The honest cost breakdown

Most Australian couples spend between AUD $50,000–$90,000 on a destination wedding, though intimate celebrations can start around $30,000 and premium events exceed $150,000. Our Bali wedding fell somewhere in the middle — and having been through it, the numbers only make sense when you see them broken down.

A clear expense tracker that breaks costs into categories makes the picture tangible rather than abstract.

Venue hire: AUD $5,000–$30,000+ depending on exclusivity. A private Tuscan villa is a different proposition to a Bali resort package.

Flights (couple): AUD $600–$2,000/person to Bali/Fiji; $2,000–$5,000+/person to Europe.

Accommodation (couple): AUD $3,000–$15,000 for 5–7 nights at a premium property.

Guest travel: Most guests cover their own, but accommodation tracking still matters — especially for group rates. Having all options visible in one place helps guests book with confidence.

Catering: AUD $100–$250/person in Southeast Asia; $250–$600+/person in Europe.

Décor & florals: AUD $3,000–$8,000 for elegant simplicity. We went with local, seasonal flowers — better value and more authentic.

Legal fees: AUD $1,000–$4,000. Many couples handle the legal ceremony at home and have a symbolic ceremony abroad — that's what we did.

Photography: AUD $6,000–$15,000+. We chose a local photographer and it was one of our best decisions.

Welcome events: AUD $2,000–$8,000. These multi-day moments are what make destination weddings feel different — a shared schedule across days gives guests structure and connection.

The forgotten line items: Gratuities ($500–$2,000+), hair & makeup ($500–$1,500), vendor meals ($100–$200/vendor), travel insurance ($300–$1,000), and a pre-wedding site visit ($3,000–$8,000). Always keep a 10–15% buffer — we were glad we did.