The cost of getting married versus the cost of a wedding

In Australia the cost to get married is as little as $500 – or whatever your preferred celebrant will charge for a legals only ceremony.

Whereas latest figures show the average cost of a wedding in Australia is over $38,000, with most couples overshooting their initial budget by about 23%. Expenses vary significantly by location, guest count, and style.

The most expensive element of a wedding is the reception with an average cost of $110 to $150 per guest.  Smaller weddings (or micro weddings) and destination weddings are a new trend that has escalated over the past 10 years.

Other key expenses are:

• Photography & Videography:  $3,500 for photos and $3,000 for video.
• Cake:  Approx. $750 depending on size and decorations.
• Flowers & Styling:  $2,500 for florals and over $2,200 for hired props or furniture.
• Attire & Beauty: $2,500 for a wedding dress, $2,000 for formal wear/suits, and $1,000 for hair and makeup.
• Ceremony & Entertainment:  approx. $1,000 for a marriage celebrant and $2,000 for music or a band.

The tradition of the bride’s parents paying for the wedding now appears to be limited mainly to certain cultures. Most couples prefer to retain financial control, although in some cases both sets of parents contribute, with the amount depending on their individual financial circumstances.

If your dream wedding is beyond your budget, focus on what matters most to you as a couple and prioritise those elements. It’s a beautiful day that begins your married life, but it shouldn’t put you under financial strain.