Planning your wedding and drowning in Pinterest boards, endless opinions and trends that feel like everyone else's day but not yours? You're not alone. If you’re searching for a way to create a meaningful day that reflects your unique story without blowing your wedding budget, this article is for you.
Scrap the trends and start with your story
Before you fall down the Pinterest rabbit hole, ask yourself this:
- What do we love doing together?
- What words describe our dream day? Relaxed? Romantic? Whimsical? Luxe with a twist?
- What do we want people to feel at our wedding?
Instead of following trends and looking at what others’ weddings look like, start with your real life story. Your favourite coffee date, your weekend rituals, your love for spicy margaritas or old-school records - use your personal story to guide your choice - from the music to flowers to your ceremony vows.
Skip what doesn’t feel like you (even if it’s "tradition")
Here’s your permission slip to say no:
- Want a bold bright dress instead of your traditional white gown? Go for it!
- Dances make you awkward – forego the first dance.
- Don’t want matching bridal robes? Skip it.
The best weddings are the ones where the couple’s vibe is everywhere - not just in the décor, but in the energy. Serve your favourite food (yes this could be hot dogs), pay homage to your tribe and to core memories and have a playlist that feels like your Sunday mornings.
Amanda chose this unique floral dress for her wedding instead of opting for a white gown. Pictured here is our fun & bright Cass bouquet which goes perfectly with her bold and colorful vibe!
Flowers that tell your story
You don’t need a flower wall or $10k install to make a statement. Here’s how to do it intentionally:
- Pick a colour palette that lights you up, not just what’s trending. Love soft neutrals, pops of peach or bold moody blooms? Start there.
- Use meaningful flowers - your grandma’s favourite flower or blooms that you received on your first date.
- Go faux - Artificial wedding flowers aren’t a compromise. They’re a conscious choice for many brides - they last forever, photograph beautifully and saves you a whole heap of stress as they are ready well ahead of your day. If you’re spending thousands on florals that mean nothing to you and will wilt by 6 pm… we need to talk.
And finally, here are my tips on where to splurge & where to save in your wedding planning.
There are a few things that are worth the extra investment (and a few you can skip entirely without regret). Here's where I suggest putting your money and where to confidently scale back.
Splurge on:
· Photography & videography - Your photos and video will be the way you revisit your wedding day for decades to come. Invest in a photographer and videographer whose work you not only love, but who can capture the real moments - the laughter, the happy tears, the quiet in-betweens.
· Your wedding bouquet - This bouquet will be in your hands during one of the most emotional moments of your life - walking down the aisle. It’ll show up in almost every portrait and it deserves to be something special. Many modern brides are choosing high-end faux bouquets they can keep as a lasting keepsake and even display in their home as meaningful décor. It’s one of the few things from the day you can physically hold onto.
· The experience and not the things - Think about the overall vibe - the music, the food, the comfort of the space. What makes a wedding memorable isn’t the perfectly folded napkins or the candles, but how people felt. What will guests talk about with a smile years from now? Prioritise those moments.
Monique's bouquet now sits pretty in her home - a treasured keepsake from her wedding day
Save on these (or ditch completely):
· Monogrammed everything - Hot take: you don’t need your initials on everything. Personalisation adds up quickly and most guests won’t notice or remember it. If you must, keep the custom touches for a few key places and skip the rest.
· Wedding favours that get left behind - Most wedding favours are forgotten on tables. Save your money or redirect it to something more meaningful - like personalised thank-you notes.
· Over-the-top cakes - A towering five-tier cake looks impressive but often goes uneaten or are just a photo-op. A smaller cake, or a dessert station or even doughnuts can be far more cost-effective.
The most unforgettable weddings aren’t the most expensive or the trending ones. They’re the ones that feel unique and personal to who you are as a couple. So here’s your full permission slip: skip the champagne tower. Rock the sneakers. Choose faux florals that last. Play the songs that make you dance barefoot. Ask yourself, “Will this add to the feeling of the day? Will I remember it years from now?” Choose the details that truly matter — the ones that leave a lasting imprint.
And if you're ready to plan flowers that reflect your vibe and mean something personal to you? Browse our our online collection or reach out for bespoke florals designed with your story in mind.
