Elopement or Small Ceremony? How to Keep Your Wedding Affordable and Personal

How to Have an Affordable and Low-Key Wedding Without Sacrificing Style

Let’s talk about creating a beautiful and meaningful wedding without breaking the bank. I’ve seen couples of all kinds, from those who dream of grand venues to those who simply want a quiet ceremony by the beach. And the one thing I’ve learned over the years is that a wedding doesn’t need to be expensive to be special.

If you're planning your wedding and want to keep it affordable yet memorable, this blog is for you! I’ll share my top tips on how to keep things low-key, affordable, and full of personality, while still celebrating your love in style. I’ve helped countless couples create their dream weddings right here in Tauranga and the wider Bay of Plenty, and I can tell you from experience that a simple wedding can be just as magical—if not more—than one with all the bells and whistles.

Beach elopement

An intimate elopement on the beach at Papamoa, with the groom holding their toddler during the ceremony.

The Beauty of an Affordable, Low-Key Wedding

First things first, let’s clear something up: affordable weddings don’t have to mean “cheap” or “boring”. Low-key doesn’t mean lacking in style, and it certainly doesn’t mean you won’t have a day filled with joy, love, and unforgettable moments. It simply means you’re taking a step back from the traditional wedding pressures and focusing on what truly matters to you as a couple.

One of the most important things I’ve learned is that your wedding day should reflect your personalities, your love, and your shared journey. Don’t feel like you have to follow trends or spend money just to please others. A personal, intimate, and affordable wedding can be just as meaningful and spectacular as a lavish event—sometimes even more so.

1. Keep It Intimate: Elopements Are a Wonderful Option

Let’s talk about one of the most intimate and cost-effective ways to get married: elopement. I’ve had the pleasure of officiating many beautiful elopements here in Tauranga and around the Bay of Plenty, and they’re always filled with so much love and emotion.

Eloping means you can skip the large guest list and focus on what truly matters: your vows, your love, and the start of your new life together. Whether you choose a beachside ceremony, a picturesque garden, or even a quiet, romantic spot at your local park, the possibilities are endless, and the costs are minimal. With an elopement, you can save on venue fees, catering, and decorations—allowing you to pour your budget into a personalised ceremony or perhaps a special honeymoon.

Where can you get married?

This elopement was at McLaren Falls Park

2. Choose the Right Location: Stunning Venues on a Budget

If a traditional venue is more your style, don’t worry. You don’t need to book a lavish ballroom to have a stunning wedding. The Bay of Plenty is home to so many beautiful locations, from the beaches of Mount Maunganui to the peaceful parks of Tauranga, that offer stunning backdrops without the hefty price tag.

Consider looking for smaller, local gems. For example, a scenic garden, a quiet spot on the beach, or a community hall with natural beauty can often be just as charming as a luxury venue. In many cases, you’ll find these venues come with an affordable hire fee and the flexibility to bring in your own suppliers, meaning you can tailor every detail to suit your needs without paying for extras you don’t want.

3. Keep the Guest List Small

One of the most effective ways to keep your wedding affordable is by limiting your guest list. While it's lovely to include all your extended family and friends, a smaller guest list can significantly reduce costs. It means fewer invitations, less food, fewer drinks, and lower overall expenses. Plus, a smaller wedding allows for a more intimate experience where you can spend quality time with the people who matter most.

Many couples who opt for smaller weddings find that they can really personalise their day, with thoughtful touches for each guest, creating a much more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Whether it’s a small ceremony with immediate family and closest friends, or an elopement with just the two of you , it’s all about quality over quantity. (But remember you need two witnesses - and your photographer can be one of them!)

Mount Maunganui Beach

This couple married in bare feet on the sand while their children blew bubbles around them.

4. Embrace DIY and Personal Touches

One of the most wonderful things about low-key weddings is the chance to add personal touches. DIY elements are a fantastic way to save money while making your wedding truly unique. Whether it’s creating your own table decorations, designing your own stationery, or even making your own wedding cake (if you’re feeling adventurous!), DIY can add a sense of individuality to your day and bring out your personalities.

Remember, the smallest details can have the biggest impact. Something as simple as a handwritten note, a song that means something to both of you, or a photo display with memories of your journey together can speak volumes. These heartfelt elements don’t need to cost much but can make the day feel incredibly special.

5. Hire a Celebrant Who Understands Your Vision

As a celebrant based in Tauranga, I’ve been lucky enough to help couples from all walks of life craft meaningful ceremonies that reflect their love and their personalities. One of the advantages of working with a celebrant is that we can create a ceremony that’s unique to you. It’s not just about the legalities—it’s about telling your love story in your way, whether that’s short and sweet or more elaborate.

When working with a celebrant, you get to choose the vibe of your ceremony, which helps save costs by avoiding unnecessary frills or traditions you don’t feel connected to. You can focus on what truly matters—like your vows and promises to each other. I can offer advice on how to keep things affordable, from recommending budget-friendly venues to suggesting suppliers who can work within your budget.

For example, instead of a traditional wedding cake, you might choose cupcakes, or instead of a live band, you could put together a playlist of your favourite songs. Your celebrant can guide you on ways to personalise your ceremony while keeping it simple and meaningful.

If you're looking for an affordable yet special package, I offer my Adore It wedding package. It includes my celebrant services, a delicious cake, and a bottle of bubbly to celebrate your vows. I can even organise a photographer for just one hour. It’s the perfect option for couples who want an intimate ceremony with a personal touch, all while keeping costs down. Whether you're eloping or having a small gathering, this package offers everything you need for a beautiful day, without the hefty price tag.

The ‘Adore It’ package

My ‘Adore It’ package includes the ceremony, a delicious cake and a bottle of bubbly.

6. Choose a Simple, Elegant Wedding Dress

Wedding dresses can be one of the most expensive items on your list, but they don’t have to be. Many couples are moving away from the traditional, extravagant gowns and opting for simpler, more affordable dresses that still look stunning. Think about purchasing a pre-loved gown (look on the wedding buy/sell/swap pages on Facebook), or even choosing a dress that you could wear again for another occasion.

The key is to find a dress that makes you feel like the best version of yourself—one that you love, fits perfectly, and suits your personality. A simple, elegant wedding dress will not only save you money but will ensure that you feel comfortable and beautiful on your special day.

7. Prioritise What Matters Most

When planning an affordable wedding, the most important thing is to prioritise what matters most to you as a couple. If photography is a must for you, then perhaps you can cut costs elsewhere, such as with your décor or catering. If your wedding’s all about the ceremony, then you might choose a smaller reception or forgo expensive floral arrangements. It’s about balancing what’s important to you both and making thoughtful choices to stay within your budget.

If you’re interested in a celebrant-led wedding in the Tauranga or Bay of Plenty area, get in touch with me! I’d love to help you create the wedding of your dreams in a way that’s affordable and meaningful to you. I can provide guidance on how to plan a wedding that reflects your personal style while keeping costs down.

Ready to Start Planning Your Dream Wedding?

If you’re ready to start planning your affordable, low-key wedding, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach out via my website at celebrantdebbie.co.nz, or find me on Instagram @celebrantdebbie, or Facebook Celebrant Debbie, for wedding inspiration and tips.

Let’s work together to create a beautiful ceremony that reflects your love without the stress of overspending. Here’s to celebrating your love in a way that feels perfect for you!