How much does a wedding really cost?

In Australia's couples are embracing personalized, sustainable, and experience-focused celebrations, moving beyond grandiosity for intimate, meaningful events, despite rising costs (averaging $35k+) driven partly by inflation and family help. Key trends include bold colours, smart minimalism, eco-friendly choices (local vendors, digital invites), interactive guest experiences (360° videos), elevating traditions (parents walking down aisle), and a rise in weekday/Friday weddings to save money, with the market valued around $4 billion.  

Key Trends & Shifts 

• Personalization & Experience: Weddings are unique stories, focusing on personality-filled details, curated luxury, and activities that engage guests. 

• Sustainability: Strong focus on eco-friendly choices, from local sourcing and seasonal flowers to plantable favours and biodegradable decor. 

• Smart Minimalism: Bold statement florals or decor, but less overall clutter, often using stunning venues with minimal transformation needed. 

• Intimate & Elevated: Smaller guest lists, but with high-quality, elevated experiences for those attending.  

A fabulous "picnic wedding"

Financial & Booking Patterns 

• Rising Costs: Average spend is up 4.5% year-on-year, reaching around $35,315 (excluding honeymoon). 

• Budget Management: Couples are extending budgets, with family often contributing significantly (around 39%). 

• Weekday Weddings: Fridays and weekdays are increasingly popular to save costs. 

• Market Value: The industry is valued at approximately $4 billion in 2025.  

  
  

Evolving Traditions 

• Bouquet Toss: Shifting to preserving the bouquet or gifting it, rather than tossing. 

• Ceremony Walk: More couples involve both parents or opt for unique family acknowledgements.  

  
  

Popular Features 

• Interactive Entertainment: 360° video booths are a fun guest attraction. 

• Statement Florals & Colour: Bold, vibrant palettes and statement flowers are in.  

"Aye do" weddings for all budgets tailored for each couple

Intersting question is how much does a marriage celebrant cost? Well according to google its between $600 to $2,000+, with national averages often cited around $874, varying significantly by location (cities usually higher), celebrant experience, and ceremony complexity (elopement vs. full custom wedding). More experienced celebrants or those offering extensive personalization, like storytelling and MC services, command higher fees. 

Typical Cost Ranges

• Lower End: $400 - $700 for simpler, less personalized services or elopements.

• Average: Around $874 (based on 2024/2025 data).

• Higher End: $1,000 - $2,500+ for highly experienced, sought-after celebrants with bespoke ceremonies

If you want a day to remember then invest your money in a good celebrant with experience. I have been doing this job for nearly 11 years now and with nearly 150 ceremonies and 5 star google reviews I always aim to deliver first class customer service and a ceremony that you wont forget!

In essence, 2025 weddings are thoughtful, intentional celebrations that balance personal expression and budget consciousness, creating memorable moments that truly reflect the couple. 

Contact me now for a no obligation chat and to discuss your special day. Shona@aye-do-weddings.com.au