NAVIGATING THE COST OF LIVING CRISIS: HOW QUEENSLAND COUPLES CAN STILL HAVE THEIR DREAM WEDDING
The soaring cost of living across Australia has created a significant challenge for many Queensland couples planning to tie the knot. Increasingly, couples are asking themselves, “Can we even afford to get married?” Although the deeper question they’re truly contemplating is, “Can we afford the wedding we’ve always dreamt of?”
With housing prices reaching new heights and everyday essentials becoming more expensive, couples find themselves forced to prioritise financial stability over romantic celebrations. Many have chosen to delay their weddings indefinitely, putting their dream day on hold in favour of entering Queensland’s competitive housing market. After all, investing in property feels like a more practical and lasting choice compared to the extravagance of a wedding day.
However, postponing a wedding doesn’t have to be the only solution in the cost of living crisis. Queensland couples have several viable alternatives to help them celebrate their love without compromising their financial future. By carefully considering their priorities and adjusting their expectations, couples can have a meaningful and memorable wedding day, even amidst a challenging economic climate.
Micro Weddings: Small in Scale, Big on Meaning
A micro wedding, typically hosting fewer than 20 guests, allows couples to create an intimate and deeply personal experience without the hefty price tag of a traditional large-scale celebration. This style of wedding offers numerous advantages, including reduced costs, more flexibility in venue choices, and the ability to truly spend quality time with each guest. A small wedding has a similar leaning, generally with a guest list of 30-50 including closest family members and friends.
With fewer attendees, couples can invest in high-quality experiences such as a premium menu, boutique beverages, or stunning floral arrangements that might otherwise be unattainable. Moreover, micro weddings or smaller gatherings can feel incredibly special and exclusive, providing an intimate atmosphere that is both memorable and budget-conscious.
Weekday Weddings: Practical and Affordable
Another increasingly popular solution is the weekday wedding. Traditionally, weddings held from Friday through Sunday have always carried premium costs due to high demand. However, venues often offer attractive incentives for bookings on weekdays – especially midweek – significantly lowering overall wedding expenses.
Holding a weekday wedding can dramatically reduce costs on venue hire, catering, and even accommodation for guests. Additionally, couples may find more availability with suppliers who are less booked during the week, providing greater choice and potentially better deals. Queensland couples who choose a weekday wedding also benefit from the possibility of extending the celebrations into the weekend with their closest family and friends, making the occasion even more memorable.
Focusing on What Truly Matters
Perhaps the most essential tip for couples facing budgeting challenges is prioritising what truly matters to them. Instead of stretching their budget thin trying to include every tradition or trend, couples should sit down and identify which aspects of the wedding are important (read: non-negotiable) and focus their resources there.
For instance, some couples may prioritise photography, knowing that beautiful memories are something they’ll cherish forever. Others might focus on exceptional food, entertainment, or a unique venue atmosphere. By selecting just a few key areas to invest in significantly, couples can cut all the other unnecessary costs without compromising their experience.
Factory51: Making Your Dream Wedding Affordable
Understanding the pressures faced by today’s couples, Factory51 has positioned itself as an ideal venue offering elegant, affordable, and flexible wedding options. Located in Brisbane’s inner east suburb of Coorparoo, Factory51 delivers a unique blend of rustic chic ambiance paired with exquisite handcrafted Italian-inspired cuisine—proving that affordability does not mean sacrificing quality or style.
At Factory51, we specialise in helping couples celebrate their wedding in a way that reflects their love and personalities while respecting their financial boundaries. Our beautifully restored red-brick warehouse effortlessly combines character with contemporary charm, perfect for intimate micro weddings or stylish weekday celebrations.
Special Offers for Weekday Weddings at Factory51
Recognising the increased financial strain on Queensland couples, Factory51 proudly offers competitive rates and special packages specifically tailored to weekday weddings. Couples choosing to marry midweek can access significantly discounted venue hire, making it much easier to manage their overall wedding budget. There are special offers for Sunday weddings too, with a saving across both ceremony and reception packages.
Weekday weddings at Factory51 come with all the charm, elegance, and quality expected from our award-winning venue. Couples and their guests can enjoy exclusive access to our beautiful private function space, complete with exposed brick walls, rustic timber beams, and warm, inviting lighting—creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable celebration.
Micro Weddings Made Easy
Factory51 also fully embraces the micro wedding concept, providing tailored packages to suit smaller guest lists. Couples can benefit from a more intimate setup without sacrificing the style, atmosphere, or exceptional service we’re known for. From mouthwatering menus highlighting our signature Italian-inspired dishes to flexible bar options, every micro wedding at Factory51 is thoughtfully designed to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Embracing a More Mindful Approach
While economic conditions have undeniably reshaped how many couples approach wedding planning, these challenges present an opportunity for meaningful, intentional celebrations. Couples can shift away from expectations of grand, costly affairs toward events that truly reflect their unique relationships and personal values.
Factory51 is proud to support Queensland couples navigating this cost-of-living crisis. By offering affordable yet sophisticated solutions like weekday and micro weddings, we ensure every couple can still enjoy a beautiful, memorable wedding without compromising financial goals such as homeownership or future planning.
Your wedding day should reflect the joy, love, and excitement you share as a couple—not financial stress or worry. At Factory51, we believe that even amidst challenging economic times, every couple deserves a celebration filled with warmth, happiness, and lasting memories. Let us help you create the wedding you’ve dreamed of, at a price you can genuinely afford.
Contact us today to make a viewing time with our Functions Manager, or download a copy of our latest wedding packages here.
Images by Lara Furst Photography