What Is a Good Budget for a Wedding with 100 Guests in 2025?

Planning a wedding for 100 guests isn’t just about picking flowers and choosing a cake-it’s about making smart money moves so you don’t end up drowning in debt after the big day. In Australia, especially in cities like Sydney, the cost of a wedding can swing wildly depending on choices you make early on. So what’s a realistic budget for 100 guests in 2025? The short answer: between $25,000 and $55,000. But that range doesn’t tell the whole story. Let’s break down exactly where your money goes-and how to stretch it without sacrificing the moments that matter.

Where Does Your Wedding Budget Actually Go?

Most couples think the venue eats up the biggest chunk. That’s true-but not always. In 2025, catering still takes the largest slice of the pie for medium-sized weddings. For 100 guests, expect to pay $120 to $200 per person for a plated meal, including drinks. That’s $12,000 to $20,000 right there. If you go for a buffet or food stations, you might save 10-15%, but don’t assume it’s cheaper without checking. Some caterers charge just as much for a buffet because of staffing and presentation.

Venues come next. A reception space in Sydney can cost $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the day of the week and season. Weekends in spring and autumn are the most expensive. A midweek wedding at a public garden or community hall might drop that to $3,000. Don’t overlook hidden fees: corkage charges, cleaning deposits, overtime rates, or mandatory use of their in-house AV team. Always ask for a line-by-line quote.

Photography and videography usually cost $3,000 to $6,000. You can find talented emerging photographers for under $2,500 if you’re flexible on timing or willing to skip a second shooter. But don’t cut this too thin-your photos are the only thing you’ll have years later. One couple in Bondi saved $1,000 by hiring a student photographer who came with a friend as a backup. They got 800 edited photos and didn’t regret it.

Wedding Decorations: How Much Should You Spend?

This is where many couples overspend-and where you can save the most. Decorations for 100 guests often get inflated by Pinterest-perfect ideas: floating candles, custom arches, rented linens, floral centerpieces with imported blooms. The truth? You don’t need all of it.

A realistic decoration budget for 100 guests is $2,000 to $5,000. If you’re aiming for the lower end, here’s how:

• Use greenery instead of flowers-eucalyptus, ferns, and olive branches are affordable and lush.
• Buy candles in bulk from warehouse stores like Costco or Bunnings-$50 can buy 100 tea lights.
• DIY centerpieces using glass jars, twine, and seasonal branches. A friend who runs a nursery might give you free clippings.
• Skip the arch. Use a natural backdrop like a tree, brick wall, or even a string of fairy lights.
• Repurpose ceremony decor at reception. Move the aisle flowers to the guest book table.

One couple in Newtown spent $1,800 on decor-including hiring a local art student to paint wooden signs and renting vintage chairs from a thrift store. Their wedding looked like it cost twice as much.

Other Major Costs to Plan For

Here’s what else adds up:

• Wedding attire: $1,000-$3,000 for the dress, $300-$800 for the suit. Renting or buying secondhand can cut this in half.
• Music: $800-$2,500. A DJ is cheaper than a live band. A playlist through a Bluetooth speaker and a friend as MC? That’s $0.
• Invitations: $300-$800. Digital invites save money and reduce waste. If you want physical ones, order in bulk from Canva or Vistaprint.
• Transportation: $500-$1,500. A single limo for the couple is enough. Skip the shuttle for guests unless your venue is remote.
• Wedding cake: $500-$1,500. A 3-tier cake for 100 guests is plenty. Skip the fondant-it’s expensive and rarely tasted. Buttercream and fresh fruit look just as beautiful.
• Officiant: $300-$700. Many certified celebrants offer package deals that include rehearsal coordination.

How to Stick to a $30,000 Budget

If you’re targeting $30,000 total, here’s a sample breakdown that works:

That’s $30,000 total-with room to breathe. The key? Prioritize what matters to you. If music is your thing, spend more there and cut back on decor. If you’re foodies, splurge on the meal and skip the photo booth.

Common Budget Traps to Avoid

Here’s what trips people up:

• Guest list creep: Adding 10 extra guests can add $2,000-$3,000 to your catering and venue costs. Stick to your number.
• “It’s just one thing” syndrome: One extra floral arrangement, one upgraded glass, one late-night snack station-it all adds up. Ask yourself: Will I remember this in five years?
• Not negotiating: Vendors expect some haggling. Ask if they have off-season discounts, weekday rates, or package deals.
• Forgetting taxes and fees: Many quotes don’t include GST (10%), service charges (10-15%), or corkage fees. Always confirm the final price.

Final Tip: Focus on Experience, Not Perfection

Weddings aren’t judged by how many candles you lit or how expensive your napkins were. They’re remembered for how people felt. The uncle who danced with your grandma. The friend who cried during your vows. The quiet moment after dinner when you stole a bite of cake and laughed because you were both so tired.

That’s what lasts. Spend your budget on what creates those moments-not on what looks good in a magazine.