The 2026 wedding budget pivot: couples are spending more on expertise

In a world that’s infiltrated with “cost-of-living” headlines, you might expect the wedding industry to take a hit as couples tighten their budgets. However, our 2026 Annual Wedding Industry Report reveals a much more inspiring story for wedding professionals.

Australian couples aren’t just spending for their celebrations, they’re looking at ways to invest. The new average wedding budget has climbed to $38,252, and the way couples are allocating that money has shifted in a way that directly benefits high-quality suppliers.

We look at why the budget landscape could mean a win for your business.

1. The “Quality Over Quantity” shift

One of the most positive trends from the 2026 data is the move toward “Intimate Luxury.” While guest lists have slightly streamlined (now averaging 85 guests), the spend per head has increased. Smaller parties, more luxe.

• The Insight: Couples are opting for smaller crowds so they can afford the “Premium” version of you.
• Where the opportunity is: This is the year to upsell your top-tier packages. Couples are looking for the “Best,” not the “Most.”

2. The 23% “Value Gap”Our survey

found that while couples start with a specific number in mind, they end up spending an average of 23% over their initial budget.

• The Insight: Why do they overspend? Because they find a supplier they fall in love with.
• Where the opportunity is: This data proves that your personality and portfolio are more powerful than a couple’s spreadsheet. If they see the value in your work, they will find the budget for you.

3. The “Human Premium” is rising

Some couples might be turning to AI to start their wedding planning, but it’s no replacement for the real thing. Couples continue to crave raw and human connection for their wedding day. They want it to be personal and connect them to one another and their guests. Things that AI can’t perform, and suppliers are there to help them create this energy and narrative.

This has led to a surge in spend for categories that capture “the feeling” of the day.

• The Data: Spend on Photography and Videography remains a top priority, with couples viewing these not as “services,” but as their “forever memories.”
• Where the opportunity is: Position your marketing around the experience and emotion you provide. Couples are willing to pay a premium for the peace of mind that comes with a trusted professional.

4. Direct enquiries = higher intent

With 300,000 monthly users on Easy Weddings, the data shows that the “window shopping” phase is getting shorter. When a couple reaches out to you in 2026, they have likely already vetted you against 11 other touchpoints. That means they’ve been ‘dating around’. We’re up to decision time.

• The Insight: By the time they hit your inbox, they aren’t just “looking”. These couples you’re hearing from? Some of them… they are ready to book.
• Where the opportunity is: Focus on a warm, rapid response. Our data shows that responsiveness is the final hurdle to closing these higher-value bookings.

5. Trust is the new currency

The 2026 Report highlights that 88% of couples book based on trust and personal connection. In a competitive market, your 5-Star Supplier status and your collection of reviews are your most valuable sales assets.

• The Data: 11+ reviews can increase your results by up to 200%.
• Where the opportunity is: Use this “Social Proof” to justify your 2027 pricing. Your reviews are the “receipts” for your expertise.

Money spent well

The 2026 budget isn’t about “doing more with less”. No, it’s about couples doing better with more. They are looking for experts who can lead them through the noise and deliver a day that feels authentic and effortless.

The market is resilient, the budgets are healthy, and the demand for professional talent has never been higher.

Meeting couples where they are actually planning has never been easier. Sign up for Easy Weddings to have more Australian couples find your business. Reach out today.