You got engaged and now freaked out about the Wedding Cost

We understand because weddings in Australia can be pretty pricey! In 2024, people were spending between $36,000 and $51,000 on average. This means that how much you pay depends on what you want for your big day.

So, what are you paying for exactly? Let’s dive into that and see how you can plan wisely. If you need to check track download this budget sheet. You would love to know your end cost.

What’s to difference between DIY to Luxury Weddings

DIY Weddings – 10,000 – 15,000

A DIY wedding, costing about $10,000, focuses on personal touches and creativity. Couples handle planning, decorating, and maybe even the food themselves, making it a unique and special day. This can take a lot of time and may mean not using some professional services. 

Average price – around $30,000 

Most weddings cost around $30,000 and mix DIY with hired help. Couples might get planners, caterers, and photographers to help out, making it less stressful but still personal. This way, they get expert help while adding their own special touches. 

Luxury – $50,000 and above 

Luxury weddings, costing over $50,000, are all about fancy and exclusive details. They usually have expensive venues, fancy food, and amazing decorations and entertainment. These weddings focus on elegance and style, perfect for couples who want a grand and impressive celebration. The choice depends on what the couple values and can afford.

List Of Cost When Planning Your Wedding Day

Breakdown of a traditional wedding in Australia – These are average cost 

Wedding Venue – 10,000 – 15,000

Wedding Dress – $2500

Wedding Photographer $4000

Floral Bouquets and styling $2500 – $5000

Celebrant – $800

Makeup Artist – $300 – $800

Hair stylist – $300 – $800

Invitations & Stationary – $1000

Bridal Accessories & Jewellery – $1000

Cake Designer – $1000

Cars & Transport – $1500

Ceremony venue – $1500

DJ or band – $800 – $2000

Groom suits – $1000

Lingerie & Robes – $500 – $800

Photo Booth – $700

Videographer or Content Creator -$1000 – $2500

Hire Furniture – $1500 – $3000

Catering & Bar – $5000 – $8000

Additional 

Hens & Bucks Party – $1000

Honeymoon – $5000

Venue and Catering Costs for Australian Weddings

Planning a wedding can be expensive, especially when it comes to choosing a venue in Australia. There are many options to consider, like beach resorts, barns, and fancy ballrooms, and prices can range from AUD 3,000 to AUD 20,000 based on what you pick. 

Food is another big cost. Couples might spend between AUD 100 and AUD 300 per person for a meal. If you opt for a cocktail-style party, it might be a bit cheaper, but you still need to plan it well. Don’t forget about other costs like cake cutting, drinks, and tipping the staff, which can add up fast.

It’s important to know what to expect with these costs as they can take up a big part of your budget. Popular venues and top-notch catering might cost more, but they often mean good quality and reliability, making them worth it. So, researching thoroughly and booking early can help you find good deals and make sure your big day goes well.

The Price of Bridal Attire and Accessories

When you’re thinking about wedding clothes, the cost of a wedding dress in Australia can be all over the place. You might find simple dresses for around AUD 1,000, but designer ones can go up to AUD 10,000 or even more. Plus, you have to remember things like veils, shoes, and jewellery, which can add a few hundred dollars extra.

The groom also needs something nice to wear. A good suit could cost between AUD 500 and AUD 3,000, depending on whether it’s rented or specially made. Altogether, the cost of both outfits can get pretty high, so it’s important to plan for these costs early on.

On top of the main outfits, you might need to spend on changes to make sure everything fits just right. These changes can cost between AUD 100 and AUD 600, based on what needs to be fixed.

Don’t forget about your bridal party. Bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen suits might add another AUD 150 to AUD 500 per person. Keeping all this in mind will help you budget better and avoid any last-minute stress.

Photography and Videography: Capturing Your Special Day

Photos and videos are super important for keeping the memories of your wedding in Australia. Hiring a good photographer usually costs between AUD 2,000 and AUD 5,000, depending on their skills and the package you pick. Some couples also go for engagement photos, which cost extra but give you lovely pre-wedding pictures.

Videos are also a hit, with prices from AUD 1,500 to AUD 5,000. It’s a good idea to decide early if you want both photos and videos because they can be a big part of your budget. Skilled photographers and videographers capture your day perfectly, making sure those moments last forever.

Extras like drone shots or quick edits can cost more but give you cool angles and instant memories. Make sure to set aside enough money for these services, as they create amazing keepsakes you’ll treasure for a long time.

