LOCAL love-birds on the quest for the perfect wedding are forking out an average of $54,294 to tie the knot.

Bride to Be magazine’s most recent Cost of Love survey results show the total cost of the average Australian wedding is now a heart-stopping $54,294  – almost the same amount as the respondents’ average annual income. 

In the past decade alone the cost of a wedding has almost doubled, according to Bride to Be editor Sarah Stevens. 

Tamworth’s Amanda Brodbeck fiance Grant Hopson are in the process of planning their dream wedding.

The couple will say “I do” in front of about 100 guests at the picturesque Tangaratta Vineyard in November.

 Like many modern brides, Ms Brodbeck said she was shocked to find out how much it would cost to turn her envisaged nuptials into reality.

“Gee wiz it’s pricey,” she said.

“Just everything in general.”

Even with “a bit of help” from both sets of parents, the cost of their special day is still smarting, Ms Brodbeck said.

“My parents are doing the traditional thing, buying my wedding gown, and my partner’s parents are contributing towards the bar and things like that, but it’s still ridiculous. It’s really a deposit for a house,” she said.

The 28-year-old has set a budget of $25,000 for the momentous occasion, excluding the honeymoon, but concedes they will probably go over it, as some things, such as lasting memories, are priceless.

“I don’t think you can budget for photography. It’s such a big thing to be able to look back on your special day in 50 years,” Ms Brodbeck said.

“I didn’t want something cheap, I wanted to make sure I get great photos.”

Although it is going to cost the couple a mint, Ms Brodbeck said she would not have it any other way.

“Every girl dreams of being a princess for the day and that’s what I’ve always dreamt of. Having the big white dress, beautiful flowers and the big cake. I’m loving it, I love (planning) it. I just can’t wait for the day to be here so I can see it all come together,” she said.