Photo Credit: REEM Photography
Nationwide — Nova and Reemo Styles, an African American couple from New York City with a unique approach to wedding planning, found a creative way to finance their special day. The pair faced the daunting reality of the rising costs associated with modern weddings, which can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. Determined not to let financial constraints dampen their celebration, they decided to turn their wedding into an event that not only brought joy but also covered their expenses.Wedding costs have been steadily climbing, with the average couple spending a significant portion of their budget on the venue alone. According to Esther Lee, Deputy Editor at The Knot, the venue typically accounts for about 37% of the total wedding cost. Faced with this hefty price tag, Nova and Reemo thought outside the box, conceptualizing their wedding as a high-profile concert and deciding to charge their guests for tickets to attend.
Nova’s inspiration came from the world of entertainment. “People choose to go to Beyoncé’s concert because they know they’re going to have an experience,” she explained. Embracing this idea, the couple decided to sell tickets for their wedding, putting the financial burden on their guests rather than themselves. While Reemo was initially skeptical, worried that their friends and family might not be on board, they moved forward with their plan.
Despite some initial backlash—some guests questioned the audacity of charging for a wedding and likened it to a celebrity event—their strategy paid off. Tickets were priced at $333 each, granting guests a seat on a double-decker bus and an exclusive 12-hour adventure through New York City. This unconventional approach allowed the couple to save approximately $70,000 on wedding expenses, proving that creativity could indeed alleviate the financial strain of a modern wedding.
Nova and Reemo’s innovative approach is part of a broader trend among couples seeking to break free from traditional wedding norms in favor of more budget-friendly alternatives. Esther Lee notes that many couples are now opting for brunch weddings, which tend to be less expensive than evening receptions. These earlier celebrations often feature more casual dining options, such as pizza and mimosas, rather than the typical filet and fish dinners.
For example, Courtney and Alex Quist decided to hold their wedding earlier in the day and served their guests a laid-back menu. By doing so, they estimate that they saved around $40,000. The couple was delighted with the outcome, noting that they still had a beautiful wedding and a memorable reception with their closest loved ones, and wouldn’t have changed a thing about their special day.