What is the most expensive part of a wedding?

Short answer

The venue and catering are usually the most expensive part of a UK wedding, because they cover the space, the food and often the drinks and service. Together they can absorb half or more of your total budget, so this is where you should focus your negotiation.

For most couples, the venue and catering package is the single biggest cost. This is because it includes not just the building and grounds, but also tables, chairs, linen, staff, food, and sometimes drinks and cake. Many venues offer a per-head price that bundles these together, which can be convenient but also hard to compare.

If you are on a tight budget, consider a venue that lets you bring in your own caterer, or choose a non-traditional space like a village hall or a community centre. These can be far cheaper, and you can often hire a local caterer or even do a buffet yourself. Another option is to book a weekday or a winter date, which many venues discount.

Remember that the legal ceremony does not have to happen at the reception venue. You can hold a short civil ceremony at a register office or a registered religious building, then have the party elsewhere. That can open up cheaper venues that are not licensed for weddings. Always ask what is included in the venue price, because corkage, cake stands and table decorations can add up quickly.