Money Talks

Dreaming of an unforgettable wedding without the heart-stopping price tag? You’re in the right place. “With the rising cost of living, a budget wedding doesn't seem so budget anymore,” says wedding planner Laura Dalton of Kept Weddings (keptweddings.co.uk). “Couples are starting to realise that a budget doesn’t stretch as far as it used to, and I've noticed more couples delaying their weddings.” 

 

And with the average UK wedding costing £23,250 – and one in four couples spending over £40,000 according to Hitched’s latest survey – it’s no surprise that more people are rethinking how, and when, they say “I do.” 

 

But there’s good news. If you’re working with a smaller number, there are plenty of ways to manage your money well and create a beautifully individual celebration. It’s all about being clever with your choices – and knowing where to prioritise. We spoke to wedding planners Laura Dalton and Hazel Parsons from Out of the Ordinary Weddings (outoftheordinaryweddings.com) to bring you expert advice on planning the day of your dreams without breaking the bank. 

 

Before you can manage your wedding spend, you need to set a budget. Step one: where’s the money coming from? 

 

Recent research from Hitched revealed that 66% of couples were given money by family or friends to help pay for their wedding, with a further 7% borrowing money from someone they know. On average, parents footed 61% of the wedding bill. If you don’t have hefty incomes or this type of family support, your wedding budget is going to reflect that. 

 

Once you’ve got a budget in mind, it pays to plan. According to the same research, nearly half of couples (47%) went over their wedding budget and more than one in ten (11%) took out a loan to help cover costs. If you want to avoid that, start to prioritise where you’ll spend your budget early on. It’s always worth having a small buffer to pay for any unexpected costs that crop up. 

 

The experts share their insider tips on how to stretch your spend without compromising on style.

 

“Sit down together and identify the top three to five things that are absolutely non-negotiable for your wedding day,” says Hazel. “Maybe it's the incredible band, the bespoke floral installations or a particular culinary experience. Focus your budget on these key areas and be a little more flexible on others.”

 

Invest in the elements that will truly resonate with you and your guests after the day has passed. “I advise investing in the venue, which is key in setting the tone and atmosphere for the day,” continues Hazel. “The same goes for the experiences – whether it’s entertainment, interactive elements or a special dining experience – that create lasting memories; and photography and videography – the memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime.”

 

2. Rethink venue and food costs 

“The venue and catering are usually the largest spends,” says Laura. “Finding ways to reduce these costs from the offset will allow you more budget in other areas to make it feel more special.”

 

That doesn’t mean compromising on quality. “Reconsidering the number of guests attending or opting for something a little less fancy will help the pocket,” she continues. “It might be a buffet-style food service or reducing a three-course meal to canapés, a main course and wedding cake for dessert.”

 

A venue which can host the ceremony and reception will reduce costs such as transportation and decorating two spaces. “Consider venues that offer flexibility and perhaps even include some key elements like catering or furniture, which can streamline costs,” advises Hazel.

 

One way to reduce costs is to get married off-peak. You could choose a weekday, which is said to save around £4,000 on average (according to Bridebook’s 2025 UK Wedding Report). Or if you’re not fussed about sunshine – which, let’s be honest, is always a gamble in this country – get married out of peak wedding season and have yourself a romantic winter wedding.

 

“Getting married on a Friday, Sunday or during the shoulder seasons can often lead to significant savings on venue hire and even some suppliers,” says Hazel. “The atmosphere will still be incredible and you might have more supplier availability.”

 

Alternatively, get married later in the day and move straight from the ceremony into the evening reception. This will mean less money spent on food, drink and entertainment. Also, sunset nuptials? Dreamy!

iStock.com/marchmeena29

 

If you don’t want to scrimp on the quality of your wedding, one way to stick to a smaller budget is to simply invite less people. Hitched’s research found the average cost of a wedding guest is £261.24 – so cutting your numbers down by even 10% could represent a significant saving. 

 

“While it can be tough, a smaller, more intimate wedding can significantly impact your budget,” advises Hazel. “Consider who you truly want to share your special day with. A curated guest list often allows you to invest more per person in the overall experience.”

 

Intimate weddings can be a lovely way to celebrate with only your very nearest and dearest. Or take it a step further and go for an elopement. 

 

Rather than gifts, ask your loved ones to contribute in creative ways. Perhaps your auntie is a brilliant illustrator and could create your stationery or signage? Or maybe your cousin moonlights as a DJ or your dad can make a stellar cake? Most people are happy to help if you’re polite and reasonable about your requests. Plus, it adds a lovely personal touch to your day.

 

If you’re creative yourself, you might be considering taking on some DIY projects. “Think personalised stationery details, unique signage or even assembling your own favours,” says Hazel. “Just be realistic about your time and skills – don't take on so much that it adds stress.”

 

Your dream dress doesn’t have to come with a designer price tag. Look out for sample sales, trunk shows or off-the-peg dresses at local boutiques. You could also explore vintage shops, repurpose a family heirloom or go for something else entirely. From coloured gowns and mini dresses to sequinned jumpsuits, the only rule is to wear what makes you feel amazing. 

 

It’s easy to get swept up in props and wedding extras. “Props, little activities and items placed in random places will not be the best use of your budget,” says Laura. “For example, hiring a confetti stand and cones can look pretty but you could simply hand out confetti from a basket. Look for focal points and invest your money on more prominent things which will get noticed throughout the day and used.”

 

Hazel agrees. “Instead of lots of smaller, less impactful decorations, consider investing in a few truly stunning statement pieces,” she says. “Think a breathtaking floral arch, a unique lighting installation or a beautifully styled lounge area. These can create a real wow factor without breaking the bank.”

 

Don’t be afraid to question traditions. If you’re not into florals, there’s no rule saying you must have huge displays. Likewise, if a towering wedding cake doesn’t appeal to you – ditch it. You might want to limit other things that quickly add up, like over-the-top favours or endless entertainment options. 

 

So where should you spend your money? “Always invest in staff and great suppliers,” advises Laura. “Understaffed weddings create a very stressful behind the scenes atmosphere, which ultimately affects how your day runs. When things don't go to plan, having more staff means there are more people around to rectify a situation before it becomes a problem.”

 

And when it comes to suppliers, going for the cheapest option is not always the best idea. “Research your suppliers and understand the difference between the cheapest option and the next best thing,” says Laura. “You could easily end up wasting your valuable budget on the cheapest supplier because their service/product isn't as expected, communication is poor or they aren't reliable on the day. You are better off investing in key suppliers and making cuts on others that you’re not as precious about.”

 

With a little creativity, honest budgeting and savvy decisions, it’s entirely possible to plan a celebration that’s high on style, low on financial stress – and, most importantly, a reflection of you. “By being intentional with your budget and focusing on the elements that really matter, you can create an extraordinary celebration that feels luxurious and personal,” says Hazel.

Main image iStock.com/Prostock-Studio