This post is all about cheap wedding ideas that look expensive.
Let’s be honest: weddings are ridiculously overpriced. Did you know the average wedding in the U.S. costs over $30,000 and half of that gets wasted on things you don’t even remember a year later. But here’s the good news: you can have a stylish, beautiful, unforgettable wedding without draining your savings.
I’ve rounded up 50 cheap wedding ideas that look expensive — from décor hacks to food swaps, so you can save thousands and still have the wedding of your dreams.
Pro Tip: Don’t plan blind. Grab my Wedding Budget Spreadsheet —it auto-calculates everything so you don’t overspend!
Table of Contents — 50 Cheap Wedding Ideas:
- Cheap Wedding Décor Ideas That Look Luxurious
- Cheap Wedding Food & Drink Ideas
- Cheap Wedding Venue Ideas
- Cheap Wedding Attire Ideas
- Cheap Wedding Entertainment Ideas
- Cheap Wedding Stationery Ideas
Cheap Wedding Décor Ideas That Look Luxurious
1. Use Candles Instead of Flowers
Candles create the same romantic vibe as massive floral centerpieces—for a fraction of the cost. Mix pillar candles with greenery for a chic, timeless look.
🔗 Try these bulk pillar candles on Amazon.
2. Thrift Store Finds
Vintage vases, gold-rimmed glassware, and candleholders can often be found at thrift shops. Mismatched = intentional “boho chic.”
3. Fairy Lights Everywhere
String lights instantly make a space magical. Pair them with sheer fabric for an elegant backdrop.
🔗 These warm fairy lights on Amazon create dreamy ambiance for under $15.
4. Repurpose Ceremony Décor
Use your ceremony arch florals again behind your sweetheart table or photo booth backdrop.
5. Monochrome Tablescape
Pick one color (all-white, all-black, or all-sage) for linens, candles, and napkins. The uniform palette reads high-end instantly.
6. Cluster Candles in Thrifted Brass Holders
Mix heights and shapes for that “collected over time” look—glam without pricey florals.
7. DIY Greenery Garlands
Skip pricey flowers and use eucalyptus or faux garlands. They look lush, drape beautifully, and can be reused in your home later.
🔗 These faux eucalyptus garlands on Amazon are so thick and full and look stunning.
8. Single-Variety Florals
All baby’s breath or all carnations look luxe when grouped. One bloom type = cohesive and budget-smart.
9. Rent Linen Runners Only
Keep the venue’s base linens and elevate with pretty runners. Big visual upgrade, tiny rental fee.
10. Ribbon-Tied Napkins
A simple satin ribbon around folded napkins feels boutique-hotel chic for pennies per place setting.
🔗 These satin ribbons on Amazon make it super easy and add such an elegant touch, and they come in SO many colors, making it easy to match your palette.
11. Seating Chart on a Vintage Mirror
Thrift a big mirror and add vinyl letters for an elegant display guests will photograph.
12. Colored Glassware Rentals
Swap standard goblets for colored glass. It’s a small change that looks designer in photos.
Cheap Wedding Food & Drink Ideas
13. Food Truck Catering
Trendy and way cheaper than a traditional caterer. Guests will definitely love the casual vibe.
14. Brunch Wedding Menu
Pancakes, waffles, and mimosas are fun and way less expensive than filet mignon. Costco has bulk champagne at prices that beat your local liquor stores. They also have the Paul Brassac organic sparkling juice trio sets (in Canada only at this time), which make for a great alternative if not serving alcohol.
15. Signature Cocktail Instead of Open Bar
Cut costs by serving beer, wine, and one custom cocktail instead of a full open bar.
👉 Bonus: My Wedding Budget Spreadsheet includes a bar calculator so you know exactly how much alcohol to buy—no wasted money.
16. DIY Dessert Table
Skip the $800 wedding cake. Do cupcakes, donuts, or a dessert bar.
🔗 This tiered cupcake stand on Amazon makes desserts look elegant for under $40 and is one of the largest stands out there.
17. Shop Wholesale Stores
Bulk-buy champagne, snacks, or candy at Costco/Sam’s Club for huge savings.
Cheap Wedding Venue Ideas
18. Backyard Wedding
Transform your backyard (or a friend’s) with tents, string lights, and DIY décor.
19. Park Pavilion
Often just $50–$100 to rent, and you get a natural backdrop for free.
21. Off-Peak Dates
Book a Friday, Sunday, or weekday wedding—venues are often half the price.
22. AirBnB Venue
Many large AirBnBs allow weddings—perfect for intimate gatherings.
👉 Planning a smaller guest list? My Guest List Calculator helps you cut headcount without guilt (and saves thousands).
23. Community Center Glow-Up
Dress up a local hall with draping, fairy lights, and rented linens.
24. One-Location Day
Ceremony and reception at the same spot = fewer rentals, no shuttle, less stress (and spend).
25. Restaurant Buyout
Built-in chairs, china, glassware, and ambiance mean you rent way less—sometimes nothing.
26. Community Garden or Small Museum
Unique backdrops with minimal fees. Nature or art = décor you don’t have to purchase.
27. Permit a Scenic Overlook
City or state parks often allow small ceremonies with a simple permit—epic views for bargain pricing.
