Designing a beautiful, luxury-feeling Wedding for Under $30K.
Planning a wedding doesn’t have to break the bank. With creativity, focus, and intentional choices, you can design a memorable day under $30,000 - especially in a setting as naturally beautiful as Leaves & Fishes in the Hunter Valley.
1. Leverage Natural Beauty
The secret to a wedding that feels high-end starts with choosing a venue that already looks beautiful. When your backdrop includes tranquil water views, lush greenery, and warm natural textures, you don’t need to spend thousands dressing it up.
At Leaves and Fishes, our ceremony and reception spaces are intentionally designed to do the heavy lifting- your styling budget can go further, and your photos will look incredible with minimal extras.
2. Prioritise What Matters
Decide early which elements are non-negotiable (venue, photography, ceremony) and where you can economise (invitations, décor, gifts). When you align your budget with your values, every dollar works harder.
3. Keep Your Guest List Intimate
Fewer guests means more of your budget can go toward quality over quantity. An intimate wedding of 40-50 guests allows you to invest in better food, wine and styling details - creating a more personal experience for everyone. Intimate weddings become less about logistics and more about connection, atmosphere and time well spent with the people you truly love.
4. Smart Catering & Styling Choices
Opt for BYO catering and beverage options, seasonal menus, or food trucks to reduce spend. Limit the bar to 2 x signature cocktails for the first hour and then beer or wine only. Dan Murphy’s make ordering and delivery really simple at BYO venues. Choose decor rentals instead of buying outright (vases, lanterns, arches). Less is more!
5. DIY or Partial DIY
Do-it-yourself where it makes sense: hand-lettered signage, simple table runners, less florals. Minimalistic can still look very beautiful. Choose local vendors offering flexible packages - there is no need to pay for travel expenses with so many exceptional vendors nearby..
6. Timing & Day of Week
Consider off-peak seasons or midweek dates. Many venues and vendors offer lower rates Monday–Thursday, or during quieter months.
7. Simplify and Let the Venue Shine
The most beautiful weddings we see here aren’t overdone - they’re considered. A few well-chosen floral moments, elegant table settings and natural light bouncing off the water… sometimes less really is more.
When your venue sets the tone, simplicity becomes sophistication.
Final Thoughts
A $30,000 wedding is absolutely achievable when you focus on what truly matters - your connection, a beautiful location, and meaningful touches. At Leaves & Fishes, we support couples who want to create something heartfelt, intentional, and unforgettable - without excessive cost.