Budgeting For A Wedding
Weddings are such a joyous occasion. But they do start to pinch a bit when you add up all the costs. That’s why budgeting for a wedding is so important. We’ll take you through all the things you should be budgeting for as you plan your wedding. And some of those hidden wedding costs that sneak up on you.
Overview
- Average wedding cost in Australia
- Estimate the cost of your wedding
- Budgeting for a wedding
- Can’t afford a wedding through budgeting alone?
Average wedding cost in Australia
According to ASIC moneysmart, the average wedding cost in Australia is $36,200.. From the venue to catering, expenses can add up quickly, especially if you’re hosting a lot of guests.
It is possible to have a classy wedding on a budget. To find out how, check out our other blog: Cheap wedding ideas
How much does a small wedding cost in Australia?
Vogue Ballroom recommends budgeting around $8,550 for a small wedding in Australia. This assumes a guest list of 50 people or less.
It’s worth remembering though that celebrating your love and marriage in the exact way you want is important. It’s a day you’ll cherish and remember forever. It’s a day that’s all about the special love between you and your fiancé.
So if you’re planning the day of your dreams, and need assistance with some of the costs, a small wedding loan may be right for you. You can borrow up to $5,000 for your wedding expenses and pay off the amount over 12 months.
Our guide to wedding loans will help you:
- Know what things to budget for in your wedding
- Estimate the costs for your wedding
- Discover hidden wedding costs
- Learn about supplementing your wedding budget with a small loan
Estimate the cost of your wedding before you allocate budgeting
Before you can know what your wedding will cost, you need an idea of what your wedding day will be like. Take a look at the following expenses—keeping in mind your unique vision.
Get a sense of where you’ll be spending a lot, and where you won’t be spending much at all.
The size of your guest list
The number of guests you invite often dictates a lot of other decisions. Including, the size of your venue, the cost of your catering, and the number of invitations you need to mail.
Look at the family members on both sides along with a list of friends. Determine the approximate number of guests. This number will help guide your other choices and expenses.
Budgeting for a wedding: all the things you need to budget for
Ceremony venue
Depending on the size of your guest list, the style you’re going for, and your geographical location, your ceremony venue price can range dramatically. Take a look at prices that match your vision and get an idea of what the cost will be.
Reception venue
Will you have your reception at the same place you have the ceremony? Or will it be a separate location? Consider your guest list, venue requirements, and location to get an estimate of the price you need to budget for.
Celebrant
Some celebrants won’t charge much, like $250-$350 for your ceremony and rehearsal. If you’re having a friend conduct the ceremony, maybe you’ll only spend $200.
Hidden wedding cost: marriage license
There are 3 types of marriage certificates in Australia. And the cost of these wedding certificates varies from state to state. Be prepared to add around $150 when budgeting for a basic wedding package.
Flowers and decorations
For bouquets, decorations, and centrepieces, the cost of florals is usually significant. The average couple spends around $1,000-$2,000 on flowers alone.
Catering
One of the biggest expenses for a wedding celebration is the food. This should definitely be at the top of your budgeting list for the wedding. Look at average catering prices in your area or at the reception venues you’re considering.
Based on your guest list, what’s the approximate amount you’ll need for appetisers, dinner, snacks, and coffee?
Drinks
Consider whether you’ll have a totally open bar or one with just beer and wine. If you’re doing an open bar, don’t be surprised if your bill runs into the thousands. Of course, it will depend on what you offer, how many guests you have, and if your guests are the drinking type. But if you’re looking to save money on your wedding, definitely think about opting for a cash bar instead.
Entertainment
Almost every wedding reception has music, whether that’s a DJ, live band, or personal playlist. In Australia, wedding entertainment costs between $1,100-$2,400 on average, so plan accordingly.
Dessert
Do you want cake, cupcakes, or something else as your wedding dessert? Pick something that you and your fiancé will love—and that will satisfy your guests. Budget for a wedding cake that costs anywhere between $200 to $700 (or more, depending on how fancy it is).
Bride and groom wear
You’ll need to set aside a certain amount of money for dresses, suits, and tuxedos in the wedding budget. Think about everything from the veil, to the shoes, to the bowties.
Hidden wedding costs: dress and suit alteration
Don’t underestimate the cost of having your wedding attire altered, especially if you’re going through a dedicated wedding dress alteration service.
Wedding day extras
The cost for wedding favours, a guestbook, a unity candle, and a ring bearer pillow all add up. Set aside at least $1,000 for your extras.
Transportation
Will your wedding party be taking a party bus around town for pictures? Will you and your fiancé drive off in a limo after the reception? If you’ll have these costs, be sure they’re added to your wedding budget planner.
Rings
The rings you’ll exchange at the ceremony will need to be sized and purchased ahead of time. Simple bands can be pricey, depending on the type of precious metal you choose.
Stationary and postage
Don’t forget to add up the costs for save the date cards, invitations, thank you notes, wedding programs, and menu cards. Based on your number of guests, factor in at least three rounds of postage.
Gifts for wedding party
Give something special to the men and women who stand up with you. Set aside a few hundred dollars for their gifts.
Hair, makeup, styling
While hair and makeup won’t break the bank, be sure to have some cash available to pay for your stylists and tip them, too.
Photography
Capture your wedding celebrations beautifully. Choose a photographer who has a style you love, because your photos will last forever.
Look at wedding photographer prices in your area to get an estimate. The average wedding photographer cost is anywhere from $2,000-$4,000, but some charge much more than that.
Videography
Want to watch highlights of your wedding day for years to come? Make sure to book a videographer well in advance and add the expense to your budget.
Hotel
Your wedding night is a special time, and you should spend it in style. Book a hotel or bed and breakfast for the big night after your big day.
Honeymoon
While usually not calculated into a wedding budget, you’ll want to make sure you have enough cash for your dream holiday with the one you love.
Can’t afford a wedding through budgeting alone? Get a wedding loan
Wedding loans are an easy way to supplement all the saving and budgeting you’ve been doing. After all, why should you miss out on the wedding you really want when you’re just a couple of grand short of affording it?
Swoosh Finance wedding loans start at $2,2000 and the cash can be in your bank account the same day you apply – even with bad credit!
Learn more: Everything you need to know about wedding loans
