How to Create a Wedding That Feels Like You—Even If You’re on a Budget

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear as a wedding planner is that a meaningful, beautifully personalized wedding requires an enormous budget. Let me say this clearly – your wedding doesn’t have to be expensive to be unforgettable, it just has to feel like YOU.

Some of the most heartfelt, memorable weddings we’ve planned were not the ones with the biggest decor budget or the fanciest venue. They were the ones where the couple’s personality, story, and priorities were woven intentionally into every part of the day. So if you’re trying to design a meaningful celebration without breaking the bank, here’s exactly how to do it.

#01: Start With What Matters Most. Before you think about decor, colors, budgets, or timelines, start with this essential question: What do you want your wedding to feel like? Not what it looks like, but you want it to feel like.

Ask yourselves the following questions: 

• Do you want to be cozy and intimate?

• Lively and high-energy?

• Nature-inspired and relaxed?

• Elegant and classic?

• Joyful and playful?

Starting with feelings ensures every decision supports your vision instead of working against it. We recommend you and your partner write down 3–5 words that describe your ideal wedding atmosphere. These become your guide for the entire planning process.

#02: Set Your Priorities (This Is Your Secret Budget Weapon). When you’re on a budget, this step is golden. You will need to sit down with your partner and choose your top three priorities as a couple. Examples may include: 

• Photographer

• Live musician

• Great Food 

• Personal Vows 

• A specific venue 

• A custom ceremony backdrop 

• An open bar

• A big dance party feel

Once you know your priorities, you can invest more there, and save on things that matter less to you. Your priorities don’t have to be traditional. If your must haves are a smaller venue with pizza, a stellar DJ, and a champagne tower, build around that!

#03: Choose a Venue That Does the Work for You. Venues are often the biggest wedding expense, but they’re also the biggest opportunity to save. Be sure to look for venues with natural beauty or character. Think about a garden with blooming flowers, or a charming historic building that you love. Venues can be a brewery with great ambiance or even a cozy backyard space. Think outside of the box with a modern industrial space with natural light, or a pavilion nestled on a lakeside. All of these options require minimal decor to look stunning. If you are on a tight budget, avoid blank slate venues. They are beautiful, but expensive once you add lighting, draping, florals, rentals, etc.

#04: Lean Into Your Story: It’s Your Most Valuable Asset. If you want your wedding to feel personal, start with you and your partner. Your story together  is free, and it’s the easiest way to infuse meaning. Here are some creative, budget friendly ways to highlight it:

Your Ceremony. Write your own vows. Or have a friend or relative officiate your ceremony. Be sure to include cultural, religious, or symbolic rituals, and share a reading that reflects who you are together as a couple. 

Your Decor. Your decor can be built around your story as a couple. Display photos from throughout your relationship. You can use personal items from your home, such as vases, candles, or even framed quotes. Think about incorporating meaningful heirlooms. 

Your Music. Your playlist can tell your story beautifully. Maybe it’s songs from your first roadtrip, or music from your favorite concert you attended as a couple. Or perhaps, it’s your childhood favorite as a nod to your family. 

Your Menu. Food is one of the most memorable, and delicious, wedding details. You’ll want to consider dishes inspired by your heritage. Desserts that remind you of your first date, or a signature drink named about your pet. 

All of these touches cost a little, but make your day feel deeply personal. 

#05: Design a Wedding Style Without Overspending. You don’t need a full-service floral install or luxury rentals to create a beautiful aesthetic.

Pick one to two standout decor elements and go minimal, but intentional with your decor. Instead of trying to upgrade everything, choose one focal area:

• A floral arch

• Statement table centerpieces

• A meaningful ceremony backdrop

• An epic sweetheart table setup

• A photo display wall

These high impact moments shape the vibe, and guests won’t notice if the rest is intentionally simple.

Here’s where you can save:

• Use candles instead of elaborate florals

• Mix bud vases with greenery for inexpensive but elegant tables

• Reuse ceremony decor for the reception

• Opt for DIY signage using Canva templates

• Incorporate thrifted or borrowed décor

Lighting is one of the most budget-friendly ways to elevate a space. Candles, string lights, lanterns, and uplights create instant ambiance.

#06: Make Your Guests Feel Welcome (It Doesn’t Cost Much). A personal wedding isn’t just about decor, it’s about connection. Here are some low-cost ways to make guests feel included and valued. 

Personalized Notes. Leave handwritten notes at tables or in welcome bags. Even a short message goes a long way.

