The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Low-Cost Wedding

Tips for a big day on a small budget | Illustrations by Nez Riaz

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Tips & Trends

Post-proposal, excited couples are often eager to start shopping for attire, securing a venue and selecting floral arrangements for their marriage ceremony. While these activities are enjoyable, there’s a task that isn’t as fun but is essential to laying the foundation for everything else: making a budget.

Whether you’re eloping or inviting family and friends from all walks of life, having a handle on your finances will set up your nuptials for success, especially if you’re planning a low-cost wedding. Designating a small budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style or give up on your vision for your special day. Having it all is possible in RVA.

Where to Begin

If you’ve never planned a big party, how do you decide where to save and when to splurge? Talk through your ideas with your partner, do a little research to learn about the current average pricing for items and vendors, and decide how much you are willing to spend. Then, consult a generalized wedding budget, taking from one column to dedicate more to another as it suits your preferences as a couple. If that means you hire a high-end photographer and shave from the guest list, so be it. Or maybe gourmet food is essential, so the tradeoff is scouring secondhand shops for preloved wedding gowns.

The Knot’s 2026 Real Weddings Study found that couples planning lower cost weddings in 2025 on average spent $12,000 or less. While this national figure is a helpful starting point for building a budget, ultimately it is up to you and your partner to decide where to allocate your dollars.

Start your search for wedding pros early, and be upfront about how much you’re willing — and able — to spend. That said, cost shouldn’t be the only factor driving your decisions. Experienced professionals can help ensure a smooth, stress-free day. Claudine Johnson Eaddy, the owner of Autumn’s Catering & Cafe, says that sacrificing quality is one of the biggest mistakes she’s seen people make. 

“I have had couples hire vendors based on the cost savings,” she says, adding that the practice can result in having “a vendor who is inexperienced in the wedding industry and isn’t familiar with how to navigate the intricacies of a wedding day.”

The inverse is true, too — the high-end vendor you covet may be willing to work within your means. Kimberly Borun, the owner of Pandora’s Posies in Midlothian, works with clients across a wide range of budgets, whether they plan to pay $100 for a bouquet and boutonniere or spend thousands on full-scale floral installations. Eaddy creates custom menus to work within a couple’s wedding budget. It never hurts to ask a bucket list vendor if they’re willing to collaborate, as their answer may surprise you.

Borun encourages couples to ask questions and remember who the big day is all about — you as a couple. If a vendor won’t clearly answer questions or talks poorly about competitors, it’s best to pass. A wedding is an important day filled with community, even when it comes to working with local vendors. “Not everyone will be the right fit, and that is OK,” Borun adds. If you go with your gut, the rest should fall into place.

Potential Pitfalls

After securing a venue and pinpointing a date, many couples begin to identify the tasks they feel they can do themselves. While the urge to DIY everything may be strong, Borun warns that couples should take a realistic look at their skills and the time and equipment needed before agreeing to a project. “Every couple has different priorities,” she says. “DIY seems attractive, but only if you have the knowledge, skills, time and equipment to do so.”

If you’re not handy or craft-savvy, there are still plenty of ways to save. Borun has seen couples do everything from ordering buffet trays from local restaurants to making their own decorations, but says it’s important to weigh the emotional toll. Starting wedding favors a few months ahead of time is feasible, whereas trying to balance making a cake, putting together bouquets and decorating a venue prior to your own wedding can equate to stress on one of the most important days of your life.

Hiring a professional can also offer peace of mind if anything unexpected arises. For example, if you opt for a playlist instead of hiring a DJ, there are other logistics to consider beyond the music — like what happens if equipment fails or who will emcee the reception. If you love to cook and want to DIY your catering menu, consider who will restock the food stations and handle post-meal cleanup. Taking a big-picture approach to these details can help set you up for success. “There are no wrong answers, just decisions and preparedness,” Borun says.

Save on Your Venue

According to consultancy firm MMCG Invest, couples nationwide allocate an average of 24% to 40% of their budget to the venue alone. It’s a figure Borun sees locally: “Total budgets commonly run $25,000-$40,000 for full-scale events that are booking venues and all the vendors, especially on a peak night like a Friday or Saturday.” By that measure, Richmond couples are designating an average of $6,000 to $16,000 on the venue. But for those planning a low-cost wedding, $6,000 to $16,000 may be the entire budget. While a luxury venue may be enticing, it’s important to keep your overall finances in mind and allocate appropriately.

