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Andrew Ives and Gemma Dalarmy faced some tough decisions while planning their wedding.
From paring down the guest list to relying on family members for support, they do everything they can to keep costs down.
They are among many couples concerned about the rising cost of weddings, as the average price of tying the knot tops $35,000.
According to Easy Weddings’ latest industry report, weddings can cost up to 28 percent more than couples originally budgeted.
The data reveals that while the average startup budget is $27,455, couples often spend an average of $35,315.
“It was surprising, I knew weddings were expensive but there are some parts you don’t expect. It all starts to add up,” Ives said.
“Get the spreadsheet and something sounds like a reasonable amount, but when you add it all up it can be scary.”
The couple is trying to keep costs down by budgeting nearly $60,000 for their special day.
“Obviously it was higher than we thought,” Dalarmy said.
“We (tried) to limit the number of guests … we started with an initial list and just had to reassess and reassess again.
“Things like relying on family friends to help us, having a cousin as a celebrant, but it also helps us save costs.”
Wedding planner Darcy Allen said two-thirds of couples have help from their families with the bills, which are piling up quickly.
She said many couples need to have realistic budget discussions.
“I think they’re a little exhausted, definitely a little stressed and anxious, and that’s when the conversations start with the family about financial help,” Allen said.
“The biggest pain point right now is sticking to the budget, and the second is family.
“Right now we’re seeing couples waiting longer to get married so they can save more.
The most expensive expenses include venue, food and drinks, followed by photography.
“The price is going up,” Allen said.
“The number of guests attending a wedding has dropped to 88 and normally a decade ago we would have seen over 100.”
More and more couples are also choosing to skip the traditional large church and wedding receptions in favor of smaller, more intimate micro weddings.
“For couples who are nervous about spending that money and want to make sure they have that wow factor, I would consider a mid-week or off-peak wedding.”
“You’ll have the wedding and dream day you want for less and all your suppliers will be more likely to give you a better price.”
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