We started out planning a big wedding. Pretty photos, big guest list, all the traditional things. But once we saw costs climbing past $20,000, we had to pause and really ask ourselves — who was this wedding actually for? Because we wanted marriage more than we wanted a big wedding day production.
So we went small and romantic in a simple, real-life kind of way.
Just immediate family.At our family church.No big decor, just love and commitment.
My dress was about $40 from Amazon, and we celebrated with a meal at Buca di Beppo. The whole day probably cost around $1,800 — and it was honestly perfect for us. 🤍
There’s something so beautiful about choosing memories over pressure, and meaning over perfection. Sometimes the most romantic weddings are the ones that feel the most like you.
So tell me… are you team big wedding or team intimate celebration? 💍✨
... Read morePlanning a wedding can quickly become overwhelming, especially with the rising costs involved in big ceremonies. Many couples find themselves caught between the desire to have a grand celebration and the practical realities of budgeting. From personal experience, opting for a smaller, more intimate wedding allowed us to focus on what truly mattered—the commitment and love shared between us and our nearest family.
Choosing a modest venue like a family church and foregoing costly decorations not only reduced expenses but also brought a cozy and sincere atmosphere to our special day. Shopping for my dress on Amazon for only $40 was a game-changer, demonstrating that elegance and beauty don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Celebrating afterward at a familiar and comfortable restaurant like Buca di Beppo made our day feel relaxed and joyful without the stress of extravagant planning.
This approach helped us avoid the pressure to impress a large crowd and shifted our focus onto creating authentic memories. It’s important to remember that a wedding should reflect the couple's true desires and values. Whether you're considering a big wedding or an intimate gathering, prioritizing meaningful experiences over perfection or scale often leads to a more fulfilling and heartfelt celebration.
If you’re weighing your options, consider what matters most to you as a couple—whether that’s a lavish event or a simple, sincere day surrounded by your closest loved ones. Embracing simplicity can be not only budget-friendly but also emotionally rewarding, making your wedding day uniquely yours.
My husband and I got married at home in our den! It was perfect!