12/23/2025
You can have a dream wedding for under $10,000 with creativity and smart budgeting.
Here is a practical guide to planning your dream wedding under $10,000, so you can celebrate meaningfully without financial stress.
The $10K Sample Breakdown:
🏡 Venue: $1,500 - $3,000
Skip the traditional ballroom. Look for city parks, community centers, Airbnb rentals with event permissions, or even a generous family member's backyard.
Tip: Booking on a weekday can often slash venue fees in half.
Catering: $1,250 ($25/person for 50 guests)
Plated dinners are pricey. Think outside the box with a taco bar, BBQ buffet, or heavy hors d'oeuvres.
Tip: Food trucks are often cheaper and more memorable than traditional catering services.
📸 Photographer: $1,500 - $2,000
You don’t need 12 hours of coverage. Hire a pro for 4-6 hours to capture the ceremony, portraits, and key reception moments.
Tip: Look for talented associates or up-and-coming photographers building their portfolios.
📋 Wedding Coordinator: $800 - $1,400
Don't skip this! You might not need a full planner, but a "Wedding Coordinator" is a lifesaver. They handle the logistics on the actual wedding day so your family doesn't have to work.
💍 Officiant: $200 - $400
This covers the legalities and the ceremony script.
Tip: Ask a close friend to get ordained online (often free or low cost) to make it deeply personal and save money.
🎨 DIY Decor & Florals: $500 - $800
Buy bulk flowers from Costco or Trader Joe’s and arrange them yourself the day before. Use thrifted vases, candles, and string lights for ambiance.
Tip: Less is more. A venue with natural beauty needs very little decoration.
Total Estimate: ~$5,750 - $8,850 (Leaving a buffer)
What do you think?
