The Ultimate Guide to Saving for Your Dream Wedding (Without Breaking the Bank)

The Wedding Budget Dilemma: Can You Have It All?

You’re engaged, congratulations! Now comes the whirlwind of excitement, Pinterest boards, and big decisions. But let’s be honest, weddings are expensive. This blog contains the top tips and insider knowledge to help you save and plan the wedding of your dreams.

According to recent surveys, the average UK wedding now costs over £18,000, and that figure is rising every year. Venues, catering, photography, and entertainment all come with premium price tags, leaving many couples wondering:

• Do we go all out and accept the financial hit?

• Do we cut corners and risk sacrificing our dream wedding?

• Is there a way to strike the perfect balance: stunning yet sensible?

The answer is YES. With the right approach, you can host a breathtaking celebration without breaking the bank. The secret? Strategic savings, creative planning, and expert-backed insights from wedding suppliers who know the industry inside out.

At Togather, we’ve worked with thousands of couples to bring their dream weddings to life at every budget level. We've seen what works, what doesn’t, and where couples overspend unnecessarily. So, we’re lifting the curtain and revealing 11 expert-approved wedding budget hacks that will help you save big while keeping your vision intact.

1. DIY with Intention Not Just for the Sake of Saving Money

"DIY everything and you’ll save a fortune!" It’s the most common wedding budgeting advice you’ll hear, but is it actually true?

Here’s the reality: DIY can be a huge cost-saver, but it can also become a stressful, time-consuming, and even expensive mistake. Some projects are perfect for DIY, while others should be left to the professionals.

✔ What You Should DIY:

• Wedding invitations – With free online design tools, you can create elegant invitations for a fraction of the cost. Print them at home or go digital to save even more.

• Table décor – Mason jars, candles, and greenery can create stunning centrepieces without florist markups.

• Guest favours – Think homemade jam, hand-poured candles, or personalised keepsakes instead of mass-produced trinkets.

❌ What NOT to DIY:

• Photography – You get one shot at capturing your wedding. A blurry iPhone photo isn’t worth the risk.

• Catering – The last thing you want is cold food, bad timing, or undercooked dishes at your wedding.

• Wedding planning – It might seem easy at first, but a professional planner will save you time, money, and stress.

Togather Tip: If you want the charm of a DIY wedding without the headache, consider working with independent suppliers who offer custom, budget-friendly services.

2. Challenge Wedding Traditions. Do You Really Need Them All?

Weddings are steeped in tradition, but not every tradition needs to make the cut, especially when it comes at a high cost. While some rituals add charm and meaning, others are simply outdated expectations that don’t always fit modern couples or budgets. The key to saving money? Questioning every expense.

Do you really need a towering five-tier cake, or would a simple cutting cake with a dessert table be just as sweet? Instead of a formal sit-down dinner for every guest, could interactive food stations offer a more fun and budget-friendly alternative? And when it comes to invitations, do printed cards still make sense, or would a sleek digital RSVP system do the job just as well?

One couple we worked with at Togather chose to skip traditional floral centrepieces in favor of floating candles and fresh greenery. The result? A breathtakingly romantic setup that cost a fraction of what fresh flowers would have.

Before committing to any wedding expense, ask yourself: Are we doing this because we truly want to, or just because it’s expected? Your wedding should reflect you, not outdated rules. Make choices that feel right for you and your budget, not just for tradition’s sake.

3. The Venue Hack: Think Beyond the Traditional Choices

Did you know? The venue is often the most expensive part of a wedding, sometimes accounting for up to 50% of the budget. But it doesn’t have to be.

Alternative Venue Ideas:

• Parks & Gardens – Many public parks allow weddings for a small permit fee instead of a hefty venue hire charge.

• Community Halls – A blank canvas that you can transform for a fraction of the price of a hotel ballroom.

• Private Estates or Airbnb Rentals – Some families rent out their stunning homes for weddings, providing a luxury feel without the luxury price tag.

