Wedding Budgets and Traditions in 2025: What You Need to Know

When planning a wedding in 2025, the real question isn’t how much you can spend—it’s how much you should spend to make it mean something. A wedding budget, the total amount allocated for all wedding expenses including venue, food, attire, and décor isn’t just a number on a spreadsheet. It’s a reflection of your priorities. In Australia, couples with 100 guests are spending between $25,000 and $55,000, but that doesn’t mean you need to follow suit. Many are choosing to cut back on flashy décor and redirect funds to photography, food, or even a post-wedding trip. What matters isn’t the price tag—it’s what sticks with you years later.

Behind every budget decision is a wedding tradition, a custom passed down through generations, often with roots in symbolism or practicality. Why do brides carry flowers? It’s not just for looks—it started as a way to ward off evil spirits with herbs. Why does the groom remove the garter? It once signaled the end of the night’s festivities, but today it’s more about fun and inclusion. These aren’t just rituals; they’re stories you get to rewrite. And if you’re wondering whether it’s rude to send a save-the-date without an invitation, or how much cash to give your son, the answers aren’t set in stone. Modern couples are redefining what’s expected, and the best advice is simple: do what feels right for you.

Then there’s the wedding decorations, the visual elements that set the tone for the celebration, from centerpieces to lighting and linens. Many think they need to spend thousands on florals and backdrops, but the most memorable weddings often use smart, simple touches—string lights, rented furniture, or DIY arrangements. One couple pulled off a stunning look for under $1,000 by using seasonal blooms and borrowing vases from friends. The same goes for the wedding cake, the centerpiece dessert that serves as both treat and symbol, often tied to tradition and guest count. You don’t need a five-tier monstrosity for 100 guests. A well-planned two-tier cake with extra sheet cakes in the back can save hundreds without anyone noticing. And if you’re worried about freshness? Freezing it right after the bakery delivers works just fine.

And then there’s the quiet stuff—the wedding etiquette, the unspoken rules that guide guest behavior, gift-giving, and family roles. Who pays for what? What should the groom’s mother give the bride? Is a three-piece suit too much? These aren’t rigid rules anymore, but they’re still worth understanding so you don’t accidentally offend someone or miss a meaningful opportunity. The posts below pull back the curtain on all of this. You’ll find real numbers, honest breakdowns, and straight talk about what actually matters on your wedding day—no fluff, no pressure, just what works.