Tag: Budget

Wedding flowers are a major part of the day for most couples: it’s one of the big questions you get from family and friends alike. Have you set the date? Have you got your dress? What flowers are you going to have?

However, the flowers you have at your wedding will often go much further than the bridal bouquet. There are also flowers for the bridesmaids, table centrepieces, gifts for the new in-laws, corsages, flower girls…

But how much do wedding flowers cost? In this post, we’re going to discuss everything from bouquets to boutonnières, including the average cost of wedding flowers, what’s included, and the cost of the most common wedding flowers.

What’s the average cost of wedding flowers?

While not one of the biggest costs to think about during your wedding, in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown you can discover that the average cost of wedding flowers in Australia is between $1,500 – $2,500.

Of course, this figure can vary dramatically depending on what you’re looking for. The bigger and bolder you go, the more you might expect to pay. Similarly, if you’re looking for less flora and more fauna at your wedding, the cost of your flowers will be much lower.

Regardless of your budget, there are plenty of options to get stunning flowers for your wedding. The budget levels can be broken down as:

• Affordable – From $200 
• Moderate – $1,200 – $1,800 
• Luxury – $1,000 – $3,000 
• Super Luxury – From $3,000 

These ranges offer a flexible guide, taking into account Australian flower prices and seasonal availability. Opting for locally grown, in-season blooms can help you save on costs while supporting local flower growers. Luxury arrangements typically include custom designs and premium flowers like orchids and roses, often arranged in intricate installations.

What does this cost include?

What exactly is included in the cost of your wedding flowers depends on the vendor, so go in with the right questions to ask your florist before making your final decision.

The average cost will be made up of a package that likely includes:

• 1 x Bridal Bouquet
• 2 x Bridesmaids Bouquets
• 6 x Buttonholes
• 2 x Large Vase Arrangements for the Ceremony
• 1 x Arrangement for the registrar’s table
• 8 x Reception Flowers for 8 tables

Also included in that overall cost will be:

• Consultation
• Design
• Conditioning and prepping the flowers
• Accessories (for example, vases and mirrors)
• Delivery
• Installation

What’s the average cost of a wedding bouquet?

The average cost of a wedding bouquet in Australia is around $200. Generally, the most affordable option is a hand-tied bouquet, which is perfect for a rustic or laid-back wedding style. These bouquets don’t require intricate wiring from the florist and use flowers with longer stems, making them easier and quicker to arrange. In contrast, a cascading bouquet needs specialised wiring to create that beautiful waterfall effect, which can add significantly to the overall cost.

Why do wedding flowers cost so much?

When it comes to choosing your wedding flowers, you’re not going to want the same kind of arrangements you’d have at home day-to-day – it’s your wedding day after all. Whereas usually you might be happy with a bunch of supermarket flowers – or perhaps something from the local florist when you’re feeling fancy – your wedding flowers will be big, bold, beautiful and in keeping with the rest of your day. There are also a lot of individual arrangements needed to fit a very specific brief – which ‘off the shelf’ arrangements might not meet.

Wedding flowers cost so much because:

• You’re receiving a bespoke, personalised service
• They take florists a long time to design
• Delivery and setup can be time-consuming
• Flowers are often fairly pricey anyway

This is all not to say that, even if you have a budget below the average, your flowers won’t be stunning – far from it. However, there are reasons why your specific choices might bump up the price.

What factors affect the cost of wedding flowers?

Almost three-quarters of all couples hire a professional florist when planning their wedding. Flowers may be an expensive part of the big day, but for many couples they’re imperative. However, many factors can affect the cost of your wedding flowers that, if you’re mindful, can keep you within your budget.

Seasonality

Depending on the time of year you’re getting married, certain flowers may be more readily available in Australia than others. The more in-season your flowers are, the more affordable and eco-friendly your wedding arrangements will be. Choosing local, in-season blooms helps support Australian growers and reduces the carbon footprint associated with importing flowers.

