Weddings on a smaller budget

How to Plan a Beautiful Wedding on a Smaller Budget (Without Sacrificing the Day You Want)

Weddings can be expensive — there’s no getting around it. And when couples come to us with a tight budget, we completely understand the need to be careful and considered. But here’s something we always say at Tyn Dwr Hall: don’t compromise so much that you lose the magic.

Choosing a smaller wedding or cutting back is totally valid — but only if it’s what you truly want. If you’re dreaming of a full day, shared with all your favourite people, with good food, music, and a lively atmosphere — then let’s find smart ways to make that happen.

Here’s how you can plan a beautiful, meaningful day at Tyn Dwr Hall without losing the experience you’re imagining.

1. Understand Your Minimum Numbers

At Tyn Dwr Hall, we do have minimum guest numbers built into our pricing:

• 60 guests for a Monday–Thursday wedding

• 80 guests for a Friday or Saturday

Even if your guest list is smaller, you’ll still pay for that minimum — which simply means you’re sharing the food and drink among a more intimate group. It won’t reduce the cost, but it may make your guests feel even more spoilt. For couples who want a smaller gathering and more space per person, this works beautifully.

2. Don’t Strip It Back Too Far

A wedding is more than a short ceremony and a slice of cake. Your guests have travelled, dressed up, and taken time off to celebrate you — and they’ll need food, drink and somewhere to gather if they’re going to stay and enjoy the day.

Our menus are designed as a full experience — because that’s what people remember. We include everything you need (canapés, three courses, a drinks package) to keep guests well-fed, relaxed and in good spirits. It’s not about excess, it’s about making the day feel generous, considered, and joyful.

If your budget feels tight, the better option might be to extend your planning window, give yourself more time to save, and plan the wedding you actually want.

3. Be Flexible With Your Date

This is probably the easiest way to save significantly. Last-minute availability can often come with offers or added value, and weekday weddings are always more affordable.

• Consider a Monday–Thursday celebration

• Look at off-peak seasons (Jan–March or late Autumn)

• Ask about late availability or any upcoming open dates

Flexibility = better pricing and more options.

4. Make Smart Swaps (That Still Feel Special)

Not everything needs to be top-tier to be memorable. Some beautiful touches can be done your way — without feeling like a downgrade.

• DIY your playlists for background music during dinner or drinks

• Ask a talented friend to bake your cake

• Hire suits or borrow them rather than buying new

• Buy your dress at end-of-season sales or go second-hand

• Use a friend’s classic car for your arrival instead of booking transport

• Repurpose flowers from ceremony to reception

• Create your own favours or go without (guests often don’t miss them!)

It’s all about choosing where to spend and where to save — and doing it in a way that still feels personal.

5. Invest in What Matters Most

For most of our couples, food, music, atmosphere and people top the list. That’s where the real memories are made — not in the favours, the napkins, or how many ‘extras’ were on the list.

Focus your energy and budget on what will have the biggest emotional impact. The rest can be simple, thoughtful, or left out entirely.

A Final Word

At Tyn Dwr Hall, we don’t offer basic weddings — because we know that ‘basic’ too often means underwhelming. And that’s not what you deserve. You deserve a day that feels like a celebration from start to finish — one that reflects your love story, welcomes your guests properly, and gives you memories to treasure.

There are ways to do that on a tighter budget — but it’s not about cutting the day in half. It’s about planning wisely, leaning on your community, and giving yourself time to make it happen.

We’re always here to help guide you.