Quick Takeaway:
A stunning wedding on a modest budget isn’t just possible – it’s becoming the smart choice for couples who want to start married life without a mountain of debt. This guide is packed with UK-specific tips to help you plan an unforgettable day without breaking the bank.
Planning a wedding in the UK can feel like standing at the foot of a mountain made of receipts and invoices.
According to Hitched.co.uk, the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 was around £23,000– enough to make your heart skip a beat, and not in the romantic way. And that’s before you’ve even sorted the honeymoon or your marriage licence (which costs £46 to £57 in England and Wales) [Average Wedding Cost].
🔶 But here’s the good news:
Did You Know?
A survey by MoneyHelper found that nearly 1 in 4 UK couples went into debt to pay for their wedding. Avoiding debt is one of the top reasons couples look for affordable wedding ideas.
If you’re typing phrases like “low budget wedding” or “affordable wedding ideas” into Pinterest or Google at 3am, you’re not alone.
🔹Couples across the UK are under enormous financial pressure, thanks to:
Important Perspective:
Your wedding is about celebrating your relationship – not how much you can spend. A smaller budget doesn’t mean a less meaningful day. In fact, many couples say it’s the best decision they made.
Here at QuidSavvy.uk, we know that planning a wedding on a modest budget can feel overwhelming. That’s why this guide is bursting with:
Whether you’re dreaming of a rustic village hall celebration, a quirky city elopement, or a DIY festival wedding in a field, we’ll help you make it happen without emptying your bank account.
Here’s a glimpse of the topics we’ll cover to help you plan a fabulous wedding on a sensible budget:
In the pages ahead, we’ll prove that an affordable wedding can be just as magical – if not more so – than the blow-the-budget bash.
🔷Ready to plan a wedding that saves you pounds, not precious memories? Let’s crack on!
If there’s one thing the UK wedding industry does well, it’s marketing the idea that bigger means better. Expensive venues, couture dresses, gourmet food, live bands, personalised neon signs…the list goes on.
But here’s the truth: a wedding is about your relationship – not the price tag. 🔷
And yet, many couples still feel embarrassed at the thought of planning a “low budget wedding.”
Important Reality Check:
A recent survey by Bridebook found that 53% of UK couples reduced their wedding budget due to the cost-of-living crisis – you are absolutely not alone.
Let’s call it out plainly – here’s why many feel uncomfortable admitting they want to save:
A more affordable wedding does not mean your day will look or feel “cheap.” The most memorable weddings are those that reflect your personalities, not your bank balance.
Couples across the UK are waking up to the fact that a wedding shouldn’t derail financial goals like buying a home, paying off debts, or saving for the future.
Here’s why an affordable wedding might be the best decision you ever make:
It’s not just talk. Many UK couples are throwing brilliant weddings for under £5,000 or even less. Consider:
If your wedding budget feels small compared to glossy magazine spreads, don’t feel you’re somehow “missing out.”
🔷 An affordable wedding can be every bit as beautiful, meaningful, and fun as the most extravagant bash.
Your guests won’t remember how much you spent – they’ll remember the laughter, the love, and the moments you shared.
It’s hard to plan a “low budget wedding” if you don’t know what a typical wedding costs in the first place. And the figures can be eye-watering.
According to Hitched.co.uk, the average cost of a UK wedding in 2024 was about £23,000. But averages can be misleading – there are £5,000 weddings and £50,000 weddings, depending on choices.
Even a modest wedding in the UK can easily creep past £10,000 if you’re not careful – but there are huge savings to be had with the right choices.
Here’s where the money goes in a typical lower spend UK wedding budget (based on averages from Hitched and Bridebook):
While all of these costs can feel overwhelming, the real budget-breakers are often:
Money-Saving Tip:
If you’re aiming for a budget wedding, focus on reducing your venue and catering costs first – they often make up over half the total bill.
It’s not just the “big ticket” items that add up. Many couples are caught out by:
Useful Resource:
See the UK government’s latest fees for marriages and civil partnerships here.
Here’s a rough idea of what different types of UK weddings might cost, depending on your choices:
💡 Good news: Many couples are now having fabulous weddings for under £5,000, with some creative choices and DIY flair.