According to The Knot’s 2026 Real Weddings Study, the venue remains a top priority for couples regardless of budget size, with a national average of $12,900 spent. The report also notes that on the lower end, people on average are spending $3,500 on the venue. 

The good news is that the region has a fabulous selection of locations in a variety of styles, sizes and price ranges. “Richmond is an amazing place to get married,” says Chanel Derricott Williams, a wedding florist and the owner of Simply Floral & Design. “Whether a couple is envisioning something classic and timeless, industrial and modern, or artistic and unique, there’s a space here that brings that vision to life beautifully.”

For a helpful guide to the region’s reception sites, check out Richmond Bride’s chart of local venues. However, if you have your eye on a specific venue that’s out of your price range, don’t give up yet. For couples willing to slightly reframe their wedding, that dream location may still be within reach. 

Tia Ballard, owner of the microwedding and elopement company Hello Love, has a money-saving secret. It’s what she calls the holiday loophole. “If a holiday falls on a Monday, consider a Sunday night wedding, or choose a Friday night,” Ballard says. The built-in calendar convenience allows couples to throw an evening celebration without the Saturday price tag. 

If your plans are flexible, you could host a weeknight marriage ceremony, which works well if most of your guests are local. When Saturday is your only option, Ballard recommends hosting a brunch wedding, which “are becoming a massive trend in RVA for their cost effectiveness and relaxed atmosphere.”

Another way to reduce venue costs is to consider an off-season wedding. “Budgets can go higher during peak seasons when demand is highest,” Borun explains. While securing a venue in the spring or fall is typically competitive, opting for a date during the hottest summer days or the doldrums of winter (January and February are typically low-booking months) can help shave a bit off your bottom line.

The Upside to a Small Budget

While there are some pitfalls to having a scant wedding budget, there are also plenty of positives. As Borun says, “There are pros and cons to every money-saving decision.”

According to Chantal McHenry, owner of the wedding planning company ElopeRVA, putting your future first is a huge plus. “Couples are commonly thinking about buying a house, [having] children, combining families, vacations, or [even] starting their dream farm,” McHenry explains. No matter your goals for tomorrow, prioritizing them over splurging on a huge celebration is wise.

It’s a sentiment Eaddy agrees with. “Weddings don’t have to require a super large budget,” she says. “That money can be put toward a nice honeymoon ... or another long-term asset.” After grandly exiting the reception, you’ll have plenty of time to think about where to utilize those funds as you relax and reset your mind from the comfort of a lounge chair during your romantic getaway.

Maximizing the Budget

When selecting must-have vendors, don’t trade quality for savings

  • Venue: Booking a location that includes setup and cleanup as well as chairs, tables, linens, and tableware can save money versus hiring separate services and renting, well, everything.
  • Wedding coordinator: Having someone in charge of carrying out the vision for the event will pay dividends in stress relief. Trim the fee by planning the party yourself and hiring a day-of coordinator to direct the vendors, oversee the schedule, and tackle any problems that may arise.
  • Photographer: The pros know how to get the best shots and create lasting documentation of the special moments. If you like a photographer’s particular style, but don’t have the funds to allocate for their full service, see if they work with a secondary shooter who could serve as the main photographer for your big day. Or choose a smaller package and skip extras such as the pre-wedding photos. 
  • Attire: The consultants at bridal boutiques, suit stores and tuxedo rental companies know the styles that best fit and flatter all types of figures and are experts at working within a budget, whether that’s suggesting alternate designers, sample sales or consignment options. Save time with one-stop shopping for all of your accessories and underpinnings.
  • Catering: Leaving catering to the pros ensures the food is ready on time, kept at the proper temperature, and served and cleared promptly. It also means family and friends can enjoy the celebration without being stuck in the kitchen. Opting for a simple, buffet-style meal can save money.
  • DJ: Hiring a DJ will keep the party going, allow guests to make requests and provide an emcee for the big moments of the day. Many DJs also offer packages that include the ceremony music and lighting services, but stick with a reception-only package to truly save.

To the Chapel

Local venues for budget-conscious couples

Craving a wallet-friendly site for your big day? From museums to gardens, Richmond has beautiful options that won’t break the bank. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, here are some tried-and-true favorites recommended by local wedding professionals.

