Wedding-Day Splurges: Real Brides Share What Was—and Wasn’t—Worth the Investment
- A Brand Nu Day
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
A Brand Nu Day’s Ultimate Guide to Smart Spending for Nashville, Tennessee, Kentucky & Alabama Couples
Serving You Honest, Hard-Earned Wisdom From More Than 15 Years in the business.
At A Brand Nu Day, we live and breathe service, innovation, and quality—three pillars that shape every event we plan across Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama. Yet even with a concierge planner in your corner, the wedding-budget puzzle can feel intimidating. You’ve probably asked yourself:
“Should we splurge on a live band or curate a Spotify playlist?”
“Is that luxury restroom really necessary for our backyard soirée?”
“How much décor is too much décor?”
To help you navigate, we interviewed eleven of our real brides (names changed for privacy) about the big-ticket items they either splurged on or skipped. From unique Nashville wedding locations to designer shoes, they reveal what felt meaningful and what they’d redirect funds toward if they had a do-over. We’ve woven their stories with professional tips from our team, peppering in strong, search-friendly keywords—think wedding planning Nashville, wedding budget tips, and wedding day must-haves—so this article not only feeds your mind but boosts your Google search success as well.
Brew a cup of coffee (or pour a celebratory mimosa) and settle in. By the end of this blog you’ll know exactly where to invest, where to trim, and how to create a memorable celebration that reflects your values—without sacrificing financial peace.
Splurge #1: A One-of-a-Kind Outdoor Venue
Verdict: Worth Every Penny
“We dreamed of something more personal than a traditional ballroom—ideally outdoors with a natural backdrop for 180 guests.” – Olivia
Olivia and her fiancé traded the typical downtown Nashville hotel for a charming orchard-and-barn venue just across the state line. The rental fee looked steep—$3,500 plus $85 per guest—yet the couple saved on taxes by hosting in a neighboring county. Because the orchard already featured reclaimed wood tables, wildflower gardens, and twinkle-light-draped apple trees, they spent less on rentals and décor.
A Brand Nu Day Takeaway
Run the Numbers Beyond Face Value: Venues outside metropolitan hubs often boast lower tax rates and built-in aesthetics (barn beams, mountain vistas, riverside views) that reduce décor costs.
Think Guest Experience First: Easy parking, fresh air, and scenic photo ops create a “wow” factor money can’t always buy elsewhere.
Book Early: Unique wedding venues in Tennessee and Kentucky tend to book 12–18 months out.
Splurge #2: Hiring a Full-Service Wedding Planner
Verdict: Worth Every Penny—When You Choose the Right Partner
“The best decision we made for our 45-guest destination wedding was handing the reins to someone who knew the area inside and out. We actually got to enjoy our own celebration!” – Harley
Harley and her fiancé earmarked $8,500 for a full-service coordinator based in their wedding locale. Instead of drowning in spreadsheets and vendor emails, they spent their engagement savoring menu tastings, hint-dropping first-dance songs, and stealing sunset strolls. Come wedding morning, they awoke to perfectly placed centerpieces, alphabetized place cards, and a calm confidence that every detail—right down to the late-night snack station—was covered.
What Made the Investment Shine
Local Insider Access – Their planner’s preferred-vendor network unlocked a boutique florist and a guitar duo the couple never would have found on their own, saving hours of research and securing bundle discounts.
Crisis Management on Cue – When an unexpected rain shower rolled in, the planner seamlessly switched to the covered-terrace backup plan—guests never felt a drop.
Guest-First Flow – A meticulously crafted timeline kept everyone (and everything) on schedule, so the newlyweds could mingle, dance, and soak up each moment instead of playing project manager.
A Brand Nu Day Takeaway
Vet for Local Expertise & Responsiveness. Ask about on-the-ground relationships, average reply times, and real-life crisis stories. A planner who serves Nashville, Kentucky, and Alabama couples daily will have the insider leverage you need.
Clarify Scope in Writing. Ensure “full service” covers vendor research, on-site setup, teardown, and those crucial last-minute pivots. A crystal-clear contract = zero sad surprises.
Choose Concierge-Level Care. Our Seamless & Effortless package offers soup-to-nuts planning: budget strategy, design direction, rehearsal oversight, and last-dance send-off. You stay in the spotlight while we handle the hustle.
Splurge #3: A Shuttle Bus for Out-of-Town Guests
Verdict: Worth Every Penny
“Fifty loved ones flew into Miami—transportation felt like a practical way to serve them.” – Chloe
For $500, Chloe booked a 56-passenger coach to ferry guests between the hotel, beachside ceremony, and reception hall. Nobody worried about parking, ride-share surge pricing, or driving unfamiliar streets after toasting.
A Brand Nu Day Takeaway
Factor in Safety & Hospitality: Shuttles keep timelines tight, prevent traffic delays, and ensure guests arrive relaxed.
Brand the Ride: Customized signage or welcome playlists build anticipation.
Bundle & Save: Many charter companies offer multi-hour packages—book airport pickups and rehearsal-dinner shuttles at the same time.
Splurge #4: A Luxury Portable Restroom
Verdict: Could Have Done Without
“We spent $800 on an upscale restroom trailer for our backyard reception—nobody used it!” – Natalie
Natalie’s parents’ septic system managed just fine for 80 guests; the rental, hidden near the driveway, went unnoticed.
A Brand Nu Day Takeaway
Assess Plumbing Capacity: A licensed plumber can confirm whether home fixtures can handle guest volume.
Signage & Placement Matter: If you do rent a unit, keep it visible, well-lit, and labeled.
Have a Backup Plan, Not Always a Backup Loo: Sometimes a strategic schedule of rest-break announcements suffices.
