Weddings are magical, unforgettable, and yes, they can be expensive – but not everything needs to be. At Blackstock Country Estate, we know that a beautiful countryside wedding can be just as special without a sky-high price tag. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand celebration or a relaxed rustic affair, there are plenty of areas where you don’t need to spend a fortune to create your perfect day.
Wedding favours are a lovely touch, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to thank your guests. Thoughtful, personal items like mini jars of homemade jam, wildflower seeds, or locally sourced treats fit beautifully with Blackstock’s countryside charm, and guests will appreciate them far more than something expensive they’ll leave behind.
Budget-friendly idea: Give each guest some seeds for your favourite flowers that they can plant to remember the day.
Beautiful invitations set the tone for your wedding, but they don’t have to cost a fortune. With affordable design templates and even digital invitations, there are so many ways to make your invites feel special without overspending.
Budget-friendly idea: Create the design yourself/use templates on apps like Canva, and send them digitally.
Image below is a Canva template
Guestbooks are a lovely way to capture memories, but they don’t need to cost an arm and a leg. At Blackstock Estate, couples have embraced creative alternatives like message jars, or Polaroid photobooks
Budget-friendly idea: Set up a pretty box, with pens and paper, where guests can write advice and funny memories for you to open on your first anniversary.
If you’re holding your ceremony and reception at the same venue, like at Blackstock Country Estate, you don’t need to spend a fortune on fancy transport. With everything happening in one stunning location, there’s no need for multiple vehicles or expensive limos.
Budget-friendly idea: Arrive in a friend’s vintage car or even something quirky like a tractor for a fun countryside twist.
Image below by Darren Buss Photography
Dressing your wedding party can get pricey fast, but all of your money doesn’t need to go towards them looking amazing. A mismatched bridal party, where each person chooses something they feel great in, keeps costs down while adding style and personality to your photos.
Budget-friendly idea: Give your wedding party a colour palette or theme, then let them find outfits that fit the budget and their taste.
With Blackstock’s rolling countryside views, rustic barns, and beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, décor costs can be kept down without the venue looking boring. A few well-placed flowers, fairy lights, and simple rustic touches are all it takes to enhance the natural beauty of the venue.
Budget-friendly idea: Use seasonal flowers, foraged greenery, and candlelight for an effortlessly romantic look.
Image below by Ebourne Images
Cakes can quickly become a budget black hole, but you don’t need to spend a fortune on a showstopper. A single-tier cake, naked cake, or even a supermarket cake can be just as special.
Budget-friendly idea: Opt for something that everyone likes, like a Colin The Caterpillar – we have had more than one couple actually do this and it went down a treat!
Entertainment can make or break a party, but you shouldn’t have to fork out hundreds to keep your guests happy. Blackstock Estate’s outdoor spaces are perfect for garden games, and a playlist curated by your guests can be just as lively as a band.
Budget-friendly idea: Let guests request songs in advance to create a personal, crowd-pleasing playlist, or have guests partake in a quiz of some kind.
If you’re inviting little ones, you can keep them entertained, without it costing lots of money. A kids’ corner with activity packs, a nature scavenger hunt, or a simple movie area will keep them happily occupied without the cost of professional entertainment.
Budget-friendly idea: Put together DIY activity bags with puzzles, bubbles, and colouring sheets.
Your wedding send-off doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive. At Blackstock Estate, you don’t need to spend a fortune to create a magical moment. Whether it’s a sparkler send-off or a romantic stroll under the stars, the beauty of the countryside does the hard work for you.
Budget-friendly idea: Use bubbles or sparklers to create beautiful photo moments, while keeping the cost relatively low.
Image below by Teri V Photography
At Blackstock Country Estate, we know that the best weddings aren’t about how much you spend: they’re about the love, laughter and memories you create. With stunning natural scenery, versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, you can have a truly unforgettable wedding without unnecessary expense.
Ready to plan your perfect countryside wedding? Contact us today to book your private viewing and discover just how beautiful – and affordable – your Blackstock Estate wedding can be.