How to Pull Off a Wedding on $10 Without Losing the Magic

Sounds crazy, right? Planning a wedding for just ten bucks feels impossible, but the core idea is simple: strip everything down to what truly matters and use free or ultra‑cheap resources. You don’t need a lavish banquet hall or a designer gown to feel happy on your big day. Below are real‑world hacks that let you celebrate love while keeping the spend at a single‑digit figure.

Free or Low‑Cost Venues

Start with the place. Public parks, community gardens, or a friend’s backyard can become a charming ceremony space for free. Check your local council for permits—many offer free weekday bookings for small gatherings. If you have a cozy living room, set up fairy lights and a simple altar made from cardboard. The key is to choose a spot you already have access to, so you skip venue fees entirely.

Dress and Attire on a Dime

Skip the boutique dress and hunt thrift stores, clearance racks, or online marketplaces. A simple white dress can be bought for under five dollars if you’re willing to DIY a few alterations. Grooms can wear a suit they already own; just add a fresh shirt or a borrowed tie. For the father of the groom or groomsmen, ask family members to lend outfits—no one expects new clothes on a $10 budget.

Flowers are another big cost area. Dollar store flowers, artificial bouquets, or even wildflowers from a local field can look beautiful with a little styling. Check out our "Dollar Store Flowers" guide for tips on making cheap blooms appear real.

Invitations and Paperwork

Electronic invites are free and instantly reach guests. Use free platforms like Canva to design classy e‑cards and send them via email or WhatsApp. If you prefer paper, print simple cards at home on recycled paper; the cost per invite drops to pennies.

Food, Drink, and Cake

Ask friends and family to potluck—everyone brings a dish, and you cut catering costs to zero. For cake, consider a simple sheet cake from a supermarket and decorate it yourself with frosting from a grocery store. Our "Cheap Bouquet" article also shares ideas for using inexpensive cake decorations.

Photography Without Breaking the Bank

Recruit a talented amateur photographer friend or ask a guest to snap photos on a good smartphone. Set clear expectations and give them a short timeline; they’ll likely capture the key moments for free. If you need a professional touch, our "Is $3,000 Too Much for a Wedding Photographer?" piece explains how to evaluate pricing and find lower‑cost options.

Finally, remember that the spirit of your wedding matters more than the price tag. Focus on moments that bring you joy—personal vows, a heartfelt speech, a shared dance. Those are the memories that last, not the number on the receipt.

With these tricks, a $10 wedding moves from fantasy to reality. It’s all about using what’s already around you, tapping into community generosity, and getting creative. Your love story deserves to be celebrated, no matter the budget.