Big Wedding vs Small Budget: 10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Plan a Festival Wedding in Devon
Planning a dream wedding is a joyous yet daunting task, especially when you’re considering a unique festival-style celebration. We’re a big fan of a Westcountry wedding, with its stunning countryside and charming villages, as it offers the perfect backdrop for such an event. However, when it comes to planning your festival wedding on a budget, things can get a bit tricky. Fear not! Here are ten budget-friendly strategies to help you plan your dream Devon wedding without breaking the bank.
1. Choose a Non-Traditional Venue
One of the most significant expenses in wedding planning is the venue. Traditional wedding venues can be costly, but opting for a non-traditional setting can save you a significant amount. Consider hosting your festival wedding on a friend’s farm, a young venue (these could be hotels or even Airbnb’s) or even a community hall. These places often come with a lower price tag and provide a blank canvas for your creative ideas.
Leilah’s Tips:
- Research Local Options: Visit your local council’s website for information on parks and community spaces available for events.
- Consider Off-Peak: Booking during the off-peak season or weekdays can lead to additional discounts.
- DIY and Hire Decorations: DIY decorations where possible and rent the rest, to transform the space into a festival wonderland.
Real Unity Event Design Example
A couple in South Devon chose a local farmer’s field next to the sea for their wedding, utilising the natural beauty of the landscape and saving thousands on venue costs. They adorned the space with stretch tents, a bell tent village, fairy lights and bunting, creating a magical atmosphere.
2. Hire a Local Wedding Planner (like us!)
While it might seem counterintuitive to hire a wedding planner when trying to save money, a local planner can be invaluable. They have established connections with vendors and can often provide budget appropriate options. Additionally, their knowledge of the local area ensures your dream Devon wedding planning goes smoothly.
Leilah’s Tips:
- Interview Multiple Planners: Meet with several planners to find one who understands your vision and budget. Find someone who listens to all your requirements and you feel can be unique and creative with your ideas.
- Check References: Look for references and testimonials from other couples on their website and Google.
- Full wedding planning or just on the day coordination? Some planners offer package deals or even hourly rates for helping on the day (we do!).
Real Unity Event Design Example
Hiring UED as a full wedding planner package helped one of our couples reduce their overall costs, which would have been far more expensive if supplied by multiple businesses.
3. Utilise Devon Wedding Suppliers
Supporting local businesses not only benefits the community but can also lead to cost savings. Local vendors often offer a personalised service and don’t have as far to travel, keeping their costs down.
Leilah’s Tips
- Wedding Fairs: Attend local bridal fairs to meet potential suppliers and discuss your needs. There are some fantastic wedding fairs such as The Quirky Wedding Fair in Devon.
- Package Deals: Inquire about package deals that include multiple services.
- Word of Mouth: Ask friends and family (or your wedding planner) for recommendations.
Real Unity Event Design Example
A couple chose a local Devon bakery to supply their wedding cake, receiving a custom design that reflected their festival theme. The bakery also provided the rolls for the bacon baps the next morning.
4. Opt for Seasonal Flowers
Flowers can be a significant expense, but choosing seasonal blooms can drastically cut costs. Seasonal flowers are more readily available and don’t require expensive importing fees.
Leilah’s Tips
- Consult with a Local Florist: They can advise on what’s in season and help design cost-effective arrangements.
- Mix and Match: Combine seasonal flowers with greenery for a lush look.
- DIY Bouquets: Consider creating your own bouquets with the help of friends.
Real Unity Event Design Example
One of our Devon brides created stunning bouquets using wildflowers and greenery from her garden, achieving a natural, bohemian style that perfectly suited her festival wedding.
5. DIY Invitations
With the digital age, online invitations have become popular, but they can lack the personal touch. Creating your own invitations is a fun project that can save money and add a personal flair.
Leilah’s Tips
- Create Together: Host a craft party as a couple to help create your invitations.