Pro Tips

Local wedding industry experts weigh in with their sagest budgeting advice

  • Reduce your guest count. Culling the guest list can be difficult, but do you really need to invite the third grade BFF you haven’t chatted with in years? Paring down your attendees is one of the quickest ways to save.
  • Skip save-the-date cards. While it’s still traditional to send wedding invitations, cut expenses by sending out digital save-the-dates. Wedding stationery suites can get pricey in a hurry when you add foil, embossing and envelope liners. Skipping the add-ons and going simple can still be impactful. You can also save on postage and paper by asking guests to RSVP online or via email instead of mailing back a response card.
  • Choose a family venue. Instead of saying, “I do” at a potentially pricey wedding venue, get married at home. See if your parents, grandparents or another relative with a bit of land could host your event. Not only will the setting be personalized, but you’ll have fond memories each time you revisit the place. A word of caution: Be mindful of the cost for things such as chairs, tables, tent rentals, portable restrooms, and event staff.
  • Go without alcohol. Having cocktails and a full wine selection can drive up reception costs, so eliminating the bar is a quick, high-impact solution. If you want to have alcohol, consider limiting the options by having a signature drink or serving beer and wine while giving your guests drink tickets.
  • Outsource your vendors. While a venue’s all-inclusive package can reduce stress, it may not always be the best financial decision. Choosing your own vendors is a bit more labor-intensive, but you can also pick those that better suit your budget.
  • Check local Facebook groups. Joining resale and swap forums is a fabulous way to score items inexpensively after another couple used them on their big day.
  • Rethink your wedding cake. For some, a decorative art piece is a focal point at the reception, while others could do without it. In lieu of a traditional cake, have your baker make several smaller cakes, craft a simple dessert bar (think brownies and cookies) or bake different flavored pies for a unique take that can cut costs.
  • Repurpose wedding flowers. To cut flower costs in half, choose arrangements with a dual purpose. A ceremony arch can serve as a photo backdrop at the reception, and bridesmaid bouquets can be placed in sturdy vases as centerpieces, helping stretch your dollars.
  • Give thoughtful gifts. Going overboard on favors and gifts can wreck a budget in a hurry. Your loved ones will be honored to stand by your side, so don’t feel like you must shower them with presents they potentially won’t use. A heartfelt note will go a long way. Wedding favors are also a big expense, and lots of guests leave them behind, so give them a small, consumable item or skip them altogether.

6 Ways to Save on Flowers

Tips for getting the most bloom for your buck.

  1. Choose in-season, local flowers. Peonies are abundant in Virginia in spring, but you’ll pay a pretty penny to have them shipped in for a December wedding.
  2. Ask for bloom alternatives. Your florist should be able to recommend species that look similar but cost less than your coveted flowers.
  3. Prioritize photo-heavy pieces. Bouquets and boutonnieres are often photographed, so put them at the top of your floral list for visual effect.
  4. DIY within reason. Kimberly Borun of Pandora’s Posies has a consultation service for those who wish to DIY their florals, which is a great midpoint for creatively inclined couples.
  5. Book a flower fest. Make your own bouquets and arrangements with blooms brought to you by The Flower Party Co. or Richmond Flower Truck, or book time at Vogue Flowers’ DIY floral bar.
  6. Head to a flower farm. Check local farms for pick-your-own flowers, and markets for just-picked selections.

Budget Breakdown

Put a number on it

Here’s an example of how to allocate a $12,000 wedding budget based on average percentage figures commonly cited by local wedding vendors. Customize it according to your own priorities; if you spend less in one area, you can spend more in another.

  • Venue & Catering (45%): $5,400
  • Photography & Videography (12%): $1,440
  • Decor & Flowers (12%): $1,440
  • Wedding Attire & Beauty (7%): $840
  • Entertainment (6%): $720
  • Planner/Coordinator (6%): $720
  • Stationery & Favors (3%): $360
  • Miscellaneous & Buffer (9%): $1,080

This Is Us

Elopements offer an intimate celebration with a smaller price tag

Thankfully, we’ve moved well past the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on weddings, but if there’s one positive effect that has lasted, it’s couples feeling the freedom to have small weddings. While high guest-count events still take place, today’s nearlyweds are trimming the invitation list and hosting intimate microweddings or even eloping.

Chantal McHenry, owner of the wedding planning company ElopeRVA, says, “A lot of my couples are eloping to not just save money, but to also share the ceremony with only each other or the folks that matter most to truly mark the moment as sacred.”

According to The Knot’s 2026 Real Weddings Study, luxury weddings have rebounded from their pandemic low, but also popular are very small events that prioritize quality over quantity and focus on intimate moments for the couple.

For many couples, eloping conjures images of whisking away to a Caribbean island or popping into a local courthouse. Fortunately, the River City has plenty of options and experts to make your small-scale day a big deal. 