Here are some great seasonal flowers in Australia:

• Spring: Ranunculus, Peonies, Sweet Peas
• Summer: Dahlias, Gardenias, Hydrangeas
• Autumn: Roses, Chrysanthemums, Zinnias
• Winter: Camellias, Tulips, Orchids

The type of flowers

Roses may be the traditional wedding flower, but they’re also some of the most expensive, particularly if you’re keen on unique colours. Alternatives, such as hydrangeas offer stunning and colourful blooms but can be more budget-friendly.

Skill and experience

It may seem obvious, but a skilled and experienced florist with decades of experience will cost more than someone new to the industry.

Flower blooms

Believe it or not, another factor that can affect the cost is the physical appearance of your chosen blooms. For example, orchids only have a two-inch stem and will require a faux stem if you want to add them to your bouquet. This is intricate, time-consuming work that can bulk up the price. They do look beautiful though…

Sources

Are your chosen flowers available from Australian suppliers? Importing flowers from other regions, especially during off-seasons, can increase costs due to shipping fees and supply chain challenges. In contrast, Australian-grown flowers are often more affordable and readily available, especially if you choose blooms that are in season.

Opting for locally grown flowers not only supports Australian growers but also reduces the environmental impact associated with long-distance imports.

Accounting for delicate flowers

When you order arrangements that include delicate flowers, there is always going to be the risk that they’re damaged, not open, or past their prime. If you ask for a bouquet that includes a dozen roses, your florist will have to over-order to make sure to account for these issues.

What to consider when choosing your wedding flowers

Choose a bouquet that fits the size and shape of your dress (if you’re wearing one). For example, the bouquet should be in proportion to the dress – the bigger the dress, the bigger the bouquet. You don’t want a slender, figure-hugging dress to be hidden by a large bouquet, after all. 

Another option to consider for your wedding is silk flowers. While silk flowers used to be much cheaper than real ones, advancements in manufacturing have brought their prices closer to or even above that of fresh blooms. The benefit is that modern silk flowers can look incredibly realistic. If you want a natural touch without worrying about wilting, preserved flowers are another excellent choice. These are real blooms that have been carefully treated to maintain their beauty, offering the authenticity of fresh flowers with the durability of silk.

Choosing silk or preserved flowers is a smart option if you’re concerned about unpredictable weather, have allergies like hay fever, or want a lasting keepsake from your big day. Just keep in mind that artificial and preserved flowers won’t provide the natural scent of fresh blooms. To create a memorable fragrance, consider picking a floral perfume that will forever be linked to your wedding day.

Plan your wedding today with Bridebook

Are you starting your wedding planning journey? Sign up to Bridebook and begin planning your wedding today.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding flowers, we’ve got plenty of budget-friendly ideas and inspiration to help you keep costs down.

You Might Also Like…

• The Ultimate Australian Wedding Budget Breakdown
• How Much Does a Wedding Venue Cost in Australia?
• How Much Does a Wedding Catering Cost in Australia?
• How Much Does Wedding Photography Cost in Australia? 

Happy Planning!

Don’t know what you should spend money on for your wedding? Well, luckily for you, Bridebook is home to the most powerful wedding budget planner available.

Simply enter your total wedding funds, give us a few basic details, and in one click you’ll have your very own expert breakdown of your wedding costs. You’ll know exactly where to spend your money for your special day – and the real fun of planning can begin!

Find out how you should allocate your wedding funds!

Want to get started with ballpark figures? Below you’ll find a complete wedding budget breakdown, based on the average total costs of Australian wedding suppliers. The average amount spent by Australian couples on their wedding comes to $37,000. 

Now, let’s break it down…

The Average Total Cost of a Wedding = $37,000 

The expert wedding budget video course: learn how to break down your wedding budget

Creating a wedding budget breakdown is one of the most important steps to tick off on your wedding planning checklist, whether you’re planning a more affordable DIY wedding on a budget or a more extravagant celebration. In this video course, Bridebook founder (and qualified wedding planner) Hamish Shephard explains how to set and manage your wedding budget, and reveals how you could save thousands on your wedding venue, catering and other suppliers.