This article is here to show you exactly how.
Don’t let the £23,000 “average” frighten you. There are brilliant ways to cut costs – and you’ll still end up with a day you’ll cherish forever.
When people think “wedding venues,” they often picture stately homes, castles, or grand hotels. But these can swallow half your budget in one gulp. The good news? The UK has a treasure trove of venues that are beautiful, affordable, and often overlooked.
Your venue is often the single biggest cost – but choosing a lesser-known or flexible space can save thousands of pounds without sacrificing charm.
One of the easiest ways to trim your budget is simply to pick a different date.
Tip:
Ask venues for an “off-peak” price list. You might discover your dream venue is suddenly affordable if you’re flexible on dates.
If you’re willing to look beyond traditional hotels, the UK is bursting with budget-friendly gems. Here’s a roundup:
Want something a bit different? Consider:
Ask your local council or National Trust office about hidden spaces available for hire. Many aren’t widely advertised online.
Your venue choice is one of the most powerful ways to keep costs down without sacrificing atmosphere.
🔶 Be flexible on dates, explore lesser-known spaces, and always ask venues about off-peak discounts.
You might be surprised how affordable your dream location can be.
It’s easy to feel that unless you’re spending thousands on a designer dress or tailored suit, you’ll somehow be “letting the side down.” But that’s marketing talking – not reality.
Plenty of UK brides and grooms are spending under £500 on their wedding outfits – and looking incredible doing it.
To understand how much you could save, it helps to know the “average.” According to Bridebook’s 2024 survey:
That means couples could easily drop nearly £2,000 on attire alone. But there’s absolutely no rule that says you have to.
Many bridal boutiques hold annual or semi-annual sample sales, slashing prices by 50% or more. You could snag a £1,500 dress for £400.
Buying pre-loved is not only budget-friendly – it’s sustainable, too. Top UK sources:
Eco-Friendly Win:
Buying second-hand saves money and reduces the environmental impact of wedding fashion – a real win-win.
Brands like ASOS, Monsoon, Whistles, and Phase Eight offer bridal gowns ranging from £80 to £500. Many feature modern cuts and elegant fabrics.
Who says you need a “wedding dress”? Plenty of evening gowns, cocktail dresses, and white summer dresses work beautifully for a wedding – at a fraction of the bridal markup. If you have your own unique style, why not lean into that? Goths, Cosplayers, Trekkies and the like can pose up a storm in their favourite costume!
Marks & Spencer, Moss Bros, and Next all offer sharp suits from around £100. Add a snazzy tie or pocket square for personality.
Hiring a suit can save hundreds if you’re unlikely to wear it again. Expect to pay £50–£150 for a quality hire package.
Shops like Oxfam or online stores such as Vinted have stylish suits at brilliant prices. Vintage tweed, anyone?
Style Tip:
Mix and match waistcoats, ties, or jackets to create a unique look without spending extra on a full custom suit.
Accessories often sneak up on the budget. Save by:
Don’t let wedding fashion drain your budget. UK couples are creating breathtaking looks for under £500 – and you can too!
Your wedding attire should make you feel amazing – but it doesn’t have to cost a small fortune.
🔹 Keep an open mind, shop creatively, and remember: confidence is the real showstopper.
Pinterest and Instagram might convince you that beautiful wedding décor costs a fortune. But truth is, some of the most stunning weddings are those where couples rolled up their sleeves and made it themselves.
DIY wedding décor doesn’t mean paper chains and cheap-looking plastic. Done right, it’s a fantastic way to save hundreds – or even thousands – while putting your personality into every second of your big day.
You don’t need a professional wedding stylist. With some clever ideas, your décor can look high-end – for a fraction of the cost.
Let’s look at ideas that look elegant and professional – but won’t blow your budget:
Florists often charge hundreds for big floral installations. Go for greenery instead:
Instead of expensive vases, use jam jars or vintage bottles:
A single centrepiece can cost £5 instead of £40+ from a florist.
Supermarkets like Tesco, Aldi, and Lidl often have brilliant flower deals, especially the day before your wedding.
