Planning a wedding is a joyful but often expensive venture. However, with thoughtful budgeting and smart decisions, it's possible to have a beautiful wedding under $100K. Here’s a comprehensive guide curated by The BollyWeds wedding planning team to help you plan a memorable wedding without breaking the bank.
1. Set a Realistic Budget
Start with a Clear Budget:
In your kick-off meeting, your BollyWeds planner will help you allocate your $100,000 across major categories: venue, catering, attire, photography, decor, entertainment, and miscellaneous expenses.
Track Your Spending:
Use The BollyWeds proprietary budgeting tools and spreadsheets to keep track of expenses and ensure you stay within your limits.
2. Choose an Affordable Venue
Venue Selection:
Opt for less traditional venues like city government-owned properties like large community centers to accommodate events like Mehndi, Haldi, or Sangeet. You may also consider wedding venues like The Mansion at Tuckahoe, owned by the city of Jensen Beach, FL, as this real BollyWeds couple did! These options can be more affordable than typical wedding venues.
Consider off-peak times (like weekdays or off-season months) for better rates.
If alcohol is required at your event and must be purchased from the venue, limit alcohol options to beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full open bar.
Aim to spend roughly 20-30% of your budget on this category, depending on what is offered and your guest count.
All-Inclusive Packages:
Look for venues that offer all-inclusive packages covering catering, decor, and rentals to save on separate vendor costs.
3. Catering: Quality Over Quantity
Guest List Management:
Keep the guest list intimate. Fewer guests mean lower costs for catering, alcohol, decor, and favors/gifts.
Menu Planning:
Choose a buffet or family-style meal rather than a plated dinner to save on catering costs.
Condense Timeline:
Try to condense your timeline by starting your event a bit later in the afternoon, post-lunch time, and offering 1 meal in the evening rather than having 2 separate events, like a Wedding Ceremony and Reception, with a large break in between.
Aim to spend 15-20% of your budget on this category depending on your number of events and guest count
4. Elegant Attire on a Budget
Wedding Dress and Attire:
Shop during sales or consider pre-owned wedding dresses for significant savings.
Rent the groom’s attire and consider renting bridesmaid dresses to cut costs.
5. Photography and Videography
Prioritize:
Prioritize which vendor is most important to you. This is usually photography for most people, and try to bundle video with a company that offers great photography.
Hire Emerging Talent:
Look for talented up-and-coming photographers and videographers who offer lower rates than established professionals.
Limited Hours:
Book photographers and videographers for essential hours (ceremony and key reception moments) instead of the entire day.
Assume 15-18% of the budget, depending on the number of hours needed
6. Simple yet Stylish Decor
DIY Décor/ Rental Pick Up:
Ask your decorator if you can pick up some props, pipe and drape, and decorative elements for free and have your friends/family assemble them for your at-home events.
Create your own centerpieces, backdrops, and table settings with the help of friends and family.
Flower Selection:
Use in-season and locally sourced flowers to reduce floral costs. Incorporate more greenery for a lush look without the high price tag as this BollyWeds couple did for their wedding at Garfield Park Conservatory & Arboretum in Chicago!
Leverage resources like Poppy, which partners with local florists who will create budget-friendly centerpieces.
Venue's Natural Beauty:
Choose a venue that requires minimal decor due to its natural beauty or architectural charm, like this mandap display, planned by The BollyWeds, for our couple at Cheyenne Mountain Resort in Colorado Springs.
Assume 15-20% of the budget, depending on guest count, number of events, and overall design
7. Entertainment
Music Options:
Hire a DJ instead of a live band. Alternatively, create a playlist and use a high-quality sound system to manage the music yourself for smaller events like a Welcome Dinner, Mehndi, or Haldi.
Activities:
Incorporate fun, low-cost activities like a DIY photo booth or lawn games to entertain guests.
Estimate 8-10% of the budget depending on the number of events needed.
8. Invitations and Stationery
Digital Invitations:
Use digital invitations and RSVP management to save on printing and postage costs.
DIY Printing:
You can design your own programs, seating charts, and other items using online templates and print them at home or at a local print shop.
9. Smart Planning for Extras
Transportation:
Limit transportation costs by having the ceremony and reception at the same location or within walking distance.
Contingency Fund:
· Always dedicate 5-10% of funds on a contingency fund to avoid going over budget on last minute fees for necessities like paying a fire marshal, police officer, city permit, A/V needs, or even parking or hotel rooms for vendors.
Sample Budget Breakdown for Wedding Under 100K
Here's a sample budget to help you visualize how to allocate your $100,000:
Venue: $30,000
Catering: $15,000
Photography/Videography: $15,000
Decor: $20,000
Entertainment: $10,000
Hair/Makeup & Mehndi: $2,000
Miscellaneous Small Vendors: $3,000
Contingency Fund: $5,000 (to cover unexpected expenses)
Final Tips
Negotiate with Vendors: Don’t hesitate to negotiate prices and ask for discounts.
Prioritize: Decide what elements are most important to you and allocate your budget accordingly.
Be Creative: Use your creativity to find cost-effective solutions that still deliver a beautiful and memorable wedding day.
With careful planning in collaboration with The BollyWeds Wedding and Event Planning and a focus on what truly matters, you can create a stunning wedding experience without exceeding your $100,000 budget. Happy planning!
