What’s the Average Wedding Cost?

Planning a wedding? Exciting times ahead, but let's be real, it can get a little stressful too.

For many people, their wedding will be one of the biggest events they’ll ever host, which can come with big wedding expenses. Luckily, your wedding doesn’t have to break the bank.

You can plan ahead by understanding the costs, setting a budget, and creating a savings strategy. Plus, you might gain some financial benefits once you’re married, such as the Marriage Tax Allowance.

Read on to find out how much the average UK wedding costs, as well as how you can balance your wedding budget.

How much does the average wedding cost in the UK?

In 2024, the average cost of weddings in the UK was £20,775. However, that’s considered a rough average. Costs can vary in different regions: London weddings are the most expensive, while the Midlands is the cheapest place to get married. Some people choose to spend much less. 10% of couples opt for a small wedding that costs £5,000 or less. 

Let’s take a closer look at how those wedding costs add up. Here’s a wedding cost breakdown, from the most to least expensive vendors.

1. Venue hire

Venue hire often includes insurance, cleaning, and alcohol licensing in the fee. Some venues offer wedding packages which include catering or entertainment. The average cost of a typical UK wedding package is just over £9,000.

However, your location and time of year can make a big difference. Booking a venue with a catering package for a mid-week winter wedding could cost as low as £6,000.

2. Professional catering

Food and drink tend to be the biggest wedding costs. However, the cost will vary depending on the size of your guest list, at an average of £70 per person. At that price, a 160-person wedding could set you back more than £10,000.

The type of catering you choose can also affect costs. For example, buffet-style meals are usually cheaper than plated service. Drinks, the number of staff required, and the time of day can make a difference too.

3. Wedding rings

Most couples spend around £1000 for a pair of wedding rings. However, once you factor in an engagement ring, which costs just under £2000 on average, rings can account for a large chunk of your budget. 

4. Wedding attire

Wedding dresses, suits, and tailoring all add up. Some people choose to outfit their bridal party which adds to the cost. 

In 2024, the average UK wedding dress cost £1,300. However, bear in mind that you might also need details like shoes and jewellery. Wedding suits generally cost less than dresses, especially if you choose to hire instead of buy. 

5. Photography and videography

The average cost for a day-of wedding photographer in 2023 was £1,760. If you opt for a wedding video as well, you could be looking at £1,000-3,000.

The key points you’ll need to consider are how many photos you expect and how long the photographer or videographer will be on site. You might also need to budget for their catering or travel expenses. 

6. Flowers and decorations

These costs vary depending on how you choose to decorate for your wedding, and whether the venue hire includes decorations. However, wedding floristry costs can range from several hundred pounds to a few thousand.

7. Entertainment

This includes things like a band, DJ, karaoke hire, or other performances. You can expect to pay around £300-500 for a single wedding singer, with costs increasing depending on the size of the band and any specialist skills. 

You’ll usually need to pay a deposit upfront and any travel expenses. However, you might get a cheaper deal by looking for local acts. 

8. Hair and make-up

Like wedding clothes, the cost of hair and make-up varies depending on how many people you include. On average, wedding hair and makeup for the bride, including trials, comes to £690.

If you pay for your bridal party as well, it could be much more. However, your location makes a big difference and you might be able to get a local deal.

9. Wedding cake

Wedding cakes usually cost an average of £400-500. The cost is higher if you choose a custom design or a cake which is larger than usual. Travel to deliver the cake is also included in the cost, which can be significant depending on your venue location.

10. Stationery

Stationery includes things like save-the-dates, invitations, thank-you cards and orders of service. Most UK couples spend between £100-500, depending on the style and quantity of stationery they choose.

11. Extras

You might also want to budget for a planner, transport, and extra décor or gifts for the bridal party. Some people also treat their honeymoon as part of their wedding budget and savings.

How much should you spend on your wedding?

Every couple is different, and so is every wedding.

Some people start by setting their budget and then planning a wedding to match. Or you could think about what kind of wedding you want, and then make a plan to save or borrow money to cover the estimated budget.

29% of couples don’t set a budget for wedding costs, which can lead to unexpected expenses later on. It’s also important to know what kind of wedding you want so that you only spend money on the elements which matter to you.

