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Till Debt Do Us Part, Part 2: Aligning Your Budget with Your Wedding Timeline

  • Writer: Jordan Vassallo Celebrant
    Jordan Vassallo Celebrant
  • Jun 18
  • 3 min read

Firstly, the information in this blog is general and in no way takes into account your personal circumstances. The figures and formulas I’m using are for example only—please consider your own position when planning your wedding and making financial decisions.


Weddings in Australia aren’t getting any cheaper. According to the latest industry data, the average spend in 2023 was $33,810 (assets.easyweddings.com), and in 2024 climbed to $35,315 (honey.nine.com.au).

A rising cost-of-living means couples need to plan not just “how much,” but when they’ll spend it. Below, I’ve reworked my original budgeting advice into a timeline-based framework—so you can book, pay and enjoy your way through the planning process without surprises.


12–18 Months Out: Secure Your Foundation

1. Book Your Venue & Celebrant

  • Deposit: 20–30% of venue hire; celebrant deposits vary but typically $500–$1,000.

  • Budget Tip: Lock in an off-peak or mid-week date to save up to 20% on venue fees.

2. Confirm Guest Numbers & Set Your Core Budget

  • Action: Draft your initial guest list (aim for 90–120 people).

  • Why It Matters: Your guest count drives every major cost—catering, seating, stationery, even hireware.


9–12 Months Out: Book Key Vendors

3. Catering & Beverages

  • Average cost: $120–$150 per head.

  • Payment terms: Often 20% deposit, 50% six months out, balance one month before.

4. Photographer / Videographer

  • Average package: $4,000–$6,000 for full-day coverage.

  • Tip: Ask for à la carte print or album options—sometimes you can add these later, as gifts arrive.

5. Entertainment

  • DJ: $1,200–$2,000 deposit;

  • Live band: $3,000–$5,000 deposit.

  • Save: Consider a duo or solo musician for parts of the day to reduce costs.


6–9 Months Out: Lock in Style & Décor

6. Attire & Accessories

  • Gown / Suit: $2,000–$4,000 total.

  • Payments: Many designers allow interest-free payment plans—spread your costs over several months.

7. Flowers & Styling

  • Average spend: $2,500–$4,000.

  • Tip: Choose in-season blooms to save 15–20%—and ask your florist about repurposing ceremony arrangements at the reception.

8. Stationery & Signage

  • Cost range: $500–$1,200.

  • Contingency: Allow 10% for rush-print fees if you tweak guest names or menu options later.


3–6 Months Out: Finalise the Details

9. Hair & Makeup Trials

  • Average: $250–$350 per trial.

  • Bundling: Book your bridal party together to negotiate a group discount.

10. Transport & Accommodation

  • Car hire: $500–$1,000 (ceremony + photos).

  • Room blocks: Negotiate a room-night guarantee with nearby hotels for a small commission discount.

11. Cake & Catering Final Menu

  • Cake deposit: 30%–50%.

  • Tasting session: Often free or credited toward your final cake balance.


1–3 Months Out: Payment Crunch Time

12. Final Guest Numbers & Final Payments

  • Action: Confirm numbers; pay final catering, hireware and vendor balances (often due 30 days out).

  • Tip: Use a dedicated account (or mortgage offset) to hold all wedding funds—withdraw only what’s due each week to maximise interest-savings.

13. Registry & Wishing Well Funds

  • Allocation: Decide if cash gifts go toward honeymoon, mortgage, or a special splurge.

  • Avoid immediate debt: If your budget lines held strong, your wishing-well windfall can be 100% profit.


Week of the Wedding: Tie Up Loose Ends

  • Reconcile Payments: Double-check all vendors have received their final invoices.

  • Celebrate Responsibly: Avoid surprise bills by not adding last-minute “extras” (except for a cheeky late-night pizza order).


Starting Married Life Ahead

By following a timeline approach, you not only smooth out your cashflow, but you can also identify where to reallocate savings—so you can start your marriage debt-free or even a little ahead. If you’d like my free budget-vs-timeline spreadsheet, email me at info@jordanvassallocelebrant.com.au.

And when you’re ready for a celebrant who’ll keep your ceremony flowing (and your speeches on time), let’s chat.

Jordan Vassallo

#1 Male Celebrant in Australia | As seen on Married at First Sight👉


Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @jordanvassallocelebrant and like my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/jordanvassallocelebrant


 
 
 

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