A Sydney bride has revealed why she decided to ditch the traditional “big white wedding” and jump on a growing new trend. She said the decision saved her and her husband tens of thousands of dollars and meant they could afford a house deposit.

Annabelle Newell is one of many Aussies opting for smaller wedding ceremonies and elopements to save money. The 32-year-old communications manager and her husband Hayden decided against the traditional route after being shocked at quotes for ceremonies in Sydney and Byron Bay.

“I think every couple is surprised at how expensive a wedding is, and just how much certain things cost. It adds up quickly,” Newell said.

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“On average, the venue and food packages we looked at ranged from $35,000 to $45,000. We then had to factor in drinks, accommodation, photography, flowers, decorations and bridal party costs to name a few.

“We don’t believe that for the 110 planned guests for our wedding, we would have got much change from $100,000.”

Newell said her and her husband, an accounts manager, earn “decent wages” but are “feeling the pinch of cost-of-living pressures” like many other Aussies.

“The price of weddings in Australia, like everything else, has been blown completely out of proportion and that’s not something we wanted to spend our money on,” she said.

The couple ultimately decided to elope and had a small ceremony with only their immediate family present in Moorea, French Polynesia.

They then spent a month honeymooning through Italy and later had a party in Sydney to celebrate with their friends and family. In total, she said the festivities cost about $40,000.

“The actual elopement ceremony and reception dinner for seven cost approximately $6,500,” Newell explained.

“I believe we saved $40,000 and had two celebrations and a honeymoon. We were able to stay in some incredible places, eat and drink whatever we wanted and get each other a small wedding gift.”

With the average Australian wedding estimated to cost between $36,000 and $55,000, it’s easy to see why some Aussies are opting for cheaper alternatives, particularly in the current cost-of-living crisis.

Online searches for ‘how much does it cost to elope’ have increased by 40 per cent, while the term ‘micro wedding’ skyrocketed 49 per cent, according to research by Australian jeweller Shiels.

Costs for micro-weddings can vary too, but Yahoo Finance contributor Emma Edwards shared her micro beach wedding was just $3,500 in total.

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This included $450 for the ceremony, $525 for photography and $220 for her wedding dress. The most expensive part was a fancy lunch afterwards, which came to $2,200 including a tip and Sunday surcharge.

Newell said she and her husband have no regrets about eloping and they feel their money was able to stretch further.

“Our savings are being used directly as a part of the deposit and mortgage on our first home,” Newell said.

The couple have bought their first property off-the-plan and are living with Newell’s parents to save money while it is being built.

Along with the financial aspect, Newell said eloping meant they could eliminate the stress that often comes with planning a big wedding.

“The bottom line is that your wedding is your day, no one else’s so you should celebrate it exactly how you want to. Don’t be afraid to celebrate differently, celebrate how you want to,” she said.

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