All the Details & Costs of a Simple 2025 Wedding That You Need to Prepare

Getting married is a once-in-a-lifetime, meaningful moment. Preparation isn't just mental, but also financial. To ensure a smooth event, it's crucial to understand the details of wedding costs, from the ceremony and reception to unexpected expenses.

Wedding costs are highly flexible and can be tailored to the event concept and number of guests. Even a simple wedding can still be memorable if planned carefully. Here's a detailed guide, budget simulations, and tips for saving on wedding costs in 2025.

12 Items Detailing Wedding Costs (Akad & Reception)

1. Administrative Fees & Marriage Requirements (KUA)

• Free if the akad is held at the KUA office during official business days/hours.
• Rp 600,000 if the akad is held outside the KUA office or outside business hours (at home/building).

2. Dowry or Dowry

• According to Islamic law, the dowry is mandatory for the prospective husband and is the absolute right of the wife. It usually takes the form of cash, gold, or prayer items.
• Average: from Rp 100,000 (symbolic) to Rp 1,000,000 for prayer items, or Rp 800,000 per gram of gold.

3. Wedding Rings

• Material options: gold/silver.
• Estimates: 3-5 grams of gold start at Rp 5,000,000/pair; silver Rp 2,000,000/pair.

4. Gifts/Souvenirs

• Traditional (not mandatory). Usually, the wife's accessories (bag, shoes, makeup, etc.) are accompanied by attractive decorations.
• Estimate: Rp3,000,000-Rp5,000,000.

5. Venue & Decorations

• Building Rental: Rp10,000,000-Rp50,000,000+ depending on capacity and location.
• House: Economical, only includes tent rental (Rp2,000,000-Rp5,000,000), chairs, and decorations (Rp3,000,000-Rp15,000,000).
• House vs. Building Comparison: Houses are more economical but require extra manpower to clean up, while buildings are more practical but more expensive.

6. Catering

• The largest. Prices start from Rp 25,000-Rp 200,000/person, depending on the menu.
• Simple weddings for 100-300 people: Rp 5,000,000-Rp 12,000,000
• Medium-sized/buildings for 300-500 people: Rp 15,000,000-Rp 45,000,000.
• Tips: Smaller guest numbers, a simple menu, or a shared budget are more economical.

7. Bridal Attire & Makeup

• Dress rentals start from Rp 500,000-Rp 1,000,000; makeup costs Rp 700,000-Rp 3,000,000/person.
• Buying or sewing your own can cost Rp 5,000,000-Rp 20,000,000+.

8. Documentation (Photo/Video)

• Simple packages start from Rp1,000,000-Rp5,000,000.
• Utilize the services of friends/family for savings.

9. Invitations & Souvenirs

• Digital invitations: start from Rp100,000 (website, WhatsApp, Canva).
• Printed invitations: Rp1,000-Rp5,000/piece.
• Souvenirs start from Rp3,000-Rp10,000/item. Simple options: fans, pouches, mini books.

10. Entertainment & MC

• Band/musician: Rp2,000,000-Rp4,000,000.
• MC: starts from Rp1,000,000.
• Alternatives: create your own playlist, invite family/friends to perform.

11. Unexpected Expenses

• Recommended: Set aside at least 5-10% of your total budget (Rp2,000,000-Rp5,000,000).
• For cake, additional food, emergency supplies, etc.

12. Wedding Organizer (Optional, WO)

• Full service: Rp10,000,000-Rp40,000,000.
• Reception coordination package only: starting at Rp5,000,000.

Wedding Budget Simulation

A. Simple Wedding Budget: Rp20 Million - Rp30 Million

Minimalist wedding, ceremony, and family celebration (50-150 guests):

B. Wedding in a Building/House for 100-500 people (Budget 40-100 Million)

Compare: Marriage at Home vs. in a Hall

Economical & Practical Tips for Preparing for a 2025 Wedding

• Start investing/saving for your wedding well in advance (using auto-debit, mutual funds, etc.).
• Choose digital invitations and souvenirs.
• Limit your guest list; prioritize family and close friends.
• Take advantage of promotions/bonuses from vendors.
• Get creative with DIY decorations and souvenirs.
• Prioritize the obligatory things (the marriage contract and dowry), and be grateful if you can't have a festive one.
• Have an open discussion with both families about cost division, in accordance with etiquette and Islamic law.

FAQs Regarding Wedding Cost Details

1. 30 Million Rupiah Wedding Cost: Enough? Yes, it's more than enough for a core wedding, a minimalist wedding, at home, or at the Religious Affairs Office (KUA). Prioritize essential needs, utilize mutual cooperation, and cut costs on decorations, wedding organizers, and entertainment.

2. How are costs divided according to Islam and tradition?

• The dowry and the marriage contract are the husband's responsibility.
• The wedding reception can be based on mutual agreement; there are no absolute rules, as long as the family is happy and supportive.

3. Who bears the wedding costs? As agreed. Often shared, it can also be dominated by the groom (Minang, Sundanese, and other traditions may differ).

4. "What are the costs of a wedding at home versus a building?" See the comparison table above. Essentially, a home wedding is more economical but more complicated, while a building is more expensive but practical.

5. Is it necessary to use a wedding organizer? Not mandatory; if the family is strong and ready for mutual cooperation, you can do without one. A wedding organizer is suitable for larger budgets or if you want to avoid technical stress.

Wedding costs vary widely, ranging from Rp 5-10 million for a simple ceremony, Rp 20-30 million for a family celebration, and up to hundreds of millions for a lavish reception at a building. The key is thorough planning, open discussion, and thoughtful prioritization; a memorable wedding doesn't have to be expensive. Focus on meaning, not just luxury.