Planning a wedding in Melbourne?
Don’t let outdated figures like the infamous $37,000 “average” wedding cost throw you off track. Every wedding is unique, and your budget should reflect your vision, not misleading statistics.
Planning a wedding in Melbourne can feel overwhelming, especially when misinformation about the “average” wedding cost is floating around. Figures like $37,000 are often quoted, but they fail to reflect the unique nature of modern weddings in 2025. These outdated averages don’t account for variables like the venue, the number of guests, and the timing of your wedding. As a result, many couples are left confused, with unrealistic expectations and often, an unsustainable budget.
With over 18 years of experience in wedding planning and a background in financial accounting, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to have an informed approach to budgeting. By working with a wedding planner who understands both the creative and financial aspects, you can ensure that your wedding day is seamless, unforgettable, and stays within your means. Here’s a deeper look at how to create a realistic wedding budget that truly reflects your dream day.
Why the $37,000 Wedding Cost is Misleading
For years, the $37,000 figure has been bandied about as the “average” wedding cost in Melbourne. However, this number is based on outdated, incomplete data that doesn’t account for the significant differences in wedding styles, locations, and seasons.
For example, a wedding at a premium Melbourne venue can cost anywhere between $15,000 and $40,000, sometimes not including catering, florals, and the many other services required for your wedding. Then there’s the fact that the size of your guest list, your chosen suburb, and even the time of year can drastically affect your wedding expenses. These factors play a huge role in determining your total wedding cost, making the $37,000 figure irrelevant to most couples.
This is where the problem begins: Couples often see the $37,000 number and believe it’s what they *need* to spend. This pressure to meet the “average” leads many to make poor decisions, such as booking suppliers who don’t fit their vision or cutting corners in critical areas like entertainment, photography, wedding planners or floral arrangements.
At Gee What a Wedding, I’ve integrated my financial expertise into the wedding planning process to provide personalised budgeting services. I take the guesswork out of the equation and help you allocate funds to each part of your wedding based on your unique needs and priorities.
1. Understanding Your Vision: We start by discussing what your dream wedding looks like. Do you envision a lavish, opulent affair or a more intimate gathering? This helps us determine the scale and scope of your wedding and tailor your budget accordingly.
2. Tailored Budget Breakdown: Based on your vision, I’ll break down the expected costs of each component of your wedding—venue, catering, entertainment, florals, photography, and more. This ensures you’re fully informed about how much to allocate to each supplier.
3. Financial Clarity: I’ll walk you through how to prioritise your spending, ensuring that your budget is realistic for your vision and that you’re not over-committing to one area at the expense of another. I’ll also help you anticipate potential surprises, like hidden fees or last-minute vendor costs, so there are no shocks down the road.
By the end of the session, you’ll feel confident in your choices and ready to start booking suppliers with clarity and peace of mind.
One of the biggest mistakes I see couples make is allocating too much of their budget to the venue, leaving little room for suppliers who bring the day to life. While choosing the perfect venue is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. It’s the talented suppliers—florists, photographers, caterers, and entertainers—that will make your day memorable.
Experienced suppliers are the ones who create the moments you’ll treasure forever. Without them, even the most beautiful venue can feel empty. So, while it’s tempting to splurge on a dream venue, be mindful of balancing your budget to ensure you also have the best team of suppliers by your side.
Wedding planning is a journey that requires careful navigation. Without expert guidance, it’s easy to go off course—whether it’s by overspending on a venue, making compromises on important services, or misallocating funds in the wrong areas. With a professional wedding planner, you gain a trusted ally who understands the ins and outs of the wedding and events industry.
With my 18 years of experience in wedding and event planning, and a financial background, I can help you balance your dreams with practical budgeting advice, ensuring there are no surprises along the way. You’ll receive expert support from start to finish, leaving you free to enjoy the excitement of your engagement rather than stressing over details.
At the end of the day, wedding planning doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right guidance and a personalised budget, you can plan a wedding that reflects your vision without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re looking for full wedding planning services or just need a budgeting session to get started, I’m here to help.
If you’re ready to start your wedding journey with clarity and ease, book a free consultation with me at Gee What a Wedding today. We’ll create a budget tailored to your dream wedding, ensuring every step is stress-free.
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