No one expects weddings to be budget-friendly, but the latest research has shown that the cost of an average wedding in the UK now stands at a staggering £30,355. If the thought of spending that much money on a wedding sends shivers down your spine, then let Hand Picked Hotels help. Master the art of managing your wedding budget with ease and finesse, ensuring a beautiful celebration without breaking the bank.
We know that a great wedding doesn’t have to cost a fortune; that’s why we put together a helpful guide on how to best plan your wedding budget. Read on to find tips and advice that will save you money without compromising the quality of your special day.
Tip 1: Work Out a Realistic Wedding Budget
The first step is an obvious one – create a budget that’s realistic for you. Look over your finances and decide how you’re going to fund the event; this may involve savings or kind family donations. It’s important to be honest at this stage and consider your long-term financial health! Once you have settled on your budget, try to add a buffer. Whilst difficult to do, this will help you to deal with any unexpected costs that may arise through the planning process. The amount can be whatever you want, though aiming for 10% is good practice to cover any lapses in budgeting, should they arise, like alternation costs, missed VAT additions, even small accidents.
Tip 2: Keep Track of All Wedding Expenses
Track all your spending with one of the many wedding budget apps (and many are free, too!) or do it the old-fashioned way with a notebook. Another way of simplifying budgeting is by setting up a separate account and transferring your wedding budget there. This will make tracking finances and expenses so much easier than when they’re sandwiched between regular bills and countless work lunches.
Tip 3: Create a Priority List for Your Wedding
Weddings come with a lot of extras and sometimes vendors will try to persuade you to take on unnecessary expenses – that’s why it’s vital to have a list of essentials in mind when doing the planning. You may already know what your wedding non-negotiables are (type of venue, for example) whilst being flexible on others. Create a list of the things you absolutely want at your wedding and budget accordingly; there’s no point booking a DJ first if you think you could be pretty happy with a DIY playlist! This priority list would also help to get a breakdown of your wedding cost and visualise your wedding budget.
Tip 4: Start with the Cost of Wedding Venues
Your wedding venue is likely to be the biggest expenditure and it’s probably the first detail to take care of when it comes to planning. Start your research early and think creatively about where you would like to tie the knot. There’s a perception of more ‘traditional’ venues costing significantly more but good deals can nevertheless be found; many wedding venues understand that not everyone can afford to splash out and have created smaller, more affordable wedding packages so it’s worth checking them out. Visiting various wedding venues gets you an idea of how much each type would cost, and how much you might want to spend on it.
Tip 5: Find Affordable Alternatives for Your Wedding Wardrobe
It’s not a good idea to cut corners when it comes to something as important as a wedding, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t get creative. Anything associated with weddings tends to be priced at a premium. However, suits, dresses, accessories can all be found outside of traditional stores and can save you significant cash. Look for seasonal sales when great deals can be had on suiting and accessories; many wedding dress designers and boutiques hold sample sales where the perfect gown can be found for a fraction of the cost. As these elements tend to be high on the list of essentials, finding ways to get what you want without spending a fortune is a definite bonus.
Ultimately, being realistic about finances and tracking everything effectively will ensure that your wedding day leaves you happy for months and years beyond. Stick to your initial plan and don’t get tempted by extras – this way you may even have some cash leftover for the honeymoon!
FAQs about wedding budget
How to split your budget for a wedding?
Some general guidelines for splitting the wedding budget may include allocating 50% to the venue and catering, 10% to photography and videography, 10% to attire, 10% to flowers and decor, 10% to entertainment and the remaining 10% for miscellaneous expenses. Fine tune the breakdown based on your personal needs!
What costs are involved in a wedding?
Costs involved in a wedding can include venue rental, catering, photography and videography, flowers and decor, entertainment, invitations, wedding planner, transportation and accommodations for guests. It's important to set a budget and stick to it to avoid overspending.
How much is a wedding venue in the UK?
The cost of a wedding venue in the UK depends on the location, size, and amenities offered. On average, wedding venues in the UK can range from £3,000 to over £10,000.
What is the average wedding budget in the UK?
The average wedding budget in the UK is around £20,000 - £30,000, but this is affected by factors such as location, number of guests, and personal preferences. It is also common to encounter unexpected costs, which makes the cost of an average wedding in the UK £30,355.
How much does it cost to get legally married in the UK?
The cost of legally getting married in the UK can vary depending on the location and type of ceremony. A register office ceremony can cost as low as £50 to £70, which doesn’t include a ceremony room, and a church or religious ceremony may have additional fees.
How much is a wedding dinner per person in the UK?
The cost of a wedding dinner per person in the UK can also vary depending on the menu options, venue, and number of guests, but on average it can range from £50 to £150 per person.
