Planning A Wedding On A Budget: Uk Edition

Planning a wedding on a budget in the UK can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The average wedding costs £20,700, so spending a fraction of that amount requires careful planning and prioritising. There are plenty of ways to save money, from choosing a cheap venue to taking advantage of discounts. With the right approach, it's possible to have a beautiful wedding on a budget.

Wedding venue discounts

The wedding venue is likely to be one of the biggest expenses of the day, so it's a good idea to look for ways to save money in this area. There are a number of cheap wedding venues that offer dry hire for around £400.

To keep costs down, you could also consider a venue that offers a package deal, which includes catering, drinks, and entertainment. This can often work out cheaper than hiring a venue and sourcing all the other elements separately.

If you have a particular venue in mind, it's worth asking about any discounts they may offer for weddings held on weekdays or during off-peak seasons. Many venues will offer lower rates for weddings held on a Friday or Sunday, or during the winter months.

Finally, don't be afraid to negotiate with venues. If you're flexible on dates and are happy to consider a venue that's a little further out of town, you may be able to secure a better rate.

Guest list

Planning a wedding on a budget in the UK can be challenging, but it's definitely doable. The average wedding costs £20,700, so if you're working with a smaller budget, you'll need to be strict with your guest list and make some compromises.

The guest list is one of the most important factors in determining your wedding budget. The number of guests will impact the venue size and catering costs, which typically make up around half of your overall spending. If you're looking to cut costs, consider trimming your guest list to only your closest friends and family. This will not only reduce your catering costs but may also give you more options for cheaper venues, as you won't need to accommodate as many people.

When deciding on your guest list, it's essential to be realistic about your budget and what you can afford. Consider your daily expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, as well as any upcoming costs, like a down payment on a home or medical expenses. By factoring in these expenses, you can create a more accurate wedding budget and avoid overspending.

It's also worth noting that not all guests may attend, with an average of 75% of guests typically RSVPing yes. This can help you manage your budget, especially if you're close to the maximum capacity of your venue or catering package.

Finally, be mindful of additional costs associated with your guest list. The average cost per wedding guest is around £284, so the more guests you invite, the higher your overall expenses will be. This includes costs such as invitations, favours, and any transportation or accommodation you may need to provide for your guests.

Cheap wedding venues

The wedding venue is usually one of the biggest expenses when planning a wedding, so it's a good place to start when trying to save money. There are a number of cheap wedding venues that offer dry hire for around £400.

If you're looking for a quaint, unique and cheap wedding venue, The Millstream Bistro in Dorset could be perfect. This restaurant is nestled by a beautiful brook and offers a Michelin-trained chef to help you create a bespoke menu for your big day. The price per head ranges from £12 to £38.

For a country wedding, Rotherham Golf Club offers an all-inclusive wedding for 50 guests for just £3,495.

The Mills Barn is another great option, with eight acres of beautiful gardens. Hayne House is set among 35 acres of gorgeous landscaped grounds, and the venue offers exclusive use for you and your guests.

If you're looking for a rustic wedding, Knightor Winery in Cornwall offers a number of beautiful spots for your ceremony, drinks and wedding breakfast. The wonderfully romantic vaulted threshing barn can accommodate up to 90 daytime guests and 180 evening guests.

South Green Park is a modern wedding venue in the heart of the Norfolk countryside and is a great option for budget-conscious couples, costing between £1,200 and £2,800.

Compromise and prioritise

Planning a wedding on a budget requires compromise and prioritisation. The average wedding costs £20,700 in the UK, so spending £3,000 on a budget wedding is a challenge. The wedding venue is usually the biggest expense, so look for a cheap venue that offers dry hire for around £400. Take advantage of any discounts and be strict with your guest list. Compromise on certain aspects of the day and prioritise what's most important to you. For example, if you want to splurge on a live band, you might want to save money by buying a cheaper wedding dress.

Budget allocations

The wedding venue is usually one of the biggest expenditures, so it is worth looking for cheap wedding venues that offer dry hire for around £400. There are also plenty of wedding venue discounts to take advantage of.

It is also important to prioritise what is most important to you and your partner. This will help you to allocate your budget effectively and ensure that you are able to afford the things that are most important to you.

There are many money-saving tips and cost-cutting steps that you can follow to stay within your budget. Planning a wedding on a budget is possible, but it requires compromise, prioritisation, and a strict budget allocation.

Frequently asked questions