A wedding is a lot like falling in love and opening a spreadsheet at the same time. It plays out like a Hollywood rom-com, with laughter between kisses, lace samples pinned to vision boards, and a refrigerator overflowing with red velvet and jasmine-infused buttercream cake tastings. Then the invoices arrive.
The good news? Local planners, photographers, and floral-forward creatives agree: A wedding can feel luxurious without an unlimited budget. Top San Diego experts share their most intentional, stylish, and sanity-saving advice on what to skip and what to prioritize.
Close the Bar (Yes, Really)
Stephanie Purciello, lead planner and creative director at Weddings and Events by MP, recommends a counterintuitive money-saver that also elevates the guest experience: briefly closing the bar during key moments like speeches and special dances. “It creates focus, keeps the moment intentional, and naturally reduces alcohol consumption,” she says.
That small pause translates to hundreds, sometimes thousands, in savings while making those moments shine. Or, cutting back on a full open bar in favor of beer, wine, and specialty cocktails creates room for premium spirits and elevated ingredients, like real grapefruit juice in a paloma instead of grapefruit soda.
Save on: Full bar packages
Splurge on: A signature French 75 with the same Champagne from a favorite date
Make Your Florals Work for You
Ceremony florals deserve an encore, Purciello says. Aisle arrangements can greet guests at the reception, the ceremony arch might be re-staged behind the sweetheart table, and pedestal blooms can move to flank the cake or band. Repurposed designs can save couples $1,000 to $5,000 while keeping the day visually cohesive.
But don’t confuse efficiency with cutting corners. Gina Hundley of SD Weddings by Gina reminds couples that florals set the tone. “You’re investing in food, music, photos, everything—and then the bare minimum on flowers? It will show,” she says. She’s not calling for maximalism; just thoughtful, quality blooms that elevate every photo.
Save on: Unnecessary arrangements
Splurge on: Intentional florals that anchor the entire aesthetic
Don’t Sleep on the Veil Hack
Boutique veils can be marked up four to 10 times their wholesale cost, so Purciello suggests either borrowing one from a family member or opting for a handcrafted design from Etsy for around $40. With the chance to personalize, brides can still achieve a timeless—and often more meaningful—look without splurging on tulle. This opens the door to invest in a skilled tailor, giving you a dress that drapes flawlessly and leaves you feeling like a celeb at the Met Gala.
Save on: The veil
Splurge on: Tailoring and fit for the dress itself
Go Digital
Megan May of Megan May Films loves a digital-first approach before the big day: a sleek video save-the-date, a beautifully designed wedding website, and effortless updates via Instagram keep guests informed without a single stamp. Even conventional guest books are making room for innovation, from heartfelt video clips to tearjerking audio messages.
But when it comes to deciding between photography and videography, Hundley keeps it simple: Always choose photography—especially if you’re tempted to split your budget and settle for a cheaper version of both. “Photos are what you frame, gift, post, and treasure,” she says. “Besides a new partner, photos are what you have left when the food is gone and the music stops.”
Save on: Traditional postage and a videographer
Splurge on: Your dream photographer
Minimalist Décor is the Move
“Simple is in,” May says. It’s all about organic accents, long-stem lilies, thrifted candlesticks, and effortless styling. “Splurge on the elements that feel most ‘you’, whether that’s a styled backdrop for a photo booth or handmade matchboxes.” Love color? Real-life still-lifes of whole fruit inexpensively brighten up tablescapes. Linen costs got you down? Hit the thrift store and round up some white tablecloths on the cheap. Minimal doesn’t mean forgettable!
Save on: Elaborate installations or dozens of centerpieces
Splurge on: One styled backdrop for photos or the ceremony
Skip the Favors
Edible favors melt, classic keepsakes like tiny picture frames or decorative knickknacks often get left behind, and packaging costs add up—so, May notes, couples are increasingly skipping traditional parting gifts. Instead, they’re enhancing guests’ day-of experience and sending them off happy and fed with post-dancing midnight snacks. Consider your favorite San Diego sliders; a French fry bar with every sauce imaginable; DIY street tacos; or, yes, even boxes of pizza. Or keep favors simple, personal, and virtually free: ForEvermore Weddings’ Stephany Peterson recalls a bride who wrote a thank-you note for every guest. “It left a lasting impression,” she says.
Save on: Wedding favors
Splurge on: Late-night snacks guests will rave about
PARTNER CONTENT
Let the Venue Do the Heavy Lifting
Nothing sets the flow and ambiance like the venue. Ricardo Zarate Jr., Fox Point Farms’ general manager, believes it should be every couple’s top investment. A stunning venue may cost a little more upfront, but it saves you on extras like elaborate lighting, backdrops, and décor. Flattering candlelight and Pacific Ocean glimpses make for moments that feel timeless.
Save on: Over-the-top lighting rentals
Splurge on: A venue that inherently shines
