In an era where young couples in New Zealand are juggling rising housing costs, student loans, and inflationary pressures on everyday essentials — even butter — weddings have become yet another financial challenge. While the average cost of a New Zealand wedding reportedly hovers above $87,000, a growing number of engaged couples are ditching the traditional template and opting for inventive ways to tie the knot without breaking the bank.
Rather than taking on more debt or scaling down their dreams, couples like McKenzie and Blair Brown are finding innovative ways to host memorable, meaningful weddings on a fraction of the typical budget. Their story exemplifies how resourcefulness and prioritization can make even a $20,000 wedding feel lavish and deeply personal.
The Christchurch-based Browns faced the same financial dilemma that confronts many modern New Zealanders: how to fund a celebration of love without sacrificing long-term financial stability. A big wedding was something they wanted, but the price tag attached to that dream was simply too high. Adding to their mortgage wasn’t an option they were willing to consider. Instead, they took a more thoughtful, creative route — one that allowed for celebration without financial strain.
The couple’s solution was to spread their wedding festivities across two days, effectively halving the intensity — and cost — of a single large event. Their Friday ceremony was an intimate affair, held at Starling Homestead, a rustic barn-style venue designed for budget-conscious couples. The venue features modest amenities such as Portaloos, but also offers key advantages: couples are allowed to bring their own food and alcohol, take advantage of the picturesque farmland for photos, and enjoy an overnight stay on the property. These factors made it possible for McKenzie and Blair to control costs without compromising the essence of their day.
The Friday event included a small, heartfelt ceremony followed by a casual pizza night with close family. “Instead of paying for a sit-down meal, we got some pizza and literally sat down and chilled out and had some pizza and beverages,” said McKenzie, 28. This relaxed format not only saved money but also created a cozy, personal atmosphere that many couples say they prefer over the formality of traditional receptions.
But the creativity didn’t stop there. The Browns held their Saturday event under the guise of an engagement party, a surprise move that allowed them to host 60 guests for a reception without the expectations or expense associated with a full-blown wedding banquet. Guests arrived unaware that the event was, in fact, the second part of the wedding celebration. Upon entering the venue, they were greeted by a sign revealing the twist: they were attending the Browns’ wedding reception.
McKenzie’s parents added an extra touch of sentiment by surprising the couple with a videographer who captured the guests’ stunned and delighted reactions. The Browns’ two-day celebration created an experience that was rich in joy and surprise, while still remaining on budget.
Another area where McKenzie chose to splurge — while still staying savvy — was on her wedding attire. She designed a custom 2-in-1 dress that could transition from formal to fun. For Friday’s ceremony, the dress was worn with a long overskirt, giving it the traditional bridal silhouette. Come Saturday, she removed the overskirt, transforming the gown into a chic mini dress suitable for a relaxed celebration.
This approach to wedding fashion not only added an element of practicality but also made the dress more versatile and memorable. In contrast to traditional wedding dresses that are worn once and stored away, McKenzie’s convertible gown offered two distinct looks — and two chances to shine — for the price of one.
Their story is emblematic of a broader trend among young Kiwi couples who are eschewing wedding extravagance in favor of more intimate, individualized events that reflect their values and financial realities. Whether it’s choosing to celebrate at home, DIY-ing the decor, or turning a reception into a potluck, couples are proving that a heartfelt wedding doesn’t need to come with a five-figure price tag.
And it’s not just a matter of cutting corners. Many couples report that smaller, simpler weddings allow them to focus on what really matters: their commitment to each other and the presence of loved ones. The reduced pressure and financial burden often translate into a more enjoyable experience for both the couple and their guests.
Wedding planners across the country are taking note. A growing number of venues and vendors are offering customizable, à la carte packages that let couples pick and choose only the services they really need. There’s also an increase in demand for weekday weddings, brunch receptions, and non-traditional venues like gardens, community halls, or even private homes.
As the cost of living continues to rise, the Browns’ strategy may well become the blueprint for a new kind of Kiwi wedding — one defined not by how much is spent, but by how much thought and heart goes into each decision.
In a world where the pressure to spend extravagantly on weddings can be overwhelming, McKenzie and Blair Brown remind us that love doesn’t need a luxury price tag to shine. Their creative approach proves that it’s entirely possible to have a wedding that’s both beautiful and budget-friendly — with room left over for pizza and surprise smiles.