A Warm Welcome Table. Create a display with photos, a guest book (traditional or alternative), a welcome sign or a meaningful quote or message. 

Thoughtful Favors. Skip pricey favors guests forget and choose simple, usable options can be homemade treats, mini candles, seed packets, locally made goodies, or a late night snack to-go bag. It’s the thoughtfulness, not the price, that guests remember.

#07: Rethink the Reception Format. Traditional weddings can be beautiful, but they’re not the only option and sometimes they’re not the most cost effective. Here are alternatives that can help you save while still creating an unforgettable experience.

A cocktail-style reception. Smaller plates, lounge seating, mingling-friendly atmosphere.

A brunch or lunch wedding. Food and venue is significantly cheaper.

A dessert and dancing celebration. Perfect for couples who want a party without a full meal.

Intimate micro-weddings. Spend meaningfully on fewer guests for a more personalized experience.

Don’t choose a cheaper format just to save. Choose the format that matches your personality and the budget benefit will follow naturally.

#07: DIY Where It Makes Sense (And Only Where It Makes Sense!). DIY can be a money saver or a stress monster. The key is choosing strategically. There are a lot of great DIY options, like table numbers, ceremony programs, simple centerpieces, favors, welcome bags, or signage. But, you’ll want to avoid DIY-ing your photography, food, major floral arrangements (unless you love floral design and have ample support), venue setup without a coordinator, or anything that requires special tools or lots of your time prior to the wedding. Remember, If it adds stress or takes away from enjoying your day, it’s not worth the savings.

#08: Hire the Right Support, Within Your Budget. You don’t need a full service wedding planner to create a personal, cohesive wedding. Even hiring a day of wedding coordinator can transform your experience. They help by:

• Managing your timeline

• Running logistics

• Setting up decor

• Coordinating vendors

• Solving problems quietly

This frees you up to actually experience the wedding you worked so hard to create.

#09: Remember: Personal OVER Pinterest Perfect. The weddings that feel the most heartfelt aren’t the ones that look like a curated inspiration board, they’re the ones shaped by authenticity. If you love bright colors, don’t force neutrals. If you want tacos instead of a plated dinner, go for it.If you prefer a backyard gathering over a ballroom, embrace it. If you want mismatched vintage chairs or thrifted decor, make it happen.

Your wedding should feel like stepping into your world, not someone else’s, or social media’s idea of “wedding perfection.”

Creating a wedding that feels like you is absolutely possible on any budget. In fact, constraints can often spark the most creativity, authenticity, and meaning. Focus on your story as a couple, your priorities, your people, and the atmosphere you want to create. And let everything else support, not overshadow, the love you’re celebrating.

---

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 20 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

How to Blend Two Cultures or Traditions into One Beautiful Wedding Day

Planning a wedding is a deeply personal experience. But, when two people from different cultural or religious backgrounds come together, that special day can become even more meaningful. Blending traditions is not just about compromise, but it’s about celebrating where you each come from and creating a unique fusion that represents your shared, new future together. 

Whether you are mixing languages, foods, dress codes, or ceremony traditions, the goal is the same – to honor your roots while creating something new and beautiful, together. So, here is how to create a harmonious, inclusive, and unforgettable diverse wedding day. 

STEP 1: Make a shared list of the most important cultural or spiritual elements you’d love to include on your wedding day. 

The first step is to start with open and honest conversations. To blend traditions, is to understand what matters most to each of you. You will want to leave opportunities to have open and honest conversations about what matters, for your cultural and religious values. Discuss with your partner what traditions are non-negotiable. Which ones feel optional or can be adapted? Be sure to talk to your families. Especially, if their expectations are high or they have an emotional investment. Be honest, listen with respect. Set the tone for communication and mutual respect. 

STEP 2: Educate and Communicate with each other and your guests. 

Often your guests may not be familiar with the traditions involved in your wedding celebration or cultures. Use your wedding as an opportunity to educate and share your culture with your guests. Include a guide on your wedding website, or wedding program to explain specific ceremony/reception rituals and/or attire. Include a short description of what each portion means and its symbolism. This will help everyone feel included and creates an engaging experience. 

STEP 3: Find vendors that align with your traditions and are culturally sensitive. 

One of the best things you can do while planning, is to choose vendors who align, are experienced, and respect your traditions. Look for photographers, planners, caterers, make-up artists and officiants who have experience working with different cultures. Selecting vendors that align with your values and cultural needs, will ensure that they will be able to help keep the day running smoothly. If you’re not sure – ask your vendors if they’ve worked with multicultural weddings and how they approach blending traditions respectfully. 

