How to Plan a Wedding for Less Than $1,000

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when you are on a tight budget. Making the guest list, ordering food, picking colors and choosing flowers may sound fun, until you realize your budgetary limits. With a little planning, and plenty of help from family and friends, you can plan a wedding for less than $1,000.

Instructions

1. Spend $250 on your dress. If possible, wear a hand-me-down dress from your mother or someone close to you. Ask your bridal party to purchase their own dresses and tuxedos.

2. Spend $250 on your venue. Plan your wedding at a church that has a ballroom so you can have your wedding and reception at the same place. If you want an outdoor wedding, consider a public garden park and have the reception in a hotel ballroom.

3. Spend $100 on your flowers and decorations. Consider using inexpensive carnations. If you have your wedding a public garden park, you will not have to worry as much about decorations. The only real flowers that are necessary are the bouquet and boutonniere.

4. Make your guest list. The cost of your wedding primarily depends on how many people you invite. The smaller the wedding, the cheaper it will be.

5. Email your invitations. Rather than writing the information in the body of an email, send the invitation as an attachment.

6. Spend $200 on food for your reception. Rather than serving a full meal, serve light hors d'oeuvres such as cheeses, small sandwiches, gourmet dips and fruit.

7. Spend $100 on your cake. Call around for the best deals. Consider cupcakes or a modern-style cake that costs less than a traditional wedding cake.

8. Ask a friend to DJ your wedding. Give him a list of songs to play. Indicate the order that you want the music played.

9. Spend $100 on wedding favors. Consider putting chocolate mints in a small favor bag.