Congratulations! Planning a wedding is a fantastic journey, but it can also be a bit of a financial challenge. Recent surveys suggest that the average cost of a wedding in Australia is as much as $35,000 – ouch! Of course, there are weddings that fall above and below this range, so don't worry if your budget is different.
You might have heard stories from your parents about their wedding costing a fraction of today's prices. Besides the general increase in the cost of living, the rise in destination weddings both domestically and internationally has contributed to higher average costs. However, there's no need to panic or consider drastic measures like taking out a loan. With careful planning, you can have an amazing wedding on almost any budget… let us show you how!
Of course, remember, weddings are about celebrating love and unity, not about how much you spend. Here are some expert tips from our planners at Epping Events to help you make your wedding dollar go further if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding… we got you!
1. Opt for a Smaller Bridal Party to Save Money on Your Wedding
If you’ve always dreamed of having a large bridal party, remember that this can significantly increase your expenses. Each additional bridesmaid or groomsman means more costs for hair and makeup, flowers, boutonnieres, tans, nails, clothes, gifts, and accessories. By keeping your bridal party small, you can save a considerable amount of money.
2. Hold Your Ceremony and Reception at the Same Venue
Epping Events offers beautiful spaces where you can hold both your ceremony and reception. This can save you money on hiring multiple venues and eliminate the transportation costs associated with moving guests from one location to another. Having everything in one place also makes the day more seamless and enjoyable for everyone.
3. Choose a Venue That Requires Less Decoration Spend
Selecting a venue that is already stylish can save you a lot on décor costs. A rustic barn might sound romantic or the local national park charming but the more things you’re required to bring in – furniture, catering generators, draping etc to make the venue into the space of your dreams, the more money you’re going to need.
4. Save Money on Your Wedding by Accepting Offers of Help
Don’t hesitate to accept help from friends and family. Whether it’s crafting invites, an aunty who is a florist or loaning you something from their own big day, accepting help can save you both time and money. This also allows you to take less time off work to get everything organised. Many hands make light work… and lighten the load on your bank account!
5. Look for All-Inclusive Packages
All-inclusive packages not only offer value but they reduce bill shock and can help keep your planning on track with no hidden surprises. These packages can reduce the stress of planning and ensure that you get more for your money. All inclusive packages might typically include catering, décor, linen, alcohol and coordination, making it easier for you to stick to your budget.
6. Shop Sales and Trawl Market Place
Take advantage of major sales events like Boxing Day, Black Friday or Vogue Online Shopping Night. These sales can be a great opportunity to purchase dresses, suits, gifts, shoes and other wedding essentials at a fraction of the cost. Facebook Market Place can always be a great place to find those ‘used once’ elements. Of course if you’re stuck with those ‘used once’ elements yourself after your big day you can always re-coup funds by selling them yourself when the day is done!
7. Be Transparent About Your Budget and Set Priorities
Being upfront about your budget with yourself and your vendors and setting clear priorities can help you get the most value for your money. Decide what aspects of your wedding are most important to you—whether it's a live band, a stunning cake, or an Instagram-worthy champagne tower—and allocate your budget accordingly. If buying a home or having an international honeymoon is actually more on your mind than a flash wedding, good for you.. stick to your plans and with some thoughtful planning you can have it all!
8. Use a Venue with a Network of Trusted Suppliers
Choosing a venue which has a network of trusted suppliers, can provide you with reliable services at good rates. This not only ensures you get value for money but also means you avoid the risk of hiring unreliable vendors who might offer lower prices but fail to deliver. Not only would this break the budget but it could also break your heart!
Save Money on Your Wedding…. Planning a wedding on a budget is entirely possible with the right strategies.
It’s an important day but it doesn’t need to break the bank. Considering these tips, some thoughtful planning and taking advantage of an all-inclusive packages means you can enjoy a beautiful and affordable wedding.
At Epping Events, we pride ourselves on our extensive experience in creating stunning weddings tailored to every budget. Our dedicated team of wedding planners works closely with you to understand your vision and bring it to life, ensuring that your special day is everything you’ve dreamed of and more. With our all-inclusive packages, you get access to top-notch services and trusted suppliers, all coordinated seamlessly to provide you with a stress-free planning experience.
We believe that every couple deserves their dream wedding, regardless of their budget. That’s why we offer a range of packages designed to provide exceptional value without compromising on quality.
Start your wedding planning journey with us today and discover how we can turn your wedding dreams into reality. Contact Epping Events now to learn more about our services and to schedule a tour of our stunning Grand Ballroom.