2026 wedding industry: Why rising budgets and “human first” values are your biggest opportunity

The results of the Easy Weddings 2026 Annual Australian Wedding Industry Report are in, and there is one sure thing: the industry isn’t just surviving, but it’s evolving. It’s becoming a more intentional and high-value marketplace.

Despite a global landscape defined by “cost-of-living” headlines, Australian couples are proving that weddings remain a non-negotiable priority. However, the way they are spending has shifted. They are no longer just buying services; they are investing in peace of mind, professional expertise, and “lived experiences.”

For venues and suppliers, this annual survey is a way to track couples’ habits and trends, and how your business can stay ahead of the curve. Here is a deep dive into the key data points that prove 2026 is the year where things get… personal.

The Budget Boom

The most striking figure in this year’s report is the national average cost of a wedding, which has climbed to $38,252. This represents an 8% year-on-year increase, outstripping general inflation and signalling that couples are willing to put a premium on their big day.

Even more significant is the “Budget Polarisation” we are seeing. Seventeen percent of couples are now firmly in the “Luxury” bracket, spending $60,000 or more.

Growth Opportunity: Couples are consistently spending more than they planned. On average, couples are ending up 23% over their initial budget. For you, this means the “initial enquiry” budget is rarely the final word. When a couple finds a supplier who offers genuine value and trust, they are willing to stretch their finances. Your goal shouldn’t be to be the “cheapest” option, but the one that provides the most value for every dollar spent.

The venue is the anchor

The venue remains the undisputed claim on the wedding budget. On average, the venue will account for 46% of total spend. However, the criteria for choosing a venue have shifted. It’s no longer about the view; it’s all about the ecosystem.

Couples are not looking for venues that can also be planning hubs, with the top priority being one that can pull off a reception that’s a big party.

• Venues: The site visit remains your ultimate sales tool, with 53% of tours converting to bookings.

The Strategy: Focus on the “Experience.” Venues that offer seamless transitions between ceremony and reception, and those that have a “Plan B” that looks just as good as Plan A, are capturing the lion’s share of this increased spend.

The “Human Premium”: AI isn’t replacing humans

Perhaps the most heartening news for wedding professionals is the data regarding Artificial Intelligence. While 61% of couples are happy to use AI for functional tasks (like drafting a budget or brainstorming couples’ hashtags), they draw a hard line at trusting the new technology.

A significant 54% of couples trust AI recommendations less than a human professional, and 12% won’t trust an AI recommendation at all. In an era of digital noise, your “Human Touch” is your USP (Unique Selling Point).

The Strategy: Use technology to handle your admin (like WedXM for your leads), but keep your sales process deeply personal. Couples are looking for an “Expert Guide” to navigate the complexity of their 124,278-strong wedding market. If you can provide a sense of calm and authority, you are already ahead of any algorithm.

Category Growth: What category is gaining momentum?

The 2026 data is telling the story of couples increasing their budget into “memory-making” categories. We are seeing double-digit growth in areas that are imperative when defining the feeling of the day.

• Celebrants (+11.5% Spend): Couples are moving away from “template” ceremonies and investing an average of $1,031 to ensure their story is told authentically.
• Photography (+5% Spend): With an average spend of $3,657, couples are prioritising high-end visual storytelling.
• Floral Design (+8% Spend): Investing an average of $2,639, couples are using florals to define the “editorial” look of their day.

The Strategy: Don’t be afraid to lead with your expertise. Couples are willing to pay a premium for specialists who can guarantee a specific aesthetic or emotional outcome.

Trust is a currency

A listing is no longer strong enough for longevity in the wedding industry, social proof and gaining trust is an imperative way to make your business grow and stand out.

The report confirms that transparency and responsiveness are the top two factors influencing a couple’s choice to enquire.

Furthermore, 31% of couples cite “Reviews” as their primary way of sourcing and vetting suppliers. The data is startling: businesses with 11 or more reviews see a 200% increase in lead performance compared to those with fewer.

The Strategy: Make review collection a core part of your business operations. Every 5-star review you receive is a “silent salesperson” working for you 24/7. Couples are looking for the “safe bet,” and a high volume of positive feedback is the ultimate insurance policy for their budget.

A positive outlook for a professional industry

The 2026 Annual Wedding Industry Report tells a story of a resilient, passionate industry. While couples are being more strategic with their guest lists and their “needs vs. wants,” they are ultimately spending more than ever to ensure their wedding day is a reflection of their values.

For you, the wedding professional, the path to success in 2026 is built on three pillars:

• Professionalism: High-res imagery and transparent pricing.
• Responsiveness: Replying to leads quickly to build immediate trust.
• Community: Leaning into the Easy Weddings ecosystem to stay visible and connected.

The weddings are happening, the budgets are rising, and the couples are looking for you. Let’s make 2026 your most successful year yet.

Find out more, download the survey today. If you’re looking to find out more about the wedding industry and get involved, reach out to Easy Weddings.