Tried and tested budget wedding ideas that don’t look cheap

Australian couples are now shelling out an average of $90,128* on their big day. But there are easy ways to slash the price and still have the wedding of your dreams.

Here’s some savvy saving tips to help keep your budget around $5000 – a saving of $85,000!

Invites

You want everyone to know when the big day is taking place so you’ll need to get those invites out!
Making your own saves you cash and adds a personal touch. Grab your paper-inspo and supplies from the Speciality Papers + Crafts Warehouse Sale this weekend. Prices start from just 50c and there’s lasercut wedding invites for $1.50.

Or go completely paperless with easy to use, invitation websites like Paperless Post.

TOP TIP
“Because our wedding’s next year, we’re sending the invites out early, rather than a save the date as well and we’ve set up an email address for RSVPs. We’re also going to hand deliver as many as we can!”
Noelle from Marrickville, NSW, marrying Henrick on September 25, 2019.

Cost: $175

Venue

Booking a big venue with catering is a budget-buster and can cost over $20,000. Why not be a backyard bride instead or choose a local park or beach with a special meaning for you and your other half. Have a BBQ and tell guests it’s BYO to save even more.

Cost: $2500-$3000 for backyard wedding including celebrant, basic menu BBQ with chef, alcohol.

Top tip!
“Instead of asking for wedding gifts, we’ve asked people help out. My mum loves baking, so she’s going to make our cake and my friend Adele is a hairdresser so she’s doing my hair and make-up. Our mate Tim has been doing a photography course, so he’s going to take the photos and we’re borrowing tables and chairs for the reception. It’s going to save us thousands and it feels really special that everyone’s involved in the day.”
Bella, Perth, WA, is marrying Mikey in October 2019

Decorations

Website Budget Savvy Bride  suggests “making any items that you think you could create for less than the price of purchasing something specifically for the wedding.” There’s lots of inspo on pinterest and plenty of handy step-by-step videos on Youtube – check out this one that shows a guide to creating stunning paper blooms.

There’s paper for every colour theme at the Speciality Papers + Crafts Warehouse Sale this weekend. You can also find place cards and settings, ribbons for chairs, filigree paper for homemade bunting and guest books.

Cost: $500

“I’ve found choosing a theme for my wedding has helped. I’ve gone for boho so I know what colours and types of decorations look out for in the sales. I’m also going to buy my flowers straight from the market and arrange them myself – thanks youtube! ” .
Angie, St Kilda, Vic, marrying Daz in February 2019.

Doughnut walls are on-trend instead of cakes and can easily be DIY-ed.

Favours

Does your Nonna’s bake biscuits using a family recipe or perhaps you and your hubby share a love for Fantales or Jaffas? Why not cook up a batch of bikkies or bulk buy a selection of sweet treats to give as favours. With bomboniere boxes from 0.30c this weekend, it’s a personal touch that won’t set you back $$$.

Cost: $100

Music

Personalise a playlist on your phone and ask guests to select songs to be played on the day.
Cost: $0

Bride

According to a 2018 survey by Wedded Wonderland, Australia’s biggest bridal site, the average Aussie bride-to-be is dropping a whopping $5180 on her dream dress. But you don’t have to spend that much! Discount stores have dresses for less than half price and overseas companies can make you a frock for as little as $30!
Just leave a bit in the budget to pay for adjustments if you need them when it arrives. And check out our upcoming Wittner sales for on-trend shoes at up to 80% off.

Top tip!
“Drop the word wedding from your internet searches because you find a lot of things cost a lot less! I’ve given it a go and a search for a white dress brought back more affordable options than my search for a wedding dress…” Cassidy, Geelong, Vic, marrying Jayden in December 2018.

Cost: $800-$1000

Groom

The same Wedded Wonderland survey discovered that the average groom was splashing out $1834 on his suit for the big day. Heading to our Bossini Menswear Warehouse Sale will have your groom and wedding party covered for way less. Check out three-piece suits for the groom with up to 80% off (starting from just $50!) and cotton shirts from $10. Choose waistcoats, cufflinks, tie-pins, belts and pocket squares – we’ve got the works!

Cost: Entire suit $250, Shoes $99

Total wedding budget: $5124 – add a few extra $ for finishing touches.

More upcoming hussh sales worth checking out for wedding inspo: 



• French Bazaar for get decorative items. Click here for sale info. 
• Wittner VIP nights in Sydney and Melbourne for shoes. 
• Classica Kitchenware warehouse sale if you’re looking for glassware and dinner in bulk from $2 a piece!

*mywedding.com Cost of Love survey, April 2018. We’ve based our $$$ estimates on a guest list of 80 people.