In an era where love stories are no longer confined to tradition and wedding costs can soar to dizzying heights, couples are rewriting the rules of how to say “I do.” On one end of the spectrum, Korean-American model and fashion influencer Irene Kim turned heads with a high-profile, glamorous ceremony attended by K-pop stars and fashion elite. On the other, a wave of New Zealand couples are redefining the wedding narrative with creative, low-cost celebrations that prioritize intimacy, authenticity, and financial sense over grandeur.
These vastly different weddings show that no matter the scale or budget, the focus remains the same: celebrating love in a way that reflects personal values, style, and priorities.
Irene Kim’s Dreamy, Star-Packed Wedding
On May 23, 2025, Irene Kim celebrated her marriage to longtime partner John, a non-celebrity, in a lavish ceremony in South Korea. Known for her colorful fashion sense and street style presence, Irene took a more understated yet deeply personal approach to announcing her wedding, sharing the news quietly on Instagram earlier in January.
“This isn’t just a story about a ring or a question; it’s about a love that has grown through precious little moments,” she wrote.
The guest list, however, was anything but understated. The celebration included stars like Astro’s Cha Eun-woo, Girls’ Generation’s Jessica Jung, and fashion heavyweights such as Bryanboy, Molly Chiang, Yoyo Cao, and Declan Chan. The entire affair struck the perfect balance between celebrity glamour and heartfelt intimacy.
Beauty Prep and Fashion Highlights
Kim gave fans a glimpse into her bridal skincare prep using La Mer, ensuring she had that glowing bride look. The ceremony was preceded by a unique “bridal shower flea market” – a far cry from traditional bridal showers, aligning with Kim’s quirky and creative brand.
Fashion was central to the celebration, with the model showcasing multiple wedding dresses, including a stunning Nicole + Felicia silk corset dress with a dramatic bubble skirt. The couple also honored tradition with a Pyebaek ceremony – a Korean ritual featuring formal bows and a tea ceremony.
Her two distinct wedding gowns, each telling a different part of her love story, set wedding fashion blogs ablaze and demonstrated that luxury and personality can indeed go hand in hand.
Weddings on a Budget: How New Zealand Couples Make Every Dollar Count
While Kim’s wedding illustrates the splendor possible with a large budget and star power, many couples in New Zealand are proving that unforgettable weddings don’t require a six-figure spend. With the average wedding in the country now pegged at over NZ$87,000, a growing number of couples are resisting this financial pressure by embracing low-cost, high-meaning celebrations.
Let’s explore five couples who recently pulled off weddings under budget – sometimes drastically so – and how they made every moment count.
McKenzie and Blair Brown: $20,000 with a Two-Day Celebration
This Christchurch couple opted to break their wedding into two parts to stay within budget. A Friday night ceremony with close family was followed by a Saturday night pizza party reception. Instead of splurging on catering, they relaxed with homemade food and drinks.
“We literally sat down and chilled out with some pizza and beverages,” said McKenzie, who also wore a custom 2-in-1 dress she designed herself – transforming from long gown to mini-dress between events.
A surprise videographer gifted by her parents captured the emotion and reactions of guests, turning a low-cost celebration into a lifelong memory.
Felicity and Acacia Newburry-Kupe: $3,000 Elopement Done Right
Health concerns prompted this couple to fast-track their plans and ditch the grand affair in favor of a micro wedding planned in just 2.5 days. They hired Kineta Knight Booker, a wedding planner who specializes in elopements, and ended their special day with a cozy dinner at an Italian restaurant.
Despite the smaller scale, they chose to splurge on two photographers to capture the day from different artistic perspectives.
“Eloping is less about running away… and more about holding what is important to you close,” shared Felicity.
Jodie and Ben Pasco: $4,000 and a Keepsake to Remember
For their intimate Hamilton wedding, this couple married with just two witnesses and a celebrant at Woodlands Estate. The historic location offers “Tie the Knot Thursday” packages for budget-conscious couples.
Jodie’s bouquet – a mix of white and pink roses – was pressed and framed as a lasting memento. Her wedding dress, though elegant, wasn’t from a bridal line, helping her slash costs by 75%.
Ben, a musician, wrote and played a custom song during their ceremony, making the day even more personal.
Abigail Smithies and Joshua Clarke: $6,000 for 250 Guests
Scheduled for July, this wedding is impressive not just for its budget but for its sheer size. The couple plans to host 250 guests at a church hall in Nelson, New Zealand, with a potluck reception.
Each RSVP includes the dish the guest will bring, ensuring a diverse and sufficient menu. Alcohol is not permitted at the venue, so they’re opting for a mocktail bar instead.
“I’d rather invite more people and do it this way,” says Abigail, who’s also cutting costs by buying – and later reselling – plates and cutlery online.
Their splurge? A choreographed dance, complete with group and private lessons.
Olivia and Aiden Van Dijk: $6,000 with a Two-Part Plan
Like McKenzie and Blair, this couple used the “Tie the Knot Thursday” option at Woodlands Estate and later hosted a reception at a local restaurant.
They hired the right photographer to capture their special moments and relied on canapés instead of a sit-down meal. Drinks were limited to a bar tab – which, thanks to coming in under budget, they were able to extend on the night.
“We’ve got a mortgage and a young son, so the last thing we wanted to do was get into more debt,” said Olivia.
Takeaway: Weddings on Every Budget Can Be Beautiful
Whether it’s the extravagant glitz of Irene Kim’s fashionable celebration or the heartfelt simplicity of a potluck in Nelson, weddings today are as diverse as the couples who plan them. The consistent theme, however, is a focus on meaning, love, and personalization.
For some, that might mean splurging on couture gowns and celebrity guests. For others, it’s about framed bouquets, shared meals, and choreographed dances.
Ultimately, there is no “right” way to get married—only the way that feels right for you.
