Bride’s Magazine reports that 69% of couples pay for part or all of their wedding. If you are one of those couples this article will provide you with some wedding budget 101 tips on how to create a wedding budget and start planning your wedding.

Where will the money come from?

  1. Your savings
    Do you have a nest egg saved up for a rainy day? This money may be where you start the wedding fund. Ask your fiancé what money they have to contribute also. Just don’t get into your emergency fund for your wedding budget. This is not a true emergency!
  2. From your monthly income
    Say you got engaged in January but won’t get married until November. Realistically, how much could you save from the day you got engaged until the day you were married? Look at ways to cut your monthly spending. Do you have an online shopping habit, or belong to a monthly wine club, or go out to eat way too much? If so, these places may be where you can save additional money each month.
  3. From other people
    Once you tell your family you are getting married, they may ask if they can help you. Accept their financial support and specifically ask them how much they want to contribute. I like not asking for financial support, but letting them volunteer to help you out.  It sometimes puts family is awkward spots if you ask them up front if they want to give you money for your wedding.

The average wedding costs $30,000. If you don’t have that kind of money here are somethings that you shouldn’t do:
– Don’t go into credit card debt
– Don’t take out a loan
– Don’t get sad

Your marriage is about making a commitment to each other in front of friends and family, and not about going into debt to throw a big party.

If the money is not growing fast enough on your money tree:

Reprioritize the important things

What  things are important to spend money on and what things are not that important?
For example, maybe you want a name brand dress, or maybe you want an expensive bridal bouquet. These could be things you don’t want to save on. But, you may be open to e-vites instead of paper ones or a DJ instead of a live band or take Uber car instead if a limo.

See what items are pushing you over your budget

Does having a no host bar add an extra $12 per person? Do away with it and have 1 signature drink per person that you pay for. Are the bridesmaids bouquets almost as much as yours? Shrink there flowers to be smaller and cost less. Is your photographer charging more since you want them there for 6 hours? Find a less expensive photographer who will stay the whole day.  Could inviting less guests help balance the budget?  Consider who you want to invite to your wedding.

Shop around to avoid hidden fees

Don’t settle on your first option for the wedding ceremony and location. Take the time to shop around and see what services other venues are offering. Some packages have hidden fees or extra charges. Try to avoid these fees by asking what is extra. Extra fees include taxes, service fees, parking fees, charges for bartender or bar service, set up and delivery fees, cake cutting fees, or postage.

Think  creatively  with spending

Some places offer discounts or specials. Our indoor ceremony location gives a room price break if you book the reception there.  Some venues offer lower prices for Sundays or mid-week weddings.  Pay once for an item and use it twice – this can be done with arch flowers where you use them on the arch and then take them to the ceremony.

See what you can sell

This sounds silly, but it’s a great way to come up with a little extra cash.  We had a yard sale before our wedding and got rid of things we really weren’t using. Plus, we were able to make an extra $500 for our honeymoon.

If the budget is still not adding up, consider having a small, intimate wedding or elope with a few close friends and family.

Budget benefits of a small wedding or elopement:

  • Financial freedom for your future
  • By not going into debt, you and your spouse are able start your life out debt free and have a good financial foundation for your marriage.
  • You can spend more on an amazing honeymoon
  • Spending money on the important things about the wedding
  • More money in your pocket
  • You are still getting married, but for a lot less

Let CoastalCaliforniaWeddings.com plan your small wedding or elopement.

Why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach

By Natalie Jones • February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.

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