Planning an intimate wedding doesn’t mean cutting corners – it means cutting clutter. When the guest list shrinks, your priorities come into sharper focus: the love, the laughter, and the celebration with your closest people. But don’t let the word “intimate” fool you. A smaller guest count doesn’t guarantee a smaller price tag. If you’re not careful, costs can still sneak up like an unexpected plus-one. The good news? Budgeting for an intimate wedding is totally doable! You just need a plan.

Here’s how to create a realistic wedding budget that keeps things meaningful and manageable.

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Photo Courtesy of Jessilynn Wong Photography

Start with Your Overall Budget (And Stick to It)

Before you book the venue, the photographer, or that charming string quartet – figure out how much you’re truly comfortable spending. This number is your north star. It’ll help you make every decision moving forward with clarity and confidence. Break your budget into categories: venue, food, attire, décor, entertainment, photography, and so on. Prioritise what matters most to you and your partner, then allocate funds accordingly.

Thankfully, there are numerous apps and websites created solely to help you budget. These can help you stay on track and avoid overspending.

Keep the Guest List Tight and Intentional

The beauty of an intimate wedding lies in the people you choose to invite. Typically, this means 15 to 50 guests, but the right number is whatever feels meaningful to you. Every guest adds cost: more food, more seats, more rentals, more everything. If someone isn’t part of your daily life or shared memories, it’s perfectly okay to leave them off the list. A focused guest list doesn’t just help your budget – it also creates a warmer, more personal atmosphere on the big day.

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Consider All-Inclusive Intimate Wedding Venues

Booking a venue that specialises in small weddings can simplify your planning process and stretch your budget. Look for locations that offer bundled packages, which often include essentials like catering, décor, and rental items.

When possible, choose a venue that can host both your ceremony and reception. This reduces the need for transportation and additional rentals—and keeps your day flowing smoothly from start to finish.

Make Smart Use of DIY (Without Overcommitting)

DIY can be a powerful budget-friendly tool – but only if used wisely. With a smaller guest list, it’s easier to create your own favours, invitations, decorations and opt out of using a wedding planner.

Just be honest with yourself about time, skill, and effort. Avoid biting off more than you can hot-glue. Use platforms like Pinterest and TikTok for inspiration, but focus on ideas that are realistic and enjoyable to execute.

Ask for Help (In Thoughtful, Respectful Ways)

An intimate wedding is a team sport, and your loved ones may be excited to contribute. If someone offers a backyard, a cottage, or even musical talent—say yes. Hosting your wedding at a family property can save thousands and add meaningful charm to the day.

If you do go this route, remember to:

  • Discuss logistics well in advance
  • Respect the space and property
  • Inform neighbours ahead of time if noise or parking will be a factor

A little thoughtfulness goes a long way.

Keep the Details Simple, Beautiful, and You

One of the best things about budgeting for an intimate wedding is the freedom to focus on what truly matters. You don’t need a seven-tier cake or 200 chair covers to make the day special. When the celebration is built around people you love and a budget you can manage, the result is often more meaningful than anything money can buy.

Your intimate wedding should feel like a reflection of you and your partner, not your bank statement. With a little strategy, a few smart choices, and a clear vision, you can create a beautiful day without overspending.

Have your own budget tips or questions about planning a smaller celebration? Share them in the comments – we’d love to hear from you.