Cost Comparison:
📍 Traditional wedding venue = £5,000-£10,000 rental fee
📍 Community hall or alternative venue = £500-£1,500 rental fee

Togather Insight: Many couples assume fancier venues = better weddings, but it’s what you do with the space that matters most.

4. The Guest List Reality Check: Every Head Adds Up

Every guest at your wedding comes with a cost. More food, more drinks, extra seating, a larger venue. It’s easy for the guest list to spiral, but keeping it in check is one of the simplest ways to manage your budget.

A great way to decide who makes the cut is the “Would I Buy Them Dinner?” test. If you wouldn’t take someone out for a three-course meal at your own expense, they might not need a wedding invite. Another helpful rule? The “Haven’t Spoken in a Year” guideline. If someone hasn’t been an active part of your life recently, do they really need to be there on your big day?

If you’re struggling to trim the list, consider splitting your celebration. An intimate ceremony followed by a larger after-party later lets you enjoy the best of both worlds, keeping the most meaningful part of the day private while celebrating more broadly afterward.

The savings add up quickly. Cutting just ten guests from your list could save you over £1,000 on food and drinks alone. Keeping things small and intentional isn’t just a budget-friendly move; it ensures you’re surrounded by the people who truly matter most.

5. Pick an Off-Peak Date and Time for Instant Discounts

If there’s one guaranteed way to slash wedding costs, it’s choosing an off-peak wedding date. Many couples instinctively book a Saturday in peak wedding season (May-September) and that’s exactly why it’s so expensive.

The Simple Rule: Less demand = lower prices.

• Winter weddings (November – February) can cost up to 50% less than summer weddings

• Weekday weddings (Monday – Thursday) can save you thousands on venue, catering, and even photography.

• Morning or brunch weddings cut down on food and alcohol expenses while still feeling special.

Real Savings Example:
One couple we worked with at Togather planned their wedding for a Thursday in early March. By simply choosing a weekday and an off-peak month, they saved £4,000 on their venue alone which they used to upgrade their catering instead.

Beyond the Venue Suppliers Also Charge Less Off-Peak
It’s not just venues that discount off-peak weddings—photographers, caterers, mobile bars, florists, and even musicians often offer lower rates during quieter months.

Togather Tip: When reaching out to suppliers, always ask if they offer off-peak pricing. Many don’t advertise these discounts upfront, but they exist!

6. Swap Traditional Invitations for Digital Alternatives

Wedding invitations are one of the easiest expenses to reduce—but many couples still spend hundreds (or even thousands!) on fancy, embossed stationery that ultimately gets thrown away.

The Modern Solution? Go Digital.

• E-vites (digital invitations) are fast, stylish, and cost practically nothing. Websites like Paperless Post and Greenvelope let you design beautiful digital invitations with RSVP tracking.

• Wedding websites (free on sites like The Knot and Joy) allow guests to RSVP, view details, and check the registry all in one place.

• Minimalist printed invites (if you still want paper) can be DIY’d at home for a fraction of the price.

Real Savings Example:
One couple we worked with at Togather initially planned luxury letterpress invitations—but after realizing the cost would exceed £700, they switched to digital invitations with a small batch of printed invites for older guests. The final cost? £75.

Togather Tip: If you must do printed invites, check out Etsy for budget-friendly, printable designs—you can print them at home or through an affordable online printer.

7. Save on Attire Without Compromising on Style

Your wedding outfit should make you feel incredible, but that doesn’t mean it has to come with a sky-high price tag. The markup on wedding attire is significant, but there are plenty of ways to achieve a stunning look for less.

One of the best ways to save is by shopping sample sales. Bridal boutiques often sell their floor samples at discounts of 50-80%. If you’re flexible with sizing and open to minor alterations, this can be a game-changer. Another smart option is buying pre-loved. Websites like Still White, Sell My Wedding Dress, and even Vinted offer designer gowns at a fraction of the original price, often in pristine condition.

For those open to a less traditional approach, non-bridal retailers can be a great alternative. A chic white evening gown from Reformation, ASOS, or Net-a-Porter can be just as elegant as a designer wedding dress at half the cost.

