How to Make Your Amarillo Wedding Look Expensive Without Breaking the Bank
In the 10 years that I've owned our wedding venue in Amarillo, I've seen firsthand what truly makes a wedding feel "luxurious." Hint: It’s not over-the-top crystal chandeliers or ice sculptures—it's the small, thoughtful decisions that elevate the entire experience. Often, we see couples cutting corners in areas where they really shouldn't. By making the right choices during the planning process, your wedding will leave guests in awe of its elegance and sophistication!
Every couple wants their wedding day to feel special and sophisticated, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune to achieve an upscale look. With some smart choices and a bit of creativity, you can make your wedding look extravagant without stretching your budget. Here are some tips to help your wedding appear more expensive than it really is:
Choose an Elegant, Affordable Wedding Venue
The venue sets the tone for your entire wedding, and selecting one that feels luxurious is key. While high-end venues may seem out of reach, there are plenty of affordable venues with beautiful spaces and scenic views. For example, venues like Cornerstone Ranch Events Center in Amarillo, Texas, offer stunning backdrops, elegant event spaces, and affordable wedding packages starting at $3650, giving you the luxury feel without the hefty price tag. Our staff has over 10 years in wedding decorating experience, and we offer decor packages which saves you both time and money! We customize each table for you depending on your wedding style, and our expert staff knows which decor items help upscale your wedding!
Plus, venues with stunning natural settings, such as a picturesque ranch or garden, need little decoration to look elegant.
Use Seasonal and Local Flowers to Upscale your Wedding
Floral arrangements can be one of the biggest expenses of your wedding, but there are ways to make them look high-end without breaking the bank. Focus on using seasonal flowers, which are often more affordable and readily available. Opt for lush arrangements of simple flowers like roses, peonies, or hydrangeas, and mix them with greenery to create a full, opulent look.
Consider using locally sourced flowers from nearby florists, like Cultivating Kindness, to keep costs low while supporting small businesses. A few large, elegant floral arrangements placed strategically—on the altar, reception tables, or entrance—can create a dramatic effect that makes your wedding feel luxurious.
Repurposing your floral arrangements from the ceremony into the reception is a smart way to save money while still making a big impact. By investing in just one set of floral arrangements, you can use them to enhance two spaces. For example, moving your floral altar swag to your head table after the ceremony not only cuts costs but also adds a beautiful, cohesive look to your reception. Plus, it makes for stunning photo opportunities!
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity for a Elegant Wedding
You don’t need to have extravagant decorations or hundreds of centerpieces to make your wedding look expensive. Instead, focus on a few key elements that will make a big impact, like beautiful floral arrangements, an elegant table setting, or a stunning wedding cake. By simplifying your décor and opting for high-quality materials in select areas, you can create an upscale atmosphere without overloading your venue with unnecessary extras.
For example, instead of small centerpieces at each table, consider one large, lush centerpiece on a few focal tables. This can give your venue a sophisticated look without requiring a lot of small, costly arrangements.
Opt for Luxe Fabrics and Textures
When it comes to your wedding attire, choosing luxurious fabrics like satin, silk, or velvet can instantly elevate your look. You don’t have to go for an expensive designer dress—many affordable bridal lines offer gowns made from these luxurious materials that will make you feel like a queen.
For your décor, consider using textured fabrics like velvet table runners, satin chair covers, or linen napkins. Adding luxurious textures to your place settings and tablecloths can create an opulent, high-end feel, even if you’re on a budget.
Add Personal, Elegant Touches to your Reception
Personalized details can make your wedding feel truly unique and upscale. Consider custom-made elements that add a sense of luxury, like monogrammed napkins, engraved glassware, or personalized wedding favors. Small touches, like a handwritten wedding ceremony program or a calligraphy escort card display, can make a big difference in elevating your wedding without a huge cost.
Another elegant touch that can easily upscale your wedding is the use of charger plates on each table. At Cornerstone Ranch we offer gold and wood charger plates available for rental. This is probably the easiest, and most affordable ways to upscale your table settings that I've seen! Place a color coordinated napkin, thank you note, and small sprig of greenery on top of the chargers to really elevate your guest tables.
Customized details show that you've put thought and care into your celebration, and it’s these personal touches that make your wedding feel more sophisticated and well-planned.
Focus on the Lighting for an Upscale Wedding
Lighting is a key factor in setting the tone for a luxurious wedding. Soft, romantic lighting can completely transform any venue into a magical space. Consider using fairy lights, chandeliers, or uplighting to craft an elegant atmosphere. The good news for couples getting married at Cornerstone Ranch in Amarillo is that we already have beautiful string lighting in place, creating the perfect, enchanting ambiance for your big day!
For added elegance, simple LED candles scattered across lush eucalyptus leaves will give your decor a timeless, sophisticated feel, ensuring your venue is both beautiful and memorable.
Use Quality Wedding Photography and Videography
This is one of the biggest mistakes couples make when hiring vendors: thinking that just anyone with a camera can capture your wedding day. I can’t stress this enough—do not settle for someone who doesn’t have the experience and expertise. Take the time to look through wedding photographer galleries to make sure their style aligns with your vision, and ensure they’ve actually shot weddings before!
Hiring a talented photographer and videographer is one of the best investments you can make to give your wedding a high-end feel. While it may be tempting to cut costs in this area, professional photographers know how to work with lighting and angles, ensuring every moment is captured beautifully.
When choosing a photographer, ask about packages that include a mix of candid shots, posed portraits, and key moments like the ceremony and first dance. These photos will become priceless keepsakes that help preserve the luxury and magic of your wedding for years to come.
Making your wedding look expensive without the high price tag is all about focusing on the details that matter most. From choosing the right venue like Cornerstone Ranch Events Center in Amarillo, Texas, to investing in personal touches, luxurious fabrics, and beautiful lighting, there are plenty of ways to create an upscale, sophisticated atmosphere. With a little creativity, smart budgeting, and a focus on what truly matters, you can achieve the luxurious wedding of your dreams without spending a fortune. When you're ready to chat about booking your luxurious wedding at Cornerstone Ranch in Amarillo, contact us!
All photos in this blog courtesy of the amazing and talented Walkin R Photography
Special thanks to the hundreds of locally owned wedding venues from around the country who continue to inspire and support our small business each and every day!
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