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By Lydia Patrick
Life & Trends Reporter
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A bride has called out 'low-cost' wedding culture, revealing that her big day was impossible to plan for under $40,000.
Megan Diem Easton (@megdiem), 25, a marketing specialist and content creator from Nashville, Tennessee, racked up over 23,800 likes and more than 435,100 views on TikTok after sharing her experience.
"For me, the biggest misconception about 'low-cost' weddings is that they're not so common. I quickly realized that 90 percent of the people around me getting married were spending a minimum of $25,000 for a 'traditional' wedding," Easton told Newsweek.
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In her viral video, Easton said that, despite considering every money-saving method, she couldn't bring the total cost below $40,000.
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"I had a pretty good understanding of what to expect going in, but what shocked me was how many little things add up and how many 'hidden' costs there are. Booking wedding-related things is similar to booking flights—you start with a $100 ticket but, after bags, add-ons, taxes, you end up at $400," she said.
Easton added that these "hidden" costs were especially hard to predict for first-time wedding planners. Additionally, living in a larger city added its own challenges. "I was also shocked that living in a larger area, some wedding vendors had minimums. For example, I was turned down by many florists because I didn't reach their '$3,000 minimum,'" she said.
The venue was one of the biggest expenses in Easton's budget, costing $13,000. She highlighted the lack of transparency in the wedding industry as a significant issue. "The quickest, most-expensive cost was the venue. It's less common to get married in churches now, and the wedding industry is now full of venues. Some venues allowing just the rental space can be over $10,000," she said.
Other significant costs included her dress, the food on offer, drinks, and the honeymoon. In an attempt to save money, Easton chose a venue in Monroe, McMinnville, located an hour-and-a-half outside Nashville. With a large family, her guest list included 150 to 170 people.
"Although the cost was a lot, we wouldn't change a thing. The day was beautiful and everything I wished for as a little girl dreaming of her wedding!" Easton said.
Wedding experts The Knot said the cost of the average American ceremony in 2023 rose by $5,000 to $35,000.
Easton's Money-Saving Tips for Brides
Reflecting on her experience, Easton offered several tips for brides looking to keep costs low:
- Determine Your Priorities: "Determine what type of wedding you're comfortable with, and try to understand how your location and accessibility will affect those costs. Also, do what makes you happiest. When I found out the potential cost, I could have tried eloping or changing things, but, instead, I stuck with my gut and what I wanted—and I have no regrets at all."
- Consider All-Inclusive Venues: "All-inclusive venues were actually a money-saver, looking back. I remember thinking, if I did everything myself, it would cost less, and ended up doubling the cost and stress on myself."
- Focus on the Venue Over the Guest List: "Guest list isn't as important as the venue you choose. Some venues have the same rental cost, no matter how many guests you have! I think this is a misconception, big time."
Despite the costs, Easton said she wouldn't have chosen to elope, despite it costing less.
"I don't think I would elope if I could go back. There is something so special about everyone you love being joined in one big room. It shows you how much your unity affects others. I know that eloping is a perfect option for others, but for us, it was not idea," Easton said.
Social Media Reactions
Easton's video sparked debate online, with many agreeing about the high costs of weddings.
"As a professional wedding planner, I would absolutely agree that this is an 'average cost' for a nice wedding," commented Jenn.
Another bride shared her experience: "My 'low-cost' wedding was quoted at $12k but ended up being $30k. Our venue had so many hidden costs disguised as 'upgrades,' but the upgrades were basics that felt necessary. Exploitative industry!"
Others shared how they managed to plan less-expensive weddings. "I spent $1,800," posted Mirana, who married in a 1912 church in Florida, followed by a luncheon at a nearby marina for 36 guests and a photographer.
"My wedding was around $15,000 for 70 people—we did not do a traditional venue and had a private ceremony with just family at a park," said Hannah.
Addressing Criticism
Easton also responded to criticism about her budget and decisions, saying planning for the big day was an extra full-time job, alongside her day job.
"Many people can be condescending, insinuating I am exaggerating, don't know what I'm talking about, or made frivolous decisions," Easton said.
"My whole point was to share that, if people want a wedding that looks like the majority of the weddings they attend, they can expect to pay a large sum of money.
"Location is a huge factor, so, when someone tells me they live in Utah and had a 10k wedding and their mom made the lasagna, I have to emphasize that where you're located and the resources available to you can absolutely affect the cost. But not everyone has an aunt who's a florist, a cousin who's a DJ, and a free barn space to host," Easton concluded.
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