Budgeting for Your Asheville Wedding: Where to Splurge and Where to Save 💍

Planning a wedding in Asheville or Western North Carolina is one of the most exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—journeys you’ll take. Between the breathtaking mountain views, stunning venues, and endless list of talented local vendors, it’s easy to fall in love with everything this area has to offer. But even the most organized brides will tell you: the budget conversation has to happen.

The truth is, weddings here in the mountains can be as modest or as extravagant as you want them to be. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement along the Blue Ridge Parkway or a grand celebration at the Biltmore Estate, knowing where to splurge and where to save can make all the difference in both your experience and your peace of mind.

At Jeanne’s Hair & Makeup, we’ve worked with hundreds of couples across Asheville and WNC — from rustic barns in Waynesville and Black Mountain to luxury resorts in Highlands and Cashiers — and we’ve learned a thing or two about what truly matters on your big day.

Here’s our guide to smart, stress-free wedding budgeting in the mountains.

✨ Where to Splurge

1. Photography & Videography

When the last dance is over, your photos and videos are what remain. A talented photographer captures not just faces, but emotions—the quiet moments, the laughter, the beauty of Asheville’s light reflecting through the trees. Invest in professionals whose work speaks to your heart. You’ll never regret it.

2. Hair & Makeup

Of course, we might be biased—but this one truly matters. Your photos (and confidence) depend on how you feel. Professionally done hair and makeup isn’t just about beauty; it’s about durability, expertise, and stress reduction.

We’ve seen what happens when someone’s “friend of a friend” does makeup on the big day, and humidity or tears take over. A professional team like Jeanne’s Hair & Makeup ensures your look lasts from the first photo to the last dance — rain, shine, or mountain mist.

3. Venue & Experience

Asheville and WNC are full of stunning venues: think vineyards, mountaintop lodges, and historic downtown spaces. The venue sets the tone for your entire celebration — it’s what your guests will remember most. Choose one that fits your vision and your love story. A great venue is more than walls and tables; it’s atmosphere, service, and backdrop all in one.

4. Entertainment

Whether it’s a live band under the stars or a DJ who knows how to keep the dance floor full, your entertainment brings the energy. This is not the time to cut corners—music keeps the celebration alive long after the champagne has been poured.

💐 Where to Save (Without Sacrificing Style)

1. Invitations & Stationery

We love beautiful paper goods, but this is an easy area to streamline. Many Asheville couples are going digital for save-the-dates or using high-quality print-on-demand services. You’ll still have something lovely to hold onto without the premium price tag.

2. Guest Favors

Thoughtful, local, and simple is the way to go. Skip the trinkets and consider something Asheville-inspired like a small locally made candle, mini honey jar, or local chocolate. Guests love edible or usable gifts — and you’ll save on bulk ordering and shipping.

3. Cake & Desserts

You don’t need a six-tier masterpiece. Many couples now opt for a smaller display cake (for cutting) and sheet cakes or cupcakes behind the scenes. It’s cost-effective, and guests still get something delicious.

4. Flowers

Florals are beautiful but can quickly add up. Choose in-season blooms from local WNC florists and mix in greenery to fill your arrangements. You’ll save hundreds without losing the beauty.

💄 Bonus Tip: Hire Local Experts Who Understand Asheville

Local vendors aren’t just convenient — they’re strategic. We understand mountain weather patterns, travel logistics, humidity, and hidden gems. A stylist from Charlotte or Atlanta might not realize that 90% humidity in June at the Biltmore means you’ll need humidity-resistant hair spray, or that the drive to your venue includes a steep gravel road that eats up time in the timeline.

When you work with Asheville-based professionals — like our team at Jeanne’s Hair & Makeup — you’re not just hiring talent; you’re hiring experience that’s local and personal.

🌸 Final Thoughts

Your Asheville wedding should be about joy, not stress. Spend where it matters most: memories, moments, and confidence. Save where you can without compromising beauty or authenticity. And remember — your guests won’t remember if your napkins matched your linens… but they will remember how happy you looked walking down that aisle.

If you’re planning your wedding in Asheville or Western North Carolina, our team at Jeanne’s Hair & Makeup would love to help make your day effortless and unforgettable — no matter your budget.

📞 JeannesHair.com
💌 jeanne@jeanneshair.com

💄 Luxury, love, and local expertise — all in one team.