Splurge #5: A Professional DJ vs. DIY Playlist
Verdict: Worth Every Penny
“My husband wanted a playlist; I wanted an MC. The DJ’s ability to read the crowd was priceless.” – Jordan
Jordan shelled out $1,000 for a seasoned Nashville DJ who transitioned seamlessly from cocktail jazz to a high-energy dance set, managed requests, and emceed toasts.
A Brand Nu Day Takeaway
Energy Matters: Professionals gauge mood, adjust tempo, and troubleshoot technical glitches instantly.
Timeline Flow: An MC cues entrances, parent dances, and bouquet tosses, so you stay in the moment.
Test Before You Book: Ask for mix samples and client reviews.
Splurge #6: Over-the-Top Florals & Décor
Verdict: Could Have Done Without (in Hindsight)
“We spent close to $20,000 transforming a ballroom. It was breathtaking—and budget-breaking.” – Layla
Layla’s floral wall, ivy chandeliers, and floating candles rivaled a royal gala. While guests swooned, the couple later realized they could have invested in a down payment on a house.
A Brand Nu Day Takeaway
Work With—Not Against—Your Venue: Highlight existing architectural features.
Prioritize Photo Moments: Allocate splurge dollars to ceremony backdrops or sweetheart-table installs—areas captured most.
Repurpose Arrangements: Aisle florals can double as reception centerpieces; escort-card greenery can frame the cake table.
Splurge #7: A Videography Package + 5-Minute Highlight Reel
Verdict: Worth Every Penny
“Two-minute Instagram teasers don’t do justice to your vows. Our $2,000 video lets us relive emotions instantly.” – Evelyn
Evelyn’s highlight reel captured laughter, vows, and dance-floor confetti in cinematic edits—perfect for sharing with far-flung grandparents.
A Brand Nu Day Takeaway
Future-Proof Memories: Photos freeze moments; video lets you hear the quiver in a voice.
Combine Services: Many creatives offer bundled photo + video packages to streamline cost.
Ask About Delivery Format: USB, cloud link, or VR headset? Make sure files are easy to access 10 years down the road.
Splurge #8: A Top-Shelf Whiskey Bar
Verdict: Could Have Done Without
“At $64 per guest for a one-hour tasting, fewer people indulged than we’d hoped.” – Marissa
Marissa envisioned swirling snifters and bourbon-talk banter. Reality: many guests stuck to signature cocktails and champagne.
A Brand Nu Day Takeaway
Know Your Crowd: If relatives prefer wine spritzers, allocate funds there.
Shorten the Service Window: A 30-minute tasting can reduce costs by half.
Elevate Without Overspending: Offer one premium whiskey bottle at the bar vs. a full tasting display.
Splurge #9: Custom Letterpress Save-the-Dates
Verdict: Worth Every Penny
“Our planner insisted first impressions matter. The $1,000 cards got guests excited to travel.” – Penelope
Luxurious cotton paper, hand-pressed ink, and a watercolor map of Nashville teased the couple’s elegant Southern soirée.
A Brand Nu Day Takeaway
Set the Tone: Stationery serves as a style preview of your event brand.
Provide Key Travel Info: Hotel blocks, airport codes, and date reminders boost RSVP speed.
Use for Décor: Frame one card at your welcome table or guest-book station.
Splurge #10: 12-Foot Candy & Pastry Bar
Verdict: Could Have Done Without
“We spent $2,300 on sweets, but guests were too full to indulge.” – Savannah
Décadent macarons, ribbon candy, and monogrammed M&Ms looked Instagram-worthy yet remained largely untouched.
A Brand Nu Day Takeaway
Timing Is Everything: If you serve a plated dessert and wedding cake, consider a late-night treat cart instead.
Scale to Guest Count: A smaller display can still make a statement.
Opt for Edible Favors: Packaged goodies double as thank-you gifts.
Splurge #11: Designer Wedding Shoes
Verdict: Could Have Done Without (Returned Before the Big Day)
“I couldn’t justify $450 for heels hidden under my gown, so I swapped to a $50 pair.” – Madison
Madison realized no one sees your feet during the ceremony—and comfort outlasts couture.
A Brand Nu Day Takeaway
Prioritize Comfort: Consider block heels, wedges, or chic sneakers for dancing.
Invest Where Cameras Linger: Veils, jewelry, or statement sleeves often get more photographic play.
Something Blue on a Budget: Satin bows or ankle straps can add luxury without the price tag.
How to Decide Your Splurges vs. Saves: A Brand Nu Day’s Five-Step Framework
Clarify Your Core Values – List what matters most: guest experience, live music, photos, or gastronomy.
Set a Realistic Budget Early – Allocate percentages to categories (venue 40%, food 20%, attire 10%, etc.).
Research Market Rates – Compare Nashville wedding costs to Kentucky and Alabama options for potential savings.
Ask “Will I Remember This in 10 Years?” – If yes, it’s likely worth the spend.
Consult a Concierge Planner – We translate priorities into action plans, keeping service front and center.
Creating a Memorable Celebration—Without the Regrets
Every wedding is a unique love story, and every couple’s definition of worth it varies. Olivia would pay for her orchard venue again in a heartbeat, while Layla would gladly trade a floral wall for a heftier honeymoon fund. The common thread? Intentional spending guided by clear priorities and honest professional advice.
At A Brand Nu Day, our mission is to serve you with responsive communication, concierge-level care, and innovative solutions that honor your budget. Whether you dream of a Nashville barn ceremony, a Huntsville rooftop cocktail hour, or a Louisville ballroom gala, we translate wishes into memorable moments—helping you splurge smartly and save strategically.
Ready to craft a wedding that balances heart and wallet? Reach out to our team today for a complimentary consultation. Together, we’ll ensure every dollar supports the celebration of a lifetime—where the only lingering regret is that the night had to end.
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