$20,000 vs. $50,000 Weddings in Northeast Georgia

What’s Actually Worth the Splurge?

Planning a wedding near Jefferson or near Athens, Georgia? Whether you're working with a $20,000 wedding budget or splurging on a $50,000 luxury wedding, knowing where to spend and where to save is key. At Chapman Hill, we’ve seen breathtaking weddings at all price points—so let’s break down what’s truly worth the investment and what you can skip without sacrificing style.

Venue & Rentals: The Non-Negotiable

$20,000 Wedding Budget:

• Booking during the off-season (January–March or July–August) to secure lower rates.

• Opting for weekday or Sunday weddings instead of prime Saturdays.

• Choosing an all-inclusive package with essential rentals included (tables, chairs, linens).

  
  

$50,000 Wedding Budget:

• Securing a Saturday peak-season date for maximum guest availability.

• Upgrading to luxury seating (like Chiavari chairs or velvet lounge furniture).

• Renting a custom-built altar or floral arch for an elevated ceremony aesthetic.

  
  

💡 Worth the Splurge? A beautiful wedding venue sets the tone for the entire day—invest wisely. If you have extra room in the budget, upgrading the guest experience with better seating and décor can be worthwhile.

photo - @johnandkymcreativeco

Catering & Bar: Feeding Your Guests in Style

$20,000 Wedding Budget:

• Choosing buffet-style or food stations over plated meals.

• Serving beer, wine, and a signature cocktail instead of a full open bar.

• Selecting a simple yet elegant menu with crowd-pleasing options like chicken, pasta, and vegetarian dishes.

  
  

$50,000 Wedding Budget:

• Indulging in a plated multi-course dinner with premium entrées like filet mignon and lobster.

• Offering a full open bar with top-shelf liquor, custom cocktails, and late-night drink stations.

• Hiring a celebrity chef or private catering team for an elevated culinary experience.

  
  

💡 Worth the Splurge? If food is a priority, investing in quality catering can make a lasting impression. However, you can still create a fantastic experience with an affordable, creative menu.

Photo - @saraheubanksphoto | Coordination- @lovelydayweddings | Catering - @thecateredkitchen | Floral - @a.fancy.situation

Wedding Attire: Dress to Impress (Without the Sticker Shock)

$20,000 Wedding Budget:

• Finding sample sales, trunk shows, or pre-loved designer gowns.

• Renting tuxedos or suits instead of purchasing custom.

• Keeping accessories minimal—veil, shoes, and jewelry on a budget.

  
  

$50,000 Wedding Budget:

• Buying a custom couture wedding dress from designers like Berta, Galia Lahav, or Vera Wang.

• Investing in handmade bridal accessories and designer shoes.

• Purchasing custom tuxedos or multiple outfit changes for the groom and wedding party.

  
  

💡 Worth the Splurge? A dress or tux that makes you feel incredible is worth it, but a designer name isn’t essential. If you love fashion, a splurge could be justifiable!

photo - @johnandkymcreativeco | coordination - @lovelydayweddings | HAMU - thepeachsalonga

Flowers & Décor: Showstopping or Simplified?

$20,000 Wedding Budget:

• Choosing in-season flowers to reduce costs.

• DIY-ing centerpieces with candles, greenery, and budget-friendly blooms.

• Using repurposed ceremony flowers at the reception.

  
  

$50,000 Wedding Budget:

• Booking a celebrity floral designer for extravagant, statement pieces.

• Filling the venue with ceiling installations, floral chandeliers, and oversized arrangements.

• Custom designing a themed reception with specialty draping, luxe linens, and lighting effects.

  
  

💡 Worth the Splurge? Flowers set the mood, but a skilled florist can make a smaller budget stretch. Want jaw-dropping florals? It might be worth going all in.

photo - @johnandkymcreativeco | coordination - @lovelydayweddings | floral - @eventpalette | HAMU - @bombshellcreationsga

Photography & Videography: Capturing the Magic

$20,000 Wedding Budget:

• Hiring a local photographer with a great portfolio.

• Choosing a digital-only package with fewer coverage hours.

• Skipping a videographer or opting for a simple highlight reel.

  
  

$50,000 Wedding Budget:

• Booking a high-end photographer + videographer duo for cinematic storytelling.

• Adding drone footage, multiple shooters, and full-day coverage.

• Creating a custom wedding documentary with guest interviews and behind-the-scenes moments.

  
  

💡 Worth the Splurge? Absolutely! Your wedding photos and videos last forever—investing in the right team is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

Entertainment: A Party to Remember

$20,000 Wedding Budget:

• Booking a great DJ to keep the dance floor full.

• Adding a simple photo booth for guest fun.

• Keeping the reception program straightforward without extravagant extras.

  
  

$50,000 Wedding Budget:

• Hiring a live band or celebrity performer for an unforgettable experience.

• Creating a fully immersive reception with a dance floor show, fireworks, and interactive entertainment (like a cigar bar or champagne wall).

• Bringing in professional dancers or aerialists for a Vegas-style wow factor.

  
  

💡 Worth the Splurge? If you want a truly unforgettable wedding, live entertainment can make all the difference—but a great DJ and an engaged crowd can do wonders on a budget.

photo - @kaitvictoriaphoto | entertainment - @samhillentertainment The Retreat Band

Final Breakdown: Where to Save vs. Where to Splurge

A stunning wedding at Chapman Hill is possible at any budget—the key is deciding where to invest and where to cut costs. Prioritize what truly matters to you and your partner, and don’t be afraid to get creative.

👉 Are you planning a wedding in Athens, GA?

 Contact Chapman Hill today for a tour and custom pricing options!

Thanks so much for stopping by our blog! We hope you found this information helpful. We’re passionate about using our blog to shine a light on locally owned wedding venues. These venues often bring a higher level of expertise, service, and dedication to your big day. Plus, with less staff turnover than corporate or investor-owned venues, they’re able to provide a more personal touch. As you plan your wedding, we’d love for you to consider a locally owned venue like ours!

Check out this wedding venue map to discover amazing locally owned venues across the country. And a big shout out to all the incredible locally owned wedding venues out there!

Harris Glen

Butler’s Courtyard

The Hidden Abby

The 1860 Schulhaus

The Ironwood Barn at Von Erich Ranch

Lake Front Acres

Heartland Farms Event Center

Hanover Reserve

Carolina Country Weddings

Willow Creek Farm Georgia