How to plan a wedding in Australia for under $20K
Plan your dream wedding in Australia for under $20,000 with these affordable wedding tips, budget wedding ideas, DIY decorations, venue and catering hacks, and real advice from MyBudget’s money-savvy bride, Dominique.
Can you plan your dream wedding in Australia without going into debt?
MyBudget team member Dominique (Domi) did exactly that, and I’m sharing her gorgeous, real-life story (plus a tonne of insider tips) so you can do it too.
With the average wedding cost in Australia now $41,400 (ABIA 2025), it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But you can still have a beautiful celebration on a smaller budget. With smart planning, creative thinking, and a clear wedding budget breakdown, you can absolutely say “I do” for under $20,000, and still have a magical, memorable day filled with love, family and your closest friends.
I sat down with Domi (and swooned over her stunning pics) to talk about how she made it happen, from choosing a wedding car supplier and floral arrangements to sourcing a custom dress on Etsy. Whether you’re planning a small wedding ceremony in a community hall or a romantic reception at a local farm, this guide will show you how to budget, plan, and celebrate without sacrificing the big day of your dreams.
How do you plan a beautiful wedding on a $20,000 budget in Australia?
“Plan early and be realistic about what matters most to you.”
Dominique, MyBudget team member
The best way to plan a wedding on a budget is to give yourself time. Early planning means more choices, better deals, and less stress.
Domi recommends having an honest conversation with your partner about your non-negotiables. Prioritise those and find ways to save in other areas. And yes, start a savings plan that doesn’t rely on a credit card.
What are the biggest wedding expenses in Australia, and how do you reduce them?
“Having a smaller wedding meant we were able to spend quality time with our guests, and it was a relaxed event.“
Dominique, MyBudget team member
Reception venue hire, catering and drinks packages will make up a majority of most wedding expenses and live music and entertainment can be a big cost. The most effective way to keep your wedding costs down is by opting for a smaller guest list with your close loved ones. Domi and her partner kept it intimate with just 23 guests, then hosted an afterparty two days later for everyone else and provided pizza and their first drink. Genius.
What are the most affordable wedding venues in Australia?
“Don’t underestimate a hidden gem, like a winery or a distillery.”
Dominique, MyBudget team member
Look for elopement or micro-wedding packages, or consider ceremony locations like the botanic gardens, a forest or a local farm to tie the knot. Perhaps a restaurant by the beach or a small winery or distillery that flies under the radar. A reception venue more towards the outskirts of the city is usually more affordable.
How can I save money on catering, drinks and the wedding reception?
“I talked to the Venue Manager and they were happy to make cocktails on the day if we provided the alcohol and ingredients, at no extra cost.”
Dominique, MyBudget team member
Swap the sit-down meal for cocktail-style food, grazing table or buffet. Look into food trucks, Domi catered for her afterparty with delicious Pizzas. Try a donut wall instead of a traditional wedding cake. Ask your venue if you can BYO alcohol or create signature drinks, Domi’s venue even let her bring her own ingredients for cocktails. It pays to ask. If you’re planning ahead, look for an off-peak date to further reduce food and beverage costs for your big day.
How much does a wedding dress cost in Australia?
“I found a custom dress on Etsy for a fraction of the boutique price.”
Dominique, MyBudget team member
Most dresses from boutiques start at around $5,000. So it can easily blow out your wedding budget. You want to look and feel your absolute best on your wedding day, but it’s good to remember that you’re only going to wear this dress for one day of your life. Domi recommends asking yourself if it’s really worth spending a quarter of your $20,000 wedding budget on one piece of clothing?
Domi reminds us not to underestimate the magic of an op shop find. If you plan in advance, sourcing a second-hand dress might take a little longer, but the savings is worth it. In her case, she found a stunning custom-made gown on Etsy for a fifth of what she would have paid at a boutique bridal store.
What are the best wedding decoration ideas for smaller budgets?
“We reused bouquets as reception flowers and borrowed decor from friends.”
Domonique, MyBudget team member
Domi is Ecuadorian and traditionally, in South America her family make wedding decorations together as part of the preparations. She says to lean on your heritage and family and friends’ skills! Got a friend who loves to knit or do macrame? Ask them if they’d like to help if your table centers or favors!
Domi mentioned one of her favourite money-saving hacks was repurposing her wedding flowers. Instead of paying for entirely separate floral arrangements, she reused her bridesmaids’ bouquets and even the welcome sign flowers as reception table centres and bar decorations. It’s a simple idea that saved her thousands.
How do you save money on wedding photography and videography?
“Ask around. We have a videographer friend who gave us a mates rate.”
