Wedding Expense Guide: How Much Does Your Dream Day Really Cost?
Planning a wedding can feel like a money maze. You hear numbers like "£20,000" or "£5,000 for a ring" and wonder what’s real. The good news? Most costs break down into clear categories, and you can control many of them. Below we walk through the biggest price tags you’ll meet and share simple ways to stretch every pound.
Breakdown of Common Wedding Costs
First, let’s look at the big buckets. A typical UK wedding spends about 30% on the venue, 20% on catering, 15% on photography, and the rest on dresses, rings, décor, and the little extras that make the day feel personal.
Rings: The average engagement ring sits around £2,500, but a $20,000 ring is far from the norm. If you aim for a £5,000 ring, focus on carat weight, cut, and the 4 Cs rather than brand name.
Invitations: In 2025 the average invitation cost ranges from £2 to £5 per piece, depending on paper type and printing method. Bulk orders and DIY addressing can shave a few hundred pounds off the total.
Photography: A three‑hour photographer package now costs between £500 and £900. Prices rise with experience, travel, and post‑processing. Ask for a short‑session option if you only need coverage for the ceremony and key moments.
Décor: Expect to spend roughly £1,200 on flowers, drapes, and table settings for a 120‑guest wedding. DIY centrepieces or renting décor instead of buying can cut that number in half.
Cake: Wedding cakes are often overpriced because of labor and intricate designs. A standard two‑tier cake for 100 guests runs about £400–£600. Choosing a simpler design or a single‑tier cake with a stylish dessert table can save £150–£250.
Tips to Stretch Your Budget
Now that you know where the money goes, here are actionable tricks. Book your venue on a weekday or during the off‑peak season; January and February often have lower rates and more vendor availability.
Swap out pricey linen for reusable fabric table runners you can repurpose after the wedding. This not only saves cash but also reduces waste.
Use a wedding planning app to track every expense in real time. Seeing the numbers helps you adjust on the fly and avoid hidden fees.
Consider a hybrid guest list: invite close family in person and send a virtual celebration to distant relatives. You’ll still share the day, but you’ll free up space, food, and seating costs.
Finally, negotiate. Many vendors expect a bit of back‑and‑forth on price, especially if you bundle services (like photography plus a short video). Don’t be shy about asking for a discount or a free extra, such as an extra hour of coverage.
By breaking down each expense and applying these budget hacks, you can keep your wedding beautiful without breaking the bank. Remember, the day is about you and your partner—not about how much you spent.
Average Bridal Makeup Costs: What to Expect for Your Big Day
Finding the right makeup artist for your wedding can be as challenging as choosing the perfect dress. Bridal makeup costs can vary widely, but most brides can expect to spend between $150 and $600. Factors such as location, artist reputation, and the complexity of the look all affect pricing. Investing in a trial session and understanding what's included in a package can save you from surprises. Getting both value and the desired look is key.