How Much Does a Wedding Cost in NZ: A Photographer's Guide

So, you are wondering, "how much does a wedding actually cost in NZ?" The honest answer? It really depends on what you are dreaming of. Most Kiwi weddings tend to land somewhere between $25,000 and $35,000, but think of that as a ballpark figure, not a hard and fast rule.

Breaking Down the Costs

The main categories of wedding spending include:

• Venue and catering: 40 to 50% of your budget
• Photography and videography: 10 to 20% of your budget
• Attire and beauty: 10 to 15% of your budget
• Entertainment: 5 to 10% of your budget
• Flowers and styling: 5 to 10% of your budget
• Stationery and extras: 5% of your budget
• Contingency fund: 5 to 10% of your budget

Where to Save

Smart savings strategies include:

• Keeping your guest list tight, as catering is a per-head cost
• Considering off-peak dates for venue discounts
• Choosing a weekday or Sunday wedding
• Prioritising spending on what matters most to you

Where to Invest

Some areas where spending more pays off:

• Photography: Your photos are the lasting record of your day
• Food and drink: Your guests will remember a great meal
• Entertainment: A packed dance floor makes for amazing photos

A Photographer's Perspective

As a wedding photographer, I always encourage couples to protect their photography budget. Long after the flowers have wilted and the cake has been eaten, your photos are what remain. They become more precious with every passing year.

Planning your budget? Contact me to discuss photography packages that work for your wedding.