Signage adds a professional touch:
You can create gorgeous signs using:
Instead of expensive shop-bought petals:
But do check with the venue as they may have their own rules as to what can be thrown.
Hiring linen can cost a bomb. Consider:
Let’s put the savings into perspective:
Check out UK craft stores like Hobbycraft for affordable DIY décor supplies and inspiration.
DIY décor isn’t about scrimping – it’s about creating a wedding space that feels uniquely yours, for a fraction of the cost.
🔷 Your guests will notice the love and creativity – not whether you spent £500 or £5,000 on centrepieces.
Catering is often the second-biggest cost in a UK wedding, right after the venue. It’s no wonder so many couples panic when they see prices of £50-£100+ per head.
But here’s the good news: some of the most memorable wedding feasts don’t come from fancy caterers – they come from creative thinking and a dash of community spirit.
Your guests will remember the atmosphere and the laughter far more than whether they ate fillet steak or fish ‘n chips.
Here’s a look at typical UK catering costs per person:
Couples often overspend on:
Have a Wedding Breakfast for the close family, then invite the wider guest list to the ceremony itself and the continued festivities.
Here’s how UK couples are feeding their guests brilliantly – on sensible budgets:
A classic British option that’s elegant yet affordable:
Typical cost: £10-£25 per person from local caterers, or DIY it for less.
Get family and friends involved:
A DIY buffet can feed 50 people for under £300.
Trendy, relaxed and far cheaper than a traditional caterer:
Expect £8–£15 per head, often with no venue kitchen required.
Instead of a traditional wedding venue, book a local pub with a set menu. Many offer private rooms for free if you meet a minimum spend.
A pub meal might cost £15–£30 per head – including dessert.
Skip the extra dessert course. Serve your wedding cake as pudding, paired with fruit or cream. Saves both money and waste.
A modern twist on buffets:
DIY cost: £3–£5 per person using supermarket offers.
Search for local food trucks at Poptop UK – a great directory for UK street food catering.
Alcohol can also blow the budget. Ways to save:
A quick comparison:
Cutting catering costs doesn’t mean short-changing your guests. Plenty of affordable options can keep tummies – and wallets – happy.
Great food makes a wedding special – but you don’t have to spend a fortune.
🔶 With creative thinking, community help, and a few delicious shortcuts, your wedding menu can be memorable and affordable.
Here’s the thing: a budget wedding doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, some of the coolest, most original weddings we’ve seen have been those with small budgets but big imagination.
Your guests won’t remember how much you spent – they’ll remember the laughter, the little surprises, and the moments that felt so you.
Original touches don’t have to cost the earth. Many memorable ideas cost little or nothing – just a sprinkle of creativity!
Here’s how UK couples are injecting originality into their weddings without breaking the bank:
Ditch the generic vows. Write your own ceremony script:
Cost: Free!
Make guests part of the day:
Eco-Friendly Tip:
Instead of confetti, have guests blow bubbles or wave biodegradable streamers for a photo-worthy moment – with zero mess to clean up!
Forget a traditional guest book. Try:
Cost: £10–£30 depending on materials.
Professional photo booths can cost £400–£700. But you can DIY it:
Instead of an expensive open bar, serve one or two personalised cocktails:
Cost: £1–£2 per guest if self-mixed.
Think outside the box:
Many local musicians or entertainers charge under £200 for short sets.
Skip expensive favours nobody remembers. Try:
You could easily spend under £1 per favour.
A look at how creative alternatives stack up:
A couple in London created their own photo booth using a £25 backdrop and props from Poundland. Guests loved it – and it saved them £500.
Get printable photo booth props and signage on Etsy UK for under £5.
Original doesn’t have to mean expensive.
🔶 With a dash of imagination, your wedding can be uniquely yours – and keep your wallet happy.
If there’s one thing almost every couple says after their wedding, it’s this:
“We didn’t realise how much all the little extras would add up.”
Hidden costs can quietly inflate your budget by thousands – turning what seemed like an affordable wedding into a financial headache.
The best way to avoid surprise costs is to ask detailed questions, read contracts carefully, and build a contingency into your budget.
