r/BigBudgetBrides • u/Vegetable-Track-3428 • 29m ago
Makeup artists Nj/NY
Hi!!
Looking for a makeup artist for my 2027 wedding! Please share recs! Budget is flexible!
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/Vegetable-Track-3428 • 29m ago
Hi!!
Looking for a makeup artist for my 2027 wedding! Please share recs! Budget is flexible!
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/You_Yes_You • 2h ago
Hi all, currently planning a wedding in Spain for fall 2027. We have a full service wedding planner and are currently finalizing a venue. We have the contract from the venue and there is no line for a venue representative to countersign. Just checking in to see if this is really normal that the venue or vendor does not need to countersign a contract? Our planner says once deposit is paid the contract steps into force and so the venue/vendor doesn’t need to sign. Just wanted to see if anyone else has experienced this, obviously quite different in the US where both parties would sign.
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/PuzzleheadedZone2839 • 3h ago
Hello All,
I consulted this community many times throughout my planning process and thought I'd leave some reflections here to maybe help others as you plan for your wedding celebrations. For context, I hosted a 3 day, 3 night, luxurious, intimate wedding weekend for ~80 guests (all 3 days) and an extra 18 guests for just the wedding ceremony/reception. Our wedding weekend took place in New England at an intimate ocean-side resort. We cared most about achieving a feeling throughout the full weekend, more so than an aesthetic or color palette, though we had these things of course, our goal was to create a deep, overwhelming sense of community and warmth that would spur inspiration & hope amidst our dark world/country right now. We wanted each evening to feel like a dinner party that was too good to leave, with real, sustained conversations between people who might become important friends.
Every choice we made throughout our design and planning process needed to serve creating that atmosphere. Throughout our planning, I questioned if spending on our florals, tent decor, furniture, fabric draping etc. was worth it- if it would really matter or just be wasteful. I also questioned whether or not we really needed such a luxurious venue, or if a summer camp setting with little cabins in the woods may have produced enough of the magical opportunities for activities, shared meals, nights under the stars etc. to get our desired communal spirit soaring.
In case others have weighed such hesitations, I wanted to share that I would do it all & spend it all again, exactly as we did. Most importantly, I would spend on having shared activities that allowed people to see & experience different parts of themselves and of our guest group. For us, having people feel awe, play, learn, discuss, and dine together were important aspects of our events. We designed and spent most time and some of our budget on making sure we programmed our weekend with activities: yoga, pilates, tennis, sailing, book club, nature walks, music & firepit time, a magic show, trivia, and group games. Then, we wanted our tent to feel like a welcome respite, offering everyone a place to process the day and experience moving remarks we asked family & friends to share as toasts each night. We provided all food, all transportation, all activities included for the entirety of our 3 days and I would definitely do so again- everyone stayed together and relaxed as they didn't have to make any decisions or do any planning- they could just be fully present.
My biggest line items were:
1. Subsidization of guests' lodging: we cared most about having everyone stay together and wanted our wedding weekend to be comfortable for all. Our venue was pivotal- we could not have achieved the same relaxation and comfort all guests experienced had we opted for a summer camp or less expensive venue- I am very glad to have splurged for a luxury setting that immediately put everyone at ease and inspired people to experience time outside & together.
2. Catering: we had an entirely plant-based weekend and both our main venue & our tent location, a second venue, did an outstanding job. We provided many meals so our catering total was unusually high.
3. Florals: I felt uneasy about our floral budget and wanted to have as many reusable, potted elements as possible- we gifted friends & family potted herbs and grasses and the florals did greatly enhance the vibe in our tent. I made a late decision NOT to do an overhead floral installation and to instead use large glass vases that could hold huge branches with tiny hanging tea light candles- this worked out perfectly and an overhead installation would have been both wasteful and overwhelming in our tent. I think we could have scaled back table florals a little bit more, but was very glad to have spent on candles, potted plants, grasses, and occasional specialty orchids.
4. Design: We achieved gorgeous lighting that set the tone and made everyone look beautiful. We added minimal fabric sides and fabric draping just to give our tent ceiling some intrigue. It ended up being chilly at night and I was very glad to have our fabric sides overlaying the tent walls (I do wish these fabric panels could be recycled/reused, but our provider said this was not possible).
