Love is in the air! With Valentine’s Day here and wedding season in full swing across New Zealand, couples are saying “I do” and celebrating love in the most beautiful way. But while weddings are magical (and can cost a small fortune), there’s another major life event that comes with a hefty price tag—your funeral.

Yep, we know, it’s not the most romantic topic. But hear us out—have you ever wondered which one costs more? Let’s break it down!

How Much Does a Wedding Cost in NZ?

Weddings are one of the most expensive parties you’ll ever throw. In New Zealand, the average couple spends between $20,000 and $50,000 on their big day. Where does all that money go? Here’s a quick rundown:

• Venue hire – That dream location could set you back anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000.

• Food & drinks – Feeding all your guests? Expect to pay over $100 per person!

• Dress & suit – Wedding dresses alone can range from $2,000 to $5,000.

• Photography & videography – Capturing the moment professionally? That’ll be another $5,000+.

• Flowers, decorations & entertainment – The small details add up, often pushing the budget higher.

With numbers like that, it’s no wonder weddings take years of saving (and sometimes a little help from the Bank of Mum and Dad!). But what about funerals?

How Much Does a Funeral Cost in NZ?

Unlike weddings, funerals aren’t something you get to plan years in advance. And unfortunately, they can be just as expensive. The average funeral in New Zealand can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000, sometimes even more. Here’s what makes up the bill:

• Coffin – A standard coffin alone can cost between $1,500 and $6,000.

• Funeral director fees – Professional services, paperwork, and planning can start from $3,000.

• Burial or cremation – A burial plot? Up to $5,000. Cremation? Anywhere between $600 and $2,000.

• Catering, venue & service costs – Just like a wedding, guests still need to be fed and looked after.

• Headstones or memorials – These can add thousands to the total.

The biggest difference? Weddings are planned, but funerals often aren’t—leaving families to figure out how to cover the costs at short notice.

So, Which One Wins the Price Battle?

While weddings tend to cost more overall, they’re something you can save and budget for. Funerals, on the other hand, can be a sudden expense, leaving families scrambling to find thousands of dollars in a short time.

The Smart Solution: Funeral Insurance

That’s where funeral insurance comes in. With a small, regular premium, you can make sure your loved ones aren’t left with financial stress during an already emotional time. Dollar Insurance provides a simple way to plan ahead, offering a lump sum payout to cover funeral expenses and ease the burden on your family.

Final Thoughts

Weddings and funerals might be opposites, but they have one thing in common—they both cost a lot. The difference is, weddings are something we prepare for, while funerals often catch families off guard.

With Dollar Insurance, you can make sure your family has one less thing to worry about when the time comes. Want to know more? Get in touch with us today and take control of your future finances—so your loved ones don’t have to!

 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is of a general nature only and does not take into account your personal situation or goals. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs and seek independent financial advice, if required, to ensure an insurance product is suitable for you.

Any product information is correct at the time this article was published. For current product information, please visit the Dollar Insurance website.