Time to read : 3 Minutes
The average Australian wedding costs an eye-watering $36,000. No bride or groom wants their special day to be less than perfect – but – ouch.
A Moneysmart survey found that couples dug into their savings (82%), got a loan (60%) or used their credit card (18%) to pay for their big day.
Loans or credit cards can help, but you'll need to make sure you can afford the repayments and you're not paying an eye-watering interest rate.
So, how do you still make the big 'I do' memorable without getting yourself badly into debt?
Our resident editor and former Bride to Be Fashion Editor, Martine Allars, has you covered.
We asked six brides exactly how they saved.
1. Decorate on a budget
"We used unwanted bits of wood and pallets for signage for rustic farm signage, and we also booked on a public holiday and saved heaps!"
– Lou, 41
In WA, styling the big event cost the most at just a splash over $2800, while Queenslanders have come in as the most budget conscious spending around half of that.
From my days editing a bridal magazine, these were the most common savings hacks.
Borrow cutlery and glasses from friends. They don't have to match and can add an eclectic feel to your day.
Use a craftiest friend to help add sparkle to the venue. Their imagination and a visit to Spotlight could help you save.
Consider selling off your candles, ribbons and table settings after the event to recoup some of your costs.
2. Catering on the cheap without compromising on quality
"We set our weekly grocery budget and then reduced it by $15 and instead got that last $15 out in cash or gift card towards our wedding expenses.
"It meant we also put 2-3 unhealthy choices from our trolley back on the shelf, so we also lost weight because we weren’t eating as much junk."
– Heather, 37
Catering set couples back approximately $9,800. That a huge expense on an already pricey day. Here are some ways you can bring that cost down.
Swap out dinner for a cocktail party with nibbles and tables set with varying glass bowls holding lollies and snacks assorted by colour. Who doesn't love a sweet shop?
A family style dinner (where you serve dishes on platters) could also save your budget, by reducing the need for servers and allowing your talented cook cousin/uncle/best friend to take over the kitchen.
Want to embrace randomness: consider themed pot luck, where your guests all bring their special dishes.
3. Settle on your theme before spending
"I made all my own decorations, and invitations!"
– Bek, 45
Styling a wedding sets back the average Australian couple an huge $9,704. That doesn't include the entertainment of photographer. But there's ways to keep costs down without compromising on your vision.
Handmade invitations are realistic for everyone with a bit of effort and know-how. They'll be memorable and can save you around $772.
Don't start spending big until you've settled on your theme. It's very easy to get carried away and spend several hundred dollars before you realise the centrepieces are out of kilter with everything else.
Pinterest is a very good place to get inspiration from those who've been there and done it before. Etsy is also a good place to look for affordable touches.
4. There's always a hack or two...
"I had it on a Friday night! Just before peak season (so September), roses from a rose farm, not a florist, and our vases were from Vinnies for a vintage look."
– Megan, 38
Thinking smart can save you money, if you're prepared to compromise of a few elements.
For example, only 3% of weddings are booked in July, meaning you can negotiate a lower price, while the day after a public holiday can be cheaper and won't put your guests out too much.
Ask your wedding venue about midweek packages. Many offer a special deals if you choose to marry between Monday and Thursday.
Don't have a large guest list? Micro weddings can be a lot more intimate and the savings are huge. You can have weddings for up to 20 people for just $7,500.
Wedding planning getting too much? An "elopement" is one of the most affordable way to get married. Costs vary across state registry offices. Expect to pay between $300 and $800 for a ceremony.
5. The dress doesn't have to be designer...
"I bought my dress at sample sale and it was $350 ... including alterations it was still $500. And it was hand washable and so didn't need that $500 dry cleaning bill."
– Mel, 42
The average cost of a wedding dress in Australia is $2,637. About 7% of a wedding budget goes towards "the one", but there are plenty of ways to keep this cost down.
Hello, op shop. You can pick up a one of a kind sparkler and - with a bit of tweaking at your seamstress - you could end up with something truly incredible.
There is nothing more special than a hand-me-down gown from someone close to you. It's essentially free - bar some alterations - special and great recycling. Plus you can tick off something borrowed too.
Sales! At sample sales you can save up to 70% off retail. Wedding shops tend to do them twice a year.
The dress can have a life beyond the big day. If you're not too emotionally attached to it, dye your dress after your big day and use it as a cocktail dress. Remember the cost goes down the more you wear it!
6. Booze on a budget
"I provided my own alcohol, it saved us a lot of money."
– Ali, 47
What's a wedding without some bubbles?
Check if the venue allows you to supply your own and then compare prices. It may work out cheaper.
Buy in bulk. You can save anywhere between 25 to 50% on costs this way. For example, if the venue charges you $40 bottle, see if you can get a discount on a bulk buy from a retailer.
The bottom line
Weddings can get very expensive, but that doesn't mean you have to compromise on your special day.
Everybody will have a different vision for their wedding. Decide early on what's non-negotiable and what elements you want to save on.
Credit cards and personal loans can cover big expenses if you really want to push the boat out. Just make sure you can afford future repayments once the honeymoon is over.
Be smart: if you're taking out a line of credit, we have guides to evaluating what's the best personal loan or credit card for you.
Financial Disclaimer:
