How To Have a ‘Quiet Luxury’ Wedding on a Frugal Budget
Written by
Cindy Lamothe
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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You’ve seen the photos — soft lighting, lush florals, tailored details and an atmosphere that whispers elegance instead of shouting it. That’s the magic of “quiet luxury,” the style that makes everything look timeless and expensive without ever feeling flashy.
The best part? You don’t need a sky-high budget to make it happen. With some smart planning, thoughtful choices and a dash of creativity, you can craft a wedding that looks like it belongs in a glossy magazine while keeping your finances firmly in the real world.
Here’s how to pull off that refined, understated vibe without the over-the-top price tag.
Intentional Minimalism
“After 15+ years in the industry, I’ve never seen such a widespread pull toward intentional minimalism,” said Billy Folchetti, creative director and founder of Luxe x (by) Billy Folchetti.
Think clean lines, candlelit ambiances, architectural florals and bare tabletops. Picture raw tablescapes paired with sculptural flatware and minimal decor that lets the design breathe.
“We’re witnessing a shift — less is the new luxe,” Folchetti explained. He pointed to Coco Chanel’s timeless tip of looking at yourself in the mirror before you leave the house and taking off one thing.
And minimalism isn’t just pretty, Folchetti noted. It’s also practical. The cleaner the look, the fewer the moving parts. That means less setup, less stress and fewer variables to manage.
“And the bonus? The design stays aligned with modern elegance and your actual budget. It’s fashion-forward, emotionally calmer and aesthetically timeless — everything you want your wedding day to be,” he said.
How To Pull Off Quiet Luxury on a Realistic Budget
Quiet luxury isn’t about skimping, according Folchetti. It’s about editing and editing well. This look thrives on restraint, which, better for you, is inherently budget-friendly.
His advice? Skip the extras no one will miss, like boutonnieres. “Hot take: I loathe them,” he said. Other things to consider skipping are the overly fluffed aisle decor and the dramatic ceremony arches that eat up 20% of your floral budget for a 20-minute moment.
Instead, Folchetti advised focusing on high-impact details: a singular statement installation, a beautifully bare reception table lit entirely by hundreds of glowing taper candles, or lush, sculptural florals placed intentionally, not everywhere.
Affordable Tips for an Elevated Look (That Doesn’t Feel Budget)
Below are some of Folchetti’s top tips for achieving an elevated look within a budget.
- Candles, candles, candles. Nothing adds warmth, romance and luxury for less like this tip. Go wild with quantity. It’s the most affordable drama you’ll find.
- Statement florals, not scattered stuff. Instead of trying to fill the room, create one show-stopping moment — like a cascading floral waterfall off a king’s table or a sculptural floral photo wall.
- Less-is-more bouquets. Streamline the bridal party florals to stay intentional. Think tall and textural rather than round and crowded.
- Rethink linens. Opt for stunning raw wood tables (or metal for a sexier vibe) or minimal base linens with standout napkins or flatware. Let the table’s structure be the design.
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