Planning a wedding under 30K? Mission possible – but only if you’re a creative thinker or have a resourceful helper by your side.
The good news – it can be done. The bad news – it takes meticulous planning, plenty of creativity, and a wide network of connections. Why? Because a big part of saving money comes from finding talented vendors who don’t rely on flashy advertising but still deliver exceptional work – sometimes even better than the popular ones.
A clear vision and well-thought-out plan are key. When everything is mapped out by the couple or their imaginative helpers, it’s easier to stick to the budget and avoid last-minute splurges.
And here’s a great tip: if you handle all the planning and vendor sourcing yourselves and hand it over to a day-of coordinator, you could save up to €3,000. That’s a significant amount that can be redirected to more important areas – like delicious food and drinks for your guests
So, where do you begin? With your wedding theme.
We were initially engaged with the dream of having our wedding in Italy. But due to my grandparents’ age and their hesitation to fly, we had to shift direction and look for something closer to home. That’s how we ended up choosing a secluded countryside venue in Lithuania instead.
We still wanted our celebration to carry the flavors, charm, and small traditions of Italy – woven into everything from the food and drinks to the ambiance. And we’re proud to say: we made it happen.
We found a stunning outdoor terrace with cozy guest cabins just 30 minutes from Kaunas Cathedral, where we exchanged our vows. Because our vision was so clear, we had no trouble communicating it to our decorator – from the floral arrangements to the bar décor, which simply had to include little hay bundles.
Decor is just the outer layer, though – a visual treat. But what truly creates lasting memories for your guests is delicious, high-quality, beautifully presented food and a thoughtful drink selection. From refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails to local draft beer, every taste should feel considered.
We were incredibly lucky to discover SKOMI – the most amazing catering team that created an Italian food experience like no other. Their head chef, who spent years working in Italy, kicked off our wedding feast with an elegant tasting dinner that still lives in our guests’ memories. https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw0FYEcN7xe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
It was like Beethoven on a plate – elegant, refined, full of color and texture. Every bite melted in your mouth and, paired with the perfect Italian wine, made your soul sing. https://www.instagram.com/p/CwDt3zoNT4x/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
And our bartender – what a gem. She didn’t advertise her services anywhere. Quietly mastering her craft, her name was passed along through word of mouth. That’s how we found her. There’s nothing better than a true professional who handles everything – from glassware to mobile bar setup, from cocktails to non-alcoholic drinks.
On the day itself, all that was left to do was sit back and enjoy the symphony of flavors in every cocktail she created.
And of course – what would a wedding be without the people who capture its most meaningful moments?
Our videographer and photographers spent over ten hours with us, documenting every smile, every tear, and every magical second. There’s nothing quite like watching a short film that perfectly encapsulates your day, filled with unforgettable moments captured by a true professional. Add to that a collection of high-resolution photos – crisp, beautiful, and timeless – and you’ve got memories you can relive forever. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzLwGOBsvwv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
When you have a wedding coordinator, you truly don’t need to worry about a thing. She becomes your fairy godmother for the day – always one step ahead, always ready to calm you down the moment a wave of panic hits. She’s the one who discreetly redirects attention when tears start to threaten your perfect makeup.
I was incredibly lucky to have Luna Weddings by my side. Thanks to them, I stepped out of the car feeling light as a feather and full of confidence.
Jewelry, for me, has always held deep meaning. I’ve always valued pieces that are timeless, well-crafted, and personal. That’s why we chose Mellow Jewellery Creative House – they not only created my one-of-a-kind engagement ring but also designed our matching wedding rings to perfectly complement it.
Engagement Ring Reel
Wedding Bands Post
You really don’t need to spend thousands on wedding outfits. There are so many incredible young designers and long-standing boutiques out there that offer timeless quality without the luxury price tag.
I knew exactly what I wanted, and quality was non-negotiable for me. So I flew from Dublin to Milan to hand-pick fabrics and accessories for three different dresses. The total? Just €350 – and that included beautiful materials, helpful styling advice, and a few hours of pure joy, topped off with a perfect espresso and the most delicious Italian cannoli.
I brought all the fabrics back to Lithuania and handed over my dress designs to an amazing dressmaker, who tailored each one to fit my shape perfectly. She created three stunning looks – for the ceremony, the evening, and day two.
As for my husband’s suit, we couldn’t recommend The Grooms Room at Diffney enough. Their team was fantastic – everything was measured, fitted, and adjusted to perfection, with warm, friendly service throughout.
And of course – what’s a celebration without a little rock ‘n’ roll?
It’s no secret that Italy has had a complicated relationship with rock music since the 1950s, so bringing in a rock band felt like the cherry on top of the cake –
an unexpected twist that left our guests completely stunned (in the best way possible). Nobody saw it coming, but absolutely everyone ended up on the dance floor, singing global hits and moving to the beat.
Watch a sneak peek here: Rock Band Performance
It’s such a gift to have a reliable, professional team – people who communicate seamlessly with one another and handle every behind-the-scenes challenge with grace. That meant we, the newlyweds, and our guests had only one job: to enjoy every moment of the day.
Our event host and singer stole everyone’s hearts with her warmth and effortless charm. Guests felt completely at ease – free to take part in the activities or simply wander, relax, and enjoy the celebration on their own terms.
The night ended in the most magical way: midnight fireworks, chilled limoncello, and dancing that didn’t stop until 6 a.m. Honestly, it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Our Mistakes – So You Don’t Make Them
What you think is a “kitchen” and what the venue calls a “kitchen” might be two very different things.
Take nothing for granted. Ask detailed questions – to the last spoon – about what’s available in the kitchen. How many ovens? Is there a stove? Can you actually use what’s there? You don’t want to be caught off guard days before your wedding only to realize there’s no oven and no burners, and suddenly you’re facing unexpected chaos and stress.
Don’t invest too much hope in the weather. Assume it’ll be “meh,” and plan your outdoor setup as a bonus, not a necessity. Allocate only 10% of your energy to the outside (like cocktail or food tables), and pour the rest into your indoor vision. That way, rain won’t ruin anything.
Be clear with your photographer. Don’t assume they’ll magically know who you want pictures with or when. They’ll likely keep asking you throughout the day – which adds pressure you really don’t need. Instead, give them a simple list of people you’d like to be photographed with. That way, they can take initiative and gently gather everyone at the right time.
Reuse your guests flowers. Ask your planner or decorator to repurpose the bouquets brought by guests – use them to decorate outdoor tables or the drink stations. It adds charm and saves on floral costs.
One of our biggest mistakes? Early check-out.
Having to vacate the rooms by noon and move to another location by 7 PM was exhausting. Guests felt like the party was over – and slipped into “departure mode.” People were tired, scrambling, and the vibe shifted completely. Even our DJ couldn’t lift the mood after that.
So here’s our advice: negotiate a late check-out or rent the venue for two full days.
It gives your guests time to rest, refresh, and stay in the celebration bubble longer. You’ll avoid unnecessary pressure, and your decorator team won’t be scrambling to set everything up last minute if they can only start at noon and you’re arriving at 5 PM.
Bottom line? Time and space are your biggest luxuries. Buy both – if you can.