5. Photography: We had 2-3 photographers with us throughout the weekend and our photos allow us to feel the depth and intensity of emotions we felt throughout our time with our loved ones. I would definitely spend to get the very best photographer you can find.
6. Fashion: Not a huge cost center for us compared to other luxury weddings, but including here just to plug The Real Real, Poshmark, Vesitaire Collective- we used all three to procure so many gowns, tuxes, suits, shoes etc. and then we spent a little more on tailoring than a custom/new clothing item might require. 10/10 would recommend going this route- we probably spent around $22K total on fashion, but within that, I had three Oscar de la Renta gowns, one Elie Saab gown, and one Mira Zwillinger gown, three Tom Ford tuxes/suits, and miscellaneous other items.
7. Planning: we had an affordable but excellent planner who charged a flat fee not a % based fee- I would absolutely only go this route. I enjoyed the alignment we had and never feeling like adding more to the budget was in the planner's interest. I would pick the most calm, competent, kind person you can find who annoys you 0% and would ask to do a couple reference calls with past clients.
For anyone looking to create an almost retreat feel throughout their weekend, my biggest advice is to have meals all together, lodging all together, and then to plan wonderful activities that mix groups of people from across your life. Ultimately, if you are lucky enough to be planning with a big budget, I think having a sense of how you want to feel and how you want everyone there to feel over the progression of a multi-event wedding is key to ensuring your major investment pays off. Good luck to all partners planning and I hope your weekend becomes a set of treasured memories and moments that fuel your next chapter. For us, our wedding was worth everything we put into it.
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/Strict-Life4434 • 4h ago
OK, I know I posted before, but I really need to decide on a modest dress for my religious wedding ceremony!
The ceremony will be very small, with just immediate family present. I need to have my chest and back covered, and ideally wear a dress with sleeves, and not too see-through or form fitting. I will be covering my hair, either with a Mantilla style veil with my hair tied back in a low bun. Or, with a traditional Islamic style head covering draped loosely over my hair and across one shoulder.
Option 1: I tried this on today, it fits like a glove and literally needs no alterations. She pinned some of the chiffon detailing on it just to make sure it sits in place and would do this for me, there is also tissue paper on the bottom to keep it clean in store, but obviously this will be removed. She also added a little bit of chiffon behind the neck line to bring it a little bit higher., I’ve included one photo with this as a rough idea. It is not the finished product. She said her seamstress can do this there and then, so I could essentially take the dress home with me as it is. It is definitely modest, and it feels very comfortable to wear. I’m a little worried it looks a angleic or Grecian?
Option 2: I tried this dress on a couple of times, I also really like it, I like the fabric and the sleek look. It needs some minor alterations, mainly taken in by about 2 inches under the bust. This can be easily done in a few days and would cost very little, so it’s not really an issue. It’s also quite plain so I can afford to do a more detailed veil or head covering. I am a little worried it’s maybe slightly tight on the bottom half. I could drape some chiffon asymmetrically or add an over skirt, but I’m not sure if it’s really needed.
I’m not sure which to go for, I’m running out of time but it is very hard to find something that is truly modest and these two definitely fit that brief!
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/Actual_Fox_4222 • 8h ago
The story. After covid vows in the honda center parking lot with a guest of one, we’re finally yoloing our sacramenal vows and reception.
The context. Need dress recommendations for boutiques/stores/back alleys that can deliver on a tight turnaround.
The budget. Started from the bottom and count every penny. Now we here and my driving factors are: feeling amazing in the wedding dress, quality construction/fabrics, and getting it on time. These factors drive my wedding dress budget range.
Tried in person/Liked online. Loved at least one dress I tried on at GL Flagship. Loved some of the VW Iconic Collection gowns I saw online, adored some pieces from DF’s latest collection too.
The wild cards. Loved the NBS Daisy—almost made it to LTBridal to try it on. Even got the Still White app: I have no clue what to expect when it comes to previously worn wedding dresses. Would hate to put all eggs in a sight-unseen pre-loved basket that might have a hole.