- Use Recycled Paper: Consider eco-friendly materials for a sustainable option.
- Seek Online Inspiration: Platforms like Pinterest offer endless design ideas.
Real Unity Event Design Example
A couple in East Devon held a craft night with friends to create their wedding invitations, using recycled paper and natural dyes for a unique, eco-friendly result.
6. Consider a ‘Bring a Dish’ Reception
Food and drink are often the largest wedding expenses. A ‘Bring a Dish’ reception not only reduces costs but also involves your guests in the celebration.
Leilah’s Tips
- Coordinate Dishes: Assign different types of dishes to guests to ensure variety.
- BuyYOB: If a external bar option is not within your budget, we love a DIY bar where all the alcohol is bought from the supermarket and guests serve themselves.
- Cultural Exchange: Ask guests to bring dishes that represent their cultural backgrounds.
Real Unity Event Design Example
A couple asked 250 guests to a ‘bring a dish’ wedding where each family brought something delicious, creating a diverse and abundant feast that highlighted their community’s culinary talents.
7. Rent or Buy Pre-loved Wedding Attire
Wedding attire can be costly, but there are options which can save you a considerable amount. Many boutiques offer rental options for both bridal gowns and suits.
Leilah’s Tips
- Shop Early: Start looking for rental options early to ensure availability. Our top online options would be Reformation and By Rotation for a massive range of options.
- Check Charity Wedding Boutiques: Support local shops such as La Boutique in Exeter, or Bridal Reloved.
- Consider Preloved: Look into preloved wedding attire for a sustainable choice. Stillwhite, Ebay and Vinted are both amazing online platforms to find a bargain.
Real Unity Event Design Example
A bride from West Devon rented her wedding reception dress from online rental service, By Rotation, allowing her to wear a designer gown at a fraction of the purchase price. She then changed into a preloved festival style option from Ebay which was worn for the rest of the evening.
8. Incorporate Local Entertainment
Entertainment is a crucial element of a festival wedding, and hiring local musicians or artists can not only enhance the atmosphere but also support community talent.
Leilah’s Tips
- Attend Local Gigs: Discover local talent by attending gigs and performances.
- Make it unique: Local artists are often up for adapting setlists to your personal style to fit the type of wedding you want.
- Mix and Match: Combine different types of entertainment, like live music and dance performances.
Real Unity Event Design Example
A couple hosted a fun themed wedding with a caricature artist who drew the wedding guests in the day, local folk bands and a fire-juggling performance, creating an unforgettable festival vibe.
9. Use Social Media for Inspiration
While this is an online method, social media platforms are invaluable for gathering ideas and inspiration for your festival wedding.
Leilah’s Tips
- Create a Mood Board: Use Pinterest to compile your wedding vision.
- Join Local Groups: Facebook groups can provide local insights and vendor recommendations.
- Follow Influencers: Wedding influencers often share budget-friendly tips.
Real Unity Event Design Example
A bride followed local Devon wedding pages and Instagram accounts to discover unique vendors and décor ideas, which helped her stay within budget.
10. Partner with a Local Charity
Partnering with a charity can be a meaningful way to give back while potentially reducing costs. Some venues owned by charities may offer reduced rates for weddings.
Leilah’s Tips
- Research Charities: Look for charities with event spaces available for hire.
- Plan a Charity Auction: Consider incorporating a charity auction into your wedding activities.
- Donation Requests: Ask for charity donations in lieu of gifts.
Real Unity Event Design Example
One couple chose to hold their wedding at a Devon wildlife charity venue, contributing to the charity while enjoying a beautiful location at a reduced rate.
Planning a festival wedding in Devon on a budget is entirely feasible with a little creativity and resourcefulness. By considering non-traditional venues, engaging local vendors, and incorporating DIY elements, you can craft a memorable celebration that reflects your unique style without overspending. As you embark on your wedding planning journey, remember the impact of supporting local businesses and the potential benefits of hiring a wedding planner.