What will wedding hire cost (and what do I hire)?
Looking for a few extra bits and pieces for your ceremony or planning your entire wedding DIY-style? The chances are you’ve thought about wedding hire cost at some point.
In fact, 49% of all couples hire something for their big day. So we’ve taken some notes from the couples who have planned all of this before to see how much they’re spending on their wedding hire, what they’re hiring, and what to look for in a good wedding hire supplier. This is all about wedding hire cost.
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There’s not much that you can’t hire! Source: Blueys Event Hire.
How much should I spend on wedding hire?
Depending on what your budget is, our budget calculator will help you figure out how much of your budget you should keep for your wedding. However, most couples around Australia are spending $2,421 on hiring items for their big day, as of 2025 data.
Like any costs though, this does change per state from a beach wedding in Sydney to a reception centre in Perth. So looking at what couples are spending on average in your state should give you a good benchmark to work with.
Those in South Australia are in luck, with the state having the lowest amount spent on wedding hire (though the highest amounts in other areas!) while if you’re in Western Australia you’re looking at spending closer to the $3,500 mark.
Victoria – $2,977
New South Wales – $1,708
Queensland – $1,460
South Australia – $963
Western Australia – $3,500
ACT – $2,900
Wedding hire can be an expense but is important to get your vision! Source: Lovesick Weddings.
What can I hire for my wedding?
Outdoor ceremonies are becoming more popular, and when couples are choosing a public space or hiring a space that’s not part of a reception centre, sometimes they need to hire items such as chairs and tables to set everything up.
However, decor items are actually the most popular items that other couples will hire, as more of us focus on how stunning we want our wedding to look. Items such as arbours for ceremonies are just one example of this.
36% of couples who hire say they will be getting everything for their wedding hire company! But if that’s not you, you might be among the 55% who hire decor items or 21% who hire seating, tables and bars. Crockery and cutlery are also not uncommon items to hire.
Need to hire something for your wet weather plan? 8% of couples before you have also hired a marquee for their wedding day.
You can hire all your decorations at your wedding! Source: Pearl Creative Styling.
Hiring for your wedding can mean your dream look is achieved. Source: Pearl Creative Styling.
External caterers and food trucks
If you’re looking for something more than what your venue can offer, or have simply hired a venue who don’t offer their own catering, then you’ll also be looking at hiring an external catering agency to feed your guests at your wedding.
You’re looking at spending a national average of $6,308 on your wedding catering costs, with 4% of couples hiring catering items such as food trucks.
Bring in some catering or food trucks! Source: Happy Camper Pizza.
Decorations
While couples may be hiring decor items, they are still looking at spending additional costs on their wedding decorations. The average couple will spend $2,443 on decorations to make their wedding look exactly as they’re imagined it.
Again, couples in ACT are spending the least amount of this national average, while those in Victoria and the Queensland will likely spend a bit more. If you’re in Tasmania or the Northern Territory, again take the national average into account when you’re thinking about your decorations budget.
Victoria – $4,130
New South Wales – $2,112
Queensland – $2,547
South Australia – $1,188
Western Australia – $1,595
Australian Capital Territory – $530
Make your event pop! Source: Two Tribes Events.
Even your seating arrangement can stand out. Source: Two Tribes Events.
Photo Booths
We love a fun photo booth at a wedding and it seems like a lot of you do too! 53% of couples will hire a photo booth for their wedding day – they are a popular add on to keep memories forever.
Popular types of photo booths include traditional booths, mirror booths and live Instagram printers, with the average couple around Australia spending $1,007on hiring a photo booth for their wedding.
Victoria – $876
New South Wales – $992
Queensland – $1,178
South Australia – $854
Western Australia – $989
Australian Capital Territory – $735
Photo booths are fun and give everyone a great keepsake. Source: Peony and Fig Events.
What makes a good hire company?
So you’ve decided what types of items to hire, set your budget, and now it’s time to choose which supplier you’re going to book. Aside from looking at their online reviews, what other qualities do past couples like about hire companies?
Having a range of items that suit different themes and styles is a big plus for a lot of people, meaning that you’re more likely to find what you need for your particular event. Professional advice on what items work together is also highly valued, as is flexibility when it comes to changes to requirements (such as needing to hire more chairs etc.).
Couples also like it when the hire provider takes time to see what space you are working with, to give advice on how things should be set up, or just taking the time to understand the space.
Red flags to watch out for are items not being delivered on time, arriving in poor condition, or not being set up as requested.
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