“Richmond is really diverse,” says Tia Ballard, owner of the microwedding and elopement company Hello Love. “It has something for every couple.” 

You can’t wed at the Richmond courthouse — there is no designated staff for civil ceremonies — but the courthouse will provide a list of civil celebrants upon request. Ballard and her partners, Kasie Murphy and Savannah Manzie, started Lucky in Love Chapel in June 2025 to fill that void.  

According to McHenry, the idea of eloping has morphed from what it used to be. Once used solely to describe running away to get married in secret, the term now reflects a broader idea — one that gives couples the freedom to celebrate on their own terms. “You can have it be as intimate as you like, with just you and your partner, or choose to share the day with your closest friends or family,” she says.

Because elopements involve fewer guests, a natural result is a lower cost. “A reduced guest list is the key to a less costly wedding,” says Chanel Derricott Williams, a wedding florist and the owner of Simply Floral & Design. “Less people equals less tables, centerpieces, chair rentals, guest capacity, food, etc.”

But that doesn’t necessarily mean that all elopements are inexpensive. Kimberly Borun, the owner of Pandora’s Posies in Midlothian, says it boils down to what you prioritize. “It is all about choices,” she says. “I have seen luxury elopements that cost as much as full-scale events.”

When planning an elopement in the Richmond area, selecting the venue is key. Local parks are an option, although you will have to secure a permit and reserve structures if you’d like to use a pavilion or other building on site. Contact the corresponding department of parks and recreation (such as the city of Richmond, and the counties of Hanover, Henrico and Chesterfield) for permits and reservations. Specializing in elopements and microweddings, Lucky in Love Chapel can host up to 20 guests plus the couple. Additional local sites to consider include historic museums, small hotels or picturesque estates.

Ultimately, an elopement can cost as little as the marriage license ($30 to $33 in the Richmond region) and officiant fee (starting at $75 locally). But there are also packages available for an intimate but celebratory experience. As a wedding officiant and microwedding specialist, Ballard offers a 90-minute experience at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. “It hosts up to 40 guests and feels like a high-end gala on a smaller scale,” she explains. The package starts at $6,500 and includes a custom ceremony, DJ, wedding planner, cake tasting, appetizers, altar florals and Champagne toast. Another package, the Lovecrafted Elopement, includes an officiant, coordinator, florals and a photographer for a starting price of $2,400.

Many local venues also offer special rates and packages for a small guest count. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Henrico County has options for up to 10 guests at $1,000 and up to 25 guests at $2,000. Microweddings at Maymont start at $250 on weekdays and $500 on weekends.

Choosing an elopement isn’t always an either-or situation. Some couples prefer to keep their vows private, while also scheduling a big celebration with their loved ones. Whether that means an immediate post-ceremony reception or hosting at a milestone, such as being married one month, waiting to include family and friends has become much more widespread throughout the country.

McHenry notes that her company’s involvement can be as limited or hands-on as desired, a hallmark of elopement planning. “No matter who you are or who you love, you deserve a wedding day that reflects your story,” she says.

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ElopeRVA plans intimate weddings throughout Virginia, including Tarra and Adrian’s ceremony at Quirk Hotel. (Photo by Soho Photos)

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Heather and Graham’s wedding at Lucky in Love Chapel (Photo by Hannah Louise Photography)

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ElopeRVA clients Michael and Adam elope at Libby Hill Park (Photo by Chelsea Diane Photography)

I Do on a Dime

Quick elopement itineraries in RVA

  • Option #1: For a no-frills choice, head to Chesterfield County Courthouse, where you can apply for your marriage license online and schedule a 15-minute ceremony through its Calendly booking system. The officiating service is available to both residents and nonresidents of Chesterfield, but the calendar fills up quickly. Cost: $25
  • Option #2: To get married in a picturesque outdoor setting, choose a park, such as popular local spots Libby Hill or Belle Isle. The city of Richmond doesn’t charge an event fee for a simple elopement with an officiant, the couple and a few witnesses. However, if you add guests, you will need to pay a $25 permit processing fee, a per-hour rate based on the size of your celebration and a refundable security deposit; the same rules apply throughout the city of Richmond’s parks. There is a noise ordinance, and many of the locations don’t allow alcohol, so plan your event accordingly. Starting price: $0
  • Option #3: The Jackpot package at Lucky in Love Chapel provides a 60-minute experience for up to 20 guests. It includes a custom ceremony, a nonalcoholic bottle of bubbly, a first dance, a ribbon send-off, florals, a cake from Pearl’s Bake Shoppe and a photographer to document it all. Starting price: $2,500