How much does a wedding cost in the UK 2026?

The average UK wedding cost in 2026 is approximately £20,000–£32,000. A budget wedding can be done for £5,000–£10,000. A luxury wedding can exceed £50,000. The biggest costs are venue hire, catering, photography and music.

How much should I save per month for a wedding?

If you plan to spend £20,000 and have 2 years to save, you need around £833/month. For a £15,000 wedding over 18 months, save approximately £833/month. Use a wedding budget calculator to set your savings target.

What is the most expensive part of a wedding UK?

The venue and catering typically account for 40–50% of a UK wedding budget. For a £25,000 wedding, expect to spend £8,000–£12,000 on venue and food alone. Photography (£2,000–£4,000) and flowers/décor (£1,500–£3,000) are the next biggest costs.

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Cost Breakdown

Average UK Wedding Costs 2026

The average UK wedding now costs around £20,700 according to Hitched's annual survey. London weddings average £35,000+ while regional weddings can be done beautifully for under £15,000.

Biggest cost savers: Weekday/Sunday weddings (30–50% off venue hire), smaller guest lists, self-catering venues, and booking vendors in January (off-peak discounts).

Average UK Wedding Costs by Category · 2026

UK average costs for a 100-guest wedding. Your costs will vary by region, guest count and choices.

Category	Budget Wedding	Average Wedding	Luxury Wedding
Venue hire	£2,000	£5,500	£12,000
Catering (per head)	£35	£75	£150
Total catering (100 guests)	£3,500	£7,500	£15,000
Photography	£800	£2,200	£4,500
Flowers & décor	£500	£2,000	£5,000
Wedding dress	£500	£1,500	£4,000
Entertainment/DJ	£400	£1,200	£3,000
Cake	£200	£500	£1,500
Rings	£500	£1,500	£5,000
Honeymoon	£2,000	£5,000	£15,000
Total estimate	£11,000	£27,000	£65,000

Wedding Budget FAQs

What is the average UK wedding cost in 2026?

The average UK wedding costs around £20,000–£32,000 in 2026. London weddings average £35,000+, while regional weddings can be done well for under £15,000. Venue and catering typically account for 40–50% of the total spend.

How do I save for a wedding in the UK?

Set a target budget and work out how many months you have. Divide the remaining amount (after any savings already set aside) by the number of months. A £20,000 wedding in 18 months requires saving roughly £1,100/month. Consider a dedicated high-interest savings account or cash ISA to keep wedding funds separate and earning interest.

What are the cheapest ways to cut wedding costs?

The biggest savings come from booking a Sunday or weekday (30–40% cheaper venue hire), trimming the guest list, choosing a self-catering venue, opting for a buffet over a sit-down meal, using digital invitations, and booking vendors in January (off-peak discounts). Non-traditional venues such as barns, gardens and restaurants can also save thousands.

Do I need wedding insurance in the UK?

Wedding insurance is strongly recommended. Policies typically cost £50–£200 and can cover cancellation, supplier failure, venue damage, and public liability. With venue and supplier deposits often running to thousands of pounds, insurance provides important protection if something goes wrong before or on the day.

Should I get a wedding loan in the UK?

Financial advisers generally caution against borrowing for a wedding. Starting married life in debt adds financial stress. A better approach is to save up, scale back the guest list or venue, or get engaged 2+ years ahead to give more saving time. If you do borrow, compare 0% purchase credit cards and personal loans carefully, and have a clear repayment plan before you commit.

For planning purposes only · Costs vary widely by region and supplier · Get multiple quotes