Planning A Uk Wedding: Budgeting For The Big Day

Planning a wedding can be an exciting but daunting task, especially when it comes to budgeting. The average cost of a wedding in the UK is around £20,000, but this can vary depending on location, the number of guests, and personal preferences. To make the process easier, here are some tips to help you create and stick to your wedding budget:

- Discuss your budget as a couple: It's important to have an open conversation about your financial situation and how much you want to spend on the wedding. Be realistic and decide on a budget that you can afford without starting your married life in debt.

- Prioritize your spending: Identify the areas that are most important to you, such as the venue, catering, photography, or entertainment, and allocate a larger portion of your budget to those items.

- Create a detailed breakdown: Allocate specific percentages or amounts to different categories such as venue hire, catering, attire, decorations, and transportation. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don't overspend in any area.

- Look for ways to save: Consider off-peak dates, unique venues, DIY decorations, or enlisting the help of talented friends and family members to reduce costs.

- Be mindful of hidden costs: Remember to include smaller expenses such as invitations, favours, alterations, and travel costs in your budget. These can add up quickly, so it's important to plan for them.

- Use budgeting tools: Utilize wedding budget calculators, spreadsheets, or apps to help you track your spending and stay on top of your budget.

- Ask for help: Don't be afraid to reach out to friends and family or a wedding planner if you need assistance with budgeting or finding ways to save money.

Venue and catering

The venue and catering are likely to be the most expensive part of your wedding budget, so it's important to get a clear idea of the costs involved.

Venue Costs

The venue cost will depend on the type of venue you choose. A hotel wedding is likely to be more expensive than a pub or town hall, for example. You may also want to consider a dry hire venue, where you bring in your own caterers and suppliers, but this will require more organisation and may end up costing more.

The average cost of a wedding venue in the UK is around £8,600 for a £20,000 budget, but this will vary depending on the number of guests and the location. The cost of the venue usually includes the hire fee, food and drink, and sometimes half a bottle of wine per person.

If you are hiring an external caterer, you may also need to factor in the cost of hiring a marquee and portable kitchen, which can add several thousand pounds to the overall cost.

Catering Costs

Catering costs will depend on the number of guests and the type of food you choose. The average cost of catering for an 80-90 guest wedding is around £5,700, but this can vary from £2,000 to £10,000.

The most expensive option is a traditional three-course meal, which can cost between £40 and £100+ per head. A more economical choice is a dinner buffet, which ranges from £15 to £50 per person. A cold buffet is the cheapest option, averaging £10 per head, while a hot buffet is more expensive at £15 per head.

You can also choose food trucks, sharing plates, or a barbecue, which tend to be more affordable options.

The cost of catering will also depend on the experience of the chefs, with quality chefs commanding higher fees. It's important to factor in VAT, which is not always included in the quoted price.

Drinks

Drinks can also add significantly to the cost of the venue and catering. If you choose to have an open bar, this can quickly become expensive. Alternatively, you can provide a bottle or two of wine per table, plus a glass of bubbles for toasts, and guests can purchase other drinks from a cash bar.

Extras

There are also several extras that can enhance the guest experience but will increase the cost. These include canapés, food stations, evening food, dessert tables, sweet buffets, and doughnut walls.

Saving Money

There are several ways to save money on venue and catering costs:

• Choose a venue that requires little to no added decorations.
• Opt for a buffet instead of a seated dinner to reduce staffing costs.
• Choose a laid-back style of catering such as a barbecue or hog roast.
• Serve substantial canapés at the drinks reception instead of a starter.
• Use the wedding cake as pudding to reduce the cost of a three-course meal.
• Choose seasonal ingredients, which are more affordable and sustainable.
• Opt for a BYOB model or signature drinks to reduce beverage costs.
• Book caterers in advance to take advantage of early-bird discounts.
• Choose a venue with its own catering team to avoid additional costs.
• Choose a venue with its own kitchen to avoid off-site setup costs.
• Opt for local produce instead of imported or organic ingredients.
• Limit the number of courses to reduce costs.
• Choose less expensive types of fish and meat.
• Reduce the number of guests to lower the per-head cost.

The venue and catering are crucial aspects of your wedding, and it's important to allocate a significant portion of your budget to these areas. By considering the various costs involved and making careful choices, you can create a memorable experience for your guests while staying within your budget.

Photography and videography

According to Bridebook, the average cost of wedding videography in the UK is £1,300-£1,500, which is similar to the average cost of a photographer. However, Hitched recommends allocating 10% of your total wedding budget to photography and videography.

What's included in the cost of photography and videography depends on the package you choose. Basic packages may only include footage of the ceremony, while more comprehensive packages can include coverage of the bridal preparations, guest arrivals, wedding breakfast, speeches, cake cutting, first dance, and guest dancing.

Some other costs that may be included in photography and videography packages are:

• Video trailer or highlight reel
• Mileage for the photographer or videographer
• Accommodation for the photographer or videographer if they need to travel far
• Drone footage

When choosing a photographer or videographer, it's important to consider their style and whether it aligns with your vision for your wedding. It's also worth asking if they have the relevant documentation to include drone footage and if they are insured.

If you're on a tight budget, consider booking a photographer or videographer for a half-day or smaller package, especially outside the peak wedding season. You could also look for photographers or videographers who are still building their portfolio, as they may charge lower rates.

