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That amazing “we’re engaged!” feeling is quickly followed by a “how much does a wedding cost?” panic for so many couples. You start looking at venues and photographers, and suddenly, the numbers start to feel overwhelming. But take a deep breath! Your wedding budget is the very first, and most important, step in your planning journey. It’s not a scary restriction; it’s the key to planning a day that’s perfectly you without starting your marriage in debt. This guide will walk you through everything, step-by-step, from figuring out your total number to finding clever ways to save so that you can focus on the fun stuff.
First Things First: The Big Money Talk
Before you even think about creating a spreadsheet, you need to have the money talk. It can feel a little awkward, but getting on the same page about finances with your partner and family is the foundation of a low-stress planning process.
Who’s Contributing?
Traditionally, the bride’s parents might have covered most of the costs, but today, anything goes. Many couples pay for their wedding, while others get help from one or both sets of parents.
- Talk to Your Partner First: Before you involve anyone else, sit down together. What can you realistically save and contribute to yourselves?
- Approach Family with Care: If your parents might want to contribute, have an open and honest conversation. A great way to start is by saying, “We’re starting to plan the wedding and are working on a budget. We were wondering if you would like to contribute in any way?” This gives them an opening without creating an expectation. Be prepared for any answer and be grateful for any help offered.
What’s Your Number?
Once you know who is contributing, it’s time to figure out the total. Add up your savings, your partner’s savings, and any confirmed family contributions. This final number is your maximum wedding budget. This is the number you must stick to.
So, How Much Does a Wedding Cost in 2025?
It’s the million-dollar question. Well, not quite, but it can feel like it. Surveys show the average cost of a wedding in the UK for 2025 is between £20,822 and £25,625.
But hold on—don’t let that number scare you. It’s just an average. A wedding in central London will cost far more than a wedding in a rural village hall. The number of guests is the single biggest factor affecting the cost. Think of this average as a guidepost, not a rule. You can spend less and have an incredible day.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Wedding Budget
Alright, you’ve talked, and you have your total number. Now, let’s turn that number into a workable plan.
Step 1: Count Your Cash
This is your total budget from the “Big Money Talk.” Write it down at the top of a piece of paper or a new spreadsheet. This is your reality check and your North Star for all decisions moving forward.
Step 2: Pick Your Priorities
You can’t have everything, but you can have what matters most. Sit down with your partner and each of you choose your top three most important wedding elements.
- Is it an amazing, high-energy live band?
- Is it a gourmet meal that your foodie friends will talk about for years?
- Are they breathtaking photos that you’ll treasure forever?
The things that appear on both of your lists are your “must-haves.” You’ll allocate a bigger chunk of your budget to these areas and be more willing to save on the things that didn’t make the list.
Step 3: Draft Your Guest List
This is a budget-critical step. Every single person you invite adds a cost—for the chair they sit on, the food they eat, and the drinks they consume. A smaller guest list is the fastest way to cut costs. Start with an “A-list” (must-haves), a “B-list” (would be nice to have), and a “C-list” (if the budget allows).
Step 4: Research, Research, Research!
Don’t just guess what things cost. Hop online or send emails to get real quotes from local vendors. Aim to get at least three quotes for every category (e.g., three photographers, three florists). This will give you a realistic idea of what things cost in your area and for your specific date.
Step 5: Build Your Budget Spreadsheet (And Use It!)
This is your command central. A simple spreadsheet is all you need. The key is to be diligent and track every single penny. Forgetting small items is how budgets spiral out of control.
Here’s a simple table you can create:
| Category | Estimated Cost | Actual Cost | Difference | Notes / Vendor Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venue | £8,000 | £7,500 | -£500 | Rosewood Hall |
| Catering (£80 x 100 guests) | £8,000 | £8,200 | +£200 | Gourmet Events Catering |
| Photographer | £1,500 | £1,350 | -£150 | Snap & Co. Photography |
| Wedding Dress | £1,500 | £1,650 | +£150 | White Elegance Bridal Boutique |
| Groom’s Attire | £500 | £450 | -£50 | The Tux Studio |
| Flowers & Decor | £1,200 | £1,400 | +£200 | Bloom & Vine Floral Design |
| Entertainment (Band/DJ) | £1,000 | £1,200 | +£200 | Soundwave DJs |
| Invitations & Stationery | £400 | £350 | -£50 | Paper Dreams Studio |
| Hair & Makeup | £300 | £300 | £0 | Beauty by Emma |
| Wedding Cake | £500 | £480 | -£20 | Sweet Slice Bakery |
| Transportation | £400 | £350 | -£50 | Elite Rides |
| Officiant Fees | £200 | £200 | £0 | Pastor James Reynolds |
| Miscellaneous Items | £500 | £520 | +£20 | Favors, signage, candles, etc. |
| Contingency Fund (10%) | £2,500 | £2,000 | -£500 | Used partially for decor upgrade |
| TOTAL | £25,000 | £25,000 | £0 | On budget |
The Ultimate Wedding Budget Breakdown: Where the Money Goes
| Category | Percentage of Budget |
| Venue, Food & Drink | 45% – 55% |
| Photography & Videography | 10% – 15% |
| Music & Entertainment | 8% – 10% |
| Attire & Beauty | 8% – 10% |
| Flowers & Decor | 8% – 10% |
| Stationery | 2% – 3% |
| Contingency Fund | 10% – 15% |
The Big Three (About 60-70% of Your Budget)
- Venue, Catering, and Bar (45-55%): This is almost always the biggest chunk of change. All-inclusive venues might seem expensive upfront, but can save you money and stress, as they often include tables, chairs, linens, and sometimes even catering. “Dry-hire” venues, where you bring everything in yourself, give you more flexibility but require more coordination.
