Budget advice

I would probably say you would need more money. Now you have to decide what is most important. For me it was photography but photography can easily run you $1,500 for a full wedding. You can check around and find photographers that are more affordable but sometimes you pay for what you get. I would break all of those items down and do research and see how much they cost but also discuss with your fiance what are the must-haves and what are not. For example do you really need a DJ? I would also look up on Pinterest post about small budget weddings and maybe you can get some really good tips.

Oof if you’ve only $1500 that’s gonna make it hard for those things because a photographer alone can cost that already or more. If you really wanna make it work for that amount you can


1) look for free photography - there’s plenty of people who want to expand their portfolio for free or look to only have a limited amount of hours with a photographer
2) cut the dj and just do Spotify and speakers
3) have a dessert that’s not a wedding cake. Maybe consider just store bought
4) I would use fake flowers from a crafting store like Michaels or no florals at all

I would have a cake & punch reception at a public park or at your home. Have a short ceremony at 1:30 PM and reception from 2-4 PM so people don't expect a full meal. Skip a DJ, just play music from a phone or speaker in the background. Skip a wedding party (bridesmaids & groomsmen). Skip favors, programs, menus, save the dates. Skip videographer, professional hair & makeup, transportation, hotel blocks. Send very simple invites and do an online RSVP. Look to local grocery stores for flowers and DIY your own bouquet. Look on resell bridal groups on Facebook for decor. See if a friend or starting out photographer will do your photographers for very cheap/free. I'd probably save at least another year to see if you can increase your budget a little though.

I would use some savings if you’re not going to go hungry or miss your rent and still have some emergency fund left. I know people are against that but it’s a special day and there’s no way you’re going to get all that for 1500. While writing this I checked your date and you still have another year. So put away some money every month and you’ll be ok.

I don't think $1500 is enough for all that but I am also very against borrowing money for a wedding. I would suggest doing a cake and punch reception and skipping all the other stuff. $1500 is plenty for a cake, refreshments and a photographer with money to spare and you will still have a memorable day without trying to figure out how to pay for it or starting your marriage off in debt or owing anything.

Unfortunately, $1,500 won’t even get you a decent photographer. I would either dip into savings, or postpone your wedding until you’re able to save a little more.

You can do it. But you may need closer to 2-3k.
Download the thumbtack app. You can find a photographer for 3-500$ in your area. They also have djs. You can forgo a formal wedding cake and do a cupcake tower or go to your local grocery bakery and have them stack 2-3 cakes different sized sheet cakes. Do beer and wine only from total wine. For food you can have Mexican or Italian they are the cheapest and have a wide selection. Cocktail hour stick to cheese crackers fruit spread.

What is important to you? We are spending less than 1000. But, for us a photographer is important. I'm getting a dress, but more a formal/cocktail dress and rings. Flowers will be DIY as we are getting married outdoors and it will be too early for the spring flowers.

Not sure it’s doable with only $1500 but I’d recommend:


Flowers- literally no flowers lol, or maybe just bouquets. I DIYd my bridesmaids bouquets using grocery store flowers, spent $30 to make 4 bouquets and they were lovely.

Cake- maybe do cupcakes or donuts or a cookie tray or something less expensive?

DJ- Spotify playlist instead

Photography & beverages is where it gets tricky and why I say you may have to go over your budget. I’d see if your venue will let you do BYOB and then you can buy alcohol elsewhere in bulk and serve it there? If not I’d try serving beer and wine only, but the price for that can vary greatly depending on the venue so idk what it’ll run you. Price for Photography also depends greatly on where you live. I’m in NJ where everything is insanely expensive lol, our photographer cost $2k but they were the least expensive ones I found by a long shot. Most I found in our area were $5-6k. But in a different region you may have better luck!

It really depends. Honeslty that's a very tight squeeze...may wanna consider things like no DJ just have a playlist, 1 tier cake depending on size, an artificial bouquet,as far as beverages...depends on what kind

View Quoted Comment

Mrs D hit the nail on this one. I absolutely agree with everything she suggested. 1500 is not much to work with but if you cut out these major aspects, it could work. Also make sure your guest list is pretty small.

I would save some more if you want the flowers, cake, beverages, DJ, photography, ect.

What's your total budget, out of curiosity?
My one recommendation: don't skimp on photography. And even if you got someone good to do lesser time (i.e. 2-3 hours only), it's worth the money. I work part-time in a wedding band and I've seen what budget photographers do - there is a WORLD of difference between someone professional who's done tons of weddings and someone just starting out/free/friend/cheap. Even among pros, there are some that are not good at dealing with families/other people and it is absolutely worth it for good photos and a photog that you connect with, as that's all you'll have to remember your day, forever.
I like the suggestions to have a small plate or hors d'oeuvres reception, do brunch, lunch or cake and punch or something similar. Also, skipping the wedding party cuts out a lot of expenses.

Not sure I totally understand your situation. After paying for ceremony fees, venue fee, and all food catering, the money remaining is 1500, correct?


If yes, then no beverages. Store bought cake or desserts. No DJ. Only personal flowers (bouts and bouquets) and no wedding party or very small wedding party to limit flower costs. No flowers for ceremony or reception decor. No professional photography, hand nice DSLR to a friend/family member and ask them to be in charge of photos or find a friend who has a nice camera. Not sure what pricing in your local area is like but where I am, 1500 would cover a 2 hour engagement session or portrait session. That would leave you with literally 0 dollars for even store bought cake. When budget is tight, just eliminate entire categories from the budget. Look at your guest list to see what skills people could contribute.
Also what is/isn’t included in your venue fee? What about the cost of the ceremony itself and officiant fee? Did you already add gratuity to the amount? Some venues include a day of coordinator but if you’re having a pared back wedding, maybe say you don’t need one and see if that makes it a litttle cheaper or if they’d throw something else in as an included bonus?

If you haven’t signed the contract and if you really value some of the things in your “everything else category” then I suggest keep searching for a cheaper venue and caterer that will leave you with more budget leftover for 1 or 2 other priorities you have (ex photography or flowers).

I spent nearly $6000 on the items you still have left to cover, and it was hardly a high maintenance wedding. I recommend pulling from savings if it isn’t going to hinder your life otherwise.

OUCH! 1500 mostly likely isnt going to be enough..

Flowers- fake or cheap flowers im doing babys breath but im also doing a simple rustic theme not sure what yours is.

Cake- Sams club does a 2-3 tier cake and sheet cake for cheap!

Drinks- Cash bar?

DJ- Friend of the family to maybe play music?

Photographer is where your issue will be I cant find anyone under 2k

Hope this helps! Good luck