This offbeat couple was on an all-out hunt for an affordable NYC wedding, and what do you know—among all the budget boxes checked off, they scored free wedding photography by winning my RomancEd 2024 contest! Read on for their crazy photos and a scoop on budget wedding tips.
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Meet the 2024 Contest Winners!
Here they are again, Nithley and Joshua, who broke my site last year by sending their friends to the blog I wrote about their dope Queens engagement shoot. I spoke about this wild mix of a Latina bartender and a Jewish personal trainer there, so I will skip the introductions.
My RomancEd 2024 contest launched a few months after their engagement session, and, lo and behold, the couple entered it! Why, its grand prize offers all-day coverage for engaged or married couples! Having already seen their enthusiastic fanbase, I wasn’t surprised about their sweeping victory there, leaving the second-place winners way behind.
Now, let’s dive into how they turned their affordable NYC wedding into a reality, along with general tips you can borrow.
Making of Affordable NYC Wedding
Planning a budget-friendly wedding in New York City while incorporating as much DIY as possible can be a daunting task, but it’s absolutely doable with some creativity, patience, and resourcefulness. Let’s look at some practical tips for each key category:
Coordination
To streamline your wedding planning, leverage free wedding planning tools and apps like Zola, WeddingWire, or The Knot. These platforms can help you keep track of your budget, guest list, and timeline. Delegate tasks to friends and family members willing to help, assigning them specific roles such as setting up, cleaning up, or assisting guests.
In lieu of hiring a wedding coordinator, who, among favorable scenarios, may be out of budget or unreliable, Nithley took it upon herself to take all the reins here. She made a Wedding Binder, of course:
Consider scheduling your affordable NYC wedding during off-peak times like weekdays or non-peak seasons to take advantage of lower venue and vendor costs. My prices do not change seasonally, but others may!
Makeup/Hair
For makeup and hair, consider doing it yourself or enlisting the help of a talented friend or family member. Opting for a minimalist, natural style can simplify the process and reduce the need for expensive products and tools. Practice your look beforehand to ensure you’re comfortable executing it on the day. Nithley’s sister was there to help both the bride and their mom!
Alternatively, book appointments at budget-friendly salons or beauty schools where students can provide quality services at a lower cost. I used to regularly go to the American Barber Institute in Manhattan, getting my haircut for $5.
Dress and Suit
When it comes to affordable NYC wedding attire, explore second-hand options and rentals. Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like Poshmark or Rent the Runway offer gently used dresses and suits at a fraction of the cost of new ones. Keep an eye out for bridal sample sales in NYC, where you can find designer gowns at significant discounts. If you or someone you know has sewing skills, consider purchasing a less expensive dress or suit and making any necessary alterations yourself.
Get this: saving on a designer gown allowed Nithley to don not one but two groovy outfits! The main attire was a combination of a dress from FashionNova, a detachable cloak from Etsy, and shoes from Tory Burch and Nike. The second featured an Anthropologie top, a David’s Bridal skirt, and Mango shoes.
Joshua sported a State and Liberty suit (hey, he’s a personal trainer, remember?) and Thursday Boot shoes.
Bridal Party (Lack of Thereof)
Choosing to forgo a traditional bridal party can significantly simplify your affordable NYC wedding and reduce costs. Without bridesmaids or groomsmen, you eliminate the need for coordinating outfits, accessories, bouquets, and additional transportation for a large group. This approach also reduces the complexity of managing schedules and duties associated with a bridal party. Instead, consider involving close friends and family in more informal roles, such as giving toasts or helping with specific tasks. This way, they can still be a part of your special day without the added formality and expense.
Transportation
New York City’s extensive public transportation system is a cost-effective way to get around on your wedding day. Arrange for group travel via the subway or buses or use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft for flexibility and affordability. If your venue is close to your accommodations, take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a scenic walk, weather permitting.
My couple got it all! First, they proclaimed their first look would be on a SUBWAY STATION PLATFORM! How lit is that!? See, as true New York commuter warriors, this subway station became a meaningful part of their lives as a couple (they live nearby). It has their stories. It became “theirs”, and earned the honors.
Secondly, they took a subway ride to the venue! What can beat $5.80 at most? It was helpful that the venue wasn’t across the city, too. And look at these fun shots! I actually wished the ride were longer to get more of them! A nice little walk offered a few more photo ops.
Photography
For photography, consider hiring a photography student or an amateur photographer who can provide quality work at a more affordable rate. Encourage guests to take photos and share them via a dedicated hashtag or using a photo-sharing app. Setting up a DIY photo booth with a backdrop, props, and a camera on a tripod can also add a fun, interactive element for your guests.
My RomancEd 2024 contest took care of this. Fortunately, they got an experienced photographer and didn’t have to pay anything. 🙂 Try searching Googling “win free wedding photography“, or keep an eye on Zorz Studios’ contest, which runs annually since 2009. Its core is an offbeat engagement session concept.
Video
For video, the same advice as for photography: consider hiring film students or emerging videographers who are looking to build their portfolios and may offer lower rates. Alternatively, set up cameras on tripods or ask friends to capture key moments throughout the day. Keep the editing minimal, or use basic software to compile the footage into a keepsake video.
I offered my cinematography service, but the budget was strict, I suppose. 🙂 Many couples forgo videos altogether, but I have to disagree based on my personal experience… I wish I could watch my wife and me in motion and hear us years after the wedding…
Venue
Selecting an affordable venue in NYC can be challenging, but options like public parks, community centers, and local landmarks with lower rental fees are available. Check NYC Parks for any required permits. Hosting the ceremony or reception at your home, backyard, or a friend’s place is another cost-saving option. Some restaurants and bars offer event packages that can be more budget-friendly, especially if they can be booked during non-peak hours or for a buyout.
