House vs Wedding: Can You Afford Both?

Planning a wedding can feel like a dream come true—but when the reality of the costs sets in, it can also be a bit of a financial nightmare.

Key points:

Wedding costs can be astronomical.

In New South Wales, the median cost is around $50,000—roughly 20% of a house deposit.

While some couples might by happy with this hefty price tag, Accountant Pete Burrows reminds us to keep things in perspective.

“You’ve got to spend what you’re comfortable with,” he said on a recent episode of ‘Money: Faith and finance’.

In New South Wales, the median cost is around $50,000.

“Something that doesn’t stretch you and the people contributing to it too much.”

After all, starting your marriage in debt is not the dream scenario.

It seems that many couples are rethinking the traditional wedding, realizing that the money spent on one day could be better used elsewhere.

“People are looking at it going, “the amount I spent on a wedding is probably coming straight off my savings,”” Ben McEachen said.

For many, the goal is to have a memorable wedding without derailing their long-term financial goals.

More people are choosing to put their money into something that builds lasting value, like a home, instead of an extravagant ceremony.

Whether it’s a grand affair or an intimate gathering, the goal is to create memories that last, without sacrificing the future.

“A lot of people seem to be… not even having the wedding, but instead shifting the money off into home loans,” Ben said.

This shift reflects a larger trend toward financial stability and long-term thinking, where the wedding becomes just one part of a broader life plan.

“The cost of a wedding could be 20% of a house deposit,” Pete adds.

Weddings also come with costs for the guests, and they often feel a responsibility to contribute, sometimes covering their share of the per-head cost of the event.

“I always like to be generous… if I knew what it costs per head, I generally tend to think I’d like to cover my cost,” Pete said.

Listen to this episode of ‘Money: Faith and Finance’ in the player above or wherever you get your podcasts.

This shift in gifting habits shows that weddings have become more than just a celebration—they’re also an opportunity to support the couple’s financial future.

Ultimately, a wedding should be a reflection of your love—not a financial burden.

“It’s not the only day, it’s just the first day,” Pete said.

And whether it’s a grand affair or an intimate gathering, the goal is to create memories that last, without sacrificing the future.

Listen to this episode of ‘Money: Faith and Finance’ in the player above or wherever you get your podcasts.

Featured image: Photo by CanvaPro

Feature image: CanvaPro