Average cost of a wedding venue:

$14,000-$17,000

Your wedding venue is easily the single most important part of your planning – so it’s no surprise that it’s also the most expensive part of your wedding budget! Choosing your wedding venue really is step one of your wedding planning journey, and it affects every aspect of your big day.

Not sure where to start when it comes to choosing your venue? Well, don’t worry, we’ve got you! We don’t mean to brag, but we’ve got the largest wedding venue directory in Australia.

With our wedding venue search tool, you and your partner can find your dream venue faster than you can say, “I do!” If you know exactly what you’re looking for, you can kick things off by searching by name, location or style. If you’re just getting started with your venue search, try using filters such as “barn” or “city” and “budget” or “luxury” to get an idea of what’s out there.

Average cost of wedding catering:

$5,000-$7,000 (varies on the number of guests)

As you might expect, the total cost of your catering will be 100% dependent on the number of guests you invite to your wedding. Your guest list will have a big impact on what you’ll spend on your wedding overall as well, so we recommend making some rough decisions about the size of your guest list as early as possible in your wedding planning if you can.

Since caterers usually charge by the head, cutting some co-workers or +1s from your guest list might be your first move if you’re looking to save a few hundred dollars on your wedding. Another easy way to cut costs is to go for food trucks, sharing plates or a buffet over a set menu or traditional sit-down meal. Not only is this a great option for couples planning a wedding on a budget, but it’s also ideal for those wanting a more relaxed atmosphere on their big day.

Average cost of wedding photography:

$2,000-$4,000

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, so it’s important that those memories last forever. That makes choosing the right wedding photographer one of your key decisions. After all, you’ll be looking at their photos for years to come, so it’s absolutely worth the investment!

How much you pay will depend on the photographer, the service you want and the specific package you choose. If you want to cut costs and make your budget go further, ordering a digital album instead of a hard copy can save you some serious cash.

Average cost of wedding videography:

$2,000-$4,000

You might be asking yourself, “Why do I need a wedding videographer when I already have a wedding photographer?” Well, while a photographer can capture the key moments and highlights in a few snapshots, we’re betting you’ll want to remember every second of your wedding day – and having a designated wedding videographer will allow you to do just that.

As with wedding photographers, some videographers cost more than others. If having an absolutely jaw-dropping video is a priority for you, consider cutting back on some of your other suppliers to make room in your wedding budget.

Average cost of wedding flowers:

$1,500-$2,500

How much do wedding flowers cost? Well, that depends on the type of flowers you want at your wedding. Though, in our opinion, our best bet is to go with seasonal flowers. It’s a great aesthetic, can mean big savings if you’re on a budget, and can even bag you some sustainability points! But whatever you do, never, ever underestimate how much flowers can transform your wedding!

Average cost of wedding decor & furniture hire:

$1,000-$2,500

Decoration isn’t just about the flowers! Don’t forget that many venues require you to hire all your furniture and other decorative features (especially “blank canvas” venues). This might be from the venue itself, your caterer, or a third party – but either way it’s an additional cost to factor in.

Something that can also eat up a big chunk of your wedding budget is marquee hire. If you’re hiring an outdoor venue for a winter wedding, you’ll definitely need one. If marquee hire isn’t included, this extra cost will add quite a few hundred dollars to your budget. So our top tip? Aim to book an all-inclusive venue which offers a two-in-one decoration and hire package. That way, you won’t have to worry about extra costs later on!

Average cost of a wedding cake:

$500-$700

The wedding cake is one of the best bits of any wedding (or at least, we think so!). There are two main things that will affect the cost of your wedding cake. The first is the number of tiers you go for. This comes down to how many people you’re trying to feed and what kind of look you want. At the end of the day, more cake means more money…but one sneaky way to cheat the system if you’re on a budget is to order a cake that uses dummy layers.

