What is one thing you wish you had splurged on for your wedding? What made it worth considering and why would you recommend it to others?

Question

Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, each with the potential to enhance your special day. This article explores several wedding splurges that experts believe could be worth the investment. From capturing memories to creating unforgettable experiences, these insights will help couples prioritize their spending for maximum impact.

Ryan Mayiras · Answer

After photographing over 1,000 weddings and building Candid Studios from the ground up, I wish I had splurged on professional videography for my own wedding. As a photographer, I was obsessed with getting perfect still images but completely underestimated how much I'd want to hear our voices and see the movement of that day.
The biggest regret hit me during our first anniversary when we tried to relive our vows. Photos captured the emotions on our faces, but we couldn't remember the exact words we said or how our voices cracked with emotion. My clients who invest in both photo and video consistently tell me the video becomes more precious over time - you can hear your grandmother's laugh or your father's speech exactly as it happened.
From a business perspective, I've seen the data firsthand. Couples who book both services through our studio report 94% satisfaction versus 78% for photography-only packages. The video captures the audio, movement, and spontaneous moments that even the best photographer misses while changing positions or lenses.
Professional videography typically runs $2,000-4,000 for quality work, but it's the one expense that actually increases in emotional value over the years. Your photos will always be beautiful, but video lets you step back into that exact moment decades later.

Jon Wayne · Answer

If I had to pick one thing worth splurging on, it would be professional lighting design. I used to think centerpieces and decor carried the whole atmosphere until I saw how lighting shifted an entire room's vibe at a colleague's event. Watching the room glow warmly during dinner, then effortlessly shift into energy for dancing, showed me it was more than cosmetic—it truly shaped the guest experience. At our venue, we see couples light up when the photos come back, because well-planned lighting makes every moment pop. If someone's debating where to place their budget, I'd strongly recommend lighting because it transforms memories both in the moment and in the long term through photos.

Susan Ankersen · Answer

I wish I had put more consideration into my wedding day perfume and not worn my everyday fragrance. Knowing now how powerful scent is for memory, I wish I had chosen a perfume I would not smell in so many other places, so I could wear it again when looking at our photo album, video, and on our anniversary to feel the whole day all over again.

Luke Wallace · Answer

Having delivered over 50,000 orders and worked with couples across Sydney since 2015, I wish I had splurged on a proper cake cutting ceremony with a statement wedding cake when I got married. Most couples today go straight to cupcake towers to save money, but they're missing out on one of the most symbolic moments.
From my experience at Black Velvet, the cake cutting photos become some of the most treasured shots couples keep forever. We've had clients tell us their multi-tier wedding cake photos are the only ones still displayed in their homes years later. The ceremony itself forces you and your partner to slow down and have an intimate moment together while everyone watches.
A proper 3-tier wedding cake runs about $400-800, versus cupcake displays at $200-400. That extra cost gets you a centerpiece that becomes the focal point of your reception and creates a moment you'll actually remember from the blur of your wedding day. We've shipped wedding cakes as far as Hamilton Island and Canberra because couples realize it's worth the investment.
The key is choosing a design that photographs well and matches your venue's style. Skip the fondant if you're outdoors--buttercream holds up better and tastes infinitely better when you're actually eating it a year later on your anniversary.

Allen Kou · Answer

If I could go back, I would have splurged on a professional sommelier service with pairings. I've hosted many events where the conversations around wine took the meal from enjoyable to unforgettable. There was one wedding dinner where guests still talked days later about how the pairings elevated each course, almost like a guided experience. That thoughtful touch can make guests feel part of something curated and special, rather than just fed. I'd suggest it for anyone who cares about food and wants to celebrate it in a way that feels interactive and memorable.

Matthew Romane · Answer

Honestly, I wish I had had the budget to fly in many more of my extended family members. All the aunties, cousins, nieces and nephews, and the whole overseas contingent out there. While I was lucky enough that many of my friends could pay their own way, with us being young, I just limited it to direct family due to our finances and the launch of our new business.
In retrospect, it now feels a bit stingy. Those relationships matter, and family is still so important. If I could do it over, I would scrimp a bit more on all the bells and whistles and other inane stuff to get those people in the room with us. 
Although we did live stream it, looking back, it's kind of not the same.

Aja Chavez · Answer

If I could go back, I would've splurged more on live music for the reception. We chose a playlist to save money, which worked, but it lacked the energy that a band or even a small group can bring. At another wedding I attended, the band completely shifted the mood—people who never dance were up laughing together. That made me realize how much a live atmosphere can shape the shared experience. I'd suggest considering it if you want your reception to feel truly alive and memorable.

Erik Zijdemans · Answer

Literally anything that matters to YOU. We find that our clients have much more flexibility by keeping their elopements small and intimate. The fewer people there are, the fewer opinions to keep in mind, and the more you keep it about what matters most: the love between you two and how you want to celebrate that. This means that you leave room in your budget to make the experience unforgettable. Why not bring everyone out on a yacht? Or maybe you'd rather have a winter elopement dog sledding to a frozen lake for your ceremony? Think of ways in which you can make your day truly unforgettable, and splurge there!

Brandi Simon · Answer

For me, I wish I had chosen a more premium wedding venue that could later serve as an investment property. I recall exploring several historic homes in Dallas that were stunning, but at the time, I thought it was too extravagant. Now, I see couples repurposing their venues for events or even reselling them at a significant profit. If you're already investing so much in your special day, consider how the venue can benefit you in the long term.

9 Wedding Splurges That Might Be Worth It

9 Wedding Splurges That Might Be Worth It

Capture Memories with Professional Wedding Videography

Transform Your Venue with Professional Lighting Design

Choose a Unique Perfume for Lasting Memories

Invest in a Statement Wedding Cake

Elevate Your Reception with Professional Sommelier Service

Prioritize Family Presence Over Wedding Extravagance

Energize Your Reception with Live Music

Personalize Your Elopement for Unforgettable Experiences

Select a Venue with Long-Term Investment Potential

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