Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 7710 621141
How Much Does a Wedding in England Cost? Our 2025 guide breaks down the average costs of venues, dresses, and more. Get tips for every budget and avoid hidden fees.
So, you’re engaged! First of all, huge congratulations. This is a truly special time filled with excitement and happy planning. But once the initial buzz settles down, a big question often pops into your head: “How Much Does a Wedding in England Cost?” If you’ve started comparing prices online, you might be surprised or confused. You are not alone! Determining the average wedding cost in England can feel like a daunting and complex task.
But don’t you worry? This article is here to be your friendly guide. We will break down the actual costs of a 2025 wedding using simple language that everyone can understand. We’ll examine the big numbers, identify where the money typically goes, and share some helpful tips for planning a wonderful day that feels perfect for you and your budget. Let’s dive in and make sense of it all together.
Let’s get straight to the point. According to research from major UK wedding resources, the average cost of a wedding in the UK for 2025 is projected to be between £20,822 and £25,625. For our breakdown, we’ll use a middle-ground figure to represent the average cost of a wedding in England.
Before you start to panic, let’s remember what an “average” really is. This number is derived by examining various types of weddings. It includes the super-fancy £100,000 celebrity-style events and the sweet, simple £4,000 celebrations in a local pub. The average is just the number in the middle.
This means you do not need to spend this much! This figure serves as a guide to help you understand the costs associated with various items. Think of it as a starting point. Many couples spend much less, while some, of course, pay more. The cost can also vary significantly depending on your location in England. For example, a wedding in London is often considerably more expensive than one in the North East or the Midlands.
It’s a very fair question. Why does a wedding, which is essentially a big party, cost so much? A few key things are at play:
So, let’s break down that big average number. Where does all that money go? Here is a look at the different parts of a wedding and what you might expect them to cost in 2025. Remember, these are average figures, and you can often find cheaper or more expensive options.
This is nearly always the largest single cost of a wedding. The venue is the backdrop for your entire day. This price usually covers the hire of the rooms for your ceremony and reception. Many venues, like hotels, offer “package deals” that include food and drink in their main price. Other places, such as barns or warehouses, are considered “dry hire.” This means you pay only for the space, and you must hire everything else, such as tables, chairs, and caterers, separately.
Think outside the box. A cool restaurant, a local town hall, or a pub with a nice garden can be much more affordable than a grand castle or stately home.
This is your second-biggest expense after the venue. Catering is priced on a “per head” basis, meaning you pay a certain amount for each guest. This average cost would likely cover a welcome drink for your guests, some small bites (canapés) after the ceremony, a three-course sit-down meal, and wine for the tables.
It can be tempting to save money here, but be careful. Long after the wedding is over, your photos and video are the things that will let you relive the day. A good photographer knows how to capture the best moments without you even noticing. A skilled videographer can capture a beautiful film of your special day that you’ll cherish for years to come. The price reflects their skill, editing time, and the cost of their expensive equipment.
This part is all about looking and feeling fantastic. A wedding dress can cost anything from a few hundred pounds for a high-street option to many thousands for a designer gown. Grooms’ outfits are usually cheaper, and you can save a lot by hiring suits instead of buying them. The hair and makeup price usually includes a practice session, known as a trial, for the bride on the day before the big event.
This is what turns your reception into a real party! The average cost often covers a live band for the evening. Bands create an amazing atmosphere, but cost more than a DJ. A great DJ is a more affordable choice and can play any song you can think of. You may also budget for live music for the ceremony itself, such as a harpist or a singer.
These are the special touches that show off your style. A professionally made wedding cake is a stunning centerpiece. For flowers, the cost depends on the type you choose and the quantity you want. Using flowers that are in season is always cheaper. Stationery includes items such as save-the-date cards, official invitations, and thank-you notes.
Here is a simple table that brings all those average costs together in one place.
Category | Average Projected Cost (2025) | What It Typically Covers |
Venue Hire & Catering | £9,811 | Hire of space and a full food/drinks package for about 80-90 guests. |
Wedding Photography | £1,550 | A professional photographer for a full wedding day. |
Videography | £1,325 | A professional videographer to film and edit a wedding video |
The Wedding Dress | £1,375 | The bride’s dress, not including major alterations. |
Entertainment/Music | £1,125 | A live band or a professional DJ for the evening reception. |
Flowers & Decorations | £950 | Bouquets, buttonholes, table decorations, and other venue styling. |
Groom & Groomsmen Attire | £550 | Buying or renting suits for the groom and key party members. |
Wedding Cake | £400 | A professionally baked and decorated three-tier cake. |
Hair & Makeup | £350 | Professional styling for the bride, often including a pre-wedding trial. |
Stationery | £350 | Save-the-dates, invitations, place cards, thank-you notes, etc. |
Wedding Rings | Varies hugely | Not included in the total as it is a very personal jewellery purchase. |
Honeymoon | Varies hugely | Not included in the total cost of the wedding day itself. |
TOTAL AVERAGE COST | ~£23,500 | This covers the main expenses for the wedding day celebration. |
Looking at all these numbers in a list can be intimidating. But it’s important to take a step back and breathe. The most vital thing you can do is sit down with your partner and have an honest chat about what truly matters to you both.
There are no rules you have to follow. This day belongs to you. The “average cost of a wedding” is just a number. It is not a test of how amazing your wedding will be or a measure of your love for each other.
A wedding is simply a party to celebrate your love story. And your love story is priceless. Whether you decide to spend £3,000 or £30,000, the very best wedding is the one that makes you both happy and feels true to who you are. Plan a day that fills you with joy and starts your marriage off on a wonderful, happy note.
Join our weekly newsletter and get the latest wedding trends, expert planning tips, and elegant inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam, no fluff - just beautifully curated content for modern couples.