FH would say destination wedding in Hawaii. :p honestly I had the opportunity to plan a much more expensive wedding on my first attempt with an ex-fiance (3 times to cost) and it wasn't that different - just a bigger guest count and a bit more structure with food (formal plated instead of wood-fired pizza). I might have considered hiring ceremony musicians/a band instead of a DJ with a larger budget, as I don't love DJs but FH wanted an iPod so a DJ was our compromise. Also, I planned it in under 5 months in peak wedding season so I knew my chances of hiring a good musician in my price range was already low.
Fireworks at the end of the night. Late night snack and more appetizers. A gelato cart from our favorite gelato place which was $1,000 or more.... pay for bridesmaid to get hair and makeup done. I would have had it at this crazy beautiful venue that was too far away and way too expensive. Give everyone amazing gifts! I'd love to shower my mom in a ton of gifts for all that she's done.
Our top choice venue was basically identical to the one we ended up choosing except they had beautiful chandeliers. We just couldn't justify a couple thousand dollar difference over chandeliers!
We are currently grappling with the cost of our favorite venue (a beautiful resort with an equestrian center and a famous cake chef) versus something more budget friendly. If money was unlimited, we would definitely go with the resort and pay for all of our guests to travel (many are OOT) and stay with us. I would also hire the piano guys for my ceremony and be riding in on a horse drawn carriage (I am a huge horse nut).
Having my wedding at the harbor overlooking the potomac omg that place was so beautiful and expensive && have a famous wedding planner like David Tutera