Floral Arrangements and Decorations for the Ceremony and Reception

Flowers and decorations are super important for making your wedding feel special. The price of flowers can change based on the season, the type of flowers you want, and how fancy the arrangements are. For example, a basic flower package with things like bouquets and boutonnieres usually starts at about AUD 1,000. But if you want something fancier, like big flower displays or arches, it could cost more than AUD 5,000.

Besides flowers, other decorations like table centrepieces, tablecloths, and lights are also really important. These can totally change how a place looks, making it match your personal style or theme. Simple centrepieces might cost around AUD 50 each, but if you want something more intricate, it could be AUD 200 or more for each table.

Lighting is another big deal for setting the mood. Things like fairy lights, chandeliers, and special lighting effects can cost between AUD 500 and AUD 3,000, depending on how much you need. For linens, like tablecloths and chair covers, expect to spend an extra AUD 500 to AUD 2,000, especially if you go for really nice or custom options.

With all these different costs, it’s important to think carefully about what you want and plan your budget to make sure everything fits with your vision for the big day.

Music and Entertainment to Keep the Celebration Going

Music and fun activities play a big role in making your wedding day special and exciting. When choosing how to keep everyone entertained, you might go for a lively band or a cool DJ. DJs are usually more budget-friendly, costing between AUD 1,000 and AUD 2,500, and they can play lots of different songs and take requests from your guests. Bands can make the party even more energetic, but they can be pricier, ranging from AUD 2,500 to AUD 6,000, depending on how popular they are and how long they play.

Besides the main music, think about other fun things to keep your friends and family entertained. Photo booths are a hit, letting people take fun pictures and create lasting memories. Renting one can cost between AUD 500 and AUD 1,500, depending on how fancy it is and how long you need it. You could also hire magicians, or artists to draw caricatures, or dancers to wow your guests. The cost for these can vary based on how experienced the performers are and how long they perform.

Don’t forget about the tech stuff, like speakers and lights for the dance area, which can make everything look and sound amazing. This can add an extra AUD 500 to AUD 2,000 to what you spend. Balancing these choices will make sure everyone has a fantastic time celebrating with you.

Transportation Costs for the Wedding Party and Guests

When planning your wedding in Australia, getting everyone where they need to be is important for both ease and making the day special. Renting a fancy car for the couple can start at about AUD 500. For your bridal party, choosing classic cars or limos adds a classy touch, usually costing between AUD 600 and AUD 2,000.

If your ceremony and party are at different places or if you have guests from out of town, you might need shuttle buses. These can cost from AUD 1,000 to AUD 3,000, depending on how far and how many people need a ride. This way, everyone gets there on time and can enjoy the day without worrying about how to get around.

For something extra special, you could even think about horse-drawn carriages or boats if you’re near water. These can cost between AUD 800 and AUD 3,000 and will make your day even more unique. Make sure to plan your transportation early so everything goes smoothly on your big day.

Miscellaneous Costs: Invitations, Favors, and Wedding Planning Services

Planning a wedding can be a bit like putting together a puzzle, and sometimes there are pieces you might not think about right away. It’s important to remember these extra costs when you’re figuring out how much your wedding will cost. For example, sending out invitations can cost between AUD 500 and AUD 2,000. This depends on how fancy the paper is, how the invitations are printed, and how many people you’re inviting. If you want something really special, like a unique design or fancy paper, it might cost even more.

Giving gifts to your guests is another thing to consider. Whether it’s a small thank-you token or a more personalized gift, you might spend about AUD 3 to AUD 10 for each person. If you’re inviting 100 guests, that’s an extra AUD 300 to AUD 1,000.

Thinking about hiring a wedding planner? It could make things a lot easier. In Australia, they usually charge between AUD 1,500 and AUD 5,000, depending on what you need. They can help with everything or just certain parts, like finding the right vendors or making sure everything looks perfect.

Don’t forget about the cost for things like hair and makeup, which might be AUD 150 to AUD 500 per person. Also, getting your marriage license and any permits you need can add up to AUD 300 to AUD 500. It’s smart to save a little extra, maybe 5-10% of your budget, just in case something unexpected comes up. This way, you’ll feel more relaxed as your big day approaches.

No Right or Wrong Way To Plan Your Wedding 

Just remember there is no right or wrong way to plan your wedding day. Write a list of what’s important to you. Then start planning from there with a budget in mind. 

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