The average Australian wedding can set you back around $36,000 – or maybe even more. Because of that, the glow of proposal has simmered down it’s important to start brainstorming a wedding style with your partner that you’ll both love, and can afford. While your wedding style should be a reflection of you both it also shouldn’t break the bank.

Whether you have a spending restriction or can allow to be a little more generous, your options for a wedding style are only limited by your imagination. Each of the wedding styles we list below can be adjusted to suit location, cost, head-count, catering and all the other extra costs that come with planning your big day.

1. Rustic country wedding

If you own or have access to a rural property, a country style wedding can be an affordable option. Depending on the season, you can enjoy the day either outdoors in nature or do up the barn for an indoor shindig. A great bonus is that there aren’t often sound restrictions out in the country, so everybody can keep partying into the night.

2. Boho beach wedding

Mix earthy elements with a ceremony by the sea. Beach weddings are a beautiful way to incorporate nature into your nuptials, as well as being cost-effective. That’s because the most you usually pay for the location is a light council fee or, better yet, nothing at all.

To further complete this style, you can add your own personal touches of bohemian chic to the décor and outfits.

3. Courthouse wedding

Courthouse-style weddings are an intimate, low-key way to get hitched. If a grand, flowery ceremony isn’t you or your partner’s style, then this could be. There can be something extra special about keeping the ceremony between just yourselves and your dearest family and friends. How you decide to celebrate after can be altered to suit your budget too.

4. Modern wedding

When planning a modern wedding, the space you choose is a big part of the cost. Modern weddings tend to suit converted industrial or gallery spaces best. With that in mind, it can be helpful to research the kind of place you want to go. Factoring how many guests will be there and whether you’re opting for cocktail or sit-down catering can help you stay within the budget.

5. Classical wedding

Whether it’s for religious reasons or the simplicity of tradition, planning a classical style wedding can tip either end of the cost scale. The best way to stick to your budget with a classical wedding is to maintain the elements of the ceremony and reception rituals that are the most important to you, and skip the rest.

Planning your wedding budget

Whatever your dream wedding style, it's possible to create your dream day without blowing your budget. Tools like Suncorp Bank's online budget planner can help you can get a good overview of your spending and saving. Bank accounts, such as Suncorp Bank’s Everyday Options Account, allow you to split your money into sub-accounts for specific events or savings goals. Plus, there are no account keeping fees and you can open an account online in minutes.

Discover Suncorp Bank’s everyday accounts

Published 25 September 2022