Weddings are joyful celebrations that mark one of life's most special milestones. But while couples dream of their perfect day, the reality is that weddings can come with hefty price tags that can strain your finances.
With the average UK wedding now costing around £23,250 it's no wonder couples are seeking savvy ways to celebrate without breaking the bank.
Here are some tips to help you plan a beautiful day while keeping costs in check.
Summer weekends are popular for weddings, but they're also the most expensive. Opting for a weekday or a date in the off-peak season can lead to significant savings.
Venues often offer discounted rates during these times, and you'll have a better chance of securing your preferred suppliers.
Crowdfunding for a honeymoon is a fantastic way to offset the costs of your trip, but today, it’s not just about funding the honeymoon anymore. Platforms like Honeyfund and GoFundMe allow couples to fund a range of wedding-related expenses, including a honeymoon, a house deposit, or even a charity donation.
Instead of receiving traditional gifts like home appliances, your guests can contribute to the experiences that matter most to you as a couple.
If you receive £50 per guest, with an average of 78 wedding guests, that’s £3,900 toward your honeymoon or other adventures. It’s a great way to make your dream trip or personal goals a reality.
Wedding dress rentals have gained massive popularity, especially with the rise of sustainable and eco-conscious choices. Why buy a wedding dress that you’ll wear just once, when you can rent a stunning designer gown for a fraction of the cost?
Sites like Girl Meets Dress, By Rotation, and Something Borrowed now offer gorgeous, high-end dresses for a much smaller price.
For example, you could rent a stunning Oscar de la Renta gown for as little as £20 per day. This not only gives you the luxury of a designer dress, but you’re also making an environmentally friendly choice by reusing and recycling.
The number of guests directly impacts your wedding expenses. According to the 2025 UK Wedding Report, couples spend an average of £5,395 on catering alone, which translates to approximately £60 per person for an 80–90 guest wedding.
Reducing your guest list can lead to substantial savings. For instance, trimming 20 guests could save you over £1,200. Focusing on inviting close friends and family not only reduces costs but also creates a more intimate and memorable celebration.
Wedding catering doesn’t have to follow the traditional “sit-down dinner” format. In fact, the trend is shifting towards alternative catering options like food trucks, local street food vendors, and small personalised menus.
These options give you a more unique experience, and you could even add your personal touch, like serving your favourite comfort foods or a menu that reflects your cultural heritage.
Food trucks and casual dining options are typically more affordable, and they offer your guests a fun, memorable experience. Plus, if you push your ceremony to the afternoon, you might only need to serve one meal instead of two, saving you big on costs.
Printed invitations are beautiful keepsakes, but they can be expensive.
Digital invitations or wedding websites are cost-effective alternatives that also make it easy to manage RSVPs and share important information with guests.
Photography is one of the most important parts of a wedding day, but you can save money by opting for a half-day package instead of a full day. Couples are now choosing photographers for only the essential parts: the ceremony, portraits, and key reception moments like the first dance.
This allows couples to avoid paying for several extra hours of coverage that may not be necessary. Many photographers now offer packages for elopement-style weddings or smaller, more intimate celebrations, where you may only need a few hours of coverage. This can save you anywhere from £400 to £500, depending on the photographer’s rates.
Wedding favours are a nice gesture, but they're not essential. Many guests forget to take them home, leading to unnecessary expenses.
Consider moving that portion of your budget to something more impactful, like enhancing the guest experience.
You don’t have to get married in a grand country house or expensive hotel. Think community halls, art galleries, libraries, your local pub, or even a back garden or public park. These spaces often cost far less to hire – and they’re packed with personality.
Just keep in mind that in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, for a wedding to be legal, the venue must be licensed for civil ceremonies. So, while you can have a celebration wherever you like – including a park or your back garden – you’ll need to do the legal part separately at a registry office.
In Scotland, however, outdoor and non-traditional venues are much more flexible, as long as the celebrant is authorised.
Lots of couples go this route: do the official bit quietly (and cheaply) at the registry office, then throw the big celebration somewhere that’s more “you” – and way more affordable.
Adding personal touches to your wedding doesn't have to be expensive. DIY decorations, homemade centrepieces, or crafting your own signage can add a unique flair to your celebration while keeping costs down.
Planning your dream wedding doesn't have to mean draining your savings. With a bit of creativity and flexibility, you can create a day that’s as beautiful and memorable as it is affordable.
From choosing an off-peak date, to considering non-traditional venues, and thinking outside the box on catering, these tips can help you save big while still having the wedding of your dreams.
Remember, it’s about celebrating your love, not the price tag!
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure content is correct when published. Information on this website doesn't constitute financial advice, and we aren't responsible for the content of any external sites.
Fiona is a personal finance writer with over 7 years’ experience writing for a broad range of industries before joining Ocean in 2021. She uses her wealth of experience to turn the overwhelming aspects of finance into articles that are easy to understand.
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