Set a Clear Budget

• Decide how much you can afford and stick to it.

• Track your spending using a spreadsheet or budgeting app. My favorite is Notion. I use it to plan everything. Here’s a video on how to get started.

• Focus on what matters most and cut costs on less important details. I go over this a little bit in my post-engagement checklist.
  

Limit the Guest List

• This may sound like an obvious one, but the more guests, the higher the cost. Keep it small if possible.

• Invite only close friends and family and say no to non-married/engaged plus ones if you have to.

• Consider a small, intimate ceremony and a casual gathering afterward. Kaitlyn and I eloped at Black Balsam Knob, with a small reception at Hi-Wire Brewing afterward in their Bier Garden.
  

Choose an Affordable Venue

• There are so many beautiful areas in Western North Carolina and around Asheville where you can hold a small ceremony. Think the Blue Ridge Parkway, parks, and Airbnbs. Just be sure you’re not breaking any laws.

• Consider non-traditional days like weekdays. I do a dozen or so Monday-Thursday weddings every year, so they are more common than you think.

• Most venues come with just that — the venue. But there are some all-inclusive venues out there. Try to find a venue that comes with the chairs, linens, day of coordinator…etc. These venues may be more expensive at first, but may save you money in the long run.
  

Save on Attire

• Shop sample sales or buy second-hand. Kaitlyn bought her dress second-hand on stillwhite.com.

• Rent a dress or suit instead of purchasing from somewhere like thedressoutlet.com or theblacktux.com
  

Simplify the Decor

• Use candles, fairy lights, and greenery for an elegant look. Hobby Lobby and Michaels are great places to find faux greenery for tables. If you’re on the fence about faux greenery, just remember your reception is likely to be dim or dark, so table florals are less visible anyway.

• DIY centerpieces with thrifted vases and fresh flowers. Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are great places for affordable fresh florals and bouquets.

• Choose a venue that needs very little decorating.

• You can also pick your own flowers at a local flower farm. This works great as party favors that guests can take home as well.

Find Budget-Friendly Catering Options

• Consider a buffet or food trucks instead of plated meals. Bears BBQ, Smasheville and Appalachian BBQ are a few favorites. Oh, and Sunshine Sammies are always a hit, too.

• Serve a brunch or lunch instead of dinner. If you’re opting for an evening/afternoon wedding, breakfast, brunch or lunch food is always more reasonable.

• Provide your own alcohol if the venue allows it.
  

Rethink Invitations

• Go digital with email invites or wedding websites. Zola and Lovebird are great places to start.

• Hand-deliver local invitations to save on postage.
  

Skip Expensive Extras

• Skip the wedding favors. To be honest, unless they’re super personal to each guest, most of them end up in the trash anyway.

• Hire a DJ instead of a live band.

• Cut the wedding cake cost by serving a sheet cake instead of a tiered one. Or go non-traditional and serve donuts or bundt cakes.
  

Ask for Help

• Have friends or family assist with setup and teardown.

• Have a friend officiate. They can become ordained relatively quickly.

• Join wedding Facebook groups like WNC All Things Weddings to find budget-friendly vendors.
  

A meaningful wedding doesn’t have to be expensive. Focus on what makes the day special for you and your partner. Saving money doesn’t mean sacrificing the things that make you happy, it just means making smarter choices that let you enjoy your day without stressing about how much you’re spending.