In an era where weddings can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars, one New York City couple, Nova and Reemo Styles, took an unconventional approach to ensure their big day didn’t break the bank. Instead of shouldering the financial burden themselves, the African American couple decided to charge their guests $333 each to attend their wedding, transforming the celebration into a unique, ticketed event.
Weddings have become increasingly expensive, with the average couple spending a significant portion of their budget just on securing a venue. According to Esther Lee, Deputy Editor at The Knot, venue costs alone can account for about 37% of the total wedding expenses. Confronted with these rising costs, Nova and Reemo chose to think outside the box, drawing inspiration from the world of entertainment.
Nova likened the idea to attending a major concert. “People choose to go to Beyoncé’s concert because they know they’re going to have an experience,” she explained. With this mindset, the couple decided to treat their wedding like a high-profile event, asking guests to purchase tickets for the celebration. While Reemo initially had reservations, fearing that friends and family might balk at the idea, the couple pressed ahead with their plans.
Despite some skepticism from guests—who questioned the notion of paying to attend a wedding and compared it to attending a celebrity concert—the couple’s strategy ultimately paid off. By selling tickets priced at $333 each, Nova and Reemo not only secured their dream wedding but also created a one-of-a-kind experience.
Guests were treated to a 12-hour adventure through New York City, complete with a ride on a double-decker bus, turning the wedding into a memorable event for all involved. This bold move saved the couple approximately $70,000 in wedding costs, proving that innovative thinking can alleviate the financial pressures of modern weddings.
Nova and Reemo’s approach is part of a growing trend among couples who are opting for more budget-friendly wedding alternatives, breaking away from traditional norms. Esther Lee points out that many are now choosing brunch weddings, which are typically less costly than evening receptions. These earlier events often feature more casual and affordable dining options, such as pizza and mimosas, instead of the usual upscale dinner fare.
One example of this trend is Courtney and Alex Quist, who held their wedding earlier in the day with a more relaxed menu. Their decision to forgo the traditional evening reception allowed them to save around $40,000. The Quists were thrilled with the outcome, enjoying a beautiful wedding and a meaningful reception with their closest friends and family—without the hefty price tag.
Nova and Reemo’s story is a testament to the power of creativity in wedding planning. By challenging conventional expectations, they not only celebrated their love in a unique and memorable way but also sparked a conversation about how couples can manage wedding costs without compromising on their vision for their special day.
