Wedding Budget Planner
Know where your money goes before you spend it. Average UK costs for every wedding category, updated for 2026.
Interactive budget tracker coming soon
We're building an interactive tool to track your actual spend against your budget. For now, use this guide to set your targets.
Average UK Wedding
£20,700
Based on 2025/2026 survey data
London & South East
£28,400
37% above the national average
Average Guest Count
83
Day guests (evening guests extra)
breakdown
Where the Money Goes
These percentages are a starting point. Shift budget between categories based on what matters most to you as a couple.
Venue & Catering
40% of budget £8,000-£16,000Includes venue hire, food, drink, and staffing. The single biggest outlay for most couples.
Photography & Video
10% of budget £1,800-£3,500A full-day photographer averages £1,500-£2,500. Add £800-£1,500 for a videographer.
Wedding Outfits
8% of budget £1,500-£3,000Bride and groom outfits, alterations, shoes, and accessories.
Flowers & Decor
8% of budget £1,200-£2,500Bouquets, buttonholes, table centres, ceremony arch, and additional decorations.
Entertainment
7% of budget £1,000-£2,500Live band, DJ, or both. Evening entertainment is often the most memorable part for guests.
Stationery
3% of budget £300-£800Save the dates, invitations, order of service, table plan, place cards, and thank-you cards.
Wedding Cake
3% of budget £350-£700A three-tier decorated cake from a specialist baker. Cupcake towers or dessert tables cost roughly the same.
Transport
3% of budget £400-£800Bridal car, guest shuttles if needed. Vintage cars cost more than modern vehicles.
Hair & Beauty
3% of budget £400-£800Hair styling and makeup for the bride, plus trials. Bridesmaids are usually extra.
Rings
3% of budget £500-£1,500Two wedding bands. Prices depend heavily on metal and design.
Contingency
7% of budget 5-10% of totalSet aside 5-10% for unexpected extras. Every wedding has them.
Other
5% of budget variesFavours, tips, honeymoon fund contributions, gifts for the wedding party, marriage licence.
Budget-Saving Tips
Choose an off-peak date
Friday and Sunday weddings save 20-30% on venue hire. November to March offers the biggest discounts.
Rethink the sit-down meal
BBQs, food trucks, and sharing platters can be half the cost of a formal three-course wedding breakfast.
Seasonal flowers only
In-season flowers cost a fraction of imported varieties. Ask your florist what grows naturally at your wedding time of year.
Keep the guest list tight
Each extra guest adds roughly £100-£150 in food, drink, and favours. A smaller wedding lets you spend more per head.
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