STEP 4: Create a thoughtful timeline. 

We’ve coordinated all different kinds of weddings, including multicultural weddings. What we’ve learned is that sometimes multiple traditions mean doubling up on ceremonies or events. Instead of cramming everything into one day, you may want to consider celebrating over a weekend. You can always host your traditional ceremony on day one, followed by your western-style ceremony and reception on day two. If you keep it all in one day, you want to consider a hybrid ceremony, or having a smaller intimate gathering for your traditional cultural ceremony in the morning. You can walk down the aisle in a white dress, change into traditional attire for the reception, or even combine rituals into a personalized ceremony. 

STEP 5: Blend your traditions creatively - you don’t have to choose one tradition over another. 

When you blend your families and traditions, it does not mean that you have to choose a tradition over another. You must work to find thoughtful ways to combine both. Here are creative ways to combine both. 

• Mix readings or blessings from both cultures or religions

• Light a unity candle, followed by a cultural ritual like a garland exchange etc. 

• Walk down the aisle to traditional music, then exit with a western-style, modern twist. 

• Wear traditional, and then change into modern outfits. 

• Encourage your wedding party to wear outfits representing both cultures. 

• Combine both cuisines into a diverse wedding menu or offer stations for each. 

• Serve signature cocktails that are inspired by your cultures. 

• Include a group dance or solo inspired by your culture. 

STEP 6: Honor your Elders and your Ancestry

Weddings are not only about the couple, but it is a tribute and celebration of family history and the legacy they live. Weddings are the perfect time to honor your elders, even if your elders are not present. During toasts, or as you greet your guests with the opening welcome, include a blessing or a moment of silence for your loved ones. Be sure to incorporate heirlooms, like jewelry, fabric, or traditional items into your ceremony and attire. Family members may want to perform or read something meaningful from your culture. This inclusion adds connection that goes far beyond any decor or aesthetics. 

STEP 7: Your wedding does not have to follow any rule book. 

Just because you have chosen to honor your tradition, doesn’t mean you can’t be modern, playful, or creative. Write your own vows that reflect your journey. Incorporate phrases, or words from your native tongues. You can even customize your decor to fuse both cultures. But, most importantly. This day is about you as a couple. Let your love story be the common thread that ties it all together. 

STEP 8: Your goal isn’t to please everyone. 

When families of two different backgrounds come together, you may encounter some friction. Not everyone may understand or appreciate each tradition equally, and that is okay. Your goal isn’t to please everyone. It is to celebrate love, unity, and respect. You and your partner will need to stay grounded in your purpose and be flexible. If something doesn’t go exactly as planned, that is okay. Embrace it as a part of your overall journey. 

A multicultural or interfaith wedding isn’t just a celebration of love between two people. It is a celebration of where you both came from, how you grew up, and the life you are building together. When you approach your wedding planning with intention, openness and creatively, your wedding can be a magnificent bridge between two families and cultures that leave a lasting impression on everyone. So, whether you’re tying the knot under a chuppah, or dance the Hawaiian wedding song for your partner, your wedding can be as rich and as meaningful as the love that brought you together. You wedding day is about you and your partner – so make it just that. 

---

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 20 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

Ways to Honor Loved Ones Who Can’t Be at Your Wedding

Weddings are a celebration of two people in love. But, often it is easy to forget that it’s about the community of family and friends who have helped you along the way and reach this point. Whether you want to pay tribute to your parents, grandparents, friends, or loved ones who are no longer with you, finding special ways to honor them can make your wedding feel more personal, celebrate those who you love and create unforgettable moments. 

We’ve compiled ten thoughtful and creative ways to honor your loved ones on your wedding day. Both people who are present and those who are to be remembered in spirit. 

#01: Include Family Heirlooms 

One of the easiest way to honor those who you love are to include family heirlooms into your wedding attire or decor. This is a beautiful way to carry the presence of your loved ones with you. Think beyond something old, and get creative with your ideas! 

• Sew pieces of your grandmother’s wedding dress into the dress of your gown 

• Use your parents or grandparent’s cake knife and server to cut the cake 

• Use champagne glasses that have been in your family for decades to toast the night away 

• Carry a pocket of your loved one with a photo on your bouquet 

Something simple that draws meaning to you and celebrates your loved ones is the perfect way to honor those who you loved. At my wedding, I used my grandfather’s mason pin on my bouquet. It was a simple reminder of his spirit on my wedding day. 