Dominique, MyBudget team member
Book early and consider weekday or off-peak weddings. If full-day coverage is out of your budget, focus on key moments only. Some photography students or up-and-coming pros may offer discounted packages too. Again, relying on your friends and family for recommendations or assistance is one of the best ways to save money on capturing your big day. Domi was very lucky to have a close friend who is a professional videographer, he shot her wedding for a reasonable price.
What are the cheapest wedding entertainment ideas for your big day?
“We had a DJ and it was the best vibe!”
Dominique, MyBudget team member
A live band can be pricey, but a DJ or curated playlist can still bring the party. Domi chose a DJ and it was the best vibe all night. If you have a friend who DJs, even better, don’t be afraid to ask around. And when it comes to your first dance wedding song, it doesn’t need to be a celebrity-style performance to feel unforgettable.
How do you save money on wedding invitations and stationery?
“Canva templates + Officeworks = budget win”
Dominique, MyBudget team member
Domi says one of the easiest ways to save money is with DIY wedding invitations. She used Canva templates, printed them at Officeworks, and even considered digital invitations to cut down on printing and postage. If you’ve got friends who are good with Photoshop or design, don’t be shy to ask, they’ll probably be honoured to help you design something so special.
What’s the cheapest way to organise a wedding without a planner?
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help, It takes a village to organise a wedding, and it doesn’t all need to rest on you and your partners’ shoulders”
Dominique, MyBudget team member
There are loads of free wedding planning tools online that helped Domi stay organised. She suggested starting with a clear wedding budget, sticking to a timeline, and not being afraid to ask for help. “People actually want to help,” she said. “It makes your friends and family feel like they’re part of something really special.”
If you’re not sure where to start with your wedding budget, MyBudget’s free Personal Budget Template is a great tool. It’s designed to help you map out your spending, set savings goals, and stay on track as your big day approaches.
What’s the one tip that saved you the most money?
“Get married on a weekday! We saved $5K by tying the knot on a Thursday.”
Dominique, MyBudget team member
Weekday and off-peak weddings are often significantly cheaper for venues, suppliers and even accommodation. Domi saved $5,000 by getting married on a weekday. You’ll also have more flexibility with bookings. She says you might need to factor in any permits, and wedding car hire, so planning ahead helps avoid hidden costs.
Domi’s final advice on keeping your wedding on budget
“Be clear on what matters to you, plan early, and don’t be afraid to ask venues or vendors for adjustments to make things work for you. It’s your day, do it your way.”
Dominique, MyBudget team member
Ready to plan your dream wedding without going into debt?
At MyBudget, we believe everyone deserves to start their married life on the right financial foot. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a larger celebration, our team is here to help you stay in control of your wedding expenses, avoid debt, and feel confident about your financial future. With over 130,000 Australians supported so far, MyBudget has the tools, experience and heart to help you create a personal budget that fits your lifestyle and your love story.
My Budget will:
- Set up a personal budget that includes your wedding expenses
- Pay your bills so you can focus on wedding planning, not due dates
- Support you in combining your finances with your partner
- Help you enjoy your big day without relying on credit cards or loans.
Enter your married era, debt free.
Call one of our expert Money Coaches today on 1300 300 922 or book a 10-minute chat with us online.
FAQs: Wedding planning on a budget in Australia
What is a realistic budget for a wedding in Australia?
The average Aussie wedding costs around $41,400, (ABIA) but it’s absolutely possible to plan a beautiful celebration for under $20K.
What is the cheapest way to get married?
Eloping, garden weddings, or registry ceremonies with small receptions are all affordable options.
How much do wedding flowers cost in Australia?
Wedding flower costs can vary a lot, but allocating 10–15% of your wedding budget to flowers is a helpful guide. Save money by choosing seasonal blooms, keeping arrangements simple, or DIYing with flowers from a friend’s garden. You can also reuse your ceremony flowers at the reception, or consider faux options.
When is the best time of year for a budget wedding in Australia?
Choosing a winter wedding in Australia, between June and August, can lead to noticeable savings. Many venues and suppliers reduce their prices during these quieter months in order to book out their calendars
Can I afford to get married?
Yes, especially if you plan ahead. Use MyBudget’s free Personal Budget Template, set clear savings goals, and track everything with tools like the MyBudget Savings Calculator.
What does MyBudget actually do?
MyBudget is Australia’s most trusted personal budgeting service. We help you take control of your money, plan for big goals (like a wedding!), and remove the stress of managing bills and budgeting on your own. With over 130,000 clients helped since 1999, we’re here to support your financial wellbeing.
How can MyBudget help me afford my wedding?
We help you plan ahead and stick to your savings goals so you don’t need to rely on credit cards or loans. We’ll create a personalised budget that includes your wedding expenses, pay your bills on time, and make sure your financial priorities stay on track before, during and after your big day.