A rather unexpected location might be a photo studio. Many are located in NYC’s repurposed industrial buildings, such as factories and warehouses. They offer lots of headroom and a cool industrial chic vibe; some even have views or unique features like smokestacks or ironworks. The larger ones double as event spaces, with the studio owners more than willing to rent them out, as photoshoots do not take place every day. Bonus point: such a studio may have some cool lights available throughout the celebration!
Peerspace is an excellent source to filter them from hundreds of options to fit your vibe and crowd size.
Nithley and Joshua found one just like that! Atmosfera is a cool Queens photo studio and event space that can accommodate up to a midsize celebration of any affordable NYC wedding!
Officiant
For the officiant, ask a close friend or family member to become ordained online and officiate your ceremony. This personal touch can add a unique element to your affordable NYC wedding. Alternatively, a small, inexpensive ceremony at City Hall can be an intimate and budget-friendly option, with a larger celebration planned for later. You could also reach out to a community or religious leader who may be willing to officiate for a donation or at a lower cost.
Our couple got their friend Erik Corona to officiate!
Curiously, the couple exchanged their vows in an intimate circle before the official ceremony. Joshua’s late father was with us right next to the groom’s heart.
Flowers
To save on flowers, purchase them from wholesale markets like the NYC Flower District or online wholesalers and create your own arrangements. Consider using silk or faux flowers, which are more affordable and reusable or resellable after the wedding. Choosing in-season and locally grown flowers will also help keep costs down.
Nithley bought them from BJ’s and Costco and arranged the bridal bouquet herself.
Decor
For decor, focus on a few key elements rather than trying to fill the entire space. Using upcycled materials for centerpieces and other decorations can be cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Items like mason jars, candles, and second-hand decorations can add charm without breaking the bank. Get creative with DIY crafts and use platforms like Pinterest for inspiration and tutorials on creating affordable, beautiful decorations.
Our bride went with thrift items, Facebook marketplace, and Temu, a go-to place for all budget things, including an affordable NYC wedding.
Food
For catering a unique, warm, and super affordable NYC wedding, consider a potluck-style reception where guests bring dishes to share, creating a warm, community atmosphere. Hiring a food truck can be a fun and affordable alternative to traditional catering. If you’re handling desserts yourself, bake them or ask family and friends to contribute their favorite recipes for a dessert table. Choosing a buffet or family-style service can reduce costs compared to a formal plated meal.
If budget allows, it is savvy to splurge at least somewhere if you manage to cut significant costs elsewhere. The food was definitely a winner there! Melissa Toribio of Brie on the Chisme created the cocktail hour masterpiece for an elevated charcuterie experience with gourmet cheeses. The main courses came from the award-winning pitmasters of Pig Beach BBQ Queens. For the desserts, the newlyweds went with Dough Doughnuts.
A little “as a bartender to a bartender” moment:
Entertainment
Instead of hiring a professional DJ, create your own playlist and use a smartphone, laptop, or tablet with a good speaker system to play music throughout the event. You can also ask a music-savvy friend to act as the DJ and MC for your affordable NYC wedding. If you prefer to hire a DJ, look for up-and-coming talent who may offer lower rates as they build their portfolio.
The guys went with Constantine Ptohos from 74 Events, and with the coordination by Nikki Jax, the entertainment part was covered.
Among other touching moments were Joshua’s surprise birthday congratulations and dance with his mom. See those cool studio continuous lights in action?
Speaking of light, I took advantage of it for fire bride and groom portraits.
And, of course, seeing the fun bubble guns, how could I NOT have them do a Duel 2.0, following their engagement shooting shoot?
Conclusion
By focusing on these strategies, Nithley and Jopshua could create a beautiful, memorable, affordable NYC wedding without breaking the bank. Like them, you can prioritize what matters most to you, negotiate with vendors, and stay organized to manage your budget effectively. With some DIY spirit and thoughtful planning, your wedding day will be affordable and unforgettable. And, if you’re offbeat and easy-going, the celebration will be fun and awesome AF! I thoroughly enjoyed working with this couple—my type of couple!
💎 Exclusive Content
Below are some of the things and thoughts I wouldn’t readily share publicly. Click the “Join Now” button to become a Zorz Studios website’s Premium member for exclusive access to curious parts of this and other posts. In today’s feature, find out about:
- how I almost NOT shot this affordable NYC wedding
- a hush-hush way to book some studios, including mine, for half the price
- the woes of the DIY approach, which almost ruined the cover image of this blog
- how some of the best photos featured here were lost but recovered
- would you imagine me as a bartender?
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Credits
Coordinator: Nithley Luna (@spicyfeldy)
Bride’s outfits: FashionNova (@fashionnova), Etsy (@etsy), Tory Burch (@toryburch), Nike (@nike), Anthropologie (@anthropologie), Davids Bridal (@davidsbridal), Mango (@mango)
Groom’s outfits: State and Liberty (@stateandliberty), Thursday Boot (@thursdayboots)
Venue: Atmosfera (@atmosfera.nyc)
Flowers: BJ’s (@bjswholesale) and Costco (@costco) arranged by Nithley Luna (@spicyfeldy)
Decor: Facebook marketplace and Temu (@temu)
Officiant: Erik Corona (@cali_rona)
MC and point of contact: Nikki Jax (@djnikkijax)
Entertainment: DJ Kahn (Constantine Ptohos) of 74 Events (@74events)
Cocktail hour food: Melissa Toribio of Brie on the Chisme (@brieonthechisme)
Dinner: Pig Beach BBQ Queens (@pig_beach_queens)
Desserts: Dough Doughnuts (@doughdoughnuts)
Photography: Zorz Studios (@zorzstudios)
