How much does an australian wedding cost on average?

Wedding budgeting isn’t about shoving your dreams into a spreadsheet; it’s about figuring out how people like you get married. It’s a process of blending personal choices, family traditions, cultural elements, and your unique tastes into a day that feels authentically yours. Some people splurge on incredible venues, others prioritise top-notch food or the perfect photographer—and all of these are valid choices.

There’s no right or wrong here. Every couple has their own set of values, and those values determine how your budget takes shape. What matters most is that you prioritise what’s meaningful to you while staying true to your own financial reality. Wedding planning should feel empowering, not like a competition. So, let’s take a look at the key costs involved in an Australian wedding and help you create a budget that works for you.

The Costs of an Australian Wedding

1. Venue

• Ceremony-only venues: $900–$5,000 depending on location and style (e.g., a garden versus a grand hall).
• Reception venues: $5,000–$25,000+ for everything from warehouses to waterfront estates.

2. Catering

• Per head cost: $90–$500 per guest, depending on menu choices and drink packages. Expect to spend $9,000–$50,000 for 100 guests.

3. Celebrant

• Professional celebrants: $1,000–$4,500, depending on their artistry and approach to personalising your ceremony.

4. Photo, Video & Content Creation

• Photographer: $3,500–$10,000, based on artistic style and the level of coverage.
• Videographer: $3,500–$10,000, delivering everything from cinematic highlights to full edits.
• Content Creator: $1,500–$3,500, for on-the-day reels, TikToks, or dynamic social media coverage.

5. Entertainment

• DJ: $1,400–$3,000 for music tailored to your vibe.
• Live band: $2,500–$7,000+ for those looking for a more interactive atmosphere.

6. Styling & Florals

• Bouquets and buttonholes: $500–$2,500.
• Decor and installations: $2,000–$15,000+ for luxe setups.

7. Attire

• Bride’s dress: $2,000–$10,000+.
• Groom’s attire: $1,000–$3,500.
• Accessories and shoes: $500–$2,000.

8. Hair and Makeup

• Bride: $300–$800.
• Bridal party: $150–$300 per person.

9. Cake

• $500–$2,000, depending on size, tiers, and design.

10. Stationery

• Invitations and signage: $500–$2,000+, including premium printing or calligraphy.

11. Photo Booths

• $1,000–$2,000 for hours of guest entertainment and take-home keepsakes.

12. Transportation

• $500–$2,500 for classic cars, limousines, or even a horse and carriage.

Average wedding costs in Australia

• Small Wedding with 50 guests: $20,000 – $35,000
• Average Wedding: $40,000
• Luxury Wedding: $50,000 – $200,000

These ranges reflect a variety of choices in vendors, scale, and style, allowing flexibility to align with your values and taste.

Prioritising What Matters

A wedding budget isn’t about maxing out your savings or going into debt. It’s about identifying what’s most important to you, whether that’s incredible food, a talented photographer, or a vibe-setting DJ. Once you know your priorities, it’s easier to balance your intentions, personality, and taste against the reality of your budget.

Focus on creating a day that feels authentically you, and make intentional decisions about what matters most. Sure, you could wait years to save every last dollar, but why delay? You don’t want to spend your life talking about getting married—you want to be married. With thoughtful planning and clear priorities, you can craft a wedding you love and still tie the knot within the next 18 months.

Because the best weddings aren’t just about the perfect day—they’re about launching your marriage with joy, clarity, and a celebration that reflects who you truly are.