Cheap Wedding Attire Ideas
28. Buy a Pre-Owned Wedding Dress
Sites like StillWhite or Nearly Newlywed sell designer gowns for 70% off retail. You can sort through by price, dress styles, sizes, or designers – super easy and such a great concept!
29. Pre-Loved Veil & Accessories
Buy or rent secondhand designer pieces for that “wow” without the markup.
30. Sample Sales
Bridal boutiques host sales where you can snag dresses at huge discounts.
31. Detachable Overskirt or Sleeves
Get two looks (ceremony + reception) with one dress—no second outfit needed.
32. Re-Wearable Bridal Shoes
Choose a sleek block heel or classic pump you’ll wear again. Chic doesn’t have to be single-use.
33. Bridesmaids in Mix-and-Match Dresses
Instead of matching $300 dresses, let them wear different styles in your color palette.
🔗 Amazon has stunning bridesmaid dresses. This is a fan favorite – it can be worn in so many ways, comes in several colors, and can be reused after the wedding. They also photograph super well.
34. Suit Alternatives
Groomsmen don’t need tuxes—gray suits or suspenders + bow ties look amazing and cost less.
Cheap Wedding Entertainment Ideas
35. Spotify Playlist Over DJ
Make your own playlist and rent speakers—saves $1,000+.
🔗 This portable 200W Bluetooth speaker is perfect for smaller venues and is a great essential for the parties and hosting you’ll be doing as a married couple.
36. Guest Photo-Sharing QR Code
Print a sign with a QR to a shared album. You’ll get hundreds of candid photos—no booth needed.
37. DIY Photo Booth
Use a backdrop + tripod instead of paying for a photo booth company.
🔗 Grab this photo backdrop kit on Amazon – it’s so versatile! Use it for the ceremony backdrop, then reuse for the sweetheart table backdrop, or a photo booth!
38. DIY Slideshow or Video Loop
Run childhood and engagement photos on a tablet/projector. Instant conversation starter and a switch up from the typical pre-dinner/dance slideshow
39. Hire Music Students
College musicians are affordable and sound amazing.
40. Lawn Games
Cornhole, giant Jenga, or ring toss = fun & cheap.
41. Karaoke Hour
End the night with a karaoke party. Guests will never forget it!
Cheap Wedding Stationery Ideas
42. DIY Invitations with Canva
Design your own and print at Staples. Looks professional but saves hundreds.
👉 Need to stay on top of deadlines? My 12-Month Wedding Timeline includes an invite mailing schedule so you never fall behind.
43. Digital Invitations
Send beautiful e-vites—cheaper and eco-friendly.
44. Digital RSVP + Wedding Website
Cut printing/postage and make headcount changes painless. Your sanity (and wallet) will thank you.
45. Multipurpose Signage
One beautiful welcome sign can double as the seating chart or bar menu with a simple insert swap.
46. Print Locally
Skip luxury printers. Local print shops or Staples can do gorgeous invites for less.
47. Printable Table Numbers & Place Cards
Use a simple Canva template and sturdy card stock. Crisp typography instantly feels custom without a designer fee.
🔗 This heavy white card stock holds up beautifully.
48. Postcard RSVPs
Skip the envelope and use RSVP postcards—lower postage and fewer pieces to print without losing the classic look.
49. QR Code Programs & Menus
Print one small card per table with a QR to your digital program/menu. Guests scan, you save on per-person prints.
50. Wax Seal Stickers
Get the romantic “wax seal” vibe with peel-and-stick versions. Zero mess, way faster, and far cheaper than real wax.
🔗 These faux wax seal stickers look incredibly real and the reviews are amazing.
Final Thoughts – Your Dream Wedding Without the Debt
Your wedding doesn’t need a $30,000 price tag to be unforgettable. With these 50 cheap wedding ideas that don’t look cheap, you can focus on what actually matters—marrying the love of your life and celebrating with your people.
💡 Next Step: Don’t just “wing it” with your budget. Grab my Wedding Budget Spreadsheet—it breaks down every category and saves brides thousands.
⚡ P.S. Prices are rising every single month. The earlier you lock in your budget, the more you save. Don’t fall behind—start today.
This post was all about the top 50 wedding ideas that look expensive (but are actually cheap).
Cheap Wedding Ideas Q&A
Q: How can I have a cheap wedding that still looks elegant?
A: Focus on décor swaps (candles, greenery, fairy lights), affordable venues (parks, AirBnBs), and food hacks (brunch menus, food trucks). With smart choices, you can cut costs by 50% without guests ever knowing.
Q: What is the #1 way to save money on a wedding?
A: Your guest list. Each person adds hundreds to your total cost (food, drinks, rentals). Keeping your guest count smaller instantly slashes your budget.
Don’t Miss These:
✨ Already trimming your wedding budget? These costly wedding planning mistakes will show you exactly what to avoid so you don’t accidentally overspend (or regret where your money went).
✨ Still hunting for hidden costs? This quick read on unexpected wedding expenses breaks down the sneaky fees that can add thousands to your total — and how to catch them early.
✨ Planning fast and on a budget? This 6-month wedding guide walks you through every step so you can stay organized, calm, and totally in control (even without a planner).
