How much does a wedding cost in Australia?

The commonly cited Australian average is around $35,000, per the Easy Weddings annual survey. As a rough guide, budget roughly $120 a head for an intimate do, $200 for a mid-range wedding and $350 for a premium one, on top of fixed costs of $8,000–$32,000 for the dress and suits, photography, flowers, celebrant and rings. For 80 guests that lands around $32,000 for a mid-range wedding — though real costs vary widely by region and season.

What is the biggest wedding expense?

The reception — venue hire, catering and drinks — is almost always the single largest cost, because it scales with every guest you invite. That's why trimming the guest list is the most effective way to cut the bill: at a mid-range wedding each extra head adds about $200. After the reception, photography, the dress and flowers are typically the biggest fixed costs.

How can I save money on a wedding?

Start with the guest list, since per-head costs dominate the total. Beyond that, consider an off-peak date or a weekday, a venue that lets you bring your own drinks, a daytime reception, seasonal local flowers, and prioritising one or two things that matter most while economising elsewhere. Setting a clear total budget early and a monthly saving target makes the rest of the decisions easier.

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Last verified: 5 May 2026

How much should you budget for a wedding?

The commonly cited Australian average is around $35,000 (per the Easy Weddings survey). The biggest lever is your guest list — the reception (venue, catering and drinks) scales with every head, so a smaller list is the fastest way to cut the bill.

Worked example. A mid-range wedding for 80 guests: 80 × $200 per head ($16,000) + $16,000 of fixed costs (dress, suits, photography, flowers, celebrant, rings) ≈ $32,000. Over 18 months that's about $1,778 a month to save.

General information and estimates only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Always verify with a licensed adviser or the ATO.

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