5 Ways To Plan Your Dream Forest Wedding On A Budget
A forest wedding brings built‑in beauty.
With old‑growth trees and a setting near Toronto that feels completely removed from everyday life, Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat offers what many couples are looking for before decor, rentals, or upgrades even come into play. This is barefoot luxury — elevated, thoughtful, and rooted in nature.
Planning with a budget in mind doesn’t mean scaling back the experience. In fact, many of the most memorable weddings at Whispering Springs are the ones that make smart, thoughtful, and well‑planned choices, as the unique setting does the heavy lifting.
Here are five ways couples plan stunning forest weddings on a budget while still creating an unforgettable experience for their guests.
Guests Book Their Own On-Site Accommodations
Whispering Springs is designed as a true wedding destination close to home.
With exclusive access to the 200-acre property, couples and guests stay together on‑site in a mix of safari tents, treetop tents, cabins, and specialty accommodations, eliminating the need for hotels, shuttles, or late‑night travel.
Rather than covering accommodations as a single expense, guests can reserve their own stay directly through the wedding booking, keeping costs predictable for the couple. As an added benefit, all wedding guests receive 10% off their accommodations, and many appreciate being able to choose the tent or cabin style that suits them best.
The result is a relaxed, immersive celebration where everyone is present for the full experience, from ceremony through late‑night fires and into breakfast the next morning.
Opt for a Cash Bar With Thoughtful Touches
Bar service is one of the fastest‑growing costs in wedding planning. Choosing a cash bar allows couples to significantly reduce that line item while still offering a welcoming and well‑run experience.
Many Whispering Springs couples strike a balance by hosting one thoughtful and well‑planned moment — such as a welcome drink, a signature cocktail, or wine with dinner — and allowing the rest of the evening to run as a cash bar.
Guests still enjoy the celebration, and couples avoid the uncertainty of an open‑ended bill.
Create a Personal Playlist Instead of Hiring a DJ or Band
Music plays a major role in setting the tone of the day, but it doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag. For couples who already know their vibe, creating a custom playlist can feel more personal than hiring outside entertainment.
Whispering Springs offers a wireless speaker system that can be used around the dance floor and pavilions, allowing music to flow naturally from ceremony to cocktail hour to dancing.
This approach keeps things simple, relaxed, and fully aligned with the intimate, nature‑forward feel of a forest wedding.
Choose a Buffet‑Style Dinner
Plated dinners often require more staff, tighter timing, and higher per‑person costs. A buffet‑style dinner is typically more budget‑friendly and suits the social, laidback atmosphere of an outdoor celebration.
Several of Whispering Springs’ preferred caterers offer curated buffet menus that provide variety, flexibility, and a smoother flow for guests. It’s a choice that encourages mingling, accommodates different food preferences, and keeps the evening feeling unforced, comfortable, and delicious.
Select a Midweek Date (and Watch for Seasonal Sales)
Date selection has a major impact on overall cost.
Midweek weddings offer the same exclusive access to Whispering Springs, the same amenities, and the same breathtaking setting — but at a significantly reduced rate compared to peak Saturdays.
Couples should also watch out for limited‑time promotions. For example, the current "Last Saturday Sale" on July 4, 2026, offers an incredible 50% off, creating a rare opportunity to secure a sought‑after date at a lower price.
(Photo Credits: Love Photos & Shae and Evan)
