Planning a Wedding Under $20k

With smart choices, creativity, and careful planning, you can create a stunning wedding day for under $20,000 without compromising on style. In this guide, we'll cover how to plan efficiently, decorate elegantly on a tight budget, and stay organized while keeping costs low.

Step 1: Smart Wedding Planning for a Budget-Friendly Celebration

1. Set Your Priorities

Before diving into decor, determine what aspects of your wedding matter most to you. Whether it's photography, food, or the venue, knowing your priorities helps you allocate your budget wisely. Be prepared to lower expectations for other elements that are not top priority. Personally, I recommend prioritizing a good photographer - those photos will really be the only long lasting thing from the wedding day other than your marriage! LOL!

2. Choose an Affordable Venue

• Consider non-traditional venues like parks, backyards, community halls, or Airbnb rentals.

• Opt for an all-in-one venue that includes tables, chairs, and decor to cut rental costs. IF this is an option near you, I would 10/10 recommend looking into this. Often times these can be expensive up front but will cover everything!! DIY costs can be sneaky sometimes.

• Book during off-peak seasons or weekdays for better rates.

Check out my Budget Brides & DIYs playlist for more tips.

ALSO 1) check to see if your potential venue has Decor Inventory - if they've got stuff, you don't have to buy it!! and 2) look at the tables and chairs. If they look nice, you don't have to spend more money covering them up with linens and decor.

3. Limit Your Guest List

Unfortunately there is no way around this! More guests mean higher costs for food, seating, and decor. Keep your wedding intimate by inviting only close family and friends.

4. DIY or Rent Decor

Instead of buying expensive decorations, DIY centerpieces and floral arrangements, or rent decor from local vendors. The BEST thing you can do is research research research - compare everything to make sure you're getting the best deal.

Pro Tip - go get your degree in YouTube-university! Get on YT and start taking notes on the tutorials that are out there, like DIY bouquets, DIY wedding arch, etc.

5. Keep Track of Expenses

TAKE THIS PART VERY SERIOUSLY. Use a wedding budget spreadsheet to track costs and prevent overspending. Free tools like Google Sheets or wedding budget apps can be lifesavers - you need to keep track of not only what you're currently spending but what you will need to spend throughout the year as well. Put lots of buffer in there too... it's little things like a 22% gratuity fee for your caterer or a tip for your photog that will put you over.

Step 2: Elegant Wedding Decor on a Budget

1. Use Candles for a Romantic Ambiance

Candles are an affordable way to create warmth and elegance. Mix pillar candles, tea lights, and votives in varying heights for a sophisticated glow. Wanna get extra DIY? Make them yourself. Buy some wax in bulk and learn that new hobby! It's surprisingly fun.

If you'd rather buy, here are some good pillars and votives with containers from the zon.

2. Thrift and Repurpose Decor

• Check thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and garage sales for vases, candle holders, and table decor. Previous brides are always trying to make their money back and clear up their house by selling their stuff, take advantage!

• Repurpose home decor like mirrors, picture frames, and lanterns to enhance your wedding space. And if you're buying new, make sure it's something you can use in your home after it's all said and done!

3. Go Green with Affordable Florals

• Buy flowers in bulk from local farms or grocery stores like Costco or Trader Joe’s. (Just make sure you have TIME to put this stuff together a day before the wedding - and get lots of help)

  • Flower Moxie is a good way to go too

• Choose seasonal flowers or greenery-heavy arrangements to reduce costs. If you're honest with a florist, they will help you figure out what can work. Don't be afraid to say "Hey I literally have $1,000 max, what is possible??"

• Consider potted plants as centerpieces that double as guest favors or decorate your house.

• As much as I don't love supporting places like Temu and Alibaba, they are an affordable option and you can't deny that. Check out their artificial flowers (just don't spend too much on shipping trying to find ones that look good - check those reviews!!)

4. Utilize Fabric Draping

Draping chiffon can seriously transform a space. Use it for:

• Backdrops

• Ceiling drapes

• Table runners

5. Minimalist Table Settings

• White tablecloths provide a clean, timeless look and are the most affordable.

• Bud vases are a great way to spread out the flowers in a budget friendly way.

• Create your own stationery with Canva and print out "rack cards" for menus or programs. This always makes it look more lux in a super affordable way.

  • If you wanna just use a template, check out my Etsy for a few options. I made some designs for you and it's like $4.

6. DIY Wedding Signage

Make your own signs using:

• Chalkboards with handwritten messages

• Printable templates in stylish fonts

• Acrylic or wooden signs with paint or vinyl lettering - anybody you know have a Cricut?!

7. Opt for String Lights or Fairy Lights

Warm-toned string lights add a magical touch to any venue, especially for outdoor weddings.

8. Simple Yet Stunning Ceremony Decor

• Skip the floral arch and use a simple wooden frame draped with fabric.

• Use borrowed or rental chairs to avoid buying expensive seating.

• Scatter flower petals instead of investing in elaborate aisle decor.

And remember, everybody is going to be looking at you getting married!! Don't stress the budget on the ceremony - prioritize the dining area.

Step 3: Organizing Your Wedding Decor & To-Do List Efficiently

1. Create a Decor Checklist

Break down decor into categories:

• Ceremony: Backdrop, chairs, aisle decor, signage

• Reception: Centerpieces, table linens, guestbook table, cake table

• Lighting: Candles, string lights, lanterns

• Extras: Photo booth props, welcome signs, favors

2. Label & Organize Decor Bins

Store decor in labeled bins by category to streamline setup on the wedding day.

3. Use a Wedding Planning App

Apps like Trello, Asana, or a wedding-specific planner like The Knot help keep track of tasks and deadlines.

4. Delegate Tasks

Ask trusted friends or family members to assist with decor setup and takedown.

Little note from me - If you can, I would 100% get a Day of Coordinator. DIY as much as you can to cut costs then have someone else do the DIY-ing on the big day so you and your friends/family can enjoy all the work you've put into it rather than doing more work. I understand this is not always a possibility, (I mean I skipped the DOC for my wedding because I didn't have the money back then!!) BUT it was my biggest regret. My husband and I did so much setting up and cleaning up that it was hard to stay in the moment and not be exhausted.

Bonus Tips for Sticking to a Budget

• Borrow from Friends & Family: Many people have decor items from previous weddings.

• Buy Secondhand: Look for wedding resale groups on Facebook.

• Simplify the Cake: A small display cake and sheet cakes for guests save money.

• Limit the Bar: Offer beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full bar.

• Hire New Vendors: Scope them out, but this can save you a bunch. (Just please be sure you don't cut too much costs for your photographer... truly this matters!)

Final Thoughts

By focusing on what matters most, embracing DIY and secondhand options, and staying organized, you can have an elegant and memorable wedding without breaking the bank. Start planning today, and enjoy the journey to your special day!

If you need more of my shopping list that's HERE.

If you need more organization, you're going to love THIS (and if you don't want the bundle pack check out the individual ones!)

Annnnd if you need more assistance, schedule a consult with me and I can help!

Happy Planning!

Lynea