Micro Weddings in Australia Are All the Rage Due to the Cost of Living Crisis

With the cost of living skyrocketing across Australia, lovebirds are swapping grand celebrations for micro weddings—and it’s all the rage!

This delightful shift isn’t just about saving dollars; it’s about creating intimate, meaningful ceremonies that truly reflect the couple’s unique story. Who needs to splurge on big celebrations, extravagant designs, or over-the-top festivities? Micro weddings bring the magic and personal touch, just you and your partner and loved ones, celebrating your special day!

Micro weddings in Australia inspo — I Do Drive Thru wedding featured on an article in The Age Newspaper in Sydney.

Why the Cost of Living Crisis Has Made Micro Weddings Popular

Australia is currently in the midst of a significant cost-of-living crisis, with inflation rates soaring. In a time when avocado toast feels like a luxury, couples are seeking a budget-friendly wedding alternative to celebrate their union—and that’s where micro weddings come in!

In an era where the cost of living seems to rise faster than ever, marked by increasing rents and grocery prices, many couples are being forced to reconsider their wedding plans. According to recent reports, the average cost of a wedding in Australia has soared to over $30,000! That's enough to make me weep, reckon it’d make anyone's wallet weep too!

What is a Micro Wedding?

Congratulations on your elopement and Welcome to the world of micro weddings!

In recent years, the term "micro wedding" has emerged as a buzzword in the wedding industry, but what exactly is a micro wedding? Simply put, it’s a small-scale wedding that typically includes fewer than 20 guests. At its core, a micro wedding is all about intimacy, connection, and affordability. With the price tags associated with traditional weddings, we definitely don’t want ya turning into a mini-stress monster, mate!

The beauty of micro weddings lies in their flexibility. You have the power to create the wedding you want, whether you’re dreaming of a simple, private, intimate, and laid-back celebration with your pet dog Luna as your ring bearer. You can also choose any location that speaks to your heart, an outdoor park, a beach, or even at your own backyard—Micro weddings cater to all preferences! With a smaller guest list, you can actually enjoy the day instead of running around playing host.

I Do Drive Thru wedding in Sydney.
Celebrant: Alison Pickel
Photo by: Chris Prestidge

Traditional Weddings vs. Elopements: Cost Comparison

Let’s talk about weddings—specifically, the wallet-busting kind! With traditional weddings averaging over $30,000, it’s no wonder couples are trading the big bash for a budget-friendly elopements and micro weddings.

In traditional weddings, the venue is usually the largest expense, often costing thousands. The guest list also significantly impacts the budget, as each guest adds to catering costs, and traditional weddings typically cater to at least a hundred guests. Additionally, with photography services, suits and dresses for everyone, floral arrangements, permits, and many other expenses, a traditional wedding can certainly empty your savings.

Now, If you’ve ever daydreamed about your perfect day without fainting at the price tag, you’re not alone! Elopement or micro wedding is ready to save the day!

An elopements offer a much more budget-friendly option, costs typically range from as low as $1,500 to $5,000, depending on your choices and desires. Let’s get specific. Services like idodrivethru.com.au offer celebrant services starting at just $400! That’s right—$400! Compare that to the typical costs of a full-service wedding, it's a win mate!

Think about all the fun things you could do with those savings! Maybe take a dreamy honeymoon or opt for a fancy dinner for your post-ceremony celebration. Or how about investing in a stellar photographer to capture those intimate moments? A budget surprise indeed!

Why Couples Love Micro Weddings

Cost Savings - Let’s be real: the most obvious perk of a micro wedding is the financial relief it brings. Traditional weddings can come with price tags that make your jaw drop—think $30,000 and up! Ouch! But with micro weddings, the average cost can be slashed dramatically. It's like Costco offering discounts, chefs kiss!
More Meaningful - Micro weddings also offer a deeply personal touch; there's the element of meaningfulness. When you cut down on the guest list, you’re left with the people who truly matter—those who would cheer for you whether you’re in a tuxedo or pajamas. Picture exchanging vows while surrounded by your closest friends and family, all of whom have a front-row seat to your love story.
Less Stress - Planning a wedding can often feel like herding cats, especially when you have 100+ guests to manage! It's no wonder couples end up frazzled. But with micro weddings, the planning process is often a breeze! Fewer guests mean fewer logistics, and your chosen elopement services and celebrant can also help you navigate all planning needed. No more sleepless nights over floral arrangements or centerpieces—instead, you can channel that energy into dance moves for the reception!
Flexibility with Location - Want to get married on a stunning beach at sunset? Go for it! Dreaming of a cozy backyard ceremony filled with fairy lights? Yes, please! Without the constraints of needing a large venue, you can get creative! We say, work your imagination! With your chosen location, you can splurge on decor and amenities that you can think of—whether it’s a picnic setup or even a DIY cocktail bar. Don’t limit yourself just because you feel an elopement party needs to be simpler. Embrace the opportunity to make the day uniquely yours!

The Numbers Don't Lie

Let’s talk numbers, shall we? When it comes to micro weddings, the stats are in and the numbers don’t lie! Micro weddings in Australia are making waves for all the right reasons.

First up, let’s get to the bottom line: 70% of couples say that cost is the biggest factor driving their decision to opt for a micro wedding. I mean, who wouldn’t want to keep their wallet happy while celebrating love? Save those dollars for a fabulous honeymoon—maybe even a trip to Bali where you can sip cocktails on the beach!

Now, let’s break down the numbers a bit more. The average cost of elopements in Australia ranges from $2,000 to $10,000. Yes, you heard that right! That’s over 70% less than the cost of a traditional wedding.

In recent surveys, more than 40% of couples are now considering elopement or micro weddings due to the rising cost of living. It seems that the financial pinch has sent lovebirds searching for more affordable wedding options.

Who can blame them? With groceries costing an arm and a leg, it’s refreshing to find a way to celebrate love without feeling like you’re emptying your bank account.

Elope with a Celebrant For just $400

If you're looking for a way to celebrate your love without emptying your wallet or dealing with the chaos of a traditional wedding, consider eloping with a celebrant, it is fast becoming the go-to choice for savvy couples

Check out idodrivethru.com.au, where lovebirds can elope for just $400! Yes, you read that right—$400! That’s less than what some people spend on fancy dinners these days.

Forget about long waiting lists, countless planning meetings and tedious paperworks. All you need is a one-month notice, and you’re good to go! They’re not just there to officiate your vows; they’re also your personal cheerleaders, helping to craft a ceremony that truly reflects your love story. Just think about it: one month from now, you could be in a stunning location, exchanging vows without a care in the world.

Micro Weddings Are Here to Stay

With micro weddings making a name for themselves, the future of weddings is brimming with creativity! It's clear that micro weddings are not just a passing trend; they are reshaping how we think about wedding celebrations. The flexibility they offer is unmatched.

We can expect even more imaginative ideas that reflect personal stories and styles, as couples increasingly choose unique venues—from cozy backyards to scenic parks—while keeping costs manageable.

As lovers continue to prioritize love over extravagance, we’ll likely see more couples saying goodbye to the “bigger is better” mentality and hello to “smaller is sweeter’’.