How to Have Your Dream Wedding for $10,000 or Less
Think it’s impossible to have the wedding of your dreams on a $10,000 budget? Think again! With thoughtful planning, creative choices, and a few budget-friendly hacks, you can have a beautiful, meaningful day without sacrificing the moments that matter most.
Here’s how to make it happen—and a sample budget to get you started!
Prioritize What Matters Most
Start by identifying your top priorities. Maybe it’s an epic photographer to capture your memories, a stunning outdoor venue, or a live band for the reception. Pick 2-3 “non-negotiables” and allow yourself to allocate more of your budget there, trimming costs in areas that aren’t as important to you.
Some ideas:
Photography/videography: Memories you'll cherish forever
Venue: The perfect backdrop
Food: A delicious meal for your guests
Everything else (decor, flowers, cake) can be simplified or DIY’d!
Tips for a $10K Wedding
Opt for a weekday or off-season date to save big on your venue.
Limit your guest list—an intimate wedding saves on food, rentals, and favors.
DIY what you can—florals, signage, playlists, and even desserts!
Shop secondhand for decor, dresses, and accessories (Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, thrift stores).
Choose a naturally beautiful venue (like a park or backyard) that doesn’t need much decorating.
Sample $10,000 Dream Wedding Budget
Photography and Videography: Set aside $4,500 to hire a talented team to capture your day beautifully.
Attire (Dress, Suit, Accessories): Allocate $2,000 to find your perfect wedding outfit, including any tailoring or accessories you need.
DJ or Musicians: Budget $1,000 to hire a DJ or live musicians to create the perfect vibe for your ceremony and reception.
Venue Rental: Plan to spend about $800 by booking a park, backyard, or a smaller private venue.
Catering (Food and Drinks): Allocate $1,200 for catering, whether that's buffet-style service, a food truck, or a casual dinner for a smaller guest list.
Flowers and Decor: Reserve around $300 for simple but beautiful DIY floral arrangements and minimalist decor like candles and greenery.
Stationery (Invitations and Programs): Keep it simple with a $100 budget for digital invites or DIY-printed options.
Cake and Desserts: Plan to spend about $50 for a small cutting cake and a simple dessert table.
Miscellaneous (Marriage License, Vendor Tips, Small Extras): Leave $50 for small but important details.
This budget keeps the focus on high-quality memories, personal style, and a great guest experience, while staying mindful of your $10,000 goal!
Customize Your Budget Based on What Matters Most
One of the best parts about creating a wedding budget is that it's completely flexible—you can move money around depending on what’s most important to you as a couple.
Ask yourself: What will make your wedding day feel the most meaningful and memorable?
If having a stunning venue is your dream, consider allocating more toward your venue and scaling back slightly on other areas like decor or attire. A naturally beautiful location can also save you money on decorations since the setting speaks for itself.
If capturing memories is your top priority, you might want to invest a larger portion of your budget into an experienced photographer and videographer. Photos and video are the one thing you’ll have long after the day is over, preserving every laugh, tear, and unforgettable moment.
If incredible food and drink are most important to you, you might shift more of your budget into catering and offer your guests a truly unforgettable meal experience, while keeping decor and stationery simple and budget-friendly.
There’s no right or wrong way to allocate your wedding funds—it's about choosing what reflects you best. By focusing your budget on what matters most to you, you’ll create a day that feels genuine, personal, and absolutely unforgettable.
Real Ways to Save
Venue: Look for parks, community centers, private properties, or micro-wedding packages.
Catering: Go for buffet-style, food trucks, or even a BBQ or taco bar.
Photography: Hire a talented newer photographer offering discounted packages to build their portfolio.
Decor: Use candles, thrifted vases, greenery, and string lights for a magical (but inexpensive) vibe.
Flowers: Order in bulk from wholesale flower suppliers and DIY your bouquets with your bridal party.
Music: Build a killer Spotify playlist and rent speakers if hiring a DJ isn't in the cards.
Final Thoughts
Planning your dream wedding on a $10,000 budget is absolutely possible—you just have to get a little creative and stay focused on what truly matters to you. Whether it's breathtaking photos, an incredible meal, or celebrating in a stunning location, your wedding should feel like a reflection of your story, not a checklist of traditions or expectations. By prioritizing what’s most meaningful and being intentional with your choices, you’ll create a day that's not only beautiful, but also unforgettable—for you, your partner, and everyone lucky enough to celebrate with you.