The second factor is whether you want a traditional fruit wedding cake or a more modern sponge with fresh fruit. While the former can be made further in advance, the latter will need to be baked the night before or even the day of the wedding itself, which makes them that bit more expensive.

If you have a baker in the family, why not ask them to bake your wedding cake? They might offer you “mates rates” or even make it for free as their wedding gift to you. Then you can use the money you save to invite a couple more guests…or put it towards your honeymoon!

Average cost wedding music:

$1,500-$2,500

With a million-and-one amazing options to choose from, deciding on your ideal wedding music is no easy decision. You’ll want to think carefully about three things. Firstly, what do you and your partner want? Do you see yourself and your partner swaying to a romantic live band, or is techno not something you’re giving up on your big day? Secondly, what will your guests enjoy? And finally, what will fit in with the style and vibe of your wedding?

When it comes to pricing and budgeting, the first question is whether or not you have your heart set on live music. A DJ is almost always cheaper than a live band and can be just as good.

Average cost of a wedding dress:

$2,000-$3,000

There’s a breathtakingly beautiful wedding dress out there for everyone – and it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg! Many large online retailers now have a bridal section, where you’ll find lovely, more affordable wedding dresses. Brides that are looking for affordable and more sustainable options may also opt for a vintage or second-hand wedding dress.

Average cost of wedding beauty (hair & makeup):

$500-$1,000

The way a bride envisions her wedding is simple: she looks drop-dead gorgeous next to her prince or princess. And who makes all of this possible? Trick question! All you need to look absolutely stunning is a beautiful, happy smile…but yeah, a little hair and makeup will help too!

With thousands of fantastic hair and makeup artists all across Australia, we’re sure you’ll find your dream wedding make-up artist and hair stylist no matter your budget.

Average cost of wedding suits (groom and ushers attire):

$1,500-$2,000

When it comes to figuring out how much you should spend on each part of your wedding, most couples overlook the groom’s attire and menswear. But the groom and groomsmen will want to look gorgeous on their W-Day just as much as the bride and bridesmaids will.

Our top tip? Communication. Make sure both your ushers and your bride are comfortable with what you choose to wear. You don’t have to be all “matchy-matchy”, but when your wedding comes together as a whole, the groom will be one of its central pieces…so keep that in mind!

Average cost of wedding rings (incl. engagement ring):

$6,000-$8,000

As small as they are, don’t forget your wedding rings! They might just be the most significant detail of your wedding. After all, they’re a lasting symbol of your love and commitment to your partner, and will be with you both for the rest of your lives. Just like engagement rings, they’re also an added cost to your overall wedding budget…but definitely one you shouldn’t cut! 

Average cost of wedding stationery:

$500-$1,000

Wedding stationery includes everything from save-the-dates and invitations to programmes and place cards to consider. Therefore, the money you spend on this can vary widely depending on your unique needs and preferences.

While both DIY or online invitations can cost next to nothing, bespoke and handcrafted stationery can cost closer to $1,000 or more.

Average cost of a celebrant:

$500-$1,500

If you’re looking for a less traditional and more personalised wedding ceremony, you’ll want to hire a celebrant. They’ll give you the freedom and flexibility to truly personalise how you celebrate your love with your partner. 

Average cost of wedding favours:

$250-$700

Who doesn’t like wedding favours? They’re a great way of giving your guests something to remember your special day by. Favours can be as big or as small as you like, depending on your budget and preferences (and how many guests you have).

And remember, you don’t have to give favours at all! A lot of couples wonder whether or not wedding favours are a necessary cost – and honestly, it depends! For many of your guests, attending your big day will have been enough of a gift. But if you have money left in your budget…go for it! We actually get this question a lot on our Bridebook Instagram page, which you should follow immediately if you want wedding tips, inspiration and a little bit of Bridebook silliness.

Average cost of wedding transport:

$800-$1,200

Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you organise taxis for your entire guest list! But whether you’re thinking of making a low-key arrival or even planning on flying down the aisle (no, seriously, it’s been done before!), don’t overlook your own wedding transport. From vintage cars and carriages to tandem bikes and trucks, there are lots of options to make your transport fit the vibe of your wedding.

