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How much should you budget for a small wedding?

Weddings can be one of the most expensive events you’ll ever plan in your lifetime, but that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Whether it’s a small or big wedding, a tight budget can be challenging. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how much you should budget for a small wedding.

What is Considered a Small Wedding?

The definition of a small wedding varies from one person to another, but by tradition, a small wedding is one that has less than 100 guests. However, with today’s changing times and evolving scenarios, it can be anything below 50 or even less than that given the pandemic situation.

Factors to Consider Before Determining the Budget

Before you get into the specifics of your budget, keep these things in mind:

  • Type of Wedding: A backyard wedding will cost less than a traditional ceremony and reception in a fancy ballroom. Keep in mind; you would want to have food, décor, invitation, and attire that fits the theme of your wedding.
  • Guest List: Your guest list will be the most significant factor in determining your budget. The more people you invite, the more you will spend. You can limit your guest list to keep your budget in check.
  • Date and Time: Peak wedding season, holidays, and even weekend nights will cost you more.
  • Location: The location of the event affects your budget drastically. A beach or park wedding may not give you the same amenities as an indoor venue.
  • Decor: Sometimes the simplest decor is the most elegant. You can save on decor by finding a venue with the right ambiance.

Breaking Down the Costs of a Small Wedding

Now, let’s dive into how much a small wedding costs. Keep in mind; your budget will depend on your preferences, the location, and the size of your wedding.

Venue

The cost of the venue will be the biggest part of your budget. The price range varies from $500 to $5000, depending on the location and date. If you choose a partial or full-service venue, the cost may go up to $10,000 or more.

Catering

The price per person for catering can range from $50-$150 or more, depending on your menu preferences. You can save on catering by choosing a location that allows you to bring your food or finding a budget-friendly catering service.

Attire and Accessories

The cost of your wedding dress and accessories will depend on your preferences. You can save by renting tuxedos or find wedding dresses on sale online. Keep in mind, alterations and accessories can add to the overall amount.

Photography

A good photographer is essential to capture your special day’s memories. Prices can range from $500-$5000 or more. You can select a photography package that fits your budget, or find a professional photographer willing to work within your budget.

Decorations

The cost for decor can also vary depending on your preferences, the location, and the theme of your wedding. Keep it simple but elegant and save on decorating costs. You can also get creative and explore DIY decoration options.

Invitations and Favors

Your wedding invitations set the tone for your special day. You can find ways to save on costs by designing your invitations or finding affordable printing companies. Favors are optional, but if you choose to have them, find budget-friendly options like personalized chocolates or small potted plants.

Conclusion

Planning a small wedding can be more affordable than you think. Keeping your preferences in mind, your budget can range anywhere from $5000 to $20,000, or even more. Sticking to your budget will require careful planning and finding the right vendors who are within your budget. In the end, the memories you create on your special day will be priceless.

FAQ

How many people to invite to wedding if you want 150?


When it comes to wedding planning, one of the most important decisions that you’ll make is how many guests to invite. This decision can impact everything from your budget to your choice of venue, so it’s important to take some time to evaluate your options.

If you’re hoping to invite 150 people to your wedding, the first step is to determine if your budget will allow for that many guests. Remember that each guest will require a meal, a place to sit, and potentially other expenses like transportation or accommodation if they’re coming from out of town. You want to make sure that you can afford to host everyone on your list without overextending yourself financially.

Once you’ve established your budget, it’s time to start drafting your guest list. Start by making a list of everyone you would like to invite, including close family members, friends, and colleagues. This list will likely be longer than 150 people, so it’s important to whittle it down to your must-haves.

To do this, consider your priorities for the wedding. Do you want an intimate ceremony with only your closest family members and friends? Or do you want a big, lively party with everyone you know? If you’re on a tight budget, you may need to be more selective about who you invite. If you have some flexibility, you may be able to invite more people without breaking the bank.

Another thing to keep in mind is that not everyone you invite will be able to attend your wedding. People might have prior commitments, health issues, or financial constraints that prevent them from coming. As a result, it’s a good idea to send out more invitations than you actually want to attend.

Experts recommend inviting no more than your budget can allow. If you’ve budgeted for 150 people, you should send out 150 invites. On the off chance some of those prospective guests send their regrets, feel free to send out more invites to “second tier” guests, but only up to that original 150-person total.

Deciding how many people to invite to your wedding is a balancing act. You want to share your special day with as many loved ones as possible, but you also need to be practical about what you can afford. By taking the time to make a realistic guest list and sticking to your budget, you can have a celebration that’s both memorable and sustainable.

Who pays for the wedding?


The question of who pays for the wedding is a complex one that varies depending on cultural and familial traditions, as well as the preferences and finances of the couple getting married. Historically, it has been customary for the bride’s family to foot the majority of the wedding bill, with the groom’s family contributing smaller amounts or simply funding the honeymoon. This tradition dates back to an era when men were the primary breadwinners and women were expected to be financially supported by their fathers until they married. Thus, the wedding was viewed as an extension of the bride’s father’s financial responsibility.

However, in modern times, this practice is rapidly changing. With more women in the workforce and families less concerned with traditional gender roles, couples are increasingly choosing to handle at least half of the wedding expenses on their own. This new approach is a way for couples to have greater control over their wedding day and be financially responsible for the celebration they desire, rather than leaving it all to the financial whims of their parents.

When deciding who pays for what, it is important to begin early planning and create a written budget. This can help avoid miscommunication and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Discussing each aspect of the wedding celebration and assigning realistic financial responsibilities can help alleviate the stress and frustration that may arise during the planning stages. Couples can also consider having a smaller, more intimate wedding as a way to make the day more affordable and manageable.

The question of who pays for the wedding is one that deserves careful consideration and communication between all parties involved. It is important to be mindful of cultural and familial traditions when making decisions, but ultimately the couple’s preferences and financial abilities should be the guiding factors in determining who pays for what. With careful planning and clear communication, couples can enjoy a beautiful and memorable wedding day without breaking the bank.

Is 150 a good size wedding?


The answer to whether 150 is a good size for a wedding depends on several factors. One of the most critical factors to consider is the size of your families and friend groups. If you have a large family and a lot of close friends, a wedding of 150 guests may be the appropriate size. However, if you have a small family and a limited number of friends, then a wedding with a guest list of 150 may seem overwhelming.

Additionally, cultural and religious factors can also influence the optimal size of a wedding. For instance, some cultures prioritize big wedding celebrations, while others prefer more intimate gatherings. So, if you come from a culture where large weddings are the norm, then a guest list of 150 may be suitable. On the other hand, if your culture leans towards smaller weddings, then a guest list of 150 may be too large.

Another aspect to consider is the vision you have for your wedding day. If you have always dreamed of a grand celebration with a lot of guests, then 150 guests may not fulfill your expectations. However, if you prefer a more intimate wedding with close family and friends, then 150 guests may be the perfect size.

It’s worth noting that the average wedding size fluctuates over time, and defining a “good” size for a wedding varies significantly from one couple to another. In general, a guest list of 75 to 150 guests is considered the average wedding size. However, some couples prefer smaller weddings with fewer than 50 guests, while others opt for a massive wedding with over 500 guests.

Whether 150 is a good size for a wedding depends on several factors, including your family size, culture and religion, and your vision for your big day. The critical thing is to determine the guest list that best fits your needs and preferences, irrespective of what others might think.