Weddings are all about celebrating love, and so many of us dream of that perfect day. But when it comes down to planning, there’s a big question: Go all out with a lavish bash or keep things more down-to-earth? We asked our lovely brides from the Bride and Breakfast community, and they shared stories on how to strike the perfect balance between treating yourselves to the must-haves and saving a bit where you can. Learn all about them through this article, armed with tips and real stories from Brides who’ve been there, done that.
First and foremost, identifying your non-negotiables is key. These are aspects of your wedding that you value the most, elements you’re unwilling to compromise on.
For many, this list includes photography and videography, food, event coordination, and styling. The rationale is simple: photographs and videos capture the essence of your day, preserving memories for a lifetime, while food and a seamlessly orchestrated event ensure your guests’ enjoyment.
Once non-negotiables are set, it’s important to adopt a mindset of compromise for other wedding aspects. This could mean opting for more cost-effective solutions or even embracing a DIY approach for decorations, invitations, and favors.
One Bride shared how they prioritized their venue, food, drinks, and photographer, choosing to DIY decorations and invitations, which significantly reduced costs without compromising their wedding’s quality and memorability.
A trending approach among modern couples is the intimate wedding, often with less than 30 guests (or a bit more). This setup not only curtails expenses but also allows for a more personal and meaningful celebration.
One bride from our community highlighted her choice to have an intimate wedding, splurging on photography and food for her closest circle. This exemplifies how luxury and practicality can go hand-in-hand, focusing financial resources on what truly matters to the couple, “I’m having an intimate wedding with less than 20 guests and almost everything is DIY! Splurging on photographer and food & bev for my nearest and dearest.”
Deciding on a budget and understanding where to allocate it wisely is another critical step.
Some couples choose to splurge on elements that will last beyond the wedding day, such as wedding rings, while finding value in more affordable venues that still provide a quality experience.This emphasizes the importance of investing in aspects of your wedding that offer lasting value.
An essential factor in the decision-making process is that both partners agree on the wedding’s scale and style. The celebration is a reflection of their shared love and commitment, and thus, both voices should be heard and respected. Whether the decision leans towards luxury, practicality, or a blend of both, mutual agreement is important.
Everyone who’s been through wedding planning agrees: hitting that perfect mix of fancy and sensible is totally doable and super satisfying. It’s all about figuring out where to splurge a bit and where to dial it back with some clever saving tricks. This way, you get a wedding that feels both luxe and smart. Going for this balanced vibe means you end up with an awesome day that’s special without blowing the budget, laying down a great financial groundwork for the adventures ahead as a couple.
In hindsight, the great wedding dilemma of practicality versus luxury is not a question of choosing one over the other, but rather finding a middle ground that reflects the couple’s values, dreams, and financial reality. Through thoughtful planning, open communication, and a touch of creativity, your dream wedding can indeed become a reality.