Let’s be real: weddings can be ridiculously expensive. And with the way things are going, planning a wedding during a recession can feel like a cruel joke. Dropping tens of thousands of dollars on a single day? Yeah, that might seem a little unhinged right now and you might be panic googling tips on how to plan a budget-friendly wedding in a recession.

But here’s the thing—you don’t have to drain your savings or take out a second mortgage just to have an unforgettable wedding. You just have to be smart about where you put your money.

I’ve helped couples plan some of the most incredible, personalized, and budget-friendly weddings, and I’m here to spill all the secrets. Whether you’re eloping on a mountaintop, throwing a micro wedding in your backyard, or finding that sweet spot between “epic” and “affordable,” I’ve got you.

So grab a drink, settle in, and let’s break down how to plan a wedding that doesn’t make your bank account cry.

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Table of Contents

1. Rethinking What a Wedding Needs
2. Prioritizing What Actually Matters to You
3. The Case for Ditching the Big Wedding (and How It Saves You Thousands)
4. How to Cut Costs Without Cutting Vibes
5. Getting Creative With Wedding Attire & Decor
6. Find Ways to Make Your Wedding Day Feel Expensive
7. All-Inclusive Packages That Actually Save You Money
8. Who I Am & Why You Want Me in Your Corner

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Rethinking What a Wedding Needs

Honestly? The best way to plan a budget-friendly wedding in a recession or really just in general is planning a wedding for you and your partner, not for instagram.

Spoiler: You don’t need a $5,000 floral arch, a 12-tier cake, or a ballroom that costs more than your car. The wedding industry will try to convince you otherwise, but your wedding should be about you. And yeah those things are cool, but do they even reflect your love story??

If you strip away the pressure and expectations, a wedding really only requires a few things:

• You and your partner
• Someone to legally marry you (hi, Nate can do that!)
• A way to capture the moment (hey, that’s me!)
• Some sort of celebration—big, small, weird, or wild

Everything else? Optional. This is your permission slip to ignore the bullshit and build your day around what actually matters.

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Prioritizing What Actually Matters to You

If you’re on a budget, the best thing you can do is figure out your non-negotiables. What’s worth spending money on, and what’s just there because “that’s what people do”?

For some couples, photography is top priority (because let’s be real, these are the only things you’ll have left after the day is over). Others want an incredible meal or a live band. Some want a killer location with the view.

Make a list of what actually excites you, and cut the rest. Don’t want a fancy venue? Cool, let’s find an epic outdoor location. Hate the idea of spending thousands on a dress? There are badass secondhand, rental, or indie designer options.

Your money should go only toward things that make your heart happy.

Disclaimer: Now, I’m not saying this because I’m biased as a photographer, but your wedding photos shouldn’t be something you skimp on or leave to the cheapest person you found in a Facebook wedding planning group. Transparency in pricing is really important to me, and I promise, if a photographer’s prices seem too good to be true, they probably are. I’ve had too many couples come to me to redo their wedding portraits after choosing a photographer based solely on price because they hated their photos. I never want anyone to feel that way, and it’s a shame when you’re essentially paying for the service twice.

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The Case for Ditching the Big Wedding (and How It Saves You Thousands)

Big weddings = big budgets. If the numbers are making your head spin, downsizing might be the move.

Micro weddings (under 75 guests) and elopements (just the two of you or a small crew) aren’t just budget-friendly—they’re stress-friendly. Less planning, fewer logistics, and a day that actually feels like you.

Think about it: A traditional wedding means catering for 100+ people, a huge venue, décor for days, and enough seating to make an event planner weep. That all adds up fast. On the other hand, a micro wedding or elopement lets you:

✅ Choose a stunning location that doesn’t cost a fortune
✅ Spend money on experiences instead of party favors no one actually wants
✅ Have a relaxed, intimate, meaningful day instead of a logistical headache

I specialize in small, intimate weddings that still feel huge in meaning. Whether you want to say your vows on a cliffside, in the middle of the forest, or at an Airbnb with your closest people, I’ll help you make it happen.

And the best part? I offer all-inclusive elopement and micro wedding packages that cover photography, planning, officiating (by Nate), and even Super 8 videography—meaning fewer vendors, fewer contracts, and way more savings.

Let’s talk about what your dream wedding could look like!

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How to Cut Costs Without Cutting Vibes

Saving money doesn’t mean your wedding has to look cheap. Some of the best budget-friendly weddings I’ve shot didn’t look budget-friendly at all—they were just smartly planned.

A few ways to keep costs low without sacrificing aesthetics:

• Ditch the traditional venue – National parks, Airbnbs, backyards, and public lands can be stunning and way more affordable.
• Rethink catering – Food trucks, potlucks, and family-style meals can be just as delicious (if not better) than a plated dinner.
• DIY decor (but only if you enjoy it!) – If crafting makes you want to cry, skip it. If not, Pinterest is your best friend.
• Borrow or rent instead of buying – From attire to decor, renting is the ultimate hack.
• Skip the wedding party gifts & favors – No one actually needs a personalized koozie.

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Getting Creative With Wedding Attire & Decor

Wedding dresses don’t have to cost as much as a used car. Suits don’t have to be custom-made. If you’re down to get creative, you can save so much money.

• Buy secondhand or vintage – Thrift stores, resale sites, and sample sales are goldmines.
• Rent your outfit – Because how many times are you really gonna wear it?
• Wear something non-traditional – Jumpsuits, black dresses, colorful suits… whatever makes you feel amazing.
• Wear Your parents outfits – So many couples have been opting for this fun, sentimental option and it’s a great way to keep the costs down. Alterations are far more affordable than a whole new outfit and a lot of out parents generation had their outfits preserved.
• Opt for wildflowers, dried flowers, or DIY bouquets – Cheaper, sustainable, and still gorgeous.

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Find Ways to Make Your Wedding Day Feel Expensive

Even if you’re saving money, your wedding doesn’t have to feel cheap. Here’s how to make it feel expensive—without the actual price tag:

• Good photography – Because, let’s be honest, if it looks expensive, it feels expensive. High-quality images elevate the entire vibe of the day, and I promise, your friends will not believe you didn’t spend $10k on a photographer.
• Thoughtful details – Small touches like handwritten vows, meaningful décor (hello, heirloom jewelry!), and custom cocktails add a personal, luxe feel.
• Intentional experiences – Create unforgettable moments like a sunset picnic, a private vow exchange, or dancing under the stars. These are the moments that will stay with you forever, and they don’t require a fancy venue or a huge budget to make happen.

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All-Inclusive Packages That Actually Save You Money

This is where I come in. Instead of juggling a million vendors and costs, my all-inclusive elopement and micro wedding packages take care of photography, planning, officiating (by Nate), and even Super 8 videography.

That means:
✅ Less stress
✅ Fewer vendors to coordinate
✅ More money saved

Let’s chat about what that could look like for you.

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Who I Am & Why You Want Me in Your Corner

Hey, I’m Natalie—your photographer, elopement planner, and overall wedding-day hype person. I specialize in helping couples throw tradition out the window and plan weddings that feel like them.

I get it—wedding planning can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to do it on a budget. But that’s where I come in. I’ll help you plan a day that’s stress-free, personalized, and full of incredible moments that you’ll actually want to relive again and again.

And if you need someone to remind you that you don’t need to follow the wedding rulebook, I’m your person.

Let’s make this thing happen!