Wedding Budget Checklist Australia: Every Cost to Plan For
The easiest way to blow a wedding budget is to forget the small things. This checklist lists every cost category so you can price your own wedding with real quotes, not guesses.
Start with a total you can afford
Add what you've saved, what you can save each pay until the date, and any confirmed family contributions. That's your ceiling. Then decide your top three priorities (for example food, photos and music) and give them the biggest share.
The checklist
Ceremony and venue
- Ceremony venue or permit
- Celebrant and Notice of Intended Marriage paperwork
- Reception venue hire, minimum spend and service fees
- Public holiday or Sunday surcharges
Food and drink
- Catering per head, plus kids and supplier meals
- Drinks package or bar tab
- Cake and cake-cutting fee
Attire and beauty
- Dress or suit, alterations, shoes, accessories
- Hair and makeup, including trials
- Rings
Suppliers
- Photographer and/or videographer
- Music: band, DJ or ceremony musician
- Florist and styling, hire items
- Transport
The ones people forget
- Invitations and postage
- Gifts for the bridal party and parents
- Deposits due months ahead
- Supplier travel fees for regional venues
- Overtime if the reception runs late
- A buffer of around 5 to 10% for surprises
Track quotes against your budget
Write the budgeted amount, the quote, the deposit paid and the balance due date for every line. Read our wedding budget guide for a planning layout, and the engagement party budget if that's coming first. Planning another big event? Use the event budget planner.
Want it done for you?
Wedding Budget HQ: Budget, quotes, deposits and due dates for every supplier in one place. Or start with the free Mini Paycheck Budget.
FAQ
What should be included in a wedding budget?
Venue, catering, drinks, attire, rings, photography, music, flowers, celebrant, invitations, transport, gifts and a buffer for surprises.
How much buffer should we add?
Many couples add around 5 to 10% of the total for unexpected costs.
How do we keep track of deposits?
Record each supplier's quote, deposit paid and balance due date in one tracker.
General information only, not financial or tax advice. Check ato.gov.au or a registered tax agent for your situation.