Before you can dive into searching for the perfect wedding venue and suppliers to create your special day, you need to agree on a wedding budget. Deciding and planning your wedding budget is the first port of call when it comes to wedding planning. It will dictate almost every decision you make about the event. Although not the most enjoyable part of the planning process, it is certainly the most important part!
Deciding your wedding budget can prove tricky for most couples. Understanding the typical cost of wedding suppliers is often new to most, and deciding what to prioritise can become a headache. So, we've broken it down for you so you have a great starting point as you begin your wedding research.
How much does a wedding cost in 2023?
The average cost of a wedding in 2023 was around £18,400. However, it is important to remember that everyone is different. There really is no right or wrong amount to spend. It is more important that you and your partner are both comfortable with the figure and have a plan in place for how you will find the funds.
What factors affect the cost of a wedding?
How much your dream wedding will cost will depend on a number of factors, including:
- The time of year you choose to marry. Couples that want to marry during the late spring or summer (peak wedding season) will find that prices are increased due to the demand. However, they are also more likely to have clear skies, warmer temperatures and benefit from longer days. Those that are happy with an autumn or winter wedding will likely save some money, but they will also risk having bad weather and have less daylight for photos.
- The day of the week. Weekend dates are high in demand. So, if you plan to marry on a Thursday rather than a Saturday, your costs will likely be reduced.
- The location you choose. For example, couples who choose to marry in a busy city may find their wedding cost is more than those who plan to marry in a rural area. However, those marrying in a city may have a wider choice of venues and suppliers to choose from as well as more convenient transport options for guests than those looking to go more rural.
- The number of guests you invite. Naturally the more people you have at your wedding, the more mouths you need to feed and glasses you need to fill. So, those that have smaller guests lists will likely have a higher budget per head than those planning on planning larger affairs.
- The level of luxury. Of course, the more luxurious you'd like your wedding day, the higher the cost per head will be.
Remember: What works for others might not work for you. So, it is best not to compare your wedding choices to others and do what is best for you and your partner. After all, this is your special day and nobody else's!
The Wedding Budget Breakdown
Generally speaking, we recommend breaking your budget down into these following sections:
Of these percentages, they should be broken down to factor in:
We have recommended these numbers based on data we have gathered over many years of helping couples plan their wedding. Having a clear idea of what costs to expect from suppliers is a good way of understanding how to break down your budget and will inevitably help you to stick to your original budget, and prevent any unexpected costs along the way!
Everyone is different and this is just a rough starting point to aid you along with the budgeting process. Make sure to sit down with your partner and discuss your priorities and your budget limitations as you may find these numbers change depending on what is most (and least) important to you.
From the experts
Whether your budget is £5,000, £20,000 or £30,000+, this basic wedding budget breakdown should roughly fit any couple, no matter the size of their pockets.
Before we get into it, why not check out our wedding podcast. Designed for an easy, fun, and informative listen, find out everything you need to know about weddings! We even have a podcast about wedding budgets...
Now, let's break it down...
The Average Total Cost of a Wedding in 2022/2023 for Guides for Brides Couples = £18,400
What does that look like when we put a monetary figure to the starting point percentage? We've broken down the key costs below.
Every couple will be different and may not need to spend on every element, so use these figures as a starting point and adjust as necessary to your wedding.
Wedding Venue/Marquee - £4,000
For the average budget of £18,400, we recommend you put roughly 45% of you budget towards you venue and catering. This may seem like a substantial sum, but your wedding venue and food is a hugely important part of the wedding planning process. It effects every aspect of your wedding day.
Making an informed and educated decision about your venue is imperative as it is often the most likely place for unexpected costs to occur.
Top tip: Before making a commitment to any venue, make sure you ask your venue hosts all the right questions. This will make sure there are no misunderstandings and help you become aware of any additional costs.
With some stunning venues throughout the UK and Northern Ireland, you will be spoilt for choice when deciding the perfect wedding venue for you.
If you are looking for venues within this recommended price range, take a look at our blog for some of our favourite budget wedding venues!
Catering - £4,300
The cost of catering can vary largely depending on the size of your guest list. If you are planning a budget wedding, it is often recommended to keep the wedding guest list small as caterers tend to charge per head.
It is common for wedding venues to have in-house caterers or have preferred caterers. This can be beneficial as it means you don't have to spend your time searching and organising an outside supplier. However, it can also mean you are restricted on the food offered and pricing. Usually, venues with in-house caterers include the food in their wedding packages pricing. Make sure to quiz the venue on this fact! This will help you budget effectively.
A sit-down, formal wedding breakfast is often the most popular way to go. However, more and more couples are opting for food trucks, hog roasts, or buffet-style meals. Whist being popular as it offers a more relaxed environment, it also has a large effect in cutting costs. Ask your venue if this is something they offer.
