NEW YORK, Aug 11: As wedding costs continue to climb, one New York City couple has turned to an unconventional strategy to manage their budget. Nova and Reemo Styles faced a daunting $150,000 venue fee for their June 2023 wedding in Manhattan, a significant challenge given their plan for a 12-hour celebration with 350 guests.

Determined not to abandon their dream, the couple devised a plan to offset the cost by selling tickets to their wedding. Each ticket was priced at $333, a move intended to alleviate the financial burden of their high-profile event. However, the pricing strategy led to a dramatic reduction in guest attendance, with over 80 percent of their invitees declining.

Despite the reduced guest list, the Styles’ wedding went off with a memorable flair. The ceremony took place at St. Patrick's Cathedral, followed by a tour of NYC landmarks on a double-decker party bus, which included stops at The Edge at Hudson Yards for photos. The celebration continued with a luxurious steak and lobster dinner at One World Trade Center.

The couple's innovative approach saved them approximately $70,000, which they have earmarked for starting a family and potentially launching a foundation to support couples undergoing IVF. The Styles shared their story on TikTok in May 2024, captioning the video with, "Did we really sell tickets to our wedding!?"

The TikTok post featured clips from their wedding day, including the cathedral ceremony, the double-decker bus tour, and extravagant wedding attire. Reactions online were mixed, with some viewers criticizing the decision to charge for attendance.

One commenter dismissed the idea as "a joke," accusing the couple of expecting friends to cover their wedding expenses. Another expressed offense at the $333 ticket price, suggesting that the couple should reconsider their wedding plans if they couldn't afford the costs themselves.

Conversely, some supporters praised the couple’s creativity. "That's actually quite smart. Those that mattered didn’t mind paying to celebrate," one user noted. Another commenter appreciated the couple's unique approach, saying, "Love you all have your own style."

As the debate continues, the Styles' story highlights the growing challenge of managing wedding expenses and the lengths some couples will go to ensure their dream day becomes a reality.