Couple Pulls Off a Beautiful Wedding on a Budget for $500

Cost-Conscious Couple Has a Gorgeous Wedding With Just a $500 Budget

By Sara Barnes on April 27, 2022

The average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is $28,000. That amount is staggering—especially when you consider the event is likely to last no longer than a day. And beyond that, more than two-thirds of couples go over their budget while planning. Joel and Kiara Brokenbrough were determined to have a beautiful wedding and not break the bank while doing it. In fact, they were able to pull off their big day for under $500. That even includes Kiara’s wedding dress, which was just $47.

Most weddings take a year or more of planning, from finding the location to coordinating with vendors to inviting guests. The Brokenbroughs got engaged on December 21, 2021, and were married less than two months later on February 12, 2022. One way they were able to do that was the venue. They selected a scenic backdrop that was a turnoff of the Angeles Crest Highway northeast of Los Angeles. The gorgeous mountain view required no permit (or reservation) and was free.

Generous friends and family also helped bring the wedding to life. Loved ones donated flowers, a runner, and a cake. Another important part of the event was managing guests’ expectations. Joel and Kiara made it clear that they were trying to keep costs low, so things like food and drink would be the responsibility of the attendee. “It felt so good to be around people who genuinely supported us and weren’t looking to be entertained,” Kiara wrote about the day.

There can be a lot of pressure—from family, friends, and our greater culture—to have massive celebrations. “I am proudest of Joel and I’s decision to be brave and take a leap of faith and get married without having all that we wanted or desired,” Kiara tells My Modern Met, “and having our family and close friends support us the way they did made it all the better.”

Kiara created vlogs about her wedding, and she has advice for budget-conscious couples. “My tip to couples to keep the cost down would be to remember the goal which is marriage, not to impress or be pressured to have a luxury wedding if you cannot afford it,” she says. “This is a one-day event for a few hours. Do not fall into the pressures of the world or try to have a celebrity-like wedding without the celebrity financial funds. You will feel so much better not having to make payments for the next year or so on a one-day event.”