The Wedding Industry Down Under: A Billion-Dollar Affair

The wedding industry in Australia is worth around $4 billion, with 56,124 wedding businesses operating in the country in 2019. The average cost of weddings in Australia has increased over time, with couples spending an average of $36,000 on their big day. This figure varies depending on the source, with some quoting $65,482 and others $28,644. The cost of weddings in Australia seems to be on an upward trajectory, with couples spending more and more each year on their nuptials.

The average cost of an Australian wedding

In 2024, Easy Weddings reported the average cost of a wedding in Australia to be $32,288, slightly higher than their 2018 survey, which reported an average cost of $31,368. In 2023, Easy Weddings' survey of 3,500+ engaged and recently married couples found the average spend to be $34,715. This is in line with the Moneysmart figure, which also states that the average Australian wedding costs $36,000.

The cost of weddings in Australia has been increasing yearly, and couples typically spend more than they originally budget for. In 2022, the three largest areas of spend were catering ($5,429), photography and videography ($3,000 and upwards), and venue hire ($14,758). The wedding venue is usually the biggest cost, with an average price per head of around $150. Given that the average wedding has 100 guests, the average cost of the venue in Australia is $15,000.

The state in which the wedding takes place also affects the overall cost. For example, the average wedding cost in New South Wales ranges from $37,108 to $41,245, while in Queensland, it ranges from $26,029 to $29,786.

With the average cost of weddings in Australia continuing to rise, couples are finding ways to cut costs, such as opting for non-traditional venues, self-catering, using their wedding cake as dessert, and choosing pre-loved or hired wedding attire.

Wedding industry growth

The Australian wedding industry is booming, with an estimated 56,124 wedding businesses operating in the country in 2019. The industry contributes about $4 billion to the local economy.

The wedding industry is rapidly expanding, with new trends and demands emerging each year. Local and privately owned businesses offer a range of products and services that can be uniquely styled according to each couple's interests.

In 2020, there were nearly 79,000 marriages registered in Australia, despite the coronavirus pandemic. The following year, there were 89,164 marriages, though this number was still 21% lower than in 2019. The pandemic also impacted the type of wedding that couples planned, with many opting for more intimate weddings over large gatherings.

The average cost of weddings in Australia has increased over time. In 2018, the average wedding cost was $24,562, while in 2019, it increased to $25,679. In 2020, before COVID-19, the average spend was $19,429, but by 2022, the average cost of a wedding was $32,288.

The wedding venue is typically the largest wedding-related expenditure, with an average price per head of around $150. Given that the average wedding has 100 guests, the average cost of the wedding venue in Australia is $15,000. Other significant costs include wedding dresses, which averaged $6,864 in 2020, and engagement rings, which averaged $12,690 the same year.

The wedding industry has also embraced social media as a marketing tool, with Instagram being a particularly effective platform. Social media provides brands with organic opportunities for awareness and inspiration, tips, tricks, and organisation tactics for couples.

Wedding planning behaviours

Budgeting and Spending

Australian weddings can be expensive, with costs increasing yearly. The average cost of a wedding in Australia is estimated to be around $33,810, although some sources put this figure higher, at $34,715 or even $36,000. This amount includes various expenses such as the venue, catering, wedding attire, flowers, photography, and more. The venue is typically the largest expense, with an average price per head of around $150, and couples are often influenced by trends and personalised details, which can increase the overall cost.

However, budget-conscious couples are becoming more prevalent, especially with the rising cost of living. Some couples choose to cut guest numbers, opt for DIY options, or reduce spending in certain areas like videography or floral arrangements to stay within their budget.

Planning Timeline and Communication

The average wedding planning cycle in Australia is around 22 months. Couples typically start their planning journey online, with 82% favouring email communication when contacting suppliers. Easy Weddings, Australia's most popular wedding marketplace and resource, is often the first point of reference for couples.

Wedding Dates and Seasons

The most popular months for weddings in Australia are typically March, April, September, and October, with a preference for Saturday weddings. Spring and autumn are also favoured for their mild weather.

Wedding Themes and Priorities

In 2022, the most popular wedding themes were garden/outdoor, romantic, and rustic. However, couples' priorities are shifting, and some are choosing to spend less on their weddings to focus on saving for a home or their honeymoon.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the wedding industry in Australia, with a decrease in marriages and changes to wedding plans. Some couples chose to postpone their weddings multiple times due to snap lockdowns and gathering restrictions. This resulted in a shift in budgeting, with couples spending more overall but inviting fewer guests to adhere to restrictions.

