Plan your wedding budget with confidence. Enter costs for each category to see the total, cost per guest, and how much you need to save each month.
Last updated: April 2026
Wedding details
Key costs
Wedding budget
Total wedding cost
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Cost per guest -
Save monthly (12 months) -
Save monthly (24 months) -
Cost breakdown
Venue -
Catering & drinks -
Photography -
Music & entertainment -
Outfits & rings -
Honeymoon -
Everything else -
Average UK wedding costs in 2025
The average UK wedding costs around £20,000–£30,000 according to surveys by Hitched and Bridebook, though costs vary enormously by location, guest count and style. London weddings typically cost 30–50% more than equivalent events in other regions. Venue hire and catering together typically account for 50–60% of the total budget - controlling these two line items has the largest impact on overall cost.
Where couples overspend
Photography is consistently the category where couples wish they had spent more in hindsight, but vendor creep across smaller categories - upgrades to favours, flowers, stationery, transport - is where budgets most commonly blow out. Setting a hard per-category budget before approaching vendors, rather than asking for quotes and working back, is the most effective way to stay on track. Vendors quote to the maximum of what they believe a client will pay.
Saving for a wedding
Most couples save for 12–24 months. A dedicated joint savings account with a competitive interest rate, separate from day-to-day finances, makes the total visible and growing. Setting up a standing order on payday removes the decision from the process. Some couples supplement savings with gift list money or parental contributions - being clear about what contributions are expected versus hoped for avoids difficult conversations later.
Frequently asked questions
Friday and Sunday weddings are typically 20–30% cheaper than Saturday at most venues. Midweek weddings (Monday–Thursday) can be 40–50% cheaper than peak Saturday pricing at the same venue. The tradeoff is that guests need to take time off work, which may reduce attendance. January, February and November are the cheapest months seasonally - venue rates can be significantly lower than the May–September peak period.
Yes, for most weddings. Wedding insurance covers supplier failure, cancellation due to illness or bereavement, and accidental damage. Premiums are typically £50–£200 for a £20,000–£30,000 wedding. The most valuable cover is supplier insolvency - wedding venue and catering company failures do occur, and without insurance the deposit is typically lost. Most policies also include public liability cover, which some venues require. Take out insurance as soon as you book any supplier and pay a deposit.
UK wedding catering costs typically range from £60–£100 per head for a sit-down meal with wine at a mid-range caterer, rising to £120–£200+ at premium venues or with high-end caterers. Buffet and street food formats are generally 20–30% cheaper than formal sit-down service. Drinks packages add £25–£50 per head on top of food costs. Reducing the evening guest list (inviting additional guests only to the evening reception rather than the full day) is one of the most effective ways to reduce total catering cost without affecting the main day experience.