Start with a Budget That Works for You
Before anything else, sit down together and get honest about what you're comfortable spending. There's no right or wrong number — what matters is that it's realistic for your situation. Once you have a figure in mind, think about what's most important to both of you (the venue? the photographs? the flowers?) and prioritise from there. Online wedding budget calculators can be a great help for dividing things up fairly across different categories.
Choose a Venue That Does the Heavy Lifting
Your venue sets the tone for everything, so it's worth choosing wisely. Intimate settings like Tree Top Escape are a wonderful option for couples looking to keep things beautiful without the big price tag — the natural surroundings do a lot of the decorating for you. Booking on an off-peak date (think weekdays or quieter months) can also unlock more affordable packages, and keeping your guest list cosy not only saves money but often makes for a more relaxed, personal atmosphere. If you're wondering whether a ceremony-only wedding might suit you, that's a brilliant way to keep costs down while still having a truly meaningful celebration.
Choosing a smaller wedding also means you can invest more thoughtfully — in stunning photography, beautiful flowers, or a long, lazy private dinner at the end of the night. Every detail gets the attention it deserves, because there's space to breathe.
Get Creative with Your Attire
Your wedding outfit should make you feel amazing — and it doesn't need to cost a fortune. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales, clearance events, or bridal sample sales. Pre-loved and vintage gowns are also well worth exploring: they're often exquisite, and far more unique than anything you'd find off the rail. We love Pearl and Rouge, run by the lovely Cathy, who offers a beautifully curated selection of second-hand and pre-loved wedding dresses — a genuinely lovely way to find something special while being kind to your budget (and the planet). Non-traditional styles are also having a real moment right now, and renting is always a smart option if you'd rather not store a dress afterwards. The same goes for your wedding party — discounts on bridesmaids' and groomsmen's attire are well worth hunting for.
Food and Drink, Done Your Way
One of the joys of a small wedding is that food becomes an experience rather than just a logistic. At Tree Top Escape, we offer a range of catering options to suit every budget and every vision. Grazing tables and afternoon teas are seasonal favourites — relaxed, beautiful, and wonderfully sociable, they set exactly the right tone for an intimate celebration without a hefty price tag. For couples who love the idea of something a little more special, our private dining experience with a personal chef is truly something else — an intimate, candlelit dinner that feels like the most exclusive restaurant in Devon is all yours for the evening. And if you'd like to keep things simple and flexible, we're perfectly placed for guests to carry the celebrations on at nearby local pubs and restaurants — a relaxed and cost-effective way to extend the fun into the evening without adding to your wedding bill.
Be Selective with the Extras
It's easy for the little add-ons to quietly add up. When it comes to photography, the good news is that all of our recommended suppliers offer a range of packages to suit different budgets — with photographer packages starting from around £500 for an hour's coverage. A shorter session focused on the key moments of your day can still give you beautiful memories to treasure, and putting together a simple shot list helps make the most of every minute. If you really want to keep costs to a minimum, our wedding coordinator Nicola is always happy to grab a few special snaps on the day too. Check out our guide on how to plan a micro wedding for more ideas on keeping things focused and meaningful.
A Final Thought
Planning a wedding on a budget takes a little more creativity, but it also invites you to focus on what really makes a wedding meaningful — the people, the promises, and the celebration of your love. With the right choices, your day can be every bit as special as you've always imagined. And if you'd like to find out more about planning a beautiful, affordable wedding in the treetops of North Devon, we'd love to hear from you. Explore our venue or get in touch to check availability for your perfect date.
Here's to a beautiful, joyful, and wonderfully affordable wedding!
