How Much Do Weddings Cost In The UK?

For a new bride and groom, it can be difficult to gauge how much a wedding costs. 

The truth is there are choices out there for every budget, but it’s good to know what you can expect to pay, so you can plan your wedding budget in the UK accordingly. 

How much do weddings cost in the UK? 

Let’s find out.

What Is The Average Cost Of A Wedding In The UK?

According to the latest figures, the average wedding cost in the UK is around £30,000.

Still, the costs vary depending on a variety of factors, including location. For example, couples in London and the South East generally spend more on their weddings than those in Northern Ireland, Wales, and Northern England.  

Some studies found that they shell out up to 42% above the national average.

Wedding Cost Breakdown in the UK

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming. A cost breakdown of the to-dos on your wedding checklist can save you the trouble of dealing with unexpected expenses and help you plan your budget, considering the fact that the average salary in the UK is above £30,000.  

Here are some average UK wedding costs to consider for your wedding planning list:

Wedding ceremony cost

The cheapest way to get married is to exchange vows at a registry office. A licenced venue ceremony at the registry office can cost as little as £46 and up to £700. 

The newlyweds also have to pay an extra £4-7 for a marriage certificate. 

Wedding venue cost

A wedding venue usually takes up the bulk of a wedding budget. For example, a church wedding ceremony can set you back £500 or more. 

But, a proper wedding reception costs a lot more. The average wedding venue cost in the UK is between £5,000 and £10,000. 

Wedding photography and filmmaker cost

Investing in wedding photography and film is a must for the majority of couples. Wedding photographer’s prices vary, depending on the type of package you pick and the location of the wedding (South East weddings are more expensive)  and can cost anywhere between £1,500 and £5,000.

Wedding flower cost

Wedding flower expenses depend on:

• The season
• The type of flowers
• The number of flowers
• The florist

On average, couples in the UK spend around 6%-10% of their budget on flowers. This ranges from a minimum of £400 to up to £2,000.

Wedding catering cost

Food and drinks are essential for a great wedding reception. A professional caterer can create a good menu, but the options largely depend on your guest list and budget. Most couples usually spend around 12% or more of their budget on catering services or around £4,000 on average.

Wedding entertainment cost

If you decide to hire a wedding band, you can expect to spend roughly £600 to £800 for an acoustic duo or £300 to £400 per musician. A three-piece wedding band can charge around 

£900 to £1,200. Wedding DJs are more budget-friendly and typically charge between £200 and £600.

Wedding outfits cost

When it comes to wedding dresses and wedding suits, the sky’s the limit both money- and option-wise. You can expect to spend a minimum of £200 for high street dresses and suits or £1,000 and more for more custom-made options. If you’re looking to save more, you can also consider buying second-hand ones whether branded ones or not.

Wedding hair and makeup cost

The average bride spends £150-250 on hair and makeup. If you include hair and makeup for the bridesmaids, the cost might go up to £500 – £600.

Wedding cake cost

A designer wedding cake can cost at least £800. A more affordable option is a wedding cake from a luxury bakery. They cost between £450 to £750. Budget-friendly, standard three-tier wedding cakes cost £250 to £550.

Wedding stationery cost 

Wedding couples in the UK set aside around £300 for wedding stationery, though it can cost anywhere between £200 to £2000, depending on the number of guests, preferred design, and quality.

Wedding decor cost

On average, couples spent £175 to £500 on decorations or less if they decide to be their own DIY wedding decorator. The cost varies depending on the number of guests and tables, as well as the size of the venue.  

Wedding transport cost 

The cost of a wedding car hire varies by location, and type of car, though on average, couples spend £173- £288. 

Wedding gifts cost

If you’re wondering how much you should spend on gifts as a guest, the typical amount is between £50 – 100. If the couple decides to exchange wedding gifts, there really is no rule on how much they should spend. 

Wedding rings cost

Depending on the metal used, the design, and whether there are any diamonds on it, wedding rings can cost from £100 to £3000. 

Keep in mind that some people are allergic to gold so, if you’ve never worn any jewellery before, make sure you get tested beforehand.

Honeymoon cost

The average couple in the UK spends £4,500 on their honeymoon. A small percentage of them end up spending up to £10,000 and a budget-friendly honeymoon can cost around  £1,250.

Doing the honeymoon within the UK can also be a great option. A lot of tourists come to Scotland for a reason and doing a luxury honeymoon or a budget one is possible.

Contingency 

As a rule of thumb, most couples usually put aside around 12% of their wedding budget for unexpected expenses. This amounts to around £3600.

Bottom Line

Whether you have $100,000 or $1,000, it’s important to plan your budget the right way. Knowing the average cost of wedding expenses can help you figure out what you can afford and what you can do without on your wedding day.