New Zealand Weddings magazine says that the average NZ wedding costs a whopping $30,000. Now whether you want to splurge or save on your special day is of course up to you. Just remember, the amount of money you spend is completely dependant on your choices and how much you want to stick to a budget.

What exactly do you need to know about planning your dream wedding? In this article, we’ve curated a wedding budget breakdown to give you an idea about the costs of a typical wedding in NZ. Knowing the numbers can help you come up with techniques on achieving your dream wedding – whether that’s increasing your savings or taking out a wedding loan.

Get a marriage licence

Weddings can be as extravagant or as intimate and inexpensive as you want them to be. Either way, there is one non-negotiable you need to take care of: the marriage licence. You need to secure a licence at least 3 working days before your wedding as this document confirms that it’s legal for you to marry.

The cost of a marriage licence depends on the kind of ceremony you’re planning to have. It costs $240 if you’re getting married at a registry office, and $120 if you’re having a personalised ceremony. Note that for personalised ceremonies celebrants charge their own fees, on top of the cost of the licence.

For more information about getting a marriage licence in NZ, visit the marriage services website.

Ceremony and reception venue

It has become increasingly common for couples to have the ceremony and reception at the same venue. It will not only save you on transport costs, but you can also negotiate a better price by having both at the same place. Typical venues can cost between $2000 and $3000, which may also include rental for tables, chairs, linen, and basic lighting.

Food and drink

The food and any alcohol you serve often takes up the biggest chunk of your wedding budget. Depending on your chosen venue, a sit-down meal plus bar tab could cost anywhere between $80 and $100 per head. According to some weddings planners, many couples are choosing a restaurant in lieu of a function venue for the reception, or a cocktail-style reception instead of a sit-down or buffet meal to save on catering costs.

Wedding attire, hair, and beauty

You want to look your best on your big day. But your attire, hair, and makeup can really add up if you don’t do your research. Fortunately, there are lots of wedding attire options (for you and your groom, as well as your entourage) to choose from at a variety of price points. For instance, according to NZ Wedding Planner, the average price of an off the rack wedding dress is somewhere between $1500 – $2000, while a couture gown starts at around $3000 and up.

Nevertheless, you can choose to ditch pricey wedding gowns and look for more affordable options online. One Christchurch bride, for instance, wore a $260 wedding dress made in China. Take note, though, that there are risks when you buy online. The measurements can be imperfect, which means you may have to spend more on alterations.

As for hair and makeup, it’s best to hire professionals for the task. A quick online search reveals that bridal hair and makeup usually starts at $150.

Photography and videography

You’ll want to have still photos and video footage from your wedding day that you can cherish for a lifetime. Be sure to add photographers and/or videographers on your list of wedding suppliers. A wedding photography package typically starts at $1000; and $2000 for videography. Keep in mind that the rates still depend on the photographer’s/videographer’s experience, number of staff that will cover the event, hours of coverage, and the inclusions of the package.

Invitations

Most couples nowadays skip printing paper invites and go digital instead. Nevertheless, if you want traditional invites for your big day, you can look around for suppliers for a great deal. Packages typically start at $200. Don’t forget to factor in postage in your budget!

Wedding Rings

Wedding rings are an age-old symbol of commitment and marriage. The cost will depend on the material. Your options will often include gold, white gold, platinum, or titanium and the cost can go up further if there is a diamond or gemstone included in it. According to My Kiwi Wedding, half a carat, good quality diamond ring would be around $5000; while a full carat would be closer to $10,000. Simpler gold bands however can come in a bit cheaper, at around $400.

Music and entertainment

Getting the music and entertainment right on your wedding day is important to set the mood and ensure that everyone has fun. For this, you can decide whether to get a band, DJ, or hire a sound system and plan your own playlist.

A band is usually more expensive than a DJ because there’s more people & equipment involved. DJ rates can be from $1000 – $2000; while band prices vary depending on the number of band members as well as the demand for the band.

According to Auckland Weddings, bands with four or more members can cost between $3000 – $4000, while solo artists and duos charge anywhere from $750 to $3000, respectively.

Wedding planner

Some couples perceive wedding planners as an additional, unnecessary expense. In most cases, though, hiring a wedding planner can actually help you save money. With their wide network and their detailed industry knowledge, wedding planners can help ensure that you stay on schedule and on budget. Depending on the level of service required, a planner can cost between $1200 and $6000.

Your wedding day is one of the happiest and most memorable days of your life. It’s a celebration of love, family, and relationships. Let’s face it though, your big day can also come with a big price tag! If you’re looking to get your wedding funded fast then applying for a wedding loan may be a great option.

Quickcash lets you apply for a personal loan for your big day with no hassle. As a responsible lending company, we provide a fixed interest rate and don’t charge early repayment fees. We also offer an optional Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) for your peace of mind.

To apply for a loan, simply complete our online application form, enter your desired loan amount and other details, and wait for our assessment in less than 25 minutes.