AI Do: ChatGPT Saves the Day, and $5,000, for Tech-Savvy Wedding
Maria Cortese was stunned when a New York wedding planner quoted her $5,000 for their services. With a tight budget of $34,000 for their August 2024 wedding, she feared they'd have to sacrifice elsewhere. But instead of resigning to the high cost, Maria, a savvy Poughkeepsie native, turned to technology. "I've put ChatGPT in charge of everything for my wedding," Maria, 32, confessed. Despite never having used the AI platform before her engagement in September, she was now relying on it entirely.
Maria is just one of many budget-conscious brides opting for cybernetic assistance over traditional wedding planners. According to a 2024 survey by Zola, 52% of engaged couples are considering using automation for their wedding arrangements. From creating wedding websites to managing budgets, tech-savvy couples are embracing AI for tasks typically handled by humans.
Allison Cullman, VP of Brand Marketing & Strategy at Zola, notes the convenience and efficiency of AI systems like ChatGPT. "Generative AI has the potential to streamline many aspects of wedding planning," she explains. "It can help couples expedite manual tasks and assist vendors with scheduling.
In response to this trend, Zola introduced "Split the Decisions," a custom GPT tool designed for soon-to-be-weds. For a $20 monthly ChatGPT+ subscription, couples can divide wedding tasks based on their strengths and interests. It also suggests joint projects for partners to tackle together.
For Megan Riehl, an Upper West Side bride, working alongside her fiancé Nate with ChatGPT made wedding planning a magical experience. "We input our vision into the system," Megan, 28, shared. "And it produced stunning artwork for our invitations." The illustrations perfectly captured the essence of their venue, Crispin Hill in Rochester, New York, where they exchanged vows in September 2023. "It was like having an artist at our fingertips.
Wedding Savings and Honeymoon Delights: How AI Made It Happen
Instead of dishing out an extra $1,200 for a graphic designer, Megan and Nate utilized free credits from DALL-E and spent a mere $50 to print 200 copies of their digital creation via Canva. "Doing it together was enjoyable," Megan shared. "Plus, it was a fantastic way to pocket some extra cash.
Meanwhile, Zanah Hernandez, a 28-year-old financial analyst from San Diego, California, aimed to ease the burden of honeymoon planning after her October 2023 wedding to Luis. Entrusting ChatGPT with the task, she requested a 10-day travel itinerary to Italy's Amalfi Coast with a budget of $4,000 to $6,000, inclusive of flights and accommodations. Additionally, she sought recommendations for boat tours, restaurants, and activities in each beach town on their itinerary.
The automation recommended the charming Hotel Punta Regina in Positano for their stay, along with a romantic coastal row, which Zanah and Luis eagerly embraced. "It was incredibly helpful," Zanah expressed gratefully. "Wedding planning can be overwhelming, but ChatGPT made it effortless, allowing us to focus on enjoying ourselves to the fullest.
In the age of technology, couples like Megan and Nate are finding innovative ways to stretch their wedding budgets further while creating memorable experiences together. Likewise, Zanah and Luis discovered that entrusting AI with honeymoon planning not only relieved stress but also led to unforgettable adventures. As more couples embrace the power of automation in their wedding preparations and beyond, the future of wedding planning looks brighter, more efficient, and filled with exciting possibilities. With AI as their digital ally, couples can focus less on the logistics and more on savoring every moment of their special day and beyond.