In summary, Australian couples exhibit a range of wedding planning behaviours influenced by budget constraints, date availability, personal preferences, and external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic. With the ever-evolving landscape of the wedding industry, staying informed about the latest trends and behaviours is essential for businesses catering to this market.

Wedding trends

The wedding industry in Australia is booming, with new trends and demands emerging each year. From luxury rustic barn setups to romantic garden themes, there is something to suit every couple's interests. Here are some of the latest wedding trends in Australia:

• Luxury Elements: The influence of social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest has brought luxury elements to the forefront. Couples are incorporating luxury features into their décor, such as rustic barn, bohemian, vintage, or vineyard themes.
• Private Moments: Some couples are choosing to say their personal vows in private with just the celebrant as a witness. This trend extends beyond photographs and includes private dining tables or meetings before the official ceremony, allowing couples to create intimate moments within the wedding festivities.
• Out-of-the-box Entertainment: Couples are opting for unique entertainment options such as aerialists, fireworks, or specific dancers to make their weddings memorable. Elaborate entertainment choices, like the Sangeet talent quest at Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra's wedding, are gaining popularity.
• Interactive Food Stations: Food trucks and interactive food stations offering various cuisines, such as taco bars, paella stations, and waffle food trucks, are becoming increasingly popular. Couples are prioritising catering and seeking to provide their guests with a diverse and engaging dining experience.
• Alternative Seating: Weddings are embracing a more relaxed vibe with alternative seating options. Instead of fixed seating, couples are opting for bench seats, cushions, crates, and pallet seating to create a boho atmosphere during the meal.
• Conscious Choices: With growing environmental concerns, couples are making conscious choices for their weddings. They are opting for environmentally friendly options, supporting local producers, and choosing healthier and more sustainable alternatives.
• Hanging Installations: Hanging installations are becoming more elaborate, incorporating intricate designs, patterns, and décor. These installations add a unique touch to the wedding décor and create a stunning backdrop for photographs.
• Natural Makeup: Influenced by Meghan Markle, the natural makeup trend is gaining traction. Brides are moving away from heavier Instagram-style makeup and opting for lighter styles, often with a pop of colour on the lips.
• Pet Participation: The trend of including pets in weddings is on the rise. Couples are incorporating their furry friends into their special day, whether as part of the wedding party or in creative photo opportunities with animals like cows, deer, or alpacas.
• Eco-conscious Celebrations: Following in the footsteps of Princess Eugenie, eco-conscious weddings are gaining popularity. Couples are choosing biodegradable paper for invitations, donating leftovers to local shelters, and even asking guests to forgo gifts in favour of donations to charities.

Wedding statistics

The wedding industry in Australia is worth around $4 billion, with 56,124 wedding businesses operating in the country in 2019. The industry has been growing, with nearly 79,000 marriages registered in 2020, despite the pandemic. In 2021, there were 89,164 marriages, though this was still 21% lower than in 2019. The average cost of weddings in Australia has increased over time, with some sources citing $36,000 as the average cost, while others state it to be $65,482 or $31,368. The average age of marriage in Australia is 31 years, with the legal minimum age being 18. The average wedding planning cycle is 22 months, and the most popular months to get married are March, April, and September.

The wedding industry encompasses a wide range of brands and services, including bridal wear, wedding rings, decorations, stationery, publishing, photography, planning tools, hair and makeup, catering, and entertainment. The average number of wedding guests invited has decreased over the years, from 91 in 2018 to 57 in 2020 (pre-COVID). The wedding venue is typically the largest wedding-related expenditure, with an average price per head of around $150, and an average total cost of $15,000 for 100 guests. Other significant costs include wedding dresses, which can range from $5,260 to $6,864, and engagement rings, with an average cost of $3,756.

Social media has become an increasingly important platform for wedding marketing and planning, with Instagram and TikTok providing inspiration, tips, and organisation tactics for couples. Wedding brands can utilise these platforms to reach a wider audience and showcase their products and services. The shift to short-form video content has also allowed brands to showcase styles and inspiration more efficiently.

The wedding industry in Australia is dynamic and ever-evolving, with new trends and demands emerging each year. Couples are prioritising unique and personalised weddings, which has contributed to the increasing average expenditure. Despite the impact of COVID-19, the industry is expanding, and businesses are adapting to meet the changing needs of couples.

Frequently asked questions