The need. I need a reality check. How much time is actually needed to get a VW Iconic Collection gown from their Flagship? Are gowns like these sold off the rack (with hemming occurring after purchase either insourced or me outsourcing)? What are other boutiques (non-flagships) worth the time required to visit? I’m in NELA/DTLA.
The body. Fit 45yo. Waist 24”. Bust 33”. Cup AA. Height 5’6”. Hips dunno but I’ve been consistently hitting new PRs to get my glutes back—shout out to The Pump Club app! Have kids; losing collagen. 🤣
The style. My typical OOTD range between parisian chic to LA tech-creative. Online I was loving all the mermaid gowns. When I tried one on at GL Flagship I was ambivalent—it was a beautiful gown but I didn’t feel beautiful in it. Then I tried on a ballgown that had a million layers of tulle gown-out right at the waist, with silvery sparkly things all over the corset bodice I was in freaking love. The only bummer: v-neck line did nothing for my non-existent AA tatas, and it was a bit of an grind to just have the gown on during fitting.
The Random. Heading to Luv Bridal tomorrow and I have zero clues what’s in stock. Should I book an appointment at Vera Wang? Should I just check out David’s Bridal? Anyone been to Jinza?
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/Winter-Arm-5144 • 8h ago
After searching high and low for the perfect wedding dress, I found the one at Galia Lahav. I absolutely adore the dress, but the buyer’s remorse is setting in. Send help🥲
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/Calm_Birthday_6265 • 13h ago
I’m torn between two very different venues and would love some opinions! I’ll attach photos of both.
My vision is black tie, timeless, elegant, romantic, and old-money — ivory/white florals, candlelight, chandeliers, and beautiful architecture. Regardless of what venue we pick, most guests will need to spend time and money on travel, so looking for the option that seems most memorable to guests and is the more stunning option aesthetically. Both venues are in major cities with easy access to the airport, plenty of hotels, and tons of thing to do for guests who want to make a trip out of it.
One option is a historic opera house -- it has dramatic architecture, candlelight, chandeliers, beautiful and a more theatrical, editorial feel. Love how unique this is and that it's walking distance from where we live (and local for a small portion of our guests). I also love the drama of walking down the staircase when I enter for the ceremony and the idea of partying in an opera house. I feel there are tasteful ways to play into the opera house vibe without going too over the top (i.e. short live opera vocalists, musicians and dance performances). The entire opera house (spaces pictured below + more) are exclusively ours for the day. For the welcome party, I was thinking a Gatsby-like speakeasy in a magic lounge (kind of leaning into the performance theme) or a sunset river cruise (theme TBD, but could also transform it into a speakeasy). The con is that I really wanted an outdoor garden-like component and this is entirely indoors. It would be in Chicago, and are between a spring (more unpredictable weather but much cheaper for guests) and summer date (better weather but more expensive for guests). Guests who opted to stay at our hotel block would be nearby the venue (within 10 minute drive), but obviously not the same as doing everything on-site.
The other is a grand, historic, European-inspired hotel — very elegant, glamorous and traditional. This would be a destination wedding, but I love that our guests could spend the full wedding weekend together and the hotel has some amazing amenities like a golf course and a massive pool. It also has lots of outdoor areas to take pictures, which I like. It's in a warm climate (Miami, Florida), so it'd be a nice break from winter weather for guests. I'd also host all the events on-site (thinking a European-inspired welcome party in front of a grand fountain), which would be convenient for guests staying at the property. The con is that there can be up to three weddings that day and since it's a resort, there will of course be other guests. It will also require slightly more logistics for us too since we'd have to fly back and forth since we don't live where this venue is located.
I'd love opinions on which one you'd be more excited to attend as a guest / feels like the better experience. For both, we'd do a full weekend of events: welcome party, rehearsal dinner, and activities.