Here’s a rundown of the sneaky costs that often catch couples off guard in the UK:
Many venues allow you to bring your own wine or fizz – but charge £10–£20 per bottle just to open and serve it. For 30 bottles, that’s £300–£600 extra.
Ask upfront:
Some caterers and venues add a 10–15% service fee on top of your food and drink bill.
A £5,000 catering bill could become £5,750 once service is added.
Running late can cost you:
Always confirm your finish time – and the costs if you run over.
Photographers, makeup artists, and musicians often charge extra if they’re travelling more than a certain distance.
For example:
Venues often include basic tables and chairs – but linen, chair covers, or fancy tablecloths might be extra, ranging £2–£5 per item.
Consider using plain wooden chairs without covers for a rustic look, saving hundreds on linen hire.
Venues sometimes charge £1–£2 per guest simply to cut and plate your wedding cake. For 80 guests, that’s an extra £80–£160.
Ask if you can serve cake yourself or offer it as a buffet station.
Many couples forget about legal costs, including:
These add up fast if you’re trying to keep costs low.
Fancy wedding stationery is heavy – sometimes costing £1–£2 per envelope to post.
Wedding insurance isn’t mandatory, but it’s wise. Policies cost £30–£200, depending on cover.
Here’s a look at how small costs quickly snowball:
Even choosing just a few of these extras could quietly add £1,000–£2,000 to your budget.
Check UK government fees for marriages and civil partnerships here.
🔹 Ask detailed questions. Always check what’s included in venue packages.
🔹 Get everything in writing. Don’t rely on verbal agreements.
🔹 Check VAT. Many quotes exclude VAT – adding 20% to your costs.
🔹 Budget a buffer. Set aside at least 5–10% for unexpected expenses.
Knowledge is power. The more questions you ask upfront, the less likely you’ll be stung by hidden costs later on.
A budget wedding is entirely possible – but only if you keep a watchful eye on the sneaky extras.
🔶 Plan carefully, read the small print, and don’t be afraid to negotiate. Your wallet will thank you.
Planning a wedding on a budget can feel like a juggling act. One minute you’re hunting bargains, the next you’re trying to remember if you’ve already paid the registrar.
Luckily, there’s a wealth of UK-specific tools and resources to help you keep track of your finances, suppliers, and plans – without spending a fortune on professional planners.
The right tools can save you hours of stress – and hundreds of pounds in unexpected costs.
🔗 Try Bridebook’s planner here
🔗 Check out Hitched Budget Planner here
🔗 Use MoneyHelper’s free planner here
🔗 Explore Hobbycraft Wedding Hub here
🔗 Browse Etsy UK Wedding Ideas here
🔗 Shop pre-loved dresses on StillWhite
🔗 Find Oxfam Bridal Stores here
🔗 Visit Moss Bros
🔗 Check Poptop UK
🔗 See Real Weddings on Hitched
Helpful Tip:
Bookmark helpful links as you go. Trying to find that “one amazing site” a month later can be surprisingly stressful!
You don’t have to plan your wedding alone – or spend a fortune on professional help.
🔶 With the right UK tools and resources, you can create a day that’s beautiful, personal, and totally affordable.
Planning a wedding on a tight budget doesn’t mean sacrificing your dreams – it means getting creative, staying true to yourselves, and refusing to let a single day define your financial future.
Across the UK, thousands of couples are proving every year that love shines brightest when you’re not drowning in debt.
An affordable wedding can be every bit as magical, memorable, and meaningful as a £30,000 extravaganza – sometimes even more so.
If you’re ready to start planning:
✅ Check out UK-specific budget tools like Bridebook and Hitched. ✅ Explore unique venues and suppliers off the beaten path. ✅ Get inspired by real UK weddings done on a shoestring. ✅ Keep a clear eye on hidden costs. ✅ Most importantly, enjoy the process – it’s your first adventure together as a married couple!
Explore more frugal living tips and practical guides on QuidSavvy.uk.
Money can buy pretty things – but it can’t buy the look in your partner’s eyes when you say “I do.”
🔶 A joyful, affordable wedding is possible – and yours is waiting to be planned.
We wish you every happiness on your journey to the big day – and beyond.