For more tips and tricks on how to cut costs when it comes to catering, take a look at our blog.
Venue Decor & Florist - £1100
We have allocated around 6% of your total wedding budget to venue decor and florals as these elements work hand in hand. However, this cost is set to increase or decrease depending on your venue. Typically for dry hire venues, you should increase your decor budget. Dry hire wedding venues may require you to provide your own furniture as well as decor.
Make sure to speak to your venue host to understand everything about the venue before booking them. You don't want to be caught by surprise!
With many stunning wedding venue decorations out there, you can turn your wedding venue into the stuff of dreams! If your budget doesn't stretch as far as you would have liked, don't worry! There is always the option to DIY it or ask for the help of friends or family.
Wedding Flowers
Flowers can completely transform your wedding by sprucing up your venue and complimenting the wedding theme through buttonholes and bouquets. Like other suppliers, flower costs can vary widely depending on your needs and preferences. Seasonal flowers are often recommended as it can save you money whilst also being good to the planet.
You can find a top wedding florist near you on Guides for Brides.
Wedding Photography / Videography - £2,000
Choosing the right photographer or videographer is such an important part of the wedding planning process. These are one of the elements that stay with you after the wedding!
Costs can vary largely depending on the services you wish to receive. Often, photographers and videographers offer wedding packages that include the amount of time they are needed on the day, how many photos or the length of video you'll receive and can even include pre-wedding shoots.
Top tip: Ask your photographer or videographer a bunch of questions that will help you understand what they can offer and if their style of shooting is right for you.
With some amazing photographer and videographer suppliers on the Guides for Brides website, you will be sure to find the perfect person to capture your day.
Wedding Attire - £3,500
Wedding attire should roughly take up around 20% of your overall wedding budget. Wedding attire includes a large number of things so, to make it clearer, we have broken it down into manageable sections:
Bridal Wear - approx. £1,500
Modern day bridal wear is extremely flexible! With wedding dresses and bridal wear coming in all different shapes, sizes, and price points, it really has never been easier to keep to your budget when it comes to finding your dream outfit. That being said, brides often end up budgeting their bridal wear to make up about 10% of their overall budget. These costs should include: the wedding dress (or alternative), the accessories, and the shoes.
With many incredible bridal boutiques stocking bridal wear at many different price points, you will be sure to find your dream dress!
Wedding Suits - approx. £400
Menswear and suits often gets overlooked when budgeting and planning for the wedding, but it is often something that needs careful consideration. Menswear often encapsulates the theme and location of the wedding. With lots of options to choose from, from a more formal tux option to a relaxed navy checked suit, it is something couples should talk about in preparation.
If the budget it tight, or you are looking to purchase multiple suits for the groomsmen, hiring suits might be the way to go.
For more menswear and wedding suit suppliers, check out our website.
Bridesmaids dresses - approx. £500
The cost you put aside for your bridesmaids outfits largely depends on your wedding budget (and how many bridesmaids you plan to have!). Often bridesmaids and groomsmen are expected to budget for their wedding attire, however if you have room in the budget then it is something worth splashing out on.
Taking up only 13% of the wedding attire budget, and taking up under 3% of the total wedding budget, it is a small expense in comparison. It shows your bridesmaids how grateful you are to them and their support.
When choosing your bridesmaids dresses, it is completely up to you. Bridesmaids dresses tend to accentuate and compliment the wedding theme and colour scheme. With many bridesmaids outfits out there for you to choose from, all at different price points, your bridesmaids will be dressed to impress!
Rings & Wedding Jewellery - £900
The giving of the wedding rings are the most sentimental and significant part of the wedding day. It represents the commitment to your partner and the everlasting and unconditional love you share for one another.
Wedding rings do not have to break the bank to be meaningful. With many stunning wedding jewellery suppliers out there, you will easily be able to find the ring of your dreams.
Included in this budget is any additional jewellery you wish to purchase to complete your wedding outfit, whether this be earrings, a necklace, or a bracelet.
Beauty, Hair & Makeup - £400
Getting your hair and makeup professionally done for your wedding day is often something that brides really look forward to. It's not every day that a girl has a full glam squad getting her ready in the morning! Take a look at our blog to see why booking professionals is such a popular choice with brides.
The costs spent on wedding beauty can largely depend on your preferences. You may want to treat your bridal party to getting glammed up with you, which will, of course, increase the overall pricing. Or, you may desire a simple, muted glam look that might make the cost decrease.
With tonnes of incredibly talented hair and makeup professionals out there, finding the right one for you can be tricky. Take a look at our blog that lays out 10 tips to booking you hair and makeup professional.
