~~Advice From a North Carolina Luxury Wedding Planner

Let’s talk strategy. Not every part of your wedding needs to be a splurge, but there are a few things that are always worth the investment if you want that elevated, luxury feel (without lighting your budget on fire). So, here are some luxury wedding budget tips focusing on what to buy and what to skip.

3 Things to Splurge on for a Luxury Wedding Experience:

1. Invest in a Professional Photographer

Photos last beyond the wedding day, and they’re what you’ll look back on to remember it. A great photographer captures the vibe, the emotion, and the details all while making everything look editorial. Don’t skimp here, trust me. Splurge on a photographer who makes you smile ten years down-the-line as you look at your wedding photos.

2. Hire a Wedding Planner or Coordinator

A professional planner is what turns your Pinterest board into a smooth, stress-free reality. Hiring someone who knows the ins and outs of venues, vendors, and logistics is priceless, especially if you’re hosting a wedding in a destination like Asheville. Don’t underestimate how much a professional planner can ease your stress and lighten your load!

3. Prioritize Guest Comfort

Guest comfort = luxury. Whether it’s delicious food, cozy seating, or fans on a hot day, your guests will remember how you made them feel. Prioritize a great meal, real glassware, and thoughtful touches like water stations or umbrellas when planning. These small details add up in a big way, and can help turn your budget wedding into a luxury budget wedding. 

3 Things to Skip (or Scale Back) in Your Wedding Budget

1. Custom Wedding Favors

Custom favors may seem like a perfect way to make your wedding experience feel personal and memorable for everyone, but in reality, most of your guests will leave the favors behind. Focus on creating a memorable experience with the music, food, and service instead of relying on favors. If you want to offer something, think edible, useful, or beautiful—but don’t overthink it. 

2. Over-the-Top Rental Decor

I promise, you don’t need gold-rimmed chargers or eight layers of linen to have a luxury wedding. Instead, focus on a few statement pieces (like chairs or a killer head table) and keep the rest minimal. Sometimes, less is more. Besides, the money you save here can be put to better use elsewhere in the budget, like for the photographer. 

3. Full Paper Invitation Suites

We all love beautiful, custom paper invitations, but guests usually look at the invite once and then toss it. To avoid wasting money, consider semi-custom designs or digital RSVPs. These cut costs while still keeping the look chic.

Luxury is About Intention, Not Just Spending

Luxury isn’t about how much you spend—it’s about how you spend it. Be intentional, spend smart, and your wedding will feel both high-end and totally you.

Want help figuring out where to splurge and where to save? Then let’s chat and make magic happen! Schedule a consultation or fill out the inquiry form today.