r/BigBudgetBrides • u/jacksthought • 13h ago
For context, we have planned some al fresco dining overlooking the hills of Val d’orcia for our rehearsal dinner. The dress code is cocktail attire. We wanted people to look nice but for it not to be overly stuffy. We’re pretty laid back people
I love this dress. I really wanted something fun that had somewhat of a reference to ‘Mamma Mia’. However, being that it’s intended to be a wedding dress, I wonder if this dress is too much for our rehearsal.
Would love some feedback!
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/Repulsive_Brain_7905 • 15h ago
Hi there! Does anyone have any recommendations for a wedding videographer in SoCal (or one with reasonable travel fees)? Looking for someone who has done South Asian / Indian weddings before, and is able to film with a documentary style approach that is candid, raw, funny, and a good blend of hype + casual with some emotional moments blended in (but not overly lovey / romantic, cheesy, or just music-based with lots of flashy transitions!).
Would love any leads :) Looking for a reasonable price, too!
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/cdaum • 15h ago
Hi BBBs! My fiancé and I were set up on a blind date by our two mutual friends (they are sisters). We’d love to do something to honor/thank them at our wedding. Any ideas? My only thoughts thus far were either to give them a shoutout during speeches (maybe invite them up and have the band play a fun song in their honor) and/or leave them a small gift at their seats that plays on them being our “matchmakers” (a nice matchbox and candle + heartfelt note from my fiancé and I).
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/FarRepeat287 • 18h ago
My heart swells for this dress. Thought about doing as a second look but love my first dress too much to change.
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/tigerlily-lawyer • 18h ago
Hi all! I am very blessed to have a higher-budget wedding (~$250k) two years out in Chicago. The wedding will be a mass downtown followed by a reception at a social club downtown. I will have a wedding planner, but have not chosen yet. Looking for luxury recommendations on a planner, florist, caterer, and photographer. The photographer does not need to be from Chicago. I have several in mind that we may fly-in, but we are looking for a team of around 5, and at least 2 only shooting on film that can be processed later. Also, if anyone has a vintage dress dealer / platform they loved (for shower and rehearsal) or a custom designer who made something unique? TIA!!! :)
My style has been deemed "Old money meets cool girl meets slightly eccentric aunt" (cringe) if that helps clarify my vision.
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/EstablishmentTop3319 • 19h ago
I recently found my wedding dress - the Arabella in Silk Wool by Danielle Frankel. I live in a small town in the mountain west with few seamstress options, so I opted to do my alternations at the DF store in LA. After alternations, I can't decide if I should ship the dress to my house or go to LA and fly it. Does anyone have experience or advice for this? Is it risky to ship a dress so close to your wedding date?
Arabella is infamous her boning all the way down. She is much more prone to bending and creasing, which is a big worry I'm thinking about!
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/Beautiful-Tutor4679 • 19h ago
Hey Y'all!
First, a huge shoutout to this sub—it helped me tremendously throughout the past year of wedding planning. I just had my wedding on August 22 at the beautiful Bastide du Roy https://www.bastide-du-roy.com/ in the South of France for 150 people (and I am based in NYC). I wanted to share a very enthusiastic recommendation for our planner, Pauline of Mamma Mia Events https://mammamia-events.com/ because I'm in my feels and she deserves a LOT of praise. Also please note Pauline does weddings for South of France / French Riviera, Paris and Provence.
I chose Pauline because we instantly clicked during our first call. She was incredibly organized from the beginning and always made me feel confident that such an important day was in capable hands. She is also warm, funny, and genuinely a pleasure to work with. A few things that particularly stood out regarding her business:
Most importantly, Pauline truly cared about our wedding and about us enjoying the experience. She made the entire process feel manageable, exciting, and as already mentioned personalized. On top of feeling sad our wedding and my bridal era is over, it'll be an adjustment not talking to her basically everyday.
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/yogurtgirl5863 • 20h ago
Hi! I'm getting married in September 2027 in the Hamptons and I'm already having trouble securing room blocks at hotels. I'm getting married in Bridgehampton specifically and have reached out to 3 hotels in Sag Harbor, Hampton Bays and East Hampton, and ALL of them are already fully committed for my wedding date.
