How to Set a Wedding Budget in the UK

The first step is to agree on a total figure before you look at venues or dresses. This number should reflect what you are both willing to pay from your own savings, plus any contributions from parents or family. Be open about who pays for what and whether money is a gift or a loan. If family are contributing, agree on the amount and any expectations in writing so nothing is left to assumption later.

Do not borrow money to fund the wedding. If your savings do not cover what you want, trim the guest list, choose a weekday or off-peak date, or scale back on details rather than taking on debt. Your wedding should not set your financial future back. Once you have a total, treat it as firm. Every choice you make afterwards should fit inside it.

A complete budget covers more than just the venue and food. Write down every possible cost, even the small ones, so nothing catches you off guard later. Common items include the venue and ceremony fee, food and drink, a band or DJ, photography and videography, the wedding outfit and hair and makeup, rings, transport, flowers and decorations, wedding stationery, wedding website and e-invites, favours, wedding rings insurance, and the marriage notice and licence fees.

Also set aside money for things people often forget. These include postage for invitations, extra outfits for the second day, a marriage certificate copy, a wedding planner or coordinator if you use one, tips for suppliers, and a contingency fund for unexpected costs. A contingency of a small amount on top of your total is sensible. It covers price rises, last-minute changes and any surprise charge.

• Venue and ceremony fee
• Food, drinks and cake
• Photography and videography
• Music, band or DJ
• Outfit, shoes and accessories
• Hair and makeup
• Rings and insurance
• Transport and accommodation
• Flowers and decorations
• Stationery and website
• Marriage notice and licence fees
• Contingency fund

There is no single fixed price for a wedding in the UK. Costs vary widely depending on where you marry, how many guests you invite, the time of year and how many extras you choose. A small ceremony with close family will cost far less than a large celebration with a band and evening drinks.

The number of guests is one of the biggest drivers of cost because you pay per person for food, drink and often for each place card and favour. If you are thinking about a wedding for around 100 people, expect the main spend to be on the venue, catering and drinks. A simpler wedding with fewer guests, a shorter reception and no live band will cost considerably less. If you do not have a figure in mind, ask venues and caterers for their current per-person rates before you decide on a guest list size. This keeps your total realistic.

Remember that prices change over time. Get quotes in writing and ask whether they include service charges, VAT and any extra fees for tables, chairs or late-night refreshments.

Once you know your total, divide it between categories before you start booking. This stops you from overspending in one area and then having no money left for something else. A common approach is to give the largest share to the venue and catering, then allocate the rest to photography, music, outfit and the smaller items.

You can adjust the split to match your priorities. If photography matters most, give it a bigger share and reduce the budget for flowers or favours. If you want a big party, prioritise food and drink and cut back on decorations. There is no right or wrong split. The important thing is that the categories add up to your total and that each one has a limit you will not exceed.

• Venue and ceremony: largest share
• Food and drink: next largest share
• Photography and videography
• Music and entertainment
• Outfit and hair and makeup
• Flowers and decorations
• Stationery, website and invites
• Transport and accommodation
• Rings and insurance
• Contingency

A spreadsheet is the simplest way to keep your budget under control. You can use Excel, Google Sheets or any similar free tool. Start with columns for the category, the supplier or venue, the estimated cost, the actual cost, the deposit paid, the balance due, the payment date and any notes.

Enter your total budget at the top and list each line item below it. As you book suppliers, fill in the actual figures and update the remaining balance. This lets you see at a glance whether you are under, on or over budget. Many free templates exist for wedding budgets, but you do not need one. A simple table you build yourself is enough and can be tailored to your own needs.

Keep your spreadsheet updated as decisions change. When you add a guest or swap a supplier, update the totals straight away. Share the file with anyone else helping to pay so everyone sees the same numbers. If you prefer paper, a notebook works too, but a spreadsheet is easier to update and to share.

Set a date each month to review your budget. Check what you have spent, what is still to pay and whether any category is running over. If you are over budget in one area, move money from a category where you have spare funds rather than increasing your total. This keeps your overall spending in check.

Ask suppliers for written quotes and confirm the final price in writing before you pay. Request a breakdown of what is included so you are not surprised by extra charges later. Keep all receipts and save copies of contracts in one place. A folder on your computer or a dedicated box at home works well.

If your plans change, revisit your budget rather than hoping things will come in under. It is better to cut something early than to discover you have overspent at the end. Your wedding budget is a living document. Review it regularly and adjust it as your wedding takes shape.