It was so wonderful meeting you at the Wedding Fair! We had so many incredible conversations, and based on the flood of DMs we received afterward, we know many of you were surprised by the realities of wedding costs. If you felt the same, you’re not alone!
One of the most common reactions we heard was: “I had no idea weddings cost this much!”
And honestly? That’s completely normal.
Why Do Wedding Costs Surprise People?
As luxury wedding planners, our job is to guide you through the planning process, helping you define what’s most important to you and how to allocate your budget strategically. We approach every wedding with a balance of realism and creativity, ensuring your vision comes to life in a way that maximizes impact.
It’s important to remember that:
- We do this multiple times a year, while for you, this is likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- We don’t expect you to know all the costs upfront—that’s why we’re here!
- The best approach isn’t about cutting costs but about prioritizing what holds the most value to you.
The Breakdown: Where Luxury Meets Value
At the Wedding Fair, we showcased three different table designs to help illustrate how budget impacts your overall aesthetic. Each table was thoughtfully curated to demonstrate how different elements—materials, textures, and custom details—contribute to the final look.
Keep in mind: Wedding costs are typically set per guest. This means that reducing your guest count allows for a higher per-person spend, which can create a more luxurious experience.
Table 1: Affordable Yet Elegant
For those who want a beautiful yet cost-conscious wedding, it’s all about choosing elements that create the most impact while maintaining simplicity.
Here’s how we created a minimal yet elegant tablescape:
- A thoughtfully selected chair – The chair is one of the first things guests see, so investing here makes a big impact.
- A coloured napkin – A simple yet striking way to introduce colour and personality to the table.
- Small bud vases with delicate florals – Instead of large floral arrangements, small vases with a few stems create a refined yet understated look.
- No printed menus – Skipping this detail helps streamline the design while still maintaining a clean, polished aesthetic.
- No additional textures – Keeping the linens and décor minimal maintains a sophisticated yet approachable approach.
The Takeaway: You don’t need an extravagant budget to create a visually stunning wedding. The key is focusing on elements that truly enhance the space.
Table 2: A Balanced Approach to Luxury
For couples who want a refined aesthetic but are looking for a balance between luxury and budget-conscious choices, this tablescape demonstrates how strategic decisions can make a big impact without maxing out your budget.
Here’s how we created an elevated yet mindful design:
- A charger plate instead of full fine china – Adds sophistication without needing multiple layers of expensive dishware.
- An upgraded napkin – Personalization brings a thoughtful touch without a significant added cost.
- A decorative lamp instead of candles – A unique centerpiece alternative that enhances the ambiance while being budget-friendly.
- A customized menu – Elevates the table’s overall look with a subtle but meaningful personalized element.
The Takeaway: Luxury doesn’t have to mean all or nothing. With a balanced approach, you can achieve a high-end look by investing in key elements while making smart design swaps.
Table 3: The Ultimate Luxury Experience
For couples who want an ultra-luxurious, high-impact design, every detail matters. This tablescape reflects the pinnacle of sophistication, with carefully chosen elements that elevate the entire setting.
Here’s what goes into a high-end, luxury tablescape:
- Velvet linens – A soft, plush fabric that adds depth and richness to the table, creating an opulent feel.
- Large, lush floral arrangements – Oversized, sculptural florals bring drama and elegance to the table.
- Ground floral installations – Imagine a cascading floral piece at the base of the table, framing the entire setting in blooms.
- Custom-designed elements – From bespoke place cards to unique chargers, personalization is key to luxury.
- Layered textures and premium materials – Mixing materials like silk, vellum, and glass elevates the overall look.
- Menus with vellum overlays and satin bows – A tactile, elevated touch that feels indulgent.
- Modern, high-end cutlery – A sleek alternative to standard catering silverware, offering a refined dining experience.
- Elegant candle holders – Mood lighting is everything; premium candle holders create a warm, sophisticated ambiance.
- Premium chairs – A well-chosen chair can transform a table setting, making the entire scene feel more high-end.
- Layered plateware and fine china – More than just a functional element, luxury china adds character and refinement.
- Acrylic table numbers – Incorporating alternative materials (like acrylic instead of paper) gives a sleek, modern feel.
The Takeaway: A high-end table isn’t just about adding more elements—it’s about curating the right ones to create an unforgettable experience.
We know wedding planning can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to budget allocation. But that’s exactly what we’re here for!
If you have any questions about your wedding vision or need guidance on how to create a luxury experience within your budget, reach out to us—we’d love to help!
