Favorite Wedding Splurges To Elevate Your Day
I’m a firm believer that couples should invest in the aspects of a wedding that mean the most to them. Outside of the four major areas of hosting any event (providing food, drink, entertainment, and comfort), I believe that you — as the couple — are allowed to do (and not do) what makes the most sense for you.
Don’t want a guest book? Totally fine. Not big on cake and want to serve a different style of dessert? Yes please.
But, in my many years as a wedding planner, there have been a few non-essential “splurge” items that can really enhance and elevate the day — especially from a guest experience. Since it’s often something that couples overlook, I wanted to share them here.
Lighting In All Forms
Unless your wedding is taking place during daylight hours only, lighting is one of the most IMPACTFUL ways you can change and elevate the feel of a space.
Think of any concert you’ve ever attended? Now imagine it without the fun lighting. Or perhaps a great dinner restaurant? Now take away everything but the basic overhead lights in the ceiling. Different vibe, right?
Lighting creates atmosphere. Ideally in a way that you almost don’t even notice it as a guest.
It could be something as simple as votives (flame or LED) on your table and dance floor lighting. Or something with a slightly heftier investment like uplighting, pin-spotting, or a complete installation.
Either way, it makes a difference.
For lighting inspiration ideas, check out my Wedding Lighting Pinterest board here.
Photo by Love Me Do Photography
Unexpected Food and Drink Stations
When hosting an event, there’s a certain expectation to provide food and drinks for your guests. For weddings, it’s often in the form of appetizers during Cocktail Hour and dinner and dessert for the reception.
One of my favorite areas to splurge is on an unexpected food or drink station. Something your guests aren’t expecting and something that makes sense for the style and timing of your event.
For example, a welcome station with lemonade, iced water and popcorn as guests arrive for your ceremony in the summer. Or a hot cider station for your wedding in the fall. Or a late-night snack, like a grilled cheese food truck, as guests are leaving your reception. I also love a dessert station that isn’t wedding cake. (No shame on wedding cakes. I love cake. But having some variety is a fun treat too!)
Photo by Love Me Do Photography
Upgraded Linens
It’s not always within a wedding budget to spend $50-$100+ (per table) to upgrade to a “fancy” linen for every table at your wedding.
But, there are still fun ways that you can intentionally incorporate elevated colors, patterns, and textures into your design.
If you can’t do all of your tables, maybe just focus on your Sweetheart Table or VIP Table. Or your high-top tables at cocktail hour. Or your cake table. Or go simple with your table linens and add some great texture with a napkin.
Depending on your caterer, you may be able to work with them on some upgrade options (definitely check with them first). As a planner, I love working with Nuage Designs and BBJ La Tavola.
Photos by Danielle Coons Photography
Entertainment That Doesn’t Involve Dancing
Friends, I’m a MASSIVE fan of dancing. Especially at weddings. For most couples, it’s pretty common to have a band or DJ so you and your guests can dance the night away.
But I LOVE when couples add a supplemental vendor in the entertainment category for that added ooomph and fun.
Most often, it’s a photo booth — though many guests have seen that at a wedding by now (still a lot of fun though).
We’ve also brought in casino tables, face painters, haiku writers, strolling magicians, cigar bars, whiskey bars, tattoo artists, live music performances, make-your-own-bouquet stations, caricature artists — even live painters who will paint a moment from the wedding, on-site as all the guests watch.
It can be something that’s just available for short amount of time, like during Cocktail Hour or after dinner — or there the whole time.
This is a great area to think outside of the box, focus on what your guests would really enjoy, and what represents you as a couple. Just make sure it the compliments the other details of your day and doesn’t distract from the other elements you’ve invested in.
In the end, the true value of these splurges isn’t just in the grandeur they bring to the occasion, but in the joy, comfort, and enchantment they provide. They elevate your day, not just in appearance, but in the emotions and experiences they evoke.
So, whether you choose to invest in one or more of these favorites, or you have your own personalized splurges in mind, remember that your wedding is exactly that: your wedding.