Don't forget to include in other beauty services you wish to have in the lead up to your wedding day (such as lashes and spray tan) into the overall cost.
Live Music/DJ - £500
We have budgeted about 3% of the overall wedding budget to wedding music.
There is a huge variety of wedding music out there! From ceremony music to the evening dance floor fillers, costs can quickly add up. Choosing the right musicians can prove tricky so make sure you ask them all the right questions before booking any.
To cut costs, there is no harm in taking over the venue's speakers with your self-constructed wedding playlist to keep the guests entertained during the day so you can focus the budget on the most important moments like the ceremony and evening reception.
For some amazing live bands and DJs, check out our suppliers!
Entertainment - £400
With tonnes of entertainment options to choose from, it is important you find one that encapsulates you and your partner, while being sure to keep all your guests entertained and matching the theme of the wedding. This is no easy feat! Because of this, we have allocated around £400 to the entertainment budget if your overall budget is the average cost of £18,400. This should hopefully give you a wide variety of options.
For some ideas on wedding entertainment, take a look at our blog or have a look at our suppliers.
Transport - £400
Transport costs vary wedding to wedding and has a large dependency on the venue and its location. We are not suggesting you book transportation for all of your guests, but getting yourself and your partner to and from the venue in style is often something that wedding couples search for.
Find some of the best wedding transport suppliers near you on Guides for Brides.
Cake & Sweet Treats - £360
Wedding cakes are an extremely popular and tasty tradition. The price can vary largely depending on the amount of tiers, the flavour, and the design, however we recommend spending an average cost of £360 if your budget is £18,400 (approx 2% of the overall budget).
For some, a wedding cake is a bit too traditional, however, nowadays there are plenty of tasty alternatives available and in some instances, can be more cost effective. With brownies, cupcakes, and even donuts replacing wedding cakes, you can stretch your budget further and keep guests rumbling tummies at bay. It is ultimately up to you and your partner what you fancy and what would best suit both your pockets and your taste buds!
Speak to your wedding cake maker to understand all they can offer you. Do this before you commit to a decision about who to hire so you're not surprised at any costs you hadn't budgeted for!
Stationery - £400
Stationery is often a larger cost than people typically budget for. Of course, the price will vary depending on the number of guests you are inviting and all the different elements you require.
Online wedding websites and choosing to ask guests to RSVP online is becoming increasingly popular amongst couples, which often helps couples cut costs. However, paper stationery is beautifully designed and can be altered to suit all your needs and wants. Just don't forget to factor in postage costs into the overall stationery budget!
Listen to our podcast for some expert knowledge about wedding stationery and browse our selection of talented stationery designers across the UK and beyond.
Favours & Gifts - £200
Wedding favours can be as big or as small as you would like. If there is money left in the budget, we really recommend thanking your guests for attending your wedding in this way. Obviously, pricing will vary depending on the number of guests you have.
Depending on budget, you may consider only getting your wedding party a little something to say thank you. With loads of different options available in helping you decide the perfect wedding favour, your wedding guests will feel so spoilt!
For some incredible wedding favours/gift suppliers, take a look at our dedicated page!
Church fee /Ceremony fee /Registrar fee - £400-£700
This is often a cost wedding couples do not expect to pay. To avoid any surprising and unexpected costs, it is important to become aware of ceremony fees while budgeting for your wedding.
In 2023, church fees were set at a maximum of £641 if you were to marry away from where you live, and a maximum of £539 if you were to marry in your home parish.
Registrar costs vary county by county, so it may be worthwhile doing the research before deciding what to budget for this section of your wedding planning.
You shouldn't need to budget more than £700 for this section, but we do advise budgeting for costs around the £400 mark at a minimum.
Take a look at our wedding ceremony blog to get a good understanding of what ceremonies are on offer to you and what would suit you and your partner best.
To consider: Wedding Insurance - £100
Another cost wedding couples often overlook is the wedding insurance. Not a necessity, but certainly something we recommend, wedding insurance helps you keep peace of mind. If you have hired lots of different suppliers for the day, it will help keep you safe in the knowledge that if something was to go wrong, you money is safe.
Based on our research, most standard wedding insurance policies are below 1% of the total wedding cost, which is a small price to pay to protect your investments. If you need more information about wedding insurance, our Essential Guide answers many of the most common queries.
What do I need to do next?
Now that you've successfully agreed on your budget with your partner and got a starting point for your spend on each element, it's time to get to the fun part - the planning!
Start your wedding planning by finding your perfect wedding venue. This is the first thing you'll need to book after all.
Why not keep track of your planning and follow the handy checklist within our free online wedding planner?