Introduction
A wedding is one of the most important days in a couple’s life. As such, many people want to make sure their special day is perfect and memorable. But planning a wedding can be an overwhelming task, especially when it comes to budgeting. One way to help manage costs is to plan a small wedding. But what exactly is a small wedding and how much does it cost? Read on to find out!
Definition of a “Small Wedding”
A small wedding typically consists of no more than 50 guests, including family and close friends. This type of wedding is often referred to as an intimate or micro wedding. It’s a great option for couples who are looking for a more intimate experience with their closest loved ones. Additionally, smaller weddings are often less expensive than larger weddings, making them ideal for those on a tight budget.
Benefits of a Small Wedding
The main benefit of a small wedding is that it allows couples to create an intimate atmosphere with their closest family and friends. Without the hassle and stress of a large wedding, couples can focus on creating meaningful moments with their guests. Additionally, couples can save money by inviting fewer people, as the cost of food, drinks, and other services is usually based on the number of guests. Finally, couples can use the extra funds saved to splurge on special touches like a unique venue, luxurious decorations, or a memorable honeymoon.
Compare Costs of a Small Wedding vs. Large Wedding
When it comes to budgeting for a wedding, it’s important to compare the costs of a small wedding vs. a large wedding. According to The Knot’s 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in the United States was $33,931. However, the average cost of a small wedding (50 guests or less) was significantly lower at $15,163.
Average Expenses of a Small Wedding
When budgeting for a small wedding, couples should consider the following expenses: venue fees, catering costs, photography/videography, music and entertainment, floral arrangements, wedding attire, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.
What is Usually Included in the Cost of a Small Wedding?
Venue Fees: Venue fees will likely be the biggest expense for a small wedding. These fees typically include the cost of renting the space and any amenities associated with it. Depending on the size of the venue, couples may also need to pay additional fees for tables, chairs, and linens.
Catering Costs: Food and drinks are usually the second-largest expense for a small wedding. The cost of catering depends on the type of cuisine, the number of guests, and the amount of food served. If couples choose to provide alcohol, they should also factor in the cost of beverages.
Photography/Videography: Professional photography and videography are essential for capturing special memories from the big day. The cost of these services varies depending on the experience level of the photographer/videographer and the number of hours they will be hired for.
Music and Entertainment: Music and entertainment can add an extra layer of fun to a small wedding. The cost of hiring a DJ or live band will depend on the size of the event and the length of time they will be needed.
Floral Arrangements: Floral arrangements can add a beautiful touch to any wedding. The cost of flowers will depend on the type of blooms used and the number of arrangements needed.
Wedding Attire: Wedding attire is another significant expense for a small wedding. The cost of the bride and groom’s attire will depend on the type of fabric and style chosen. Additionally, couples may need to factor in the cost of accessories such as shoes, jewelry, and veils.
Transportation: If couples are hosting a destination wedding, they should factor in the cost of transportation for themselves and their guests. The cost of transportation will depend on the type of vehicle and the distance traveled.
Miscellaneous Expenses: Other miscellaneous expenses include wedding favors, stationery, cake, décor, and hair and makeup services. Couples should factor in these expenses when budgeting for their small wedding.
Saving Money on a Small Wedding
Couples can save money on a small wedding by taking the following steps:
Research Vendors: Couples should shop around to compare prices and services offered by different vendors. Doing research ahead of time can help couples find quality vendors that fit within their budget.
Consider a Different Venue: Many couples opt for a traditional church or banquet hall as their wedding venue. However, couples can save money by considering alternative venues such as a backyard, public park, or even a beach.
Reuse or Rent Décor: Instead of buying new décor, couples can save money by reusing items they already have or renting items from local vendors. Renting can be a great option for couples who don’t have the budget to buy everything they need.
DIY Projects: DIY projects can be a great way to add personal touches to a small wedding without breaking the bank. From making your own centerpieces to designing custom invitations, there are plenty of creative ways to save money on a small wedding.
Cut Back on Invitations: Since a small wedding typically has a limited guest list, couples can save money by cutting back on the number of invitations sent. This can help couples stay within their budget while still ensuring that their closest friends and family members are invited.
Budgeting Tips for a Small Wedding
In addition to saving money on a small wedding, couples should also consider the following budgeting tips:
Set Realistic Goals: Before setting a budget, couples should decide what is most important to them. This will help them set realistic goals and prioritize their spending accordingly.
Prioritize Your Spending: Once couples have set a budget, they should prioritize their spending. For example, if food is important to them, they should allocate more of their budget to catering costs. On the other hand, if they are not as concerned about decorations, they should allocate a smaller portion of their budget to this area.
Utilize Free Resources: There are many free resources available for couples planning a small wedding. For example, couples can get advice from experienced wedding planners or utilize online forums for ideas and inspiration.
Have a Contingency Plan: Unexpected costs can arise during the planning process. To prepare for these situations, couples should create a contingency plan and set aside extra funds in case they need to cover any additional expenses.
Examples of Real Couple’s Wedding Expenses
To give couples an idea of what to expect when budgeting for a small wedding, here are three examples of real couples’ wedding expenses:
Example 1
This couple had a small wedding with 30 guests. They spent $5,000 on their venue, $2,000 on catering, $1,500 on photography, $800 on music and entertainment, and $300 on floral arrangements. They also spent $400 on wedding attire, $200 on transportation, and $500 on miscellaneous expenses.
Example 2
This couple had a small wedding with 40 guests. They spent $6,000 on their venue, $3,000 on catering, $2,000 on photography, $1,000 on music and entertainment, and $600 on floral arrangements. They also spent $500 on wedding attire, $500 on transportation, and $1,000 on miscellaneous expenses.
Example 3
This couple had a small wedding with 25 guests. They spent $4,000 on their venue, $1,500 on catering, $1,200 on photography, $500 on music and entertainment, and $200 on floral arrangements. They also spent $300 on wedding attire, $150 on transportation, and $400 on miscellaneous expenses.
Conclusion
Planning a small wedding can be a great way for couples to save money and enjoy an intimate celebration with their closest family and friends. When budgeting for a small wedding, couples should take into account the cost of the venue, catering, photography, music and entertainment, floral arrangements, wedding attire, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. Additionally, couples can save money by researching vendors, considering a different venue, reusing or renting décor, doing DIY projects, and cutting back on invitations. Finally, couples should set realistic goals, prioritize their spending, utilize free resources, and have a contingency plan before budgeting for their small wedding.
