Australian couples slash wedding costs, Easy Weddings says
Easy Weddings reports that the average initial wedding budget in Australia is just under $30,000, representing a blowout of more than $12,000 over what couples originally plan. The company also notes a downward trend in guest numbers, projecting the national average at 85 guests in 2026 – about 23 fewer than couples initially intended.
Couples such as Harry Kemister and Nadine, who became engaged on March 29, 2024 at a mine where Nadine found a sapphire for her ring, opted for a modest backyard ceremony in Dubbo. Another pair, Ciaran and Karen Kennedy, hosted an intimate wedding for 13 guests on Karen's brother's farm in Dubbo in October 2025, with the ceremony conducted by celebrant Sharon Bonthyus. These examples illustrate how Australian couples are scaling back weddings to control costs while still creating personal celebrations.
Entities: Ciaran Kennedy · Easy Weddings · Harry Kemister · Karen Kennedy · Nadine Kemister
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Sharon Bonthyus conducted the ceremony for Ciaran and Karen Kennedy. (Article narrative)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The average initial wedding budget exceeds the planned amount by more than $12,000. (Easy Weddings)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The average initial wedding budget in Australia is just under $30,000. (Easy Weddings)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The 85-guest average is about 23 fewer than the number couples initially wanted. (Easy Weddings)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Harry and Nadine planned a backyard wedding in Dubbo, Australia. (Article narrative)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Ciaran and Karen Kennedy held an intimate wedding for 13 guests on a farm in Dubbo in October 2025. (Article narrative)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Harry Kemister and Nadine became engaged on March 29, 2024 at a mine where Nadine found a sapphire for her ring. (Article narrative)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The projected national average number of wedding guests in 2026 is 85. (Easy Weddings)