Outfits and beauty

On average, couples spend around 12% of their total wedding budget on outfits and beauty. This includes the wedding dress, groom's outfit, bridesmaids' dresses, groomsmen's suits, and any other attire associated with events around the wedding. It also includes hair and makeup for the wedding party, as well as any pre-wedding beauty treatments.

Wedding Dress

The wedding dress is often one of the most expensive items in this category. The average cost of a wedding dress in the UK is £1,424, but there are plenty of options available for less. High street brands such as H&M, Boohoo, and Pretty Lavish offer a range of affordable wedding dresses, with some costing less than £100. If you're looking for a designer gown on a budget, try renting your dress or shopping at designer outlets like Matches, Net-A-Porter, or Revolve. You can also save money by choosing a shorter dress or a non-traditional colour.

Groom's Outfit

The groom's outfit is an important consideration, too. While the bride's dress often takes centre stage, the groom will also want to look and feel their best on the big day. The average cost of a groom's suit in the UK is around £500, but there are options available at a range of price points. Brands like ASOS, Coast, and Jarlo offer affordable suits and tuxedos, while high-end designers like Grace Loves Lace and Rixo can cost upwards of £500.

Wedding Party Attire

Don't forget to budget for the wedding party attire as well. This includes bridesmaids' dresses, groomsmen's suits, and any other accessories or alterations that may be needed. If you're paying for your wedding party's attire, this can quickly add up, so be sure to factor it into your budget.

Hair and Makeup

Hair and makeup are another significant expense in this category. The average cost of hair and makeup for the bride in the UK is £690 (£330 for makeup and £360 for hair). This includes the cost of a trial, which is highly recommended to ensure you're happy with the final look. If you're hiring a stylist for the bridal party as well, expect to pay a little less per person. You can also save money by doing your own hair and makeup or enlisting the help of a talented friend or family member.

Pre-Wedding Beauty Treatments

In the months leading up to the wedding, you may also want to budget for some pre-wedding beauty treatments. This could include nails, tanning, teeth whitening, hair colouring, eyebrows, and even Botox. These treatments can add up, so be sure to factor them into your budget if you're planning on splurging.

Flowers and decor

The average cost of wedding flowers and decor in the UK is around £1,110, but this can vary dramatically depending on what you're looking for. The bigger and bolder you go, the more you can expect to pay.

The cost of wedding flowers depends on a number of factors, including the type and number of flowers, the complexity of the order, the skill and experience of the florist, and the time of year.

The average wedding florist spend is around £350, but this can range from £300 to £4,000. With a budget of up to £500, you can expect to get the wedding flower basics, including a bouquet for the bride, bouquets for the bridesmaids, buttonholes, and corsages.

With a budget of £500 to £1,000, you can add some small centrepieces for tables and perhaps some wedding cake flowers.

A budget of £1,000 to £2,000 allows for larger and more elaborate table decorations, small floral wedding aisle decorations, and mantelpiece arrangements.

If you have over £2,000 to spend, you can start to consider large floral hoops, hanging pieces, and even large installations like flower walls, wedding arches, and statement pieces.

When it comes to decor, the cost will depend on the venue you choose. Some venues will require more added decorations than others. If you're on a tight budget, opt for a venue that requires little to no added decorations.

The average cost of wedding decor in the UK is around £1,500, with marquee hire costing an additional £4,200.

Music and entertainment

Live Music

Live music is a great way to create an unforgettable experience for your guests. The cost of hiring live musicians will depend on the type and size of the act. For example, a solo musician will cost less than a band with multiple members.

Wedding Bands

Wedding bands typically cost between £750 and £2000+, depending on the number of members. A 3-piece band usually includes a singing lead guitarist, bass and drums, and costs around £750-£1600+, while a 4 or 5-piece band will set you back £1400-£2000+. If you want to go all out, a 6+ piece band with a full brass section or multiple singers will cost £1800-£3000+.

Duos

Duos are a more affordable option, with prices ranging from £500 to £800+. This could be a singer and guitarist, two singers with instruments, or a singer with a loop pedal.

Solo Artists

Solo artists are a great way to keep costs down while still creating a memorable atmosphere. Expect to pay £300-£600+ for a solo performer, who will often use backing tracks to fill out their sound.

Classical Musicians

Classical musicians, such as string quartets, harpists or pianists, are a popular choice for wedding ceremonies and can add a touch of elegance to your day. They typically cost between £200 and £700+, depending on the type of musician and the number of performers.

Daytime Entertainment

You may also want to consider entertainment for your wedding breakfast or drinks reception. Acoustic solo and duo acts are a popular choice and typically cost between £400 and £900 for two 60-minute sets.

DJs

If you're looking for a more affordable option, a DJ is a great choice and can still create a fantastic atmosphere. DJs typically cost from £500, and some may even allow you to choose specific tracks in advance.

Other Entertainment

In addition to music, there are many other entertainment options to choose from, such as:

• Magicians (£300-£500+)
• Caricaturists (£400+)
• Singing waiters (£650-£1000+)
• Photo booths
• Fireworks
• Circus performers

Factors Affecting Cost

When budgeting for music and entertainment, it's important to consider the following factors that can affect the cost:

• The duration of the performance and how long the act needs to be onsite
• The date of your wedding (peak dates like summer Saturdays tend to be more expensive)
• The popularity and style of the act
• The distance the act needs to travel

Frequently asked questions