Setting a date

Sadly most times March/April- October or peak wedding seasons there aren’t many venues that would offer you an off-season discount.
However, you should look into maybe renting a nice Airbnb that has a big pretty backyard area and having a casual small backyard wedding . Of course, you’ll need to make sure it’s okay with the owner but I’ve seen a ton of brides do this and they turn out so beautiful!

Congrats on the engagement, and don’t be afraid to look for advice on here for anything you need !

Your best bet is to go through the local parks department and get one of their venues. You will have much more freedom and ability sticking to a low budget that way.

How much longer till you finish college? My friend got engaged and she is waiting till she graduates so it's less stress, my other friend planned a wedding while working full time and going to grad school full time and she definitely does NOT recommend! It's all just up to how much you can handle! Wedding planning is very stressful! Venue wise we personally found a cute historical chapel for the ceremony and then renting a great hall afterwards! Our budget was $10000 and we are at $5000!! And I am in Southern Cali so I'm sure you can find something similar just have to really research!

If you want to save, have a winter wedding on a weekday or a Sunday. Keep your guest list and bridal party small. If you can stick to beer and wine only and maybe one signature cocktail for the reception. Use a photographer that’s a student for cheaper rates. Try the thumbtack app for an inexpensive DJ/photographer/make up artist. Skip floral centerpieces and do a few candles with a table number. Do your own hair and make up. Get your dress from a sample sale or a chain boutique like David’s that have a large selection of inexpensive gowns. Use Walgreens for your invitations, they have VERY inexpensive suites. Try a newer venue they will have cheaper rates. Or get married outdoors at a park or beach you can have a reception at a restaurant or a venue listed on Splacer or Eventcentive etc.

To add to what is above Saturday is usually very expensive as well. Avoid Saturday weddings.


I would say for centerpieces make your own.

View Quoted Comment Ditto! Also, brunch receptions are at least half the price of dinner receptions. If you want flowers, use Fiftyflowers.com or Costco.

View Quoted Comment Very true ! Sunday at brunch is probably pretty good. Saturday at brunch it depends on the place. I think my venue on brunch was ehhhhh less but probably still high for her.


To add to yours for flowers I used hobby lobby. Really any craft store.

You should start with establishing a realistic budget. Weddings typically range from $5-30k. It can definitely be done for less and of course can be done for more. First figure out exactly what your budget is and how to achieve it. I agree with others who suggested public or state parks, weekday weddings or an elopement. All you really need is a venue, an officiant and ideally your loved ones. Everything else is extra.