- Photography & Videography (10-15%): These are the memories you’ll keep forever, so it’s a popular area to prioritize. Packages can vary wildly, so check how many hours of coverage are included.
- The Look (8-10%): This consists of the wedding dress, suit, alterations, shoes, accessories, and professional hair and makeup.
The Vibe & Entertainment (10-15%)
- Flowers & Decor: This sets the mood. Costs here depend heavily on your choices. A few simple centrepieces will cost less than elaborate floral arches.
- Music (DJ vs. Band): A live band generally costs more than a DJ, but both set the tone for the party.
- Invitations and Stationery: This includes save-the-dates, invitations, menus, place cards, and thank-you notes.
The “Don’t Forget Me’s” (5-10%)
This is where the dreaded “hidden costs” live. Budgeting for them upfront turns them into planned expenses.
- A Contingency Fund (10-15%): This is non-negotiable! Set aside at least 10% of your total budget for unexpected costs, like needing extra alterations or wanting to add an extra hour to the reception. If you don’t spend it, you have a bonus for your honeymoon!
- Taxes and Service Fees: Vendor quotes often don’t include VAT or service charges. Always ask if the price is all-inclusive.
- Vendor Meals: Your photographer, band members, and planner will all need to be fed.
- Postage: Stamps for save-the-dates, invitations, and thank you cards add up.
- Marriage License: You have to pay a fee to give notice, which is £35-£47 per person in the UK, and then pay for the marriage certificate itself.
15 Genius Ways to Save Money on Your Wedding (Without It Looking Cheap)
Making your budget work doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. It’s about being smart with your spending.
Rethink Your Timing & Location
- The Off-Season/Weekday Discount: Venues and suppliers often have lower prices for weddings on a Friday, a Sunday, or during the off-peak months (like January, February, and November).
- Choose a Naturally Beautiful Venue: A garden, a conservatory, or a venue with amazing architecture needs less decoration.
- Look for “All-Inclusive” Packages: These can offer great value and simplify your planning.
Master Your Guest List & Invitations
- The “Plus One” Rule: Only give a plus-one to guests in a long-term, established relationship.
- Go Digital: Use free wedding websites for RSVPs and to share information, saving money on insert cards and postage. Send digital save-the-dates.
Get Smart with Food & Drink
- Limit the Open Bar: Instead of a full open bar, offer just beer, wine, and soft drinks. This can save you a huge amount.
- Serve a Signature Cocktail: Offering one or two signature cocktails is fun and festive, and cheaper than a fully stocked bar.
- Choose a Buffet: Buffets or food stations are often more affordable than a formal, multi-course plated dinner.
Be Clever with Decor & Flowers
- Repurpose Everything: Use the flowers from your ceremony to decorate the reception. Move the bridesmaids’ bouquets to the cake table or bar.
- Use Lots of Greenery: Foliage like eucalyptus and ferns is beautiful and much cheaper than most flowers.
- DIY What You Enjoy: If you love graphic design, create your stationery. If you’re crafty, make your favours. But don’t take on projects you’ll hate—it’s not worth the stress.
Other Savvy Savings
- Borrow, Don’t Buy: Ask recently married friends if you can borrow items like a veil, cake stand, or table numbers.
- Rethink Favors: Many guests leave them behind. A heartfelt thank-you speech is often more than enough.
- Hire Up-and-Coming Talent: A talented music student or a new photographer building their portfolio will have lower rates than seasoned professionals.
- Use a Personal Playlist: Create your killer playlist for the cocktail hour or dinner portion of the evening, and just hire a DJ or band for the main dancing.
Your Wedding Budget is a Tool, Not a Trap
Your budget is your roadmap to a fantastic wedding day. It empowers you to make smart choices, spend money on what truly matters to you, and start your married life on a great financial footing. It’s all about planning, prioritizing, and a little bit of creativity.
Now that you have your budget under control, why not check out our guide to choosing the perfect wedding venue or our tips on writing your wedding vows?
We’d love to hear your best budget-saving tip! Please share it in the comments below.
