💍 How to Have a Wedding on a Budget: The Truths You Need to Hear

Planning your dream wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. At Hoyt Hallow, we’ve seen couples create the most stunning, unforgettable celebrations — all while keeping their budget in check. If you’re trying to plan a beautiful day without overspending, here are some real truths and smart savings tips every bride should know!

1. Choose a Venue That Does More for You

One of the easiest ways to save big? Book a venue that includes coordinating, decorating, or access to décor. At Hoyt Hallow, we’ve seen couples save thousands simply by using our in-house décor collection or built-in styling services.

Venues that offer extras like tables, chairs, and setup can help you avoid renting everything separately — and that’s a huge win for your wallet.

2. Repurpose Your Florals

Florals are one of the biggest wedding expenses — but with a little planning, you can make them work double-duty!

Remember, your ceremony usually lasts 30 minutes or less, so design your florals to be moveable and reusable for the reception.

✨ Ideas to repurpose your florals:

• Aisle runners → table centerpieces

• Arbor pieces → photo booth backdrop

• Large ceremony arrangements → statement pieces near your cake or sweetheart table

You’ll get more use (and more photos!) out of every arrangement. Here we re-used the floor arrangments from ceremony to elevate our cake tables!

3. Consider a Content Creator Instead of a Videographer

If a professional videographer isn’t in your budget, hire a wedding content creator. They capture candid clips, behind-the-scenes moments, and highlight videos — all ready for you to share on social media. It’s an affordable way to relive your day without the hefty video package price tag.

4. DIY Your Stationery

Invitations, thank-you cards, and wedding programs are all things you can easily design yourself!

Head to Canva, choose a template, customize it with your colors and fonts, and print them on cardstock through a local printer. It’s stylish, personal, and budget-friendly.

5. RSVP Tracking = Real Savings

This one’s a game changer. Don’t skip RSVPs — they help you avoid overpaying for catering.

Why pay for 200 guests when only 120 are actually attending?

When it comes to your guest list, keep this rule in mind:

“If you wouldn’t invite them to dinner at your home, you don’t need to invite them to your wedding.

Every extra guest adds up — one more chair, one more plate, one more floral centerpiece. Choose your guest list with intention.

6. Rethink the Cake

Here’s a little insider secret: Only about half of your cake will actually be eaten.

Go smaller on your main cake and supplement with a sheet cake in the back if needed. Guests will never know the difference, and you’ll save a nice chunk of change.

7. Limit the Drinks

It’s true — you don’t need 4 drinks per guest! Most weddings have way too much alcohol leftover.

A good rule of thumb:

• Plan for 1–2 drinks per guest.

• Remember that only about 25% of guests actually drink, and trends show drinking is becoming less common at weddings.

You’ll save on alcohol costs and cleanup time at the end of the night.

Final Thoughts

A beautiful wedding doesn’t have to be an expensive one. With a little creativity and thoughtful planning, you can have the wedding of your dreams and stay within budget.

At Hoyt Hallow, we love helping couples bring their vision to life — without the stress of overspending. From inclusive packages to décor options and flexible setups, we’re here to make your day beautiful and budget-friendly.

Ready to plan your dream wedding at Hoyt Hallow?

Schedule a tour today and see how we can help you create a stunning celebration that’s kind to your heart and your budget. Contact us today!

-xoxo HH