#02: Reserve a Seat in their Honor 

This is a very simple, yet moving way to honor loved ones who have passed. You can reserve a seat for them at the ceremony. Place a framed photo, a small bouquet, or a sign inscribed “reserved in loving memory of…” to acknowledge their place in your heart and at your wedding. This sweet gesture reminds everyone that even though they are not physically there, they remain a part of your story and your wedding day. 

#03: Include a Tribute 

Your ceremony or during your wedding toasts is the perfect place to share a heartfelt message or short memory to those who you are honoring. This can include a tribute paragraph during your ceremony, a favorite quote or saying they lived by, or a list of names under “in loving memory.” Moments like these allow your guests to learn more about the people who shaped your life, decisions, and supported you to reach this milestone. 

#04: Include Loved Ones in your Speeches 

Like we said previously, you can opt for including them in your ceremony or in your toasts. If there are specific family members or friends that have had a significant impact on your relationship, thank them – or mention them in your speech or toast. You can highlight memories or lessons learned from your dad or grandfather. Personal touches add depth to your words and honor their legacy in your love story. 

#05: Play Their Favorite Song of Music 

Music has the unique ability to draw out emotions and memories. Including a love ones favorite song during your ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception playlist as a subtle nod to their presences is a perfect way to honor their presence. At our wedding, my husband requested that we play “Sweet Caroline” to honor his grandmother, Carol. It was a nod to her presence and reminded his family of the sweet memories they shared. You can play your parents wedding song, a late grandparent’s favorite oldie, or a friend’s favorite dance song during the party. You can even select songs that help your guests feel connected, too. 

#06: Create a Memory Table or Display 

One of the most often used ideas is to create a memory table or display of those who have passed. You can set up a beautifully arranged memory table at the entrance of your ceremony or reception. Things that you can include are as follows: 

• Framed photos of loved ones 

• Candles or Flowers

• Handwritten letters, recipes, or quotes

• Personal Mementos such as military medals, flags, jewelry etc. 

You can add a sign like “In Loving Memory” or “Forever in Our Hearts” to explain the significance to your guests. This is a touching tribute that becomes a conversation piece to share loving memories as well. 

#07: As a Loved One to Officiate 

If you’re looking outside of a religious official to officiate your wedding, ask a family member of a close friend to officiate your wedding. This can make the ceremony incredibly personable. If someone in your life has played a major role in your journey as a couple – such as a mentor, sibling, or family friend – ask them to marry you. This gesture honors them in a meaningful way, while also creating a deeply emotional, intimate atmosphere. 

#08: Use Family Recipes in Your Menu of as Favors 

Food speaks volumes, especially if there is a dish that celebrates your roots and family history. Celebrate your family and loved ones by incorporating a beloved family recipe into your wedding. This can be delicious, but also nostalgic. You can honor or pay tribute to a parent, grandparent, Auntie, or celebrate a cultural tradition. We love the ideas of…

• Serving your grandma’s famous lasagna or your dad’s signature BBQ ribs at your reception 

• Offer cookie favors with a handwritten recipe tag from your loved one 

• Include a signature drink named after a love one. 
  Food brings people together. It’s the perfect way to honor someone through a share dish. 

#09: Include a Moment of Silence 

During your ceremony, or at your reception you can consider adding a moment in your timeline to honor your loved ones. You can ask someone to give a toast honoring parents, family, and friends. Think about pausing for a brief moment of silence at the start of dinner. Include a moment of thanksgiving or prayer to honor those who could not be with you today, or light a candle in their memory during the ceremony. Coordinate with your wedding planner and DJ, or emcee to help guide the meant with grace and respect. Even just a few words, can create a powerful emotional connection. 

#10: Make it Personal 

Decor can carry emotional meaning when infused with personal history. You can consider displaying generational wedding photos, using a family quilt as a backdrop, or incorporate cultural or religious traditions that are unique to your family. Small touches can bring family heritage, traditions, and history into your wedding style and help tell the story of who you are and where you come from. 

Creating small pockets of time or effort show intentionality and love. These moments will mean more than you’ll realize. Weddings are deeply emotional, not just because of the joy, but also because of who is and isn’t present at your wedding. Find meaningful ways to honor your loved ones and create special spaces or moments for remembrance, celebration, and connection. Whether it is a subtle nod, spoken tribute, or a table filled with photos, these moments will be cherished and remembered. At the end of the day, your wedding is a reflection of you and your partner. It is a reflection of your love, the story you’ve created, and those who’ve help build your life. Honoring those who have helped you become the person you are is one of the most beautiful things you can do. 

---

Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 20 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.