The Ultimate South African Wedding Budget Breakdown
Don’t know what you should spend money on for your wedding? Well, luckily for you, Bridebook is home to the most powerful wedding budget planner available.
Just pop in your total wedding budget, fill in a few quick details, and with one click, you’ll get a personalised breakdown of your wedding costs. You’ll see exactly where your money should go — so you can stop stressing and start enjoying the fun of planning your big day!
Find out how you should allocate your wedding funds!
Want to get started with ballpark figures? Below you’ll find a full wedding budget breakdown, based on the average total costs of South African wedding suppliers. On average, South African couples spend around R85,000 to R300,000 on their wedding — though luxury celebrations can go well beyond that.
Now, let’s break it down…
The Average Total Cost of a Wedding = R200,000
The expert wedding budget video course: learn how to break down your wedding budget
Creating a wedding budget breakdown is one of the most important steps to tick off on your wedding planning checklist, whether you’re planning a more affordable DIY wedding on a budget or a more extravagant celebration. In this video course, Bridebook founder (and qualified wedding planner) Hamish Shephard explains how to set and manage your wedding budget, and reveals how you could save thousands on your wedding venue, catering and other suppliers.
Average cost of a wedding venue:
R40,000–R150,000
Your wedding venue is easily the single most important part of your planning — so it’s no surprise that it’s also the most expensive part of your wedding budget! Choosing your wedding venue really is step one of your wedding planning journey, and it affects every aspect of your big day.
Not sure where to start when it comes to choosing your venue? Well, don’t worry, we’ve got you!
With our wedding venue search tool, you and your partner can find your dream venue faster than you can say, “I do!” If you know exactly what you’re looking for, you can kick things off by searching by name, location or style. If you’re just getting started with your venue search, try using filters such as “barn” or “city” and “budget” or “luxury” to get an idea of what’s out there.
Average cost of wedding catering:
R20,000–R50,000 (varies on the number of guests)
As you might expect, the total cost of your catering will be 100% dependent on the number of guests you invite to your wedding. Your guest list will have a big impact on what you’ll spend on your wedding overall as well, so we recommend making some rough decisions about the size of your guest list as early as possible in your wedding planning if you can.
Since caterers usually charge by the head, cutting some co-workers or +1s from your guest list might be your first move if you’re looking to save on your wedding. Another easy way to cut costs is to go for food trucks, sharing plates or a buffet over a set menu or traditional sit-down meal. Not only is this a great option for couples planning a wedding on a budget, but it’s also ideal for those wanting a more relaxed atmosphere on their big day.
Average cost of wedding photography:
R15,000–R40,000
Your wedding is one of the biggest moments of your life, so it’s only natural to want those memories captured beautifully. That’s why choosing the right photographer is such a crucial part of your planning — their photos will be with you long after the cake is gone and the dancefloor cleared. It’s a decision well worth the investment.
The cost will vary depending on the photographer’s experience, what’s included in the package, and the type of coverage you’re after. If you’re looking to save a bit, opting for a digital album instead of a printed one can help you stretch your budget without compromising on quality.
Average cost of wedding videography:
R15,000–R50,000
You might be asking yourself, “Why do I need a wedding videographer when I already have a wedding photographer?” Well, while a photographer can capture the key moments and highlights in a few snapshots, we’re betting you’ll want to remember every second of your wedding day — and having a designated wedding videographer will allow you to do just that.
As with wedding photographers, some videographers cost more than others. If having an absolutely jaw-dropping video is a priority for you, consider cutting back on some of your other suppliers to make room in your wedding budget.
Average cost of wedding flowers:
R5,000–R60,000
How much do wedding flowers cost? Well, that depends on the type of flowers you want at your wedding. Though, in our opinion, our best bet is to go with seasonal flowers. It’s a great aesthetic, can mean big savings if you’re on a budget, and can even bag you some sustainability points! But whatever you do, never, ever underestimate how much flowers can transform your wedding!
Average cost of wedding decor & furniture hire:
R8,000–R150,000
Decor isn’t just about flowers! Many South African venues — especially “blank canvas” or outdoor spaces — require you to hire all your own furniture, lighting, linens, and other decorative elements. Sometimes these come from the venue, your caterer, or an external supplier, but whichever way, it’s an extra cost you’ll need to plan for.
One of the biggest budget-eaters? Marquee hire. If you’re hosting a garden or farm wedding — especially in winter — you’ll likely need a fully kitted-out marquee with flooring, lighting, and heating. And if it’s not included in your venue package, that can add tens of thousands of rands to your bill.
Our tip? Look for venues that offer decor and hire as part of an all-inclusive package. It simplifies your planning, keeps costs under control, and means fewer last-minute surprises.
Average cost of a wedding cake:
R3,000–R15,000
The wedding cake is one of the best bits of any wedding (or at least, we think so!). There are two main things that will affect the cost of your wedding cake. The first is the number of tiers you go for. This comes down to how many people you’re trying to feed and what kind of look you want. At the end of the day, more cake means more money… but one sneaky way to cheat the system if you’re on a budget is to order a cake that uses dummy layers.
The second factor is whether you want a traditional fruit wedding cake or a more modern sponge with fresh fruit. While the former can be made further in advance, the latter will need to be baked the night before or even the day of the wedding itself, which makes them that bit more expensive.
