment of silence for loved ones who’ve passed.
Use your wedding as a weekend getaway with close friends.
Invite only those who deeply support you.
Focus on what truly matters—love, connection, and joy.
