How to Make Wedding Planning Exciting and Financially Smart

Getting engaged is a magical milestone in your relationship. You’ve said “YES!”, you’ve celebrated, you’ve told all your friends and family, and now you get to plan one of the most memorable days of your life. But between the Pinterest boards and wedding venue tours, there’s a more practical side of planning that often gets overlooked: the budget. While it may not be the most glamorous part of wedding planning, creating a budget for a wedding in the UK is the single most effective way to stay organised, reduce stress, and ensure the excitement never tips over into overwhelm.

When planning your wedding, it’s wise to think beyond just the big day and consider how your financial future will unfold together. That’s where trusted advisers like PMW can step in: they specialise in tailored financial planning and wealth management services, helping couples set a strong foundation from the start, ensuring that the joy of your celebration doesn’t lead to long‑term stress.

Why You Should Start with a Wedding Budget

A wedding budget isn’t about cutting out joy and boxing yourself in; it’s about making sure your priorities shine through and you get everything you need to have a magical day, sorted. Having a clear financial plan allows you to manage your expectations from the very start. By creating a wedding budget, you and your partner will know exactly what you can afford, so there are no surprise bills or arguments later on.

Creating a wedding budget also helps you to identify where family or friends may be able to step in and help out. When people know what you’re working with, they can contribute confidently, whether that’s paying for flowers, covering the entertainment, or helping with honeymoon costs.

But, most importantly, a budget means you won’t start married life with debt hanging over your head. Instead, you’ll enjoy your big day knowing every penny was well spent.

How Much Does the Average UK Wedding Cost?

Before diving into spreadsheets, it helps to understand what other couples are spending. In 2024, the average UK wedding cost was around £23,250. Recent surveys suggest that in 2025, couples are spending closer to £25,000–£26,000! That’s a huge investment, and while it’s a helpful benchmark, remember that no two weddings look the same.

There are, of course, many ways in which couples can cut down the costs and spend a significantly lower amount overall. With that being said, regardless of what you budget for, there are going to be some aspects of your big day that will cost more than others.

The biggest chunk of your budget is likely to go on the venue and catering, which can easily take up £9,000–£11,000 depending on your venue specifications. Other significant expenses include wedding attire, entertainment, and décor. Don’t forget to include your wedding photographer in your budget either – wedding photography prices can vary depending on location or specifications, so always do your research. Venue costs will also vary by location – London and big cities are far pricier than rural areas and smaller towns, which is something to bear in mind.

Feel free to use these figures as a guide, but don’t be afraid to adjust them to suit your own priorities.

Essential Wedding Expenditures

When creating a budget for a wedding in the UK, make sure you consider every category of expense. The obvious ones – venue, food, and outfits – are just the beginning.

Key wedding expenditures include:

• Venue and catering
• Photography and videography
• Attire and alterations
• Stationery such as invites, RSVPs, and postage
• Wedding rings
• Flowers and décor
• Entertainment like bands, DJs, or performers
• Transport and accommodation for guests
• Legal fees, such as registry office notices and licences
• Extras including cake, hair and makeup, favours, and supplier tips

Listing everything in advance helps you avoid hidden costs and ensures your budget is as realistic as possible.

Step-by-Step: Creating a Wedding Budget for a Wedding in the UK

Start by agreeing on your total spend. Sit down with your partner, look at your savings and income, and be realistic about what you can afford. Once you’ve set a budget, work through the following steps:

• Estimate guest numbers as catering and venue costs are closely tied to this.
• Research suppliers and aim for at least three quotes per category.
• Allocate percentages of your budget, such as 40–45% for venue and catering, 10% for décor, 10% for photography, and so on.
• Set aside a contingency fund of around 10% for unexpected costs.
• Track spending regularly with a spreadsheet or budget app to make sure you’re staying on track.

Talk To Your Family, Tactfully

In the UK, it’s still common for family members, especially parents, to contribute towards wedding costs. If this applies to you, approach the conversation with clarity and sensitivity. Instead of asking vaguely for help, suggest specific expenses they might like to cover. For example:

• “Would you like to gift us the wedding cake?”
• “Would you feel comfortable helping with the flowers?”

Any contribution should be met with gratitude, no matter the size. If family members are making significant financial contributions, it may even help to put agreements in writing to prevent misunderstandings later.

Saving Money on Your Wedding

Weddings don’t have to break the bank. With smart choices, you can reduce costs while keeping the celebration special.

Some proven ways to save on weddings include:

• Choosing off-peak months such as January, February, March, or November
• Opting for a weekday or Sunday wedding instead of a Saturday
• Booking non-traditional venues like village halls, barns, or pubs
• Adding DIY touches to invitations, decorations, or even flowers
• Borrowing a wedding dress or suit, shopping second-hand, or using budget-friendly retailers
• Keeping the guest list small and intimate
• Bundling services by selecting venues that provide catering, décor, or photography

Even small changes can add up to significant savings, leaving you with more flexibility in your budget.

Why Timing Matters in the UK

Timing plays a big role in costs. School holidays often mean higher prices for venues, hotels, and travel. If possible, book during term time to secure better rates. Off-season weddings also tend to be much more affordable, and with the right styling, a winter or autumn celebration can feel just as magical as a summer one. Booking early is another easy way to lock in deals and secure your preferred suppliers before prices increase.

Keep an Eye on Spending

Budgets are never static, and as such, they need reviewing throughout the planning process. Make it a habit to check your actual spending against your planned budget every month. If one area goes over, look at where you can trim elsewhere.

It helps to decide on your “non-negotiables” early, whether that’s the venue, the photographer, or the catering. Knowing what matters most makes it easier to cut back on the nice-to-haves without losing the essence of your day.

Conclusion

Planning a wedding is exciting, but staying organised is the key to keeping it enjoyable. By creating a budget for a wedding in the UK, you’ll have a clear plan, realistic expectations, and a celebration that feels every bit as magical as you imagined – without the financial stress afterwards. With a little foresight, careful choices, and perhaps a bit of family support, you can create a beautiful day that reflects both your love and your budget.

What part of creating a budget for a wedding in the UK feels most intimidating to you?