How to Have a Beautiful Low-Cost Wedding (Without Sacrificing the Dream!)

Let’s talk numbers:

The average wedding + reception in 2025 costs over $30,000. Meanwhile, the average household income in Missouri is about $65,500 — meaning many couples would be spending nearly half their yearly income on a single day. Ouch.

But guess what?

You can have a gorgeous, meaningful, and unforgettable wedding without wrecking your finances. You just need a smart plan, a little creativity, and the right venue (hint hint — Tuscany Landing has your back 😉).

Below are real, practical, and FUN ways to plan the wedding of your dreams — while keeping your budget firmly in check.

🗓 Start Planning Early

Time is your secret weapon. The earlier you plan, the more time you have to compare prices and avoid last-minute splurges.

💡Insider tip: Book a Friday or Sunday wedding, or choose an "off-season" month like July or August to save big. June, September, and October are the most expensive dates in Missouri.

✂️ Trim That Guest List

Do you really need everyone you’ve ever met at your wedding?

Try to keep your guest count under 125. Smaller weddings feel more personal — and they save you money on catering, rentals, favors, and even the number of people in your wedding party.

👗 Say YES to the Dress (On a Budget)

The average dress costs $1,600+, not including alterations.

Do your research! Shop sample sales, ask about off-the-rack discounts, and consider borrowing or altering a family member’s gown (hello, something borrowed 💕).

🎁 Ask for Help, Not More Gifts

Ask talented friends or family to gift their skills in place of a traditional gift.

BUT — always hire a pro for your photography. It’s the one thing you’ll treasure long after the wedding.

🍰 Cake & Dessert Magic

A basic 3-tier cake can run $650+. Want to save?

➤ Order a smaller “display” cake and supplement with a “kitchen cake” to serve guests.

➤ Or create a gorgeous DIY dessert table with treats made by family and friends!

🍴 Clever Catering Ideas

Fewer guests = lower catering bill. Want to save more?

➤ Food trucks are fun and affordable.

➤ Try a Sunday brunch wedding — classy and cost-effective.

➤ Go light with passed appetizers or build a stunning charcuterie board instead of a sit-down meal.

💐 Flowers That Won’t Break the Bank

Most couples spend $1,500–$2,000 on flowers. But you don’t have to.

➤ Use greenery, wildflowers, and in-season blooms.

➤ Shop wholesale clubs or Trader Joe’s.

➤ DIY your bouquets (YouTube is your friend!).

➤ Bonus: Tuscany Landing provides FREE table centerpieces!

Our venue is naturally beautiful, so you won’t need to go overboard with flowers and décor.

🍷 Budget-Friendly Drinks

Stick to beer, wine, and soda to keep bar costs down.

➤ Add a signature drink for a personal touch.

➤ Serve a fun mocktail during cocktail hour to save even more!

💒 Why Tuscany Landing is the Perfect Budget-Friendly Wedding Venue

We believe your wedding should be beautiful and affordable. That’s why we include so many extras at no additional cost. Seriously — just look at this list:

✔️ Bridal Suite – FREE

✔️ Standard Centerpieces

✔️ White Linens + Runners

✔️ Custom Day-of Timeline

✔️ Emergency Kit

✔️ Outdoor Wedding Guide

✔️ 2 Hours of Pre-Planning Support

✔️ Full Table/Chair Setup

✔️ Day-of Venue Coordinator

✔️ 1-Hour Rehearsal

✔️ Cake Table + Guest Registration Table

✔️ Outdoor Lawn Games

✔️ Vendor Coordination

✔️ Indoor Climate-Controlled Bathrooms

✔️ Post-Event Belongings Collection

✔️ No Clean-Up Required – We Handle It All!

💬 Yes, you CAN have a dreamy, elegant wedding without a mountain of debt.

Want to know the best part?

👉 We still have a few September 2025 dates available — one of the most beautiful times of year at Tuscany Landing.

Let’s make your dream wedding happen — without the financial stress. 💕