What is a suggested wedding budget breakdown?

Short answer

A common starting point is to split your budget roughly into thirds: one third for the venue and catering, one third for other suppliers, and one third for everything else. Adjust these shares to fit your own priorities, guest list and location, since every wedding is different.

Start by deciding your total budget and your top three priorities. A simple way to plan is to divide your money into three broad pots. The first pot covers your venue and catering, which usually takes the largest share because it includes the room, tables, chairs, food and drink. The second pot covers other suppliers such as photography, music, flowers, stationery and transport. The third pot covers everything else, including your outfits, rings, hair and make-up, favours, and any extra touches you care about.

Within those pots, you can move money around as you book things. For example, if you find a venue you love at a good price, you might spend more on photography or flowers. If you are having a smaller guest list, you may spend more on the experience per guest. Remember to leave a little aside for unexpected costs, which always appear.

If you are having a legal ceremony, remember that notice fees and registrar costs are part of your budget. In England and Wales, you give notice at your local register office, and in Scotland and Northern Ireland you submit a notice to the registrar. These fees vary, so check with your local office. If you are having a religious ceremony, ask your place of worship about any fees or donations. Your budget breakdown should always include these legal and ceremonial costs.