10 Ways to Make Your St. Louis Wedding Feel Upscale Without Breaking the Bank

Planning a luxury wedding doesn't have to mean spending a fortune. At Berkshire Ridge, we’ve helped countless couples design weddings that feel elevated, elegant, and unforgettable—without blowing their budget. From intentional design choices to personalized details, here are ten smart ways to give your wedding a high-end feel while keeping costs in check.

1. Choose a Venue That Feels Luxurious
The venue sets the tone for your entire wedding, and choosing one that feels luxurious is essential. While high-end venues can come with sky-high price tags, there are hidden gems that offer elegance, charm, and breathtaking views—without breaking the bank. Berkshire Ridge, just outside St. Louis, Missouri, is one such place. With wedding packages starting at $4,000, couples enjoy a truly upscale experience at an accessible price. Our venue features a picturesque hilltop with grazing cattle, a serene lakeside ceremony space complete with a fountain and tree-covered setting, and a spacious stamped concrete patio strung with romantic café lights. A cozy fire pit off to the side adds the perfect touch for late-night conversations and s’mores under the stars.

A large luxurious bridal suite that bride’s dream of!

One of our standout features is the private 1,500-square-foot building dedicated entirely to the bridal suite and groom’s quarters. The bridal suite is a luxurious, light-filled space featuring custom chandeliers, private closets, and a breathtaking 5-foot by 8-foot ornate mirror that’s perfect for bridal portraits. Just down the hall, the groom’s quarters offer a relaxed yet refined setting with a large-screen TV, game table, bar area, and separate bathroom and closet—giving both parties plenty of space to prep, relax, and enjoy the day in comfort and style.

2. Set the Mood: Use Lighting to Elevate Your Wedding
Lighting is one of the most powerful elements in creating a luxurious wedding atmosphere. At Berkshire Ridge, lighting is a standout feature. Elegant chandeliers illuminate the reception space, while custom uplighting and downlighting on our oversized wood pillars add warmth, depth, and a soft romantic glow.

Outdoors, our spacious stamped concrete patio is lined with string lighting suspended from poles, casting a magical glow as the sun sets. The horizontal wire railing keeps the view wide open, allowing guests to fully enjoy the surrounding landscape. We also proudly allow live flame candles throughout the venue, which, when paired with greenery like eucalyptus garlands, add an enchanting, timeless ambiance.

3. Use Seasonal and Local Flowers to Upscale Your Wedding
Floral arrangements are often one of the most visually impactful—and expensive—elements of a wedding. But you don’t need to splurge on exotic blooms to achieve a luxe look. Opting for seasonal flowers lowers costs while ensuring your arrangements are fresh and full. Think romantic blooms like roses, peonies, or hydrangeas paired with greenery for a lush, upscale vibe.

Florals by Drummond’s Florist in De Soto, Missouri

Sourcing from local florists, such as Drummond’s Florist, keeps things affordable and supports small businesses. Repurpose ceremony florals at your reception for double the impact without doubling the cost. For example, move altar swags to the head table to create a cohesive, budget-smart design.

4. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity for an Elegant Wedding
You don’t need dozens of decorations or elaborate centerpieces to create an upscale experience. Instead, focus on a few impactful, well-chosen elements. Use large, lush arrangements on key tables or display elegant tableware with clean, cohesive styling.

Sometimes less truly is more—especially when you invest in quality pieces that leave a lasting impression.

5. Opt for Luxe Fabrics and Textures
Incorporate rich materials like satin, silk, or velvet into your attire and décor for an instant touch of luxury. Many affordable bridal lines offer stunning gowns made from upscale fabrics that feel every bit as glamorous as designer options.

For reception décor, add velvet runners, satin chair sashes, or linen napkins to elevate the feel of your table settings. Even a few quality textile touches can create a refined, cohesive look.

Christmas weddings are spectacular at Berkshire Ridge Wedding Venue

6. Add Elegant, Personalized Touches
Custom details add charm and sophistication to your wedding. Consider engraved glassware, monogrammed napkins, or handwritten ceremony programs. A favorite option at Berkshire Ridge is using charger plates at guest tables—we offer gold and wood styles for rent. Paired with a thank-you note, a cloth napkin, and a sprig of greenery, this small detail adds huge visual impact.

7. Invest in Quality Photography and Videography
Don’t settle when it comes to preserving your memories. Professional photographers understand lighting, angles, and timing—and can make your wedding look even more beautiful than you remember. We highly recommend talented local artists like Ashley Portrait Co., KC Photography, and Amy Elizabeth Photography, who consistently deliver timeless, heartfelt imagery. Ask about packages that balance candid shots, posed portraits, and key moments.

8. Fill-in-the-Blank Advice Cards: Sweet, Silly, and So You
Give your guests a fun and interactive way to share their thoughts with fill-in-the-blank advice cards placed at each table. Prompts like:

• Never go to bed without ________.

• The key to a happy marriage is ________.

• When in doubt, ________.

These small cards offer big personality and make for hilarious, heartfelt memories.

9. Add a Personal Lighting Moment with Candles
Berkshire Ridge allows real flame candles inside and out—which means you can craft your own cozy, candlelit magic. Mix tall glass cylinders, votives, or lanterns along the tables and ceremony aisle to create a soft glow that adds timeless romance to your decor.

Live flame make all the difference

10. Final Touches Matter: Details Guests Will Remember
Whether it’s a handwritten welcome sign, a custom favor that reflects your story, or a fun guest book alternative, the final details are often what make your wedding feel thoughtful and well-executed. And the best part? These touches don’t have to cost a lot—they just have to feel like you.

Final Thoughts: Luxury Is in the Details
Creating a wedding that feels elegant, upscale, and unforgettable doesn’t require an unlimited budget—it just takes thoughtful choices and intentional planning. At Berkshire Ridge, we believe luxury is about how your day feels, not just how it looks. With stunning natural surroundings, elegant event spaces, and experienced staff to guide you every step of the way, you can achieve a high-end celebration that’s both beautiful and budget-conscious.

Whether you're dreaming of candlelight, custom decor, or meaningful moments with loved ones, your wedding can feel every bit as luxurious as you imagined—without breaking the bank.

Visit us at www.berkshireridgeofblackwell.com to learn more or schedule a tour!

From Our Venue to Your Love Story - Kim

Berkshire Ridge is a locally owned and operated business just south of St. Louis, Missouri. We sincerely hope to encourage our couples to learn more about the value and importance of choosing a locally owned business when it is time to book your wedding venue and vendors. Locally owned venues will offer a high level of hospitality, attentive communication and a desire to ensure your wedding exceeds expectations. We are thrilled to support wedding venue owners from around the country with a shout out in our blog!

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