Skyrocketing Wedding Costs: How Much Should You Really Spend?

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) experiences for couples. With so many decisions to make, it can be tough to know where to start, especially when it comes to your budget. 

Weddings in the UK have become a lot more expensive in recent years. According to Statista, Since 2020, the cost of a wedding has more than doubled, with the average now sitting at over £20,000. Our own data has the average cost of a wedding at £19170. 

With searches for “budget wedding” increasing by an astonishing 499% in the past month (Jan 2025), reaching 21,000 searches, it’s clear that couples are looking for ways to make their big day special without overspending.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical tips on how to budget for your big day so you can enjoy the celebration without worrying about the price tag.

We’ve worked closely with couples and suppliers across the UK, giving us a clear understanding of how wedding budgets are typically allocated. Planning a wedding starts with knowing where your money will go, so you can focus on the things that matter most. 

Let’s break down the main costs so you can plan wisely and avoid any surprises along the way.

Venue Costs: £8000

As one of the most significant expenses for your wedding, the venue is often the first thing you’ll need to book. On average, venues in the UK account for about 25-30% of the total wedding budget. Naturally, this figure can vary depending on the location and type of venue.

For example, our data shows that a wedding venue in London could cost anywhere from £5,000 to £15,000 on average, while venues in smaller towns or rural areas usually start from £2,000. For those on a tighter budget, dry-hire or blank canvas venues (where you only rent the space) offer a more affordable option. Just remember that with venues, there are often additional charges like cleaning, insurance, and staff costs, usually adding £500 to £1,000 to your overall venue spend.

One final consideration with the venue is the preferred suppliers they have. It’s common for venues to only allow you to book caterers and in some but less frequent instances, florists and photographers from their preferred supplier lists. We’ve written more about this in our guide to dry-hire venues.

2. Catering: £3900

Catering is typically the second-largest expense, often taking up around 20-30% of the wedding budget. The type of catering you choose will have a big impact on costs.

• Catering Styles: Expect to pay around £40 to £100 per person for a traditional sit-down meal. If you're looking for something more casual, a buffet might cost £20 to £50 per head. Nowadays, couples also increasingly opt for food trucks and mobile catering, which offer affordable costs of around £2,000 depending on the service provided.

• Drinks Packages: Most venues offer drinks packages that include wine, beer, and soft drinks, ranging from £15 to £30 per guest. Of course, upgrading to premium wines or cocktails will push this figure higher.

When discussing catering with suppliers, pricing is often referred to on a per-head basis. It’s therefore helpful to have an idea of guest count in mind before starting conversations. And lastly, be sure to budget for a tasting session. Whilst these aren’t required we highly recommend sampling some of the menus before committing to a supplier. Caterer tastings can be organised privately but suppliers often have certain dates blocked out for tastings which would be a cheaper option.

3. Photography & Videography : £1040

Capturing your big day through photos and video is non-negotiable for most couples, but this service can also take up a significant portion of your budget, usually around 10-15%.

We’ve written a whole guide to the cost of wedding photography with more information but as a quick summary, here are the key considerations:

Firstly, photography and videography pricing is calculated similarly and both have similar considerations. Both typically charge between £1,500 and £3,000, depending on their experience and the package you choose. The common factors that influence this are:

• Duration of Coverage: Packages vary significantly based on the number of hours booked. Full-day coverage commands a higher price compared to half-day or specific-event coverage.

• Deliverables: The inclusion of additional products like photo albums, USB drives, and high-resolution image galleries are usually itemised extras so be sure to clarify what quotes include exactly.

• Add-ons: Engagement photoshoots, second shooters, and expedited editing services are common upgrades that influence overall pricing.

4. Flowers: £550

Floral arrangements typically account for around 5-8% of the wedding budget, with costs varying depending on the style and scale of your setup. For basic arrangements, such as simple bouquets and buttonholes, you can expect to spend between £150 and £500. More elaborate displays, including centerpieces and venue decor, range from £500 to £1,500. If you're aiming for a grander look with large floral installations or custom designs, costs can reach £2,000 to £3,000.

5. Cake: £400

An arguable centrepiece of the wedding, your cake can not be forgotten. Of course, there are cheaper ways to sort this one, but for those of us who aren’t fortunate enough to know a good baker in the family we’ve detailed the cost of finding a professional option.

On average, couples spend around 2-5% of their wedding budget on the cake, ranging between £300 and £700, depending on size, design, and decoration complexity. If you're looking to save, consider opting for a smaller cake for the bride and groom and serving a simple sheet cake for guests.

6. Entertainment: £1000

Entertainment is essential for setting the mood and keeping guests engaged throughout the day and evening. Music often accounts for 5-10% of the wedding budget, and there are a range of options depending on your style and preferences.

A live band can cost anywhere between £1,000 and £4,000, depending on the band’s size and popularity. If you prefer a DJ, expect to pay between £500 and £2,500 for a professional setup. Couples also go for more unique entertainment options like photo booths, caricature artists, and even games. These tend to be more affordable alternatives, ranging from £200 to £1,500.

7. Dress: £1500

The moment has arrived to find your dress. For most, a Vera Wang is way out of budget. But fear not, as the UK has thousands of designers specialising in bridal wear. Just decide on a style – A-line, mermaid or tea length– and hit the bridal salon where you’ll be given expert advice. In the meantime, get inspired by these beautiful and timeless wedding dresses.

Saving tip: end of season sales are a great place to hunt for the perfect dress. Be patient, and you might just find the one!

Remember that you’ll not only have to walk down the aisle in those gorgeous stilettos or peep-toed sandals, but you’ll also spend the night on the dance floor busting some moves. Buy a pair of comfortable shoes and break them in at home before the big day.

9. Headdress veil: £130

Elegant and romantic, a veil is the complementary accessory to any wedding outfit. If you want something more modern, try a studded headband or a pearl tiara.

10. Beauty: £300

Avoid these makeup mishaps, and you’ll be the most beautiful bride of the year.

11. Favours & gifts: £400

Although the day is all about the bride and groom, party favours are a nice way to thank your guests, bridesmaids and groomsmen for making the day extra special. Homemade edible gifts are an affordable and thoughtful idea or if you don’t have the time to spare check out these unique favour ideas.

Saving tip: You might find that lots of your guests have come as couples. Save on gifts by giving one per couple.

12. Wedding rings: £800

Unlike the cake that will be gone by the end of the day, your wedding bands will stay with you through the test of time. If you’re new to buying rings, use this easy guide to find the perfect one.

13. Honeymoon: £4000

You’ve made it through the months of planning, the last minute cancellations and the day itself. A long, extravagant holiday is well deserved. Whether you’re looking for a city-break or an island retreat, there are some amazing destinations on offer.

Saving tip: book through a travel agent who can get you super deals and package offers.

Grand Total: £19,170