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I once had a bride ask me, mid-consultation and mid-cookie bite, “What if I just want everything to be top-tier?” She was seated across from me at a boutique café in Charleston, planner in hand, Pinterest board open, and that faraway look I’ve come to recognize as budget fatigue. And I get it. When every part of a wedding feels important, it’s hard to decide where to dial it up—and where to hold back.
The truth? Not everything deserves the same slice of your budget pie. And no, that doesn’t mean you’ll have to settle for “cheap.” It means you’ll spend strategically. The key is understanding the long-term value of each decision and making sure your money goes where your memories live.
Let’s talk about how to decide where to splurge, where to save, and how to make every dollar look like a million bucks.
Splurge: The Elements That Last Beyond the Wedding Day
Some parts of your wedding will live on in photos, videos, and your heart for decades. Others will fade by the time the last guest heads home. Splurge on the things that create long-term value or an unforgettable feeling.
1. Photography & Videography
This is not the place to cut corners. When the cake’s eaten, the florals are composted, and the guests are back home, the only thing you’ll have left (besides your new last name, if you’re taking one) is your visual record. Invest in someone whose portfolio feels timeless, whose editing style speaks to you, and who knows how to catch moments without being in them.
Splurge here because: The photos and video will outlive the day and become your legacy.
2. Venue
Your venue sets the tone for everything else—from formality to logistics to lighting. While you don’t have to book a private island (unless you want to, and in that case, please invite me), a beautiful or well-designed space will require less decorating to make it feel magical. Think of it as your canvas.
Splurge here because: A great venue saves on décor, simplifies logistics, and elevates the entire experience.
3. Entertainment
Your guests might not remember every detail of your table settings, but they will remember how your wedding felt. A killer DJ or band makes that happen. Live music during cocktail hour, a string quartet at the ceremony, or a party-starting DJ can set the tone for an unforgettable night.
Splurge here because: Energy, emotion, and guest experience hinge on good entertainment.
Save: The Details Guests Won’t Miss
There are areas where a smart pivot can save you serious money without anyone noticing—or caring.
1. Favors
Hot take: most guests leave wedding favors behind. Unless it’s edible, useful, or highly personalized, you’re better off skipping them altogether. Want to do something meaningful? Donate to a charity in your guests’ names or create a photo booth they’ll love using.
Save here because: Most favors end up forgotten on the table.
2. Printed Materials
Invitations are your guests’ first look at the day, and I believe in beautiful stationery—but you can absolutely find quality designs through semi-custom printers or digital invites. Save-the-dates and programs are great, but not essential. If you’re crafty, DIY printing or digital alternatives are a great route.
Save here because: Gorgeous doesn’t have to mean $10 per invite—plenty of elegant options exist under $3 each.
3. Table Linens & Chargers
Upscale rentals can feel tempting, but unless you’re building a very specific aesthetic, standard linens and place settings can be elevated with thoughtful styling. A well-placed napkin fold, a menu card, or a single floral bud can make basic look luxe.
Save here because: Guests won’t remember the plate underneath their entrée—but they will remember the food and the vibe.
Middle Ground: Things You Can Scale Up or Down
Some elements don’t fall neatly into “splurge” or “save” territory. These can be scaled to fit your budget and your priorities.
1. Florals
Love flowers? Great. Go all in. But know that you can create big impact by focusing florals in just a few key places—like your ceremony arch or sweetheart table—and using candles, greenery, or bud vases elsewhere. Repurpose arrangements from the ceremony to the reception to double their value.
2. Catering
Your food doesn’t have to be five courses, but it should be good. Whether it’s a formal plated dinner, food trucks, or a family-style meal, guests appreciate quality and thoughtfulness. If budget is tight, offer fewer menu options rather than skimping on quality.
3. Attire
If you fall in love with the dress, get it—but don’t feel pressure to spend thousands. Sample sales, trunk shows, and secondhand boutiques offer stunning options. Grooms can often rent a sharp suit or tux at a fraction of the cost of buying.
My Advice
Spend where the memory lives. Your photos, your venue, your music—these are the pieces that shape how the day feels and how it lives on in your heart and home.
Saving money isn’t about sacrificing beauty—it’s about intentional choices. I’ve seen $10,000 weddings that felt more magical than $100,000 ones, because the couple was focused, honest about their priorities, and thoughtful in every detail.
If you ever feel stuck, come back to this question:
Will we remember this? Will our guests?
If the answer’s no… save it.
If the answer’s yes… invest with joy.
You’re not just planning a wedding—you’re curating a moment. And trust me, you don’t need to spend wildly to make it unforgettable.
– Bailey J.
Related Blogs to Explore:
How Do We Set a Realistic Wedding Budget?
How Can We Save Money and Still Have a Great Wedding?
