How Much Does A Wedding Cost In New Zealand? An Honest Breakdown of the Numbers
Planning a wedding can be an incredibly exciting, but also somewhat daunting task. With so many details to consider and costs to factor in, it’s no wonder why the average New Zealander may feel overwhelmed by the thought of organising a wedding. In this article, we will take an honest look at the real costs involved in planning a wedding in New Zealand, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Average Cost of a Wedding in New Zealand
The average wedding cost in New Zealand is $32,000. This includes the cost of the venue, food and drink, transport, accommodation, wedding dresses and suits, flowers, decorations, and entertainment. This does not include the cost of the honeymoon or the ring.
To save money on your wedding, you can choose to have a smaller guest list, have your ceremony and reception at the same venue, or DIY your own flowers and decorations. You can also ask family and friends to help with catering, transport or accommodation.
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Factors that Affect the Cost of Your Wedding
Your wedding budget will be affected by a number of factors, including the time of year you get married, the location of your ceremony and reception, the number of guests you invite, and the type of wedding you want.
If you’re planning a summer wedding, you may have to pay more for venues and vendors than if you were getting married in winter. Similarly, getting married in a popular wedding destination like Queenstown or Wanaka will likely cost more than getting married in a smaller town.
The number of guests you invite will also affect your budget. More guests means more food and drink, more invitations and stationery, and possibly even larger venues. If you’re inviting a lot of people from out of town, you may need to provide accommodation for them as well.
Finally, the type of wedding you want will also affect your costs. A simple ceremony and reception at a local venue might cost a few thousand dollars, while an extravagant affair with all the bells and whistles could easily cost tens of thousands.
Common Expenses to Consider for Your Wedding
When you start planning your wedding, it can be difficult to know what expenses to factor in. Every wedding is different and therefore has different costs associated with it. However, there are some common expenses that you should consider for your wedding in New Zealand, regardless of the specific details of your event.
One of the biggest costs associated with any wedding is the venue. The cost of a venue will vary depending on the location, size, and amenities required. If you’re looking for a unique or luxurious venue, you can expect to pay more. Additionally, if you’re getting married during peak wedding season (December-February), you may also have to pay a premium for your venue.
Another common expense is catering. Again, the cost will vary depending on how many guests you have and the type of food you want served. If you’re looking for a more upscale menu, or if you have dietary restrictions that need to be accommodated, expect to pay more for catering.
Of course, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of decorations and flowers. The sky’s the limit when it comes to wedding decorations, so it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Flowers can be one of the most expensive items on your decorating list, so be sure to work with your florist to find beautiful blooms that fit within your budget.
Finally, don’t forget about miscellaneous expenses like invitations, thank-you cards, favors.
The Hidden Costs of Weddings
There are often hidden costs that couples may not think about when planning their wedding. Here are some of the hidden costs of getting married in New Zealand:
1. The cost of the engagement ring. While the average cost of an engagement ring in New Zealand is around $3,000, this is just the start. If you want a more luxurious ring, the price can quickly increase.
2. The cost of the wedding dress. While you may have found your dream dress on sale, there are still other costs to consider such as alterations, dry cleaning and even storage if you plan on keeping your dress for future generations.
3. The cost of the honeymoon. Once the big day is over, it’s time to jet off on your honeymoon! But don’t forget to factor in the cost of flights, accommodation and activities while you’re away.
4. The cost of thank you gifts. After your wedding guests have helped make your special day memorable, it’s nice to show your appreciation with a small gift. Thank you gifts can add up, so be sure to factor them into your budget.
5. The cost of post-wedding celebrations. From your first anniversary to future milestone anniversaries, there will be plenty of reasons to celebrate your marriage! But these celebrations come at a cost, so be sure to budget for them accordingly.
Tips for Keeping Costs Down
There are a few ways to keep wedding costs down.
First, consider having your wedding during the off-season. This can save you money on venue rental fees, as well as on vendor costs.
Second, take advantage of any discounts that may be available to you. For example, many venues offer discounts for booking early or for weekday weddings.
Third, be mindful of your guest list. The more people you invite, the more it will cost. So, try to keep your guest list to a reasonable size.
Fourth, Do you have a friend with a beautiful backyard, or garden? Can you eliminate your venue costs altogether?
Finally, don’t forget to negotiate! Many vendors are willing to work with you on price, so don’t be afraid to ask for a better deal.
How to Save Money When Planning a NZ Wedding
When it comes to weddings, the bottom line is always going to be cost. But there are ways to save money when planning a New Zealand wedding without sacrificing the quality of your big day. Here are a few tips:
1. Set a budget and stick to it. This is probably the most important tip when it comes to saving money on your wedding. Have a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend and then work backwards from there. This will help you stay within your budget and avoid any unwanted surprises down the road.
2. Shop around for vendors. Don’t just go with the first vendor you find. Get quotes from a few different vendors before making your final decision. This way, you can compare prices and services to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.
3. Consider an off-peak wedding date. If you’re flexible with your wedding date, consider getting married during an off-peak time of year. This can often save you money on everything from venue rental fees to catering costs.
4. Take advantage of package deals. Many venues and vendors offer package deals for weddings, so be sure to ask about any available discounts. This could end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.
5. DIY where you can. If you’re crafty or have some handy friends or family members, see what parts of the wedding you can DIY instead of hiring someone else to do it for you.
Conclusion
With all the necessary factors taken into consideration, it is clear that weddings in New Zealand can be quite expensive. From hiring a venue to choosing decorations and catering, there are several expenses that must be accounted for when planning your wedding. However, with careful budgeting and smart decisions on where to allocate your funds, you can still have an amazing wedding day without breaking the bank!
by Ash Horton
February 13, 2023
Ash is a professional content writer with extensive experience in business development in the financial services. Ash has founded businesses from the age of 19, including franchising ventures, and working alongside some of the largest retailers in the world.
