Budget Breakdown: Where to Save vs. Splurge on Your Big Day

Because you really don’t need to blow the bank to throw a breathtaking celebration.

Weddings are emotional, magical—and yes, expensive. But here’s the secret the wedding industry doesn’t always tell you: you don’t have to splurge on everything to create a luxury experience. Knowing where to spend and where to save is the real power move. We spoke to real couples across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Malawi—including those flying in from the UK, Canada, and Aus—who’ve mastered this balance.

Here are three inspiring stories that’ll help you rethink your wedding budget without compromising on vibe.

💍 1. Lauren & Josh – “We Splurged on the Venue, but Skimped on the Cake & Still Got Compliments”

Location: Constantia Winelands, Cape Town
Total Spend: ~R180,000
Wedding Style: Romantic Garden meets Modern Minimalist
Splurge: Venue
Save: Cake & Desserts

Lauren and Josh, both originally from Joburg but living in Sydney, wanted a relaxed and elegant vineyard wedding in Cape Town. They toured several places but fell in love with a boutique estate in Constantia with lavender rows, mountain views, and a cellar with chandeliers. It cost R65,000, but the couple felt it created the ambiance they were after—and required minimal décor.

“We actually saved on florals and décor because the venue was already so beautiful,” says Lauren.

To offset the venue cost, they skipped the extravagant cake trends and instead ordered a one-tier cutting cake for show (about R1,000) and a slab cake from Woolies in three flavours for the guests. No one noticed the difference—and there was zero waste.

They also printed menus and seating cards themselves using Canva templates, spending under R400 total.

“Honestly, we don’t regret a thing. The venue gave us that WOW-factor the moment guests arrived, and the sheet cake? Gone in minutes.”

📸 2. Michaela & Dean – “We Invested in Photography, Not in Trinkets”

Location: Harare CBD Rooftop Wedding
Total Spend: ~USD 12,000
Wedding Style: Urban Chic with Cultural Touches
Splurge: Photography + Beauty
Save: Guest Favours & Extras

After years in the UK, Michaela and Dean decided to bring their wedding home to Zimbabwe. With one shot at capturing the magic with their entire family present, they put USD 1,800 toward a top local photographer who specialised in editorial-style shots.

Michaela also flew in her hairstylist and makeup artist from South Africa, combining her trial with a weekend trip to Jozi. “It was extra, but I wanted to feel like a bride and look like myself.”

Instead of guest favours, they wrote personal notes to each guest that were placed on their charger plates. They also used a Spotify playlist and a friend with a sound system instead of hiring a DJ—saving close to USD 500.

“No one missed the favours. But people still talk about our photos. Worth. Every. Penny.”

🌿 3. Emma & Pieter – “We Chose a Budget Florist and Put Money Into Experience Instead”

Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
Total Spend: ~R100,000
Wedding Style: Elegant Safari Garden
Splurge: Guest Experience
Save: Imported Florals

Emma and Pieter’s wedding was hosted in Emma’s aunt’s large garden on the outskirts of Lilongwe. Their original quote for florals—imported peonies and eucalyptus—was nearly R25K. “That was more than our entire catering budget!”

Instead, they worked with a local florist who used indigenous blooms like proteas, bougainvillaea, and wild greenery. The entire floral budget came down to under R6K, and the tables looked vibrant, fresh, and deeply African.

With the savings, they decided to hire a live acoustic duo, splurge on a mobile gin bar, and rent a private shuttle bus to ensure guests didn’t get lost (or drink and drive). They even had custom cocktail napkins printed with funny quotes from their vows.

“We chose to splurge on things that made people feel special and comfortable. That’s what they remember.”

🎯 Let’s Break It Down: Where You Should Save vs. Splurge

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you map your own budget priorities:

🔧 BONUS: 3 Sneaky Tricks to Steal

Use Local Student Talent: From music students as string quartets to photography interns—there’s so much creative talent looking for portfolio work.

Plan a Weekday Wedding: Many venues and suppliers offer 20–40% off for Thursdays or Fridays.

Join Facebook Groups: Look for secondhand wedding items for sale in groups like “Cape Town Wedding Marketplace” or “Zimbabwean Brides Connect.” You’ll find everything from charger plates to decor to barely-worn dresses