In the era of social media, a lady and her newly wedded spouse garnered attention on Good Morning America for orchestrating an exceptionally inventive nuptial ceremony. Undoubtedly, the wedding industry has witnessed excessive commercialization in recent times.
Couples who aspire to celebrate their love without incurring exorbitant expenses often find themselves overwhelmed by the commercial aspects of weddings. This is precisely why Kiara and Joel Brokenbrough, with their thrifty wedding arrangements, stood out as anomalies. Remarkably, even their guests were expected to cover the costs of their own meals, as per the couple’s request.
Kiara eloquently conveyed her intentions, stating, “Our objective was to embrace simplicity and minimize expenses as much as possible,” being a designer herself.
To provide some perspective, the average overall cost of weddings in the United States currently stands at approximately $30,000 per event. In stark contrast, Kiara and Joel managed to host their wedding for a mere $500. Their wedding budget pales in comparison to what most brides typically allocate for their wedding dresses alone. Kiara’s gown, for instance, a bold display she showcased in a viral TikTok video, was purchased for a modest $47 from the popular fast-fashion brand, Shein.
Explaining her rationale, Kiara shared, “I didn’t see the need to splurge on a dress that I would wear only once, for a few hours.”
In today’s day and age, numerous couples feel compelled to host lavish weddings to demonstrate the depth of their love, often succumbing to the influence of their peers. Kiara and Joel, however, remained steadfast in their beliefs, unaffected by societal pressure. Despite being viewed as unconventional by some, they stayed true to their vision.
Choosing a venue that didn’t come with a hefty price tag was one of the ways the couple managed to save money. Their ceremony took place in a location adjacent to one of California’s main highways. Yet, as Kiara’s Instagram pictures portrayed, a free venue need not be unappealing. Additionally, they were able to reduce expenses by having guests cover the costs of their own meals and drinks. Luckily, Kiara and Joel were fortunate enough to have friends and family who believed in their vision of a cost-effective yet elegant wedding.
Expressing her sentiment, Kiara stated, “At the end of the day, a wedding is about making vows to your spouse and to God, with witnesses present, committing to spend your lives together. The celebration that follows, with food, drinks, and dancing, is simply a part of that. And that’s exactly what we achieved.”
Ultimately, Kiara’s overarching goal was to convey a message to everyone that the focus for any couple should be on building a strong and fulfilling marriage, rather than solely fixating on a visually stunning wedding.