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Wedding Budget Planner

Know where your money goes before you spend it. Average UK costs for every wedding category, updated for 2026.

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Average UK Wedding

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London & South East

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Costs vary by date, location and package

Average Guest Count

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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-£16,000

Includes venue hire, food, drink, and staffing. The single biggest outlay for most couples.

Photography & Video

10% of budget £1,800-£3,500

A full-day photographer averages £1,500-£2,500. Add £800-£1,500 for a videographer.

Wedding Outfits

8% of budget £1,500-£3,000

Bride and groom outfits, alterations, shoes, and accessories.

Flowers & Decor

8% of budget £1,200-£2,500

Bouquets, buttonholes, table centres, ceremony arch, and additional decorations.

Entertainment

7% of budget £1,000-£2,500

Live band, DJ, or both. Evening entertainment is often the most memorable part for guests.

Stationery

3% of budget £300-£800

Save the dates, invitations, order of service, table plan, place cards, and thank-you cards.

Wedding Cake

3% of budget £350-£700

A three-tier decorated cake from a specialist baker. Cupcake towers or dessert tables cost roughly the same.

Transport

3% of budget £400-£800

Bridal car, guest shuttles if needed. Vintage cars cost more than modern vehicles.

Hair & Beauty

3% of budget £400-£800

Hair styling and makeup for the bride, plus trials. Bridesmaids are usually extra.

Rings

3% of budget £500-£1,500

Two wedding bands. Prices depend heavily on metal and design.

Contingency

7% of budget 5-10% of total

Set aside 5-10% for unexpected extras. Every wedding has them.

Other

5% of budget varies

Favours, 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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