The Hidden Wedding Planning Expenses No One Warns You About

Photo Credit Jackson Grant, of Laura and Shaun at Leonardo's Pizza!

The Real Cost of Planning a Wedding!

Planning a wedding is a wild, wonderful ride — filled with love, laughter, spreadsheets, and the occasional “wait, that costs HOW much?” moment. So here are some of the hidden wedding planning expenses no one warns you about! Many of which can be avoided when working with the right vendors!

Most couples are ready for the big-value items — Celebrant, venue, catering, outfits, photographer — but there’s a sneaky bunch of smaller (and not-so-small) costs that can creep up faster than a tipsy aunt on the dance floor.

Here’s the lowdown on the hidden wedding expenses Aussie couples often forget — so you can budget smart, stress less, and focus on what really matters: celebrating your love, your way.

The Sound of Celebration: PA & Sound System Hire

It’s all fun and games until your guests can’t hear your vows or the DJ sounds like they’re broadcasting from a tin shed (trust me, if the volume is low or shit, no one wants to dance).

Plenty of venues don’t include a decent sound system, and those that do often offer something… basic. Hiring a proper setup can cost anywhere from $400 to $3,000, plus a sound tech to keep things humming along smoothly (extra $$$ again)

Hot tip: if your celebrant, DJ, or band can bring (set up & control) their own gear, that's a mega bonus, ensure you double-check what’s included so you don’t end up hiring twice.

Setting the Mood: Lighting That Actually Flatters Everyone

Bad lighting kills the vibe and the photos. Sure, most venues have lights, but do they give “romantic glow” or “conference room chic”? Do you want to do your first dance as a married couple under bright "Coles Supermarket vibes?".... Hell no!

Asking the venue what they provide and if there's capacity to lower the lighting for moody moments is helpful. Uplighting, fairy lights, neon signs, smoke/haze, and disco balls, can transform a space — but they can also add $500 to $2,500 to your total.

Comfort & Style: Furniture & Lounge Rentals

If you’re hiring a blank canvas venue, remember you’ll probably need to bring in everything — tables, chairs, bar, lounges, maybe even cutlery.

Furniture hire can quickly climb to $1,000–$5,000, especially if you’ve got a particular look in mind.

The Backdrop: Arbours, Installations & Decor

That dreamy arbour dripping in florals? Gorgeous. But not free.

Whether you buy, hire, or DIY, factor in costs for styling, draping, flowers, signage, and candles. A beautifully styled ceremony setup usually sits between $300 and $2,000. Worth it? Absolutely. It’s your “we got married right here” photo moment.

Floral Reality Check: It’s Not Just Bouquets

Bouquets and buttonholes are just the start. Ceremony arrangements, reception tables, hanging installs — flowers add magic and dollars.

Expect $1,500 to $10,000, depending on your florist, flower type, and season.

Native blooms, dried flowers, plants or in-season flowers can help keep it real.

Cheers to You: Drinks & Corkage Fees

A classic “wait, what?” moment — the bar tab. Some venues include basic beer, wine, and bubbles, but if you want cocktails, top-shelf spirits, or a gin bar, the cost can jump fast.

And if you BYO? Check for corkage fees, which can range from $5–$20 per bottle.

Cake Cutting: The Sweet Little Surprise

You paid for the cake, but now you’ve got to pay for it to be cut. Some venues charge $1–$5 per slice, especially if you’re supplying an outside cake.

It’s a small thing, but when you’ve got 100 guests, that’s a cheeky extra $500!

Outdoor Extras: Shade, Comfort & Council Permits

Outdoor weddings are beautiful — until someone gets sunstroke or it starts raining sideways.

Marquees, umbrellas, and heaters can cost $500–$3,000, plus lighting, flooring, and sometimes even a council permit if you’re using public land. Oh, and don’t forget to budget for rubbish removal — not all venues include it.

Getting There: Transport & Accomodation

Transport: Can you ride share or Taxi to your own wedding? Or do you want to ride in Style? Car/limo hire can cost anything from $400 - $1500 for the day. Self drive classic cars can be a cost saving option, then you don't have to pay a chauffeur!

Guests Transport: If your ceremony and reception are in different spots, or you’ve got guests staying out of town, buses and shuttles are a thoughtful (and often necessary) touch. Depending on the distance and headcount, you’re looking at $300–$2,000 for bus hire. Bonus: it keeps everyone safe and on time.

Accomodation: If you're getting married in the bush (rural or regional), your guests may need/want to stay. Hotel's/Motel's are about $200-$500 per room, per night.

Overtime, Travel & Setup Fees for Vendors

Many vendors — from photographers to makeup artists — charge overtime if things run late. Some also add travel fees for regional weddings or early morning callouts.

Always double-check your contracts for these sneaky line items so you’re not hit with surprise invoices after the honeymoon.

The Sneaky Stuff That Adds Up

• Alterations: $100–$500 for tailoring those “fits like a glove” outfits.

• Hair & Makeup: $100–$300 per person. Trial runs cost extra.

• Favours & Gifts: $200–$1,000 depending on how bougie you go.

• Rehearsal Dinner: $500–$3,000. Don’t forget drinks!

• Clean-up Crew: Some venues charge an extra few hundred if you don’t leave it spotless.

• Wedding Insurance: $100–$500, but worth its weight in gold if something goes pear-shaped.

• Photobooth: $500-$1000, This is not essential, but a fun activity with lasting memories

• Audio Guestbook: $200-$500, Another new-age fun way to record moments on the evening and look back on.

The Bottom Line

Weddings are one of life’s biggest celebrations — but they’re also a logistical circus. The trick isn’t to panic over every line item; it’s to plan smart, ask questions, and budget for the “oh crap” moments.

Because when the music’s playing, the vibes are en pointe, your people are cheering, and you’re married to your favourite human — none of the sneaky costs will matter anymore. You just want to be prepared for them, OR you want to choose wedding vendors who help to negate them ;-)

Hottest tip:

Plan with your partner on the negotiables and the non-negotiables and stick to the plan, with a little wriggle room! Draw up a budget!!!

Venues that aren't traditionally 'Wedding venues' like pubs, parks, community spaces and function rooms, are often the most flexible and affordable when it comes to cool, cost-conscious weddings!