If you’re willing to go the pre-loved route, you could save up to 70% while still walking down the aisle in a breathtaking, high-end look. The key is to shop smart, stay open-minded, and remember that confidence—not cost—is what truly makes an outfit unforgettable.

8. Simplify Décor. Less Is More (And It Saves You Thousands!)

You don’t need over-the-top floral installations or endless decorations to create a breathtaking wedding atmosphere. The best wedding décor is elegant, simple, and cost-effective.

• Candles, candles, candles – Warm candlelight creates a romantic, high-end feel at a fraction of the cost of flowers.

• Greenery over florals – Eucalyptus, ivy, and ferns look luxurious but cost significantly less than traditional wedding flowers.

• Minimalist table settings – Neutral linens, simple place cards, and elegant plates can elevate any setting—without breaking the budget.

9. Negotiate with Vendors. Yes, It’s Possible!

Many couples assume that wedding vendors have fixed prices, but the reality is that many suppliers expect some level of negotiation. However, most couples never ask! By being strategic and polite, you can often secure discounts, better packages, or added extras—without sacrificing quality. Here’s how:

Bundle Services for Bigger Savings

Many suppliers offer multiple services. A photographer may also offer videography. A caterer might provide bar services. DJs may include lighting packages. Instead of booking separately, ask if they offer bundle discounts.

Ask About Custom Packages

Not all wedding packages are publicly advertised. Some suppliers have lower-cost options that they don’t promote. If a full-day service is out of your budget, ask if they offer shorter coverage or simplified packages.

Be Transparent About Your Budget

If you love a vendor but their pricing is slightly above what you can afford, don’t walk away just yet. Many suppliers are willing to work within a budget if they understand what you can spend.

Book Early for Better Rates

Some vendors offer early booking discounts, particularly for off-peak dates. If you book 12-18 months in advance, you may be able to lock in current rates before they increase.

Consider Paying in Full for a Discount

Some suppliers offer a discount if you pay in full instead of splitting payments. While this isn’t possible for everyone, it can lead to savings if you have the cash upfront.

10. Seek Help from Talented Friends and Family

If you have a talented friend or family member with a useful skill, why not involve them in your wedding plans? Whether it’s a cousin who’s a brilliant baker or a friend with an eye for photography, asking them to contribute their expertise can be a wonderful way to personalize your day while cutting costs.

Instead of traditional gifts, many loved ones would much rather offer their time and talent. However, it’s important to set clear expectations from the start. If you’re asking a friend to take your wedding photos, be specific about the shots you want, the timeline, and any post-production needs to avoid any miscommunication.

A great example of this in action is a couple we worked with who saved hundreds of pounds on their wedding cake. Rather than spending £500 on a bakery-made design, they had a close friend—who happened to be a professional baker—create a stunning, custom-made cake as their wedding gift.

That said, always ensure your friends and family feel comfortable with the arrangement. While most will be happy to help, no one should feel pressured into taking on a role they’re not fully prepared for. A little gratitude and clear communication go a long way in making sure everyone enjoys the experience.

11. Plan Ahead and Avoid Last-Minute Decisions

💡 Last-minute decisions = premium prices.

• Booking early locks in lower rates – Many venues raise prices annually, so securing your date early can save you thousands.

• Ordering last-minute often means rush fees – Dresses, décor, invitations all cost more if you leave them too late.

• Spreading costs over time reduces financial stress – The earlier you book, the longer you have to 

Booking your venue early is one of the best ways to lock in lower rates. Many venues increase their prices annually, so securing your date in advance can save you thousands. The same applies to wedding essentials like dresses, décor, and invitations. Ordering too late often means rush fees, limited choices, and added stress.

Another major benefit of early planning is the ability to spread costs over time. Rather than facing a pile of last-minute expenses, booking in advance allows you to budget more effectively and make payments gradually.

The key to saving? Start planning as soon as possible. The earlier you book, the better the deals—and the smoother the process.

Final Thought: Your Dream Wedding, Your Budget, Your Way

With smart planning, supplier insights, and creative choices, you can host the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Let’s make it happen—without financial stress!