How much to save for a wedding in the UK and how to do it

According to Hitched's annual survey, the average UK wedding costs around £20,000 to £25,000. But costs vary significantly depending on guest numbers, venue, and choices. The biggest expenses are typically: venue hire and catering (£8,000 to £15,000), photography and videography (£1,500 to £3,500), flowers and decorations (£1,000 to £2,500), wedding attire (£1,000 to £3,000), entertainment and music (£500 to £2,000), and stationery, favours, and miscellaneous (£500 to £1,500). Smaller, more intimate weddings can be done beautifully for £8,000 to £12,000, especially if you marry outside of peak season (May to September) or on a weekday. Knowing your rough budget before you start saving is essential — and it is equally important to agree on priorities as a couple so you know where to spend and where to save.

Start by agreeing a target and a timeline as a couple. If you want to marry in two years and need £18,000, you need to save £750 per month combined. Open a joint savings account dedicated solely to the wedding — having it separate from your regular accounts prevents accidental spending. Both partners contributing equally (or proportionally to income) makes the process fair and keeps the goal shared. Look at your combined budget and identify areas where you can each cut back: unused subscriptions, frequent takeaways, impulse shopping. If family members offer financial contributions, have a clear conversation early about what strings (if any) are attached. Set up automated transfers on payday so the wedding fund grows without requiring willpower every month. Track progress visually — a savings tracker on the fridge or in a savings app can keep motivation high over a multi-year saving journey.

There are many ways to have a beautiful wedding for less without it feeling like a budget affair. Choosing a Friday or Sunday venue reduces hire costs by 20 to 40 percent compared to a Saturday. Off-peak months (January, February, November) also bring significant venue and supplier discounts. Consider a smaller guest list — every additional guest adds roughly £60 to £100 in catering costs. A wedding breakfast with your closest 40 guests can be just as meaningful as a 150-person reception. Buy flowers from a wholesale market like New Covent Garden in London or use dried flower arrangements which are cheaper and on trend. Ask guests to contribute to a honeymoon fund rather than giving physical gifts. Source a second-hand or sample sale wedding dress — many are worn once and in perfect condition for a fraction of the retail price. Small creative decisions can save thousands while still creating a genuinely memorable day.