If you have a baker in the family, why not ask them to bake your wedding cake? They might offer you “mates rates” or even make it for free as their wedding gift to you. Then you can use the money you save to invite a couple more guests… or put it towards your honeymoon!
Average cost wedding music:
R6,000–R25,000
With a million-and-one amazing options to choose from, deciding on your ideal wedding music is no easy decision. You’ll want to think carefully about three things. Firstly, what do you and your partner want? Do you see yourself and your partner swaying to a romantic live band, or is techno not something you’re giving up on your big day? Secondly, what will your guests enjoy? And finally, what will fit in with the style and vibe of your wedding?
When it comes to pricing and budgeting, the first question is whether or not you have your heart set on live music. A DJ is almost always cheaper than a live band and can be just as good.
Average cost of a wedding dress:
R10,000–R50,000
There’s a stunning wedding dress out there for every bride — and it doesn’t have to break the bank. These days, many major online retailers offer gorgeous bridal ranges at more budget-friendly prices. And if you’re after something affordable and eco-conscious, consider going for a vintage or pre-loved gown. It’s a beautiful way to save money, reduce waste, and wear something with a story.
Average cost of wedding beauty (hair & makeup):
R2,000–R5,000
The way a bride envisions her wedding is simple: she looks drop-dead gorgeous next to her prince or princess. And who makes all of this possible? Trick question! All you need to look absolutely stunning is a beautiful, happy smile…but yeah, a little hair and makeup will help too!
With thousands of fantastic hair and makeup artists all across South Africa, we’re sure you’ll find your dream wedding make-up artist and hair stylist no matter your budget.
Average cost of wedding suits (groom and ushers attire):
R5,000–R40,000
When planning your wedding budget, it’s easy to forget about the groom’s attire and menswear — but trust us, it matters! Grooms and groomsmen want to feel confident and look sharp on the big day, just like the bride and her bridal party.
Our best tip? Communicate. Chat with your partner and your groomsmen to make sure everyone’s on the same page. You don’t all need to match perfectly, but the groom is a key part of the wedding look — so whatever you wear should complement the overall style and vibe of the day.
Average cost of wedding rings (incl. engagement ring):
R28,000–R150,000
As small as they are, don’t forget your wedding rings! They might just be the most significant detail of your wedding. After all, they’re a lasting symbol of your love and commitment to your partner, and will be with you both for the rest of your lives. Just like engagement rings, they’re also an added cost to your overall wedding budget… but definitely one you shouldn’t cut!
Average cost of wedding stationery:
R3,000–R10,000
Wedding stationery includes everything from save-the-dates and invitations to programmes and place cards to consider. Therefore, the money you spend on this can vary widely depending on your unique needs and preferences.
While both DIY or online invitations can cost next to nothing, bespoke and handcrafted stationery can cost closer to $1,000 or more.
Average cost of a celebrant:
R2,000–R4,000
If you’re looking for a less traditional and more personalised wedding ceremony, you’ll want to hire a celebrant. They’ll give you the freedom and flexibility to truly personalise how you celebrate your love with your partner.
Average cost of wedding favours:
R3,000–R15,000
Who doesn’t like wedding favours? They’re a great way of giving your guests something to remember your special day by. Favours can be as big or as small as you like, depending on your budget and preferences (and how many guests you have).
And remember, you don’t have to give favours at all! A lot of couples wonder whether or not wedding favours are a necessary cost — and honestly, it depends! For many of your guests, attending your big day will have been enough of a gift. But if you have money left in your budget… go for it! We actually get this question a lot on our Bridebook Instagram page, which you should follow immediately if you want wedding tips, inspiration and a little bit of Bridebook silliness.
Average cost of wedding transport:
R3,000–R15,000
Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you organise taxis for your entire guest list! But whether you’re thinking of making a low-key arrival or even planning on flying down the aisle (no, seriously, it’s been done before!), don’t overlook your own wedding transport. From vintage cars and carriages to tandem bikes and trucks, there are lots of options to make your transport fit the vibe of your wedding.
When sorting out your wedding transport, one of the biggest factors to consider is the distance between your ceremony, accommodation, and reception venue. If they’re far apart, practicality matters — so maybe skip the tandem bike entrance if you’ve got 5km of dirt road ahead!
Trying to save a bit? Ask a friend or family member if you can borrow their stylish car for the day. It’s a great way to cut costs, and they’ll likely be chuffed to be part of your big moment.
Average cost of a honeymoon
R20,000 (local)–R150,000 (abroad)
The honeymoon is often one of the biggest post-wedding expenses — and for good reason! It’s your first real escape as a married couple. In South Africa, trends show that older couples are more likely to explore local gems like the Garden Route, Kruger, or the Cape Winelands. Meanwhile, younger Gen Z couples are dreaming bigger, jetting off to tropical spots like Mauritius, Bali, the Maldives, and even Italy’s Amalfi Coast for that ultimate romantic getaway.
Plan your dream wedding on Bridebook
So, that’s how a wedding breaks down for the average South African couple. Now it’s time to find out what your personalised budget breakdown will be, so you can get cracking with your planning!
See your personalised wedding budget breakdown now!
And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding, we’ve got plenty of cost-cutting hacks, so you can have your dream wedding without going over your budget. From venue saving tips to guest list considerations, we’ve got you covered.
You Might Also Like…
Related articles
