When Amelia Dagher began planning her dream wedding, the Sydney bride was taken aback by how rapidly the expenses accumulated. Rather than allowing the soaring prices to disrupt her vision, she took control by embracing online shopping to realise her special day on a strict budget. Her experience reflects a growing movement among Australian couples who are finding innovative ways to manage wedding finances.
Budget Pressures Drive Creative Solutions
Recent research from Easy Weddings highlights that nearly seventy percent of couples identify budget constraints as their primary concern when organising their wedding. The study indicates that the average wedding cost reached $35,315 last year, prompting many to seek strategic methods to reduce expenditure. More than half of couples are now choosing to style their own ceremonies in 2025, moving away from traditional vendors for elements like flowers, decorations, and cakes.
A Sydney Bride's Remarkable Savings
Amelia Dagher, aged 27, married Nathan in October 2025 after he proposed in June 2024. She had a clear vision for her wedding, inspired by Pinterest boards, but was stunned by the quotes she received from professional florists. "I was quoted over $10,000 for the flowers," Dagher recalled. "The prices we were being quoted were just ridiculous. But I'm a bargain hunter—so I knew there had to be a cheaper way."
Determined to avoid starting married life with credit card debt, Dagher explored alternatives. After discovering a Facebook group where women shared their experiences using budget shopping sites for wedding styling, she decided to purchase artificial flowers from Temu for $350. She then transformed these into elegant table and floor arrangements for her white-themed ceremony. "I couldn't believe how luxe the flowers looked," she added. "It felt good knowing I could have a beautiful wedding without feeling pushed to overspend."
Innovative Cake Creation
Dagher also bypassed the traditional wedding cake, opting instead to craft her own five-tier decorative cake using foam cylinders. After receiving quotes as high as $5,000 for an edible version, she spent just $100 on materials. She ordered the foam online, stacked the cylinders, and coated them with wall filler from Bunnings before sanding and painting them white. "Nathan and I made it together one night with wine and laughter," she said. "It felt like us." Her family and friends were amazed when she revealed the cake was handmade and non-edible.
Beyond the significant financial savings, Dagher noted an additional advantage: the ability to lend the cake and floral arrangements to friends and family for their own weddings. For others considering similar approaches, she advises ordering well in advance, reading reviews meticulously, and double-checking measurements to ensure satisfaction.
Brisbane Bride Embraces Rustic Minimalism
Franchezca Gray from Brisbane adopted a comparable strategy for her September 2025 wedding. The 23-year-old spent evenings experimenting with Temu supplies to achieve a rustic, romantic, and minimalist aesthetic. "I've had a Pinterest board for my wedding for like ten years," Gray explained. "Over time, I browsed where I could buy certain items for a good price. That's when I came across Temu."
Initially purchasing small items like phone cases, Gray expanded her orders to include wedding decor. "I was shocked, in a good way," she said. "I did small orders to begin with, but I was pretty impressed with the quality." She ultimately bought table runners, ribbons for bouquets, menus, invitations, a guest book, and a personalised wax seal, spending only $165 in total and saving hundreds of dollars. "It's the little touches that elevate the space and make it feel personal," Gray remarked.
Extending Savings to Bridal Parties
The trend of using budget shopping sites extends beyond the ceremony itself, with bridal parties also leveraging online platforms for pre-wedding events and gifts. Emma Wiggley, 31, served as maid of honour for her friend Allanna's wedding and assembled bridesmaid gift bags using products from Temu. She filled canvas tote bags with heart-shaped sunglasses, eye masks, and other personalised items, customising the totes and ordering them in small batches through the site.
Overall, Amelia Dagher's experience demonstrates that with creativity and careful planning, couples can significantly reduce wedding expenses without compromising on style or sentiment. Her story, along with those of other brides, underscores a shift towards more economical and personalised wedding celebrations across Australia.