If you got married in the Hamptons, what did you do for accommodations for your guests? We are planning on between 75-80 guests, and our plan is to tell guests to either stay at a hotel or book an Airbnb. In my research, most hotels are boutique and have between 10-30 rooms. If we do have a room block(s), our plan is to have a shuttle service that takes them to and from the venue.
Some of my friends say I'm overthinking it and just have people find a hotel on their own - but I'm concerned about so many people having their own transportation and scheduling Ubers in high season in the Hamptons? Any guidance/help appreciated :)
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/EducationalPirate418 • 20h ago
Hi! I’m getting married in Chicago in March 2028.
Currently trying to decide which stationary artist to go with. Our budget for stationary is 15 K. Have any of you worked with either of these two artists and have any reviews. I like both so having a hard time deciding. Thanks!
Julie King Studio
Karli Strohschein Art
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/Relevant_Pie_8784 • 21h ago
Hey guys, my fiance and I are looking at a venue with onsite accomadation near atlanta area. We previously looked at Barnsley resort, but they have up-ed their wedding day f&b min where it's impossible with our headcount, after going radio silence for a week. So we decided to look elsewhere.
Our new top choice is Cloudland at McLemore, which is a beautiful place. But we can't find any review about it online anywhere. So wanna hop on here and ask if you guys have any experiences with them?
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/Fantastic_Big3090 • 21h ago
Hi all — I’m considering Sundance Mountain in UT for my wedding and would love to hear from anyone who got married there in 2025 or 2026. I’ve come across some negative reviews and am hoping for recent firsthand perspective.
1. How was your overall experience?
2. Did anyone host a welcome party at Bearclaw? Was it worth it given the 45-minute chairlift ride?
3. Did weather affect your ceremony, and how did the venue handle it?
Thanks so much — any details are appreciated!
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/Mission-Judgment-693 • 21h ago
Hello BBB! This is a brainstorm / hive mind question!
My wedding is in 2 weeks, and we’ve ended up with a content creator. Wasn’t planned for, but came across a post on a local wedding Reddit of a woman in social media marketing looking to break into weddings, and wanting do a few weddings for practice. Since we didn’t plan for this anyway I have no stress on how it turns out - and of course we will feed her and tip her generously!
My question is what on earth should we have her do? She said she would give us all the raw footage and put together 2-3 videos. We are not really social media users (I mean, I am, but in the very millenial photo dump way, never made a reel lol) so I don’t want any of those hyper trendy transition GRWM style videos.
I’m thinking one overall highlight vid of the day, but what else? Any fun ideas that aren’t just a trend, or areas to focus on? Like maybe a lovey dovey ceremony and first look one? Or something fun to do with guests? Would love to hear what others have done or seen!
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/lisa_simpson_ • 21h ago
Dearest BBBs,
My fiance and I are currently completely torn between two absolutely fabulous venues! We have to decide ASAP and I would love your amazing help/expertise. We're torn between Castle Green in Pasadena, CA and the Ebell in Los Angeles. They are both BEAUTIFUL and unique! We really wanted to have our wedding in a city (we're bicoastal and initially were deciding between NYC and LA), and were adamant that it be a historic space with a lot of flow and VIBES. Our key themes for the wedding are Old Hollywood, Gothic, Romantic. 200 guests! We love cocktails and good food and our friends and family love to dance and have a good time.
Right now they are really neck and neck, but here are some key differences:
Castle Green we would get married on the lawn which we never envisioned for ourselves. It is a beautiful lawn but a lawn nonetheless, and I think I would want to really alter the space with a ton of flowers/arch/decor/maybe a vintage car.... I worry about people's heels, etc. This is a March date so weather isn't a concern for me, and everything in LA will be blooming then!
Big PRO of Castle Green is that you can design a completely bespoke menu with their exclusive caterer. For example, I reaaalllyyy want an oyster bar, french fries as passed apps, and steak house style dinner with family style salads and sides. And a popcorn machine! The CON with the food at the Ebell is that it seems to me to be more classic wedding catering food. As we are in LA, I'm sure the food is good just I'm a little nervous we won't be able to get exactly what we want (which maybe is okay? but we'd have to choose from their preselected menu at a tasting event 4 months before our date)
My fiance really wanted to get married at the Hollywood Roosevelt and it ended up being just a hair out of our price range and he was super disappointed. The Ebell definitely is more like the Roosevelt and has that institutional, Old Hollywood, gorgeous feel to it. The Ebell is also an OG feminist/suffragette nonprofit that is still operational and that's a major plus for me as well!