When making decisions about your transport, a key consideration is how far your ceremony is from your accommodation and the reception venue. So maybe don’t choose to make your entrance on a tandem bike if you’re getting married five kilometres away from your wedding venue! And if you’re looking to cut this cost completely, why not ask a friend or relative if you can borrow their super cool car? Not only will they be flattered, but you’ll also save some $$$!

Average cost of a honeymoon

$7,000-$10,000

The honeymoon is understandably a big post-wedding cost. Trends suggest older couples are more likely to stay in Australia, while younger Gen Z couples are looking to travel more, favouring the beaches of the Maldives, Indonesia, Fiji and Italy for their honeymoons. 

Plan your dream wedding on Bridebook 

So, that’s how a wedding breaks down for the average Australian couple. Now it’s time to find out what your personalised budget breakdown will be, so you can get cracking with your planning!

See your personalised wedding budget breakdown now!

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding, we’ve got plenty of cost-cutting hacks, so you can have your dream wedding without going over your budget. From venue saving tips to guest list considerations, we’ve got you covered.

When it comes to planning your wedding, there will be plenty of important choices to make – ranging from the enormous to the teeny tiny. Many of these choices will be optional, but one of the biggest will be making sure you choose the right venue. After all, it’s where you and your guests will spend the entire day and can’t be changed once the big day arrives.

As you work out your wedding budget, you’ll need to make sure you dedicate enough toward your ideal venue. Whether it’s a hotel, a golf course, a vineyard, a village hall, or anywhere else you want to marry that special someone, you’ll need to budget accordingly. 

Below, we’re going to take a look at the average cost of a wedding venue, what’s included in that cost, and any unexpected fees you should look out for.

How much does the average wedding venue cost?

With the average total cost of a wedding in Australia rising to $37,000, over a third of that cost is likely to go towards the venue. In 2024, the average cost of a wedding venue is around $14,000-17,000. Of course, this figure can vary dramatically depending on different factors, including the type of venue and where in the country the venue is located.

For example, on average, venues are $2,000 to $3,000 more expensive in urban areas, like Sydney or Melbourne, than in rural or remote locations like Tasmania. However, that’s not to say that one is better than the other – it’s all a matter of taste, what’s right for you, and how far you and your guests want to travel.

How can the cost of a wedding venue vary?

There’s a range of wedding venues available across Australia, so whatever your budget you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something to your taste:

• Affordable: $5,000 – $10,000
• Moderate: $10,000 – $15,000
• Luxury: $15,000 – $22,000
• Super luxury: $22,000+

How does the type of venue affect the cost?

The type of wedding venue you choose affects the price, with certain types of venue costing significantly more than others on average. According to our 2024 Wedding Reports, couples are more likely to spend the most on venues for weddings at castles, stately homes and country houses, and the least on registry offices, places of worship and restaurants.

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost depending on the venue type, based on data gathered from couples planning their wedding on our platform in 2024:

• Castle: $25,000 – $30,000
• Stately home: $20,000 – $25,000
• Country house: $18,000 – $22,000
• Golf course: $14,000 – $18,000
• Event venue: $12,000 – $15,000
• Hotel: $11,000 – $14,000
• Barn: $9,000 – $12,000
• Outdoor: $8,000 – $11,000
• City venue: $10,000 – $15,000
• Restaurant: $7,000 – $10,000
• Place of worship: $5,000 – $7,000
• Registry office: $1,000 – $3,000

What does the cost of a wedding venue include?

The cost of the venue will include rental of the space itself, however, it can also include additions and the use of certain facilities, such as:

• Tables and chairs
• Linens, such as tablecloths, napkins and chair covers
• Lighting and sound
• Wine and bubbles for the tables
• Bar services
• Catering
• Coordination and setup

Exactly what’s included in the cost of the venue is something that you’ll need to confirm with the venue. For example, some venues won’t have catering facilities and will require you to arrange your own vendors. 

