A wedding is one of the most important days in any couple’s life. Ultimately, it's another event that requires planning and budgeting. Therefore, depending on how you see your big day playing out, you’ll need to consider the different costs you’re likely to face, from the venue to décor, flowers, catering, and the entertainment.

So, whether you’re thinking of tying the knot at the beautiful Boulevard Gardens, the Northshore Harbour, or Hillstone St Lucia, we’ll share everything you need to know in terms of costs about planning a wedding in Brisbane in this post.

How Much Does a Wedding Cost in Australia?

According to statistics from the Australian Securities & Investments Commission, the average cost of a wedding in Brisbane was $36,000 to $53,000. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the wedding landscape down under with recent surveys suggesting costs dropping to as little as $18,500 due to restrictions and limited expenses compared to pre-pandemic times. However, we've come a long way since 2020, with the world gradually getting back to normal. As a result, many locals are splashing out their cash on long-overdue weddings at some of the best venues in Queensland, including waterfronts, beaches, and luxurious resorts.

How Much Does Planning a Wedding Cost in Brisbane?

With things gradually returning to normal, a typical Brisbane wedding now costs around $30,000. However, this cost can easily escalate if you don't plan your special day accordingly. You should break down the major expenses for the big day to get an estimate of how much you'll need. To give our readers an idea, we are sharing a breakdown of typical wedding costs in Queensland:

1. Wedding Venue

Over 90% of Australian couples opt for a venue in Brisbane for their big day and spend over $12,000 on average for it. However, this cost has gone up since 2020 with the increase in demand following the lifted restrictions. With nearly a year of isolation and being away from friends and family, many couples opt for big weddings and spend more on venues than in previous years. On average, each couple invites close to a hundred guests, taking the cost to around $125-$130 per head.

2. Food and Drinks

No wedding is complete without food and drinks, both of which are among the largest costs a couple have to factor in. In many cases, the venue and food can take up nearly 50-70% of your entire budget. However, many venues in Brisbane come with an in-house caterer, so there's a chance you can get a discounted bundled cost. Moreover, most caterers charge per person, and the cost per head typically ranges from $50 to $100 on average. However, additional items, such as an open bar or hi-tea buffet, can raise prices.

3. Wedding Dress/Suit and Accessories

Your wedding dress or tux is probably going to be the most expensive piece of clothing you’ll ever buy in your life. On average, wedding attire can easily take up to 25% of a couple’s budget, depending on where they’re shopping from. Moreover, wedding rings can be quite pricey even if you're not looking for expensive options. Many couples also buy new clothes for the bridal or bachelor party, which can easily add to the total cost.

4. Photography

No wedding is complete with memorable photos and videos to encapsulate your big day so you can relive it down the road. On average, Brisbane couples spend as high as $4,000 for one day of coverage. Some are willing to spend on multiple photographers and filmmakers to get maximum coverage.

5. Entertainment

A wedding is most likely the biggest party you'll ever throw, so you need to ensure that your guests are entertained at all times. On average, couples spend nearly 10% of their budget on wedding-day entertainment, which typically includes hiring a wedding DJ or band and a custom photo booth for your guests to have fun with.

6. Décor

In many cases, the venue you opt for will include the décor. However, since most couples want personalised options for their wedding, they custom-pick flowers and decorations for use at the ceremony or reception, which can easily cost north of $3,000.

7. Ceremony

In Brisbane, most venues charge a fee for conducting a wedding ceremony in Australia. This cost is typically under $1,000 and involves hiring a celebrant or priest and obtaining a wedding license.

8. Other Costs

Other costs to consider include wedding invitations, accommodation, dining, Bomboniere, wedding cakes, bridesmaid dresses, and wedding cars, etc.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it – everything you need to consider in terms of cost when planning a wedding in Brisbane. No matter the time of the year or the venue, weddings are expensive with no signs of changing anytime soon, especially in the new normal where many couples are looking to go all out on their big day following a year of isolation and social distancing.