How to budget for your wedding

Whether you already have a vision for your wedding or not, start by calculating your total budget. You’ll need to consider:

• How much money you earn
• How much you have saved
• Any existing loans or debts you have
• How much money you receive as gifts (70% of wedding couples get financial help from family or friends)
• How much you are comfortable borrowing

Once you have an approximation, you can decide how much money to spend on specifics such as the venue, catering, or wedding rings. Do some research to make sure that you have an accurate idea of how much different things will cost.

If you plan to save money for the wedding, calculate how much you can afford to set aside each month and when you will need the money. 

How to save money for your wedding

After calculating your budget, you should have a savings goal and timeline. Wedding experts often recommend setting up a dedicated savings account to pay for your wedding. An account with a good interest rate will help boost your wedding savings over time. 

You could also increase your savings by:

• Cutting down on other expenses
• Using budgeting apps to manage your monthly spending
• Picking up side hustles, such as selling old items or taking on a part-time job
• Checking your bank account for extra features, such as spare change round-ups, which round up card payments and send the extra pennies to your savings account

Remember that if you open an account or take out a loan with your fiancé, they will become a financial associate on your credit report. Understanding your credit scores is a crucial part of newlywed financial planning. It can help you assess your finances and get the best financial deals possible.

How to stay on track with your budget

Even with a budget, wedding expenses can be higher than expected. 59% of couples say that they exceeded their original wedding budget. However, you can take steps to reduce the risk.

When you plan your budget, try to include headroom in case vendors are more expensive than you expect. Some people set aside a contingency fund: a small savings fund to cover excess costs.

It also helps to list your wedding priorities: the things you can’t live without, and the things you can walk away from. For example, if flowers seem expensive but low priority, you could skip wedding floristry, especially if you find a particularly aesthetic venue. 

Finally, track all your wedding spending together throughout the planning process. Make sure you know exactly what you’ve saved and spent until the honeymoon.

How to save money on your wedding

You can have a wedding that fits your budget, whatever it is. Many people opt for a smaller wedding for as little as £3,000 or even £1,000. Here are a few ideas to save money on your wedding.

1. Limit your guest list

Catering and venue are the two biggest expenses for UK weddings. With a smaller guest list, you can opt for a more affordable venue or catering service. 

2. Get creative with catering and venues

Still want a big guest list? On a serious budget? Go outside the standard list of wedding venues. Look into hosting the party at a pub or restaurant, or bringing your own catering to a village hall.

3. Buy second-hand

You can buy and re-sell clothes and decorations on second-hand wedding marketplaces. Some of the most popular sites include Sell My Wedding or Rock My Wedding. You could also look at general-purpose marketplaces and second-hand sites. 

4. Go off-peak or mid-week

Summer weekends are primetime for weddings. However, venues and vendors may have more affordable options if you get married in the off-season or on a weekday.

5. DIY wedding

You can save money by handling invitations, decorations, make-up, and more by yourself. However, all these things take time and effort. Think about whether you would rather pay for convenience on the day.

6. Negotiate with vendors

Don’t be afraid to talk to your vendors about your budget. They may be able to offer you a deal or suggest a package that fits your budget better. Local suppliers might also give you lower prices when you order in bulk.

7. Use a cashback card or app

Consider using a cashback credit card or app for all your purchases to earn some of your wedding costs back. Or, if there’s some time between your wedding and honeymoon, you could use an air miles card to offset some of your travel costs.

8. Pick your priorities

There are no rules about what your wedding has to include. If you don’t like wedding cake, feel awkward dancing, or think seating charts are unnecessary, then you’re free to leave those things out. Choose which elements of the day are most important to you and focus on those.

9. Shop around for rings

Engagement rings and wedding rings are a major expense, but you can find them at competitive prices. Try antique shops, second-hand marketplaces, or specialist jewellers or prices that you won’t find on the high street.

10. Move the planning online

You can use wedding websites to send out invitations, handle RSVPs, and share information with guests. Many wedding planning sites offer this service for free alongside their paid services.

11. Don’t rush

The correct length of an engagement is the length that you choose. If you want more time to plan or save up, that’s okay.

By taking things slowly, you’ll also have time to find deals and choose the perfect venue. You’ll also have more breathing space if you plan to DIY your wedding.

Prepare for big events with Equifax

The key to managing wedding costs is to understand your finances from the start. It gives you the power to set a budget, start saving, and decide whether to borrow money for wedding expenses. 

Equifax Credit Report and Score gives you an instant picture of your financial health. You can get daily updates and advice to improve your credit score, and you can even set up a Family & Friends Plan to help manage your finances as a couple.