Why are wedding venues so expensive?

Mark Dawson, the former owner and operator of Brookfield Barn in England and expert on all things venue-related, explains why wedding venues are often so expensive:

“Couples benefit from being “one-time customers” that venues are trying to attract and therefore price is a key lever. The venue market has become extremely competitive with diminishing margins. So many features at the top of couples’ lists come with high maintenance costs. For example, listed and historic buildings, extensive grounds. Remember you are paying such that the venue is maintained in a way to be at its best on your big day – and every other couple has the same expectation.”

“Exclusivity on your day means you are the sole revenue stream for the venue. So when faced with budget challenges, take time to prioritise what is most important. Is it exclusivity on the day for your wedding, is it the historic setting, is it the extensive grounds, is it having it for multiple days to set up and clear up, is it having lots of staff support from the venue for planning it all – they all drive the price point that the venue needs to continue to operate.”

What factors can affect the cost of a wedding venue?

We’ve already highlighted how the type and location can affect the cost of a venue, but there are plenty of factors that can contribute towards how much you might pay for your dream venue.

Size

Naturally, the higher the number of guests you’d like to invite, the larger the venue will need to be. Of course, it makes sense that a venue with a 30-person capacity will usually be more affordable than one that can accommodate several hundred.

Region

Dates

As you might imagine, venue prices vary depending on the season. When it comes to choosing a wedding date, spring, summer, and even fall dates are more popular than winter. As a result, you’ll likely find that it’s more affordable to secure a date in July or August than it is in January or February.

Similarly, Fridays and the weekend – particularly Saturday – are more expensive than weekdays, as well as specific dates like Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve.

It may be possible to grab a bargain if you’re open to a last-minute booking during off-peak times or based on a cancellation – though this risks you missing out by catching vendors and guests off-guard. Here at Bridebook, we offer late availability deals at many of our partner venues – just filter by ‘Special Offers’ when searching for a wedding venue.

Packages

The majority of wedding venues will have packages that can include anything from a glass of bubbly for the guests on arrival to a free stay for the newlyweds on the night. If you definitely don’t want one of these, you can ask your chosen venue if they can exclude some items to give you a lower price.

Catering

According to recent data on Australian weddings, a significant portion of couples prefer venues that include catering as part of their package. For example, in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, many popular venues offer all-inclusive packages that bundle catering, which can significantly increase the overall cost. Venues that include catering can add several thousand dollars to the total spend. In Australia, couples typically spend $12,000 to $15,000 on venues with catering, significantly more than venue-only options where external catering is brought in. Venues without catering are often the cheaper option if you’re focusing solely on the venue hire cost.

Exclusive use

Exclusive use of the wedding venue means that you and your guests will be the only ones on the premises during your special day, so you don’t need to worry about anybody accidentally stumbling in and helping themselves to the buffet. Normally, venues that offer exclusivity will charge slightly more, but it’s definitely worth it.

What are some unexpected costs or fees at a venue?

When speaking with the venue, you should clarify early on what is and isn’t covered, otherwise you may find yourselves being hit with one or two (or six or seven!) surprise costs that can cause your budget to spiral.

Some potential hidden fees to be mindful of include:

• Taxes
• Gratuities
• Security deposit to cover loss and damages
• Cleaning fees
• Insurance
• Overtime fees
• Corkage fees

How much does it cost to decorate a wedding venue?

Once you’ve chosen your venue and signed on the dotted line, there may be additional costs to bear in mind to make sure it’s decorated to perfectly match your tastes. Decoration hire, such as unique lighting and features, may not be included in the cost and is another cost to factor into your budget.

Have you discovered your dream venue? 

Are you planning your wedding and umming and ahhing over the perfect venue? Bridebook’s wedding planning tools provide you with everything you need to plan your wedding stress-free!

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding venue, we’ve got plenty of money-saving tips to help you stay firmly within your budget.

You Might Also Like…

• The Ultimate Australian Wedding Budget Breakdown

Happy Planning!