Please note that price information in this article was based on data from 2010, and may now be outdated.
Photography
The average wedding photography job on ServiceSeeking.com.au costs $928. This amount obviously depends on the number of hours spent photographing the wedding. The typical job lasts between 4-6 hours – or more if any extra running around is required.
The average hourly rate for a wedding photographer on ServiceSeeking.com.au is $122. Prices vary with the experience of the photographer. If you’re after a first rate photographer with lots of experience you can expect to pay a premium of $500 per hour.
Those on a strict budget have the option of using a trainee photographer for a reduced fee. Trainee photographers have a minimum of 1 year experience and can handle a pretty standard wedding, but if you have any tricky requests you should opt for someone with more experience.
Videography
The average videography job on ServiceSeeking.com.au costs $1225. For this amount you will receive a pretty decent video with edited footage, music and graphic titles. Far more difficult than just a simple case of “point and shoot,” videography requires skill and precision so if you’re after a complex video with shots from multiple angles you should consider choosing someone with more experience. You can expect to pay a premium rate of $175 per hour for a veteran videographer.
Videographers charge by the hour or give a total price for the finished video and not according to the amount of footage shot. It’s much easier to edit tapes down than lengthen them, so the more that’s shot the better chance you’ll end up with something you’re happy with.
Invitations
The average invitation job on ServiceSeeking.com.au costs $311. For this amount you can expect 100 designed invitations. The price varies depending on the number of invites stock quality, whether you’re supplying the artwork and if printing is included.
You will be charged more for original artwork designs and paper or card thicker than the standard 300-400gsm. Unusual invitation materials such as fabric will also drive up the price.
Unless otherwise stated, the quote generally doesn’t include the cost of printing, however as an “industry insider” your graphic designer should be able to get you discount printing rates. The average hourly rate is $54 per hour, while the premium is $180 per hour, however most graphic designers will charge you a lump sum.
Cake
Cake makers on ServiceSeeking.com.au will whip up a simple wedding cake for an average of $456. For this price you will get a two-tier cake with fondant or buttercream icing. This cost obviously starts to increase once you add tiers and extra decorations, such as intricate fondant lacework. The more tiers you have, the harder it is to control your wedding cake from toppling or collapsing – so much more time is taken to ensure the cake stays upright.
Hair & Makeup
The average hair & makeup job on ServiceSeeking.com.au costs $463 and this typically includes the bride and a couple of bridesmaids.
The average rate per hour is $73 and the premium is $120 per hour. You can expect to pay more for bridal hair & makeup than hair & makeup for a formal or debutante ball. This is because a higher quality product is normally used (something that stays on all day and night) and more time is spent on the job – both in travel and on the actual hair & makeup. You might even be lucky enough to find a hair & makeup artist who’s prepared to stay around for a quick “touch up” between the ceremony and reception.
Car Hire
The average wedding car hire job on ServiceSeeking.com.au is priced at $784. The cost obviously depends on how many cars you’re hiring and if you require a lift to and from the ceremony and reception venue. The price is also dependent on the type of car you’re after. Hummers generally cost more than standard limos. The average hourly rate is $244, however there is normally a minimum 2 hour callout fee. Most wedding car businesses prefer to quote a full job rate than on an hourly basis
Flowers
Florists charge by product rather than on an hourly basis. The average wedding flower job on ServiceSeeking is priced at $892. This amount typically includes a mixture of bouquets, buttonholes and arrangements as well as delivery and set up. This price will obviously vary depending on the chosen flower but you can expect to pay between $150-200 for a large bridal bouquet and between $100-$120 per small bridesmaid bouquet.
Celebrant
Celebrants on ServiceSeeking.com.au charge an average of $460. In addition to performing the wedding ceremony, this price includes a number consultations and an onsite rehearsal. Your celebrant will also organise all the necessary paperwork including the Notice of Intended Marriage and Registration of Marriage. However, you will be expected to to foot the bill for the lodgement fee.