AUSSIE WEDDINGS 2024: RISING COSTS, SMALLER GUEST LISTS & SMARTER BUDGETS
Australian couples are redefining what it means to plan a wedding, with costs rising, guest lists shrinking, and traditions being reimagined to suit a new era of budget-conscious celebrations.
Despite an average wedding price tag of $35,315—a 4.5% increase from last year—couples are stretching every dollar. Many are spending nearly 30% more than planned as they prioritise unforgettable experiences over lavish extras.
From longer engagement periods to carefully curated “need versus want” lists, these changes reflect the pressures and creativity of couples navigating today’s wedding landscape amidst the challenges of a post-pandemic world.
The latest Australian Wedding Industry Report by Easy Weddings, marking its 10th annual release, provides a detailed look into Australia's evolving wedding landscape.
With national wedding costs climbing and preferences shifting, the report sheds light on couples' choices in response to economic pressures and post-pandemic wedding trends.
Rising Costs and Shifting Budgets
Australian couples now spend an average of $35,315 on their weddings, a 4.5% increase from last year. As wedding budgets tighten, the disparity between expectations and reality has grown: couples now exceed their initial budgets by 28.6%, with 13% spending over $60,000 and most keeping to under $40,000. The average engagement ring cost has also risen slightly to $5,854.
Guest Lists and Stress Factors
The report indicates that wedding guest numbers are decreasing, with couples hosting an average of 88 guests—fewer than they initially planned. Budgeting remains the top source of stress for couples, followed by guest list management. Reflecting on family dynamics and managing relationships also emerges as a post-wedding stressor for many couples.
Wedding Preferences and Planning
Couples today emphasise their needs over wants, prioritising essentials such as quality catering, attire, and photography while often skipping extras like videography or elaborate decorations. The report highlights an increase in artificial flowers due to rising floral costs, with fresh flowers now selected by only 52% of couples, down from 70% last year. Additionally, 66% of couples receive financial assistance from family, with family members funding nearly 40% of wedding expenses.
Longer Engagements and Seasonal Trends
In 2024, engagement periods have extended to an average of 24 months, influenced by rising living costs and inflation concerns, which led many couples to delay their weddings to save. Engagements are most popular during the holiday season, with Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve topping the list, while November is expected to be the peak month for weddings in 2025.
Friday Weddings Gaining Popularity
With Saturday weddings decreasing by 2% in favour of Fridays, couples increasingly take advantage of lower minimum spending requirements for Friday events. Many venues also offer additional perks for Friday weddings, while weekday weddings remain budget-friendly.
State-Based Preferences and International Honeymoons
The report reveals varied reception setting preferences by state, with wineries popular in Victoria and South Australia and garden venues favoured in Queensland and Western Australia. Honeymoons are back in vogue, with 73% of couples choosing international destinations, a significant 11% increase since last year. Europe remains the top choice, with the average honeymoon cost rising to $9,276 per couple.
Increased Spending on Key Wedding Elements
This year, couples are allocating more funds to wedding essentials, with formalwear up by 24%, catering costs rising by 16.5%, and flowers increasing by 17%. Photography and hair and makeup expenses have also seen notable rises, underscoring the value couples place on capturing memories and presenting their best selves.
