A bride and her newly married husband were featured in Good Morning America for throwing one of the most unique weddings in the age of social media. There’s no denying that the wedding industry has grown to become so commoditized these days.
The commercialization of weddings can be a stressful ordeal for brides and grooms looking to celebrate their love without merely shelling out a small fortune. And that’s why Kiara and Joel Brokenbrough are such outliers with their budget-friendly approach to planning the wedding. The couple even had their guests pay for their own meals.
A Minimalist Wedding
Kiara said:
“Our goal was to just be as minimal as possible,”
“And to spend the least amount of money as possible.”
To put things in perspective, it’s estimated that the national average for total costs of weddings in the United States amounts to around $30,000 per wedding. Kiara and Joel were able to pull their wedding off by spending just $500.
Their total budget for their wedding doesn’t even amount to what most brides would spend on their gowns alone. And speaking of gowns, Kiara only spent $47 on her gown from the famous fast-fashion brand Shein. She even proudly showcased her gown in this TikTok video that has gone viral.
Kiara said:
“I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on a dress because I had the mindset I’m gonna wear this one time for a few hours”
Many couples these days look to spend as much money as they can because they want their wedding to symbolize the depth of their love. However, several couples out there feel the pressure to put on lavish weddings because so many of their peers are doing it as well.
But Kiara and Joel never let the pressure get to them. Even when some people found their antics weird, the couple stuck to their philosophy.
Cutting Costs
One of the ways that the couple was able to save money was by finding a location that they didn’t have to pay for. They held their weddings just off one of California’s freeways.
But as Kiara’s Instagram photos show, just because a venue is free doesn’t mean that it’ll look ugly. Another way they were able to minimize costs was by having guests pay for their own food and drinks. Fortunately for Kiara and Joel, they had friends and family who supported their dreams of having a frugal but beautiful wedding.
Kiara said:
“You have a wedding, with witnesses there to witness you, vowing to your spouse, vowing to God that you guys are going to stay together for life,”
“And then you celebrate with food, drinks and dance. And that’s exactly what we did.”
Ultimately, Kiara’s goal was to send a message to everyone that the goal for any couple isn’t necessarily to have a lovely wedding; it’s to have a good marriage.
What do you think of Kiara and Joel’s approach to getting married? Is this something that you could envision yourself pulling off too? Comment your thoughts down below!
Sources:
Kiara Brokenbrough on Instagram
Images & Featured Images via Kiara Brokenbrough on Instagram
30 yrs ago I spent not even $600aud on my wedding… I had it in a hall with about 200 guests and everyone bought food to share.
I think that is one of the smartest decisions a couple can make!!! Why start off a marriage in debt! Or make your parents go in debt to help you pay for it?
She may not have spent but $47 on the dress but she looks looks like a million bucks!!!
I Tthink theymade a wise decision
I think it was presented in a very nice, comfortable way. I adore the fact on the budgeting, however, I do contest to the love they feel. Beginning a family is essential to the building blocks of the church, and it structures a lasting marriage around it. They made a beautiful choice, I congragulate you both, on a blessed, fruitful, healthy, marriage, family, and finances. I pray thee all the best, guidance and protection, on your phenomenal journey, take care.
Of course I’m all for that! Keep it simple and within your budget. Don’t go into debt at the beginning of your life together in the eyes of God. Friends and family will appreciate and understand.
❤️love it . ❤️
Love the basic premise but also believe that taking care of your loved ones in your party to be important. Most people would like to get spoiled on a meal that you have spent time choosing for them and then get you a gift. It’s a good reciprocity system in my opinion. And we got married at a courthouse. It had a dinner for about 15 people.
Similar to what I initially tried to do for my wedding but we went over a bit. The venue was a community center that was $12/hr for 8 hours, including decorations and setup of the rented arbor. Bought my dress off the sales rack at a bridal shop for $300, $40 shoes from Payless. Rented my husband’s tuxedo for about $75. Bridesmaids and groomsmen paid for their own dress rentals and tux rentals. My $300 dress was the only attire not rented. I made our invitations, RSVP cards and Thank you cards. Bought disposable wedding- decorated cameras to place on the tables and asked attendees to take pics and leave the cameras, instead of using an on-site photographer. Food was potluck style, with attendees bringing in food. Cake was donated by one of the attendees, though a basket made it. Flowers were also donated by another attendee.. We asked for no gifts other than gift cards as we were moving out of state a week after the wedding. Honeymoon $2,000. Total wedding costs for us, less than $1,000.
If you have it to spend fine but if you don’t why go into debt trying to keep up with the Joneses? For $500.00 she looks just beautiful and I wish them both a blessed union!!
I’m happy for her. Save your money and spend it on the important things like a house and starting a family.