If someone asked you about your favorite wedding that you've attended as a guest, you'd probably have one that instantly comes to mind. Maybe there were some fun signature drinks, maybe their color palette and overall theme were especially unique, or maybe the food was simply unforgettable. Whatever the case, that wedding lives rent-free in your mind. And as you're embarking on your own planning journey, you and your partner may want to achieve that same kind of effortless luxury experience.
If you aren't sure where to start — have no fear. We rounded up some wedding experts to help you elevate your big day to luxurious heights.
"First, selecting the perfect venue is paramount. Many couples are setting the tone for an elegant affair from the very start by choosing a location that exudes sophistication. A thoughtfully chosen venue can transform the entire event, giving an inherently luxurious feel even before any additional details are considered. Conversely, trying to elevate a less-than-ideal location can be costly and ineffective. Deciding on a venue that naturally embodies elegance is the most crucial step toward hosting a truly luxurious affair." —Paula Clark Ramirez, Mankin Mansion
"To make your wedding luxurious, pay special attention to the tent entrance if you're having a tented celebration. Investing extra in this area is worthwhile, as it's the first thing guests will see when entering your reception. We recommend repurposing the entrance area for the cake cutting, creating a beautiful backdrop to enhance your wedding photos and special moments." —Sandy Brooks-Kovacs, Timeless Event Planning
"Allowing your floral designer to run wild with your bouquet can add luxury to your day. It doesn't need to be large; a few high-quality blooms can feel incredibly expensive. This bouquet, photographed throughout the day, adds to your experience and imagery without significantly increasing your floral budget." —Julia Wade, Julia Wade Photography
"Instead of using a traditional guest book, have your guests sign a book of your favorite photos. We've seen couples use fashion photography books, or photography books of the city they're getting married in. Having a coffee table book act as your guest book feels like a more luxurious detail." —Megan Breukelman, Megan & Kenneth
"One particular detail that will completely up-level your wedding aesthetically and make it feel luxurious is specialty table linens. Most venues will provide basic white table linens, but choosing to rent linens will make a huge difference that every guest will see and make your reception room pictures instantly higher end. There are endless options, from solid colors to patterns or different materials, such as velvet. If it's not in the budget to rent tablecloths for all tables, consider getting one just for your sweetheart table if you plan to have one." —Siobhan Healy, Siobhan Stanton Photography
"Infuse your wedding with personal touches like monogrammed linens, custom stationery, and signature cocktails. These details make the event feel intimate and exclusive. Also, consider personalized welcome gifts for your guests, including luxury items like scented candles, gourmet snacks, and handwritten notes. Details are what give your wedding day a story, especially from a photographer’s aspect. This is where you can infuse your own personal style and tastes." —Craig Peterman, Craig Peterman Photography
"I think the number one thing you can do to make your wedding feel luxurious is to really take care of them and pay attention to what will make them comfortable and feel taken care of. But of course, there are tangible items that can also make the wedding feel luxurious. The first thing a couple can do to make it feel luxurious is to make sure the guests' comfort as relates to temperature and/or climate is taken care o6f. If you are having an outdoor ceremony, provide parasols if it's going to be a warm, sunny day; umbrellas if there is a chance of rain; handheld fans or other temperature control if it will be hot and/or humid; bug spray, candles, or property fogging if bites are a concern; blankets and heaters if it will be cold, perhaps a hot beverage option or hand warmers as well; heel protectors if on a lawn where stilettos may sink in; and always water on arrival!" —Juls Sharpley, Juls Sharpley Events
“Large-scale installation pieces for the reception are a detail that guests will not overlook. Seating charts that span an entire wall or welcome signs that are floor to ceiling can be custom-designed to coordinate with the paper goods. Given the sheer size, any large-scale installation pieces will create an upscale, luxurious feel. Couples can also opt to have dance floor installations custom-designed with coordinating imagery. Decals for the bar areas, which carry through the artwork created for the wedding, are another idea to consider to further bolster the feel of a luxury wedding." —Kelley Nudo, Momental Designs
Even if your budget isn’t leaning toward luxury, there are so many ways in which you can offer a bespoke experience for your guests. Beyond pulling out all of the stops on your decor, including personalized touchpoints throughout your wedding is a guaranteed way to uplevel your special day.
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