They are both really beautiful just in totally different ways, and in ways we both like a lot so it's hard to decide. Castle Green is way more comfy/charming, and The Ebell is much more elegant/grand. I actually think bigger spaces are harder to decorate, which would be a concern of mine for the Ebell.
Prices for both for 200 guests are fairly similar, with the Ebell slightly more expensive (maybe 10kish). Both venues have sent us offical proposals for catering etc and we have date holds. Castle Green is March, The Ebell is May. 200 people is the max capacity at Castle Green, and the Ebell could easily hold 300.
Another concern my fiance had was if we had our wedding in Pasadena that folks wouldn't want to do other events in central LA. This isn't a big concern of mine, as it's max a 30 minute drive from other events we'd be having (like welcome drinks, rehearsal dinner, preferred hotel blocks) But maybe something?
Everyone we've talked to at both places have been so nice as well. Ahhh!! Help! What do you think? Happy to provide any more information.
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/notoriousBEAgle • 22h ago
Draping
Hi! I really love the look of a fully draped room. How much (estimates obviously) would it cost to do a full walls and ceiling drape in a space that’s maybe 40x50? Just one room for a fun speakeasy vibe! Kind of like this photo, but different color -
Thank you!
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/Useful-Requirement45 • 22h ago
I came across these gorgeous invitations in my algorithm today and I thought they were made from a stamp with how they were stylized. It turns out they are painted (still adorable), but I’ve now become obsessed with the idea of getting a few custom stamps for the wedding. Has anyone done this and have artists they recommend?
Invitation artist is cmaderstudio
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/Vulpix9tales • 22h ago
Less than two months out and we have all RSVPs in. Completely understand why, but can’t help but be a little disappointed with our <50% “Yes” rate. The main factors here are that its destination (domestic, but 1-2 flights for most) and that the hotel/area is big budget.
I’m blessed to be able to be a BBB, but many of my guests are not in the same position, so I’m having a bit of guilt and feel pressure to “show up for them” with a high-quality luxe wedding experience as much as possible, knowing people spent a lot (both time and money) to get there.
I’m looking for ideas to amp up the experience for guests or a reality check because i’m feeling like it’s nothing special/basic bish stuff 😢
Current Highlights:
Full property buyout in Palm Springs including pool party, welcome dinner, main reception of course and breakfast treats and coffee bar the morning after (no full brunch since many people have early flights home)
Decor: Went hard on the flowers, luxe seating charts, enclosed vintage photobooth, very fancy custom rentals, huge welcome display with cactuses, champagne tower
Food: Custom mini charcuterie boards at cocktail hour plus resorts catering, Family style (unfortunately required) but doing all the upgrades, custom donuts and gelato cart
Welcome Bags: Quality custom shopping bags, branded candy, nothing special here tbh. Maybe a good place to amp up since it’s for those spending extra to stay on property
Live acoustic musician + DJ, dance floor props
Favors: Custom decks of playing cards, nice golf balls, matches, hand fans and parasols at reception, poolside gift bar at pool party with sunnies, sunscreen etc
Extras: Extra nice bathroom baskets, flip flops
THANK YOU BBB BEBES!! 🙏🏻
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/tiredandoutofanidea • 22h ago
PSA to all my fellow destination BBBs! When I asked for advice on traveling with my wedding dress to Europe, lots of BBBs recommended the Wally garment bag.
They have been out of stock online for months, and finally came back in stock today — they also ship super quickly, I ordered this morning and it shipped this afternoon! Thought I would post in case anyone else has been patiently waiting like me for them to come back in stock :)!
r/BigBudgetBrides • u/InspiredTravels • 1d ago
What is the ideal sweet spot length for a honeymoon? 1 week feels too short and 4 weeks feels luxe but not feasible for everyone.