Planning a wedding can be a stressful and expensive endeavor, with the average traditional wedding costing more than $20,000. This can be a significant financial burden for many couples, especially if they are just starting out or already have a lot of other expenses. However, it’s important to remember that a beautiful and memorable wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are budget-friendly ways to have a magical and meaningful wedding without going into debt.
One option that can help you save money while still creating lasting memories is a woodland wedding. Woodland weddings are becoming increasingly popular due to their natural beauty and rustic charm, and they can be a more affordable option compared to traditional weddings. If you’re planning a woodland wedding in 2023 and want to do it on a budget, here are some tips to help you plan a memorable and cost-effective nuptial:
Choose a venue
Find and evaluate outdoor venues
Search for local parks or private properties that allow weddings and fit the desired size of your guest list.
Compare the rental fees and policies of each potential venue. Finally, make a list of the pros and cons of each option to help narrow down your choices
Negotiate with venue owners
Contact the owners or managers of your top venue choices to inquire about availability and pricing. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts or special rates, particularly for weekday or off-peak weddings. Consider offering to provide landscaping or clean-up crew in exchange for perks or reduced fees.
Host the ceremony and reception at the same location
If you can find a venue that can accommodate both the ceremony and reception, you can save on transportation costs
This can be especially useful if the venue is in a remote or hard-to-reach location
Keep in mind that hosting both events at the same location may require extra planning and coordination, but it can be a cost-effective solution.
Invitations and guest list
Consider electronic or homemade invitations
• Electronic invitations can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional printed invitations
• Options include email, social media, or website invitations
• Homemade invitations can also be a creative and personal touch, and can be as simple as printing out a design on cardstock or creating a hand-drawn design
• Both electronic and homemade invitations can be easily shared and tracked, making it easier to manage RSVPs
Carefully select and limit the number of guests
• The number of guests you invite can have a significant impact on your budget, as it affects catering, seating, and other expenses
• Consider creating a list of priorities, such as immediate family, close friends, and co-workers, to help narrow down the guest list
• It can also be helpful to set a budget for the number of guests you can afford and stick to it
• Keep in mind that a smaller guest list can also create a more intimate and personalized atmosphere for your wedding.
Décor and attire
Use natural elements as decorations
• Woodland weddings often have a rustic, natural aesthetic, which can be achieved through the use of flowers, branches, and other natural elements as decorations
• These elements can be incorporated into centerpieces, bouquets, and other arrangements
• Using natural decorations can also help to reduce costs, as they may be more readily available and less expensive than artificial alternatives
Rent or borrow wedding attire
• Instead of purchasing new wedding attire, consider renting or borrowing from a friend or family member
• Many formal wear rental stores offer wedding attire at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new
• Borrowing can also be a sentimental and budget-friendly option, especially if you have a close relationship with the person lending the attire
Encourage casual or outdoor-appropriate attire
• Woodland weddings often have a more laid-back and casual atmosphere, which can be reflected in the attire of both the wedding party and guests
• Consider encouraging guests to wear comfortable and outdoor-appropriate clothing, such as sundresses or khakis
• This can not only help to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere but can also reduce the cost of attire for both the wedding party and guests.
Food and beverages
Opt for a casual or buffet-style meal
• Instead of a formal sit-down dinner, consider a more casual meal option such as a buffet or barbecue
• This can not only save on costs but can also encourage a relaxed and social atmosphere
• Options might include finger foods, sandwiches, or a variety of dishes that can be served and shared easily
Serve local or in-season foods
• Using locally-sourced or in-season foods can not only support local businesses, but can also be more cost-effective
• In-season produce and ingredients are often cheaper and fresher than out-of-season options
• Consider working with a local caterer or chef to create a menu using in-season ingredients
Provide a limited selection of drinks
• Instead of an open bar, consider offering a limited selection of drinks to save on costs
• Options might include a signature cocktail, a selection of beers and wines, or non-alcoholic options such as soda and water
• You can also consider offering a cash bar or allowing guests to bring their own beverages to further reduce costs.
Photography and entertainment
Negotiate with vendors or hire amateur photographers or musicians
• Professional photographers and musicians can be a significant expense, but there are ways to save on these costs while still getting high-quality services
• Consider negotiating with vendors for discounts or special rates, particularly for off-peak dates or shorter events
• Alternatively, you can consider hiring amateur photographers or musicians, who may be more affordable and open to negotiation
• Keep in mind that it can be helpful to review portfolios or listen to demos before hiring any photographers or musicians
Ask friends or family members to take candid photos or provide entertainment
• Another budget-friendly option is to ask friends or family members to take candid photos or provide entertainment
• This can add a personal touch and create a more intimate atmosphere
• If you have a friend or family member who is a talented photographer or musician, they may be willing to offer their services as a gift or at a reduced rate
• Keep in mind that discussing expectations and responsibilities beforehand can be helpful to ensure a smooth and enjoyable event.
Conclusion
A traditional wedding can be a costly affair, often costing over $20,000. A well-planned woodland wedding can save more than half of that cost. To save money and still have a meaningful and memorable event, you can opt for a woodland wedding, providing a rustic and natural atmosphere at a lower cost. To plan a budget-friendly woodland wedding, consider researching outdoor venues and negotiating with venue owners for discounts or special rates. Electronic or homemade invitations can save money, and carefully selecting and limiting the number of guests can also help reduce costs. Natural decorations, rented or borrowed wedding attire, and a casual or buffet-style meal can further cut costs. By following these tips and being resourceful, it is possible to plan a budget-friendly woodland wedding that is both meaningful and memorable.
Do you need further information on how to have a great woodland wedding on a budget? Do you want to weigh your options to make your big day memorable and intimate? Contact us and we’ll get back to you with the best advice anywhere.
What Cypress Creek also offers:
6 ceremony sites- Included in those is a woodland area on the knoll with breathtaking water views.
Restrooms closeby for easy access and handicapped accessible.
A secluded private location to decorate and make you own.
Decor from our ‘Something Borrowed” room and natural elements from the property to be used as decorations.
Greenhouses area to help create and prepare decorations on site.
Cypress Creek 