Andrew and Gemma have tried everything to keep the cost of their wedding down - and they're not alone

Andrew Ives and Gemma Dallarmi have faced several tough decisions while planning their wedding.

From trimming the guest list to relying on family members for support, they are doing their best to reduce costs.

They are among many couples concerned about the rising expense of weddings, as the average cost to tie the knot surpasses $35,000.

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According to the latest industry report by Easy Weddings, weddings can cost up to 28 per cent more than couples originally budgeted for.

The data reveals that while the average starting budget is $27,455, couples often end up spending an average of $35,315.

"It was surprising, I knew weddings were expensive but there are certain parts you don't expect. Everything starts adding up," Ives said.

"You get the spreadsheet out and something sounds like a reasonable amount but when you add it all up it can be frightening."

The couple are trying to bring the cost down, budgeting nearly $60,000 for their special day.

"It was obviously higher than we thought," Dallarmi said.

"We (have tried) limiting guest numbers... we started with an initial list and just had to reassess and reassess again.

"Things like leaning on family friends to help us out, we have a cousin as a celebrant, but also helpful with cost-saving."

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Senior Wedding Planner at Easy Weddings Darcy Allen said two-thirds of couples have help from their families with bills stacking up quickly.

She said many couples are having to have realistic budget discussions.

"I think they're a bit deflated, definitely a little bit stressed and anxious and then the conversations with family start to happen about financial assistance," Allen said.

"The biggest pain point currently is sticking to a budget and the second is family.

"At the moment we are seeing couples waiting longer to get married so they can save more."

The most expensive costs include venue, food and beverage, followed by photography.

"The cost is rising," Allen said.

"The number of guests attending a wedding has dropped, it's down to 88 and typically we would have seen a decade ago was 100-plus."

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More couples are also choosing to skip the traditional big church and reception weddings in favour of smaller, more intimate micro weddings.

"For couples who are worried about spending that money and want to make sure they have that wow factor, I would consider a mid-week wedding or off-peak date,"

"You will have the wedding and dream day you want for a lesser price and all your suppliers will be more inclined to give you a better rate."