QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF WHEN CONSIDERING WHERE TO SPEND AND SAVE MONEY

With the average Australian wedding costing more than $36,000, budget is inevitably top of mind from the moment that question gets popped! Over the last few years, we’ve worked with hundreds of brides and grooms and have picked up a lot of budgeting tips along the way. So, we get it – whether you’re planning a wedding on a shoestring, or have more money to play with, here are some of our favourite bits of advice on where to spend and where to save on your wedding day.

VENUE

Make sure you understand exactly what is included in your venue hire agreement so you don’t get stung with additional costs you might not have been expecting. Is GST included? Will they charge extra for things like gas heaters if the forecast changes? Ask all the questions you have (even if you feel a bit silly) and go through everything with a fine-toothed comb.

Do you need everything that is included in the package? If not, can you negotiate the cost? Sometimes it’s not possible, but it’s always worth the ask.

Hold the ceremony and reception at the same venue. This way you’ll save on any extra transport required and any additional venue charges. Here are some venues we’ve loved working at. 11 Unique Sydney Venues

DECOR

Recruit one of your bridesmaids with neat handwriting to help write place cards and you and your bridesmaids can work together to get all the cards cut and ready for her.

Check Facebook Marketplace or eBay for wedding knick-knacks. Things like jars and vases are always for sale if you search around – and you might even snag something like a second-hand easel for your wedding sign.

Don’t get overwhelmed by beautiful Pinterest weddings. Think about how you can get savvy with what you are already spending money on to bring some colour to your venue. Maybe your bouquets can be used around the venue for the reception to brighten different corners.

OUTFITS

Always factor in alterations to the total cost before you say yes to the dress. Modern Wedding estimates the average cost of dress alterations is beteween $300 - $800, so an important one not to miss.

Got an eye on a particular dress or designer? Keep checking websites like Still White to see if there is a second-hand version available. Also sign up to the newsletters of any retailers you love to keep an ear open for any upcoming sales or trunk shows.

FOOD AND DRINK

It’s arguably the largest cost of the day, but one worth spending money on – no one wants hangry guests! Weigh up carefully the costs of sharing plates on the table versus alternate plated mains and see what best suits your style and budget, depending on what your venue offers.

See if having wedding cake for dessert is an option – just mind any cakeage fees.
Similarly, if you’re self-catering drinks, keep an eye on that corkage!

If you’re worried about running out, another hack we love for anyone self-catering drinks in a dry hire venue is this: buy a bunch of extra booze the week of the wedding and hold tight to that receipt! If it remains unopened and in perfect condition after the wedding, take it straight back to the booze store and cash that refund (just check the store policy first, obvs)!

HONEYMOON & ACCOMMODATION

Choose an off-season honeymoon destination to try and get the best deal possible (we think Winter is awesome) – 6 Reasons To Have A Sydney Winter Wedding.

Look out for venues that have accommodation on site and that might include some rooms as part of the package you’re paying for.

AND FINALLY YOU GUESSED IT - PHOTO AND VIDEO

Ok so it won’t come as any surprise, but there’s a reason we do what we do. Like many things in life, you really do get what you pay for with wedding photography and video.

Yes, there is always someone who is going to be able to do it cheaper, but we’re pretty sure that wouldn’t even cross your mind if you were about to get a tattoo! Like getting a tattoo, your wedding photos are one time only – once they’re done, they’re done and there’s no going back!

So, spare yourself from only having Grandpa’s shaky iPad footage, as lovely as that might be. You want to be confident that your photos and video are going to be not only precious and timeless memories for you to treasure, but for future generations of your family to look back on.

But hey, don’t just take it from us - here’s what two of our lovely couples had to say:

"I could show you the pros / cons spreadsheet that I'd drawn up a year and a half ago which had over 30 different companies listed, with columns to tick or cross out regarding different inclusions. Hello Sweetheart had been at the very top of my list…No matter how many other companies I researched, I kept going back to the company at the top of the list with the love heart next to it. I cannot even begin to explain how grateful I am that I listened to my gut." - Rebecca & Andrew

“Right from the very beginning both Alice and I felt immediately comfortable and we both had a ball! Hello Sweetheart not only takes incredibly beautiful photos....but is so much fun to shoot with. They managed to capture our entire day...start to finish. They were there even when you least expected...capturing some really special moments. And the end result....the photos are downright spectacular! We cannot recommend Hello Sweetheart enough! Thanks again! – Ben & Alice - Read 150+ genuine Facebook reviews.

So, want us to shoot your big day for you? Get in touch and let’s make it happen. Tell us about your day here.

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