How to Save Money When Planning Your Wedding: Tips for a Budget-Friendly Celebration
Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also be one of the most expensive. The average cost of a wedding in the UK is now just over £20,000*, with 65% of couples spending over £15,000*, but you don't have to break the bank to have a beautiful day. Here are some practical tips to help you save money while still creating a wedding that reflects your style and personality.
1. Set a Realistic Budget and Stick to It
Why It’s Important:
Before you start planning, sit down with your partner to determine how much you can realistically spend. Prioritise what’s most important to you—whether it’s the venue, food or photography—and allocate your budget accordingly. Sticking to your budget will help you avoid unexpected costs that can quickly add up.
Tip:
Use a wedding budget calculator to keep track of your expenses and adjust as necessary. Many couples find that creating a spreadsheet helps them visualise where their money is going.
2. Choose an Off-Peak Wedding Date
Why It’s Important:
Wedding venues and suppliers often charge premium prices during peak wedding season, typically from May to September, as this reflects demand, with summer being the most popular period to marry. Choosing an off-peak date, such as a winter or weekday wedding, can save you a significant amount of money.
Tip:
If you're set on a summer wedding, consider holding your ceremony on a Friday or Sunday instead of the more popular Saturday. This can also reduce costs while still giving you that warm-weather vibe.
3. Opt for a Smaller Guest List
Why It’s Important:
The size of your guest list directly impacts almost every aspect of your wedding, from the venue size to catering costs. It can cost couples anything from £50 up to £250 per guest, depending on food and drink inclusions on the day. A smaller guest list not only reduces expenses but also creates a more intimate atmosphere.
Tip:
Consider inviting only close family and friends, or host a destination wedding overseas with a smaller group. Some couples also opt for a micro-wedding or elopement, which can drastically cut costs while still providing a meaningful celebration.
4. DIY Where You Can
Why It’s Important:
Do-it-yourself projects can save you money and add a personal touch to your wedding. From invitations to décor, there are many aspects of your wedding that you can create yourself or with the help of friends and family.
Tip:
Focus on DIY projects that are easy to execute and don’t require a lot of specialised skills. Popular DIY wedding projects include making your own centrepieces, creating your own wedding favours and designing your own signage.
5. Rent or Buy Second-Hand
Why It’s Important:
Wedding attire, décor and even furniture can be rented or bought second-hand at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Many brides find their dream dress at a pre-loved wedding dress shops or rent it for the day.
Tip:
Take a look at websites such as The Loop for second-hand wedding dresses or Something Borrowed for rental dresses. Hiring decorations like table linens and chairs can also cut down on costs and it can be best to hire these items from companies based locally to your venue to keep travel fees down, as well as being more eco-friendly..
6. Simplify Your Menu
Why It’s Important:
Catering is one of the biggest wedding expenses, with couples using up to 25% of their overall budget on food for their guests. A typical price guide** per person could look something like this:
Affordable: £20 – £40 per head
Moderate: £40 – £60 per head
Luxury: £60 – £80 per head
Super luxury: £80+ per head
However there are ways to feed your guests well without overspending. Simplifying your menu and offer 2 courses instead of 3, or opt for a buffet or bowl-style food which can be much more cost-effective than a plated dinner and also helps to creating a relaxed and informal vibe if that’s what you are after. Most caterers will offer a variety of options to suit all budgets, from sharing platters, hog roasts and BBQs, right up to formal 4- or 5-course sit-down meals. An example of a caterers menu can be found here.
Tip:
Consider using a caterer that is able to offer menus that use seasonal and locally-sourced foods, as these can be cheaper and fresher, with the additional benefit of being kinder to the environment. Another option is to offer a limited bar with pre-ordered signature cocktails instead of an open bar, which can significantly reduce alcohol costs.
7. Skip the Extras
Why It’s Important:
It’s easy to get caught up in all the little extras that can add up quickly - such as photo booths, elaborate floral arrangements and personalised favours. Ask yourself if these items are truly necessary to make your day special.
Tip:
Instead of splurging on a traditional wedding cake, the cost of which can average £400-500 (more information here), consider a dessert table with a variety of sweet treats, or a small cake for cutting and sheet cakes for serving. You can also skip favours altogether or choose something simple and inexpensive, like a charitable donation in your guests’ names.
8. Use In-Season Flowers
Why It’s Important:
Flowers are a beautiful part of any wedding, but they can be expensive, especially if you’re importing blooms that are out of season. Using in-season, locally-sourced flowers can reduce costs and support local growers. A more in-depth guide to which flowers are in season when can be found here.
Tip:
Work with your florist to choose flowers that are in abundance at the time of your wedding. Foliage-rich arrangements can also be just as stunning and are often more affordable. Don’t forget to take the bouquets and arrangements home with you if you’re able to, to enjoy for a little while longer, or offer to family and friends to help themselves to some flowers if there are too many for you to take.
9. Consider an All-Inclusive Venue
Why It’s Important:
Some venues offer all-inclusive packages that include everything from catering to décor. These packages can sometimes be more cost-effective than booking each service separately and reduce the stress of coordinating multiple vendors.
Tip:
When comparing venues, ask about what’s included in their packages and if they offer any discounts for off-peak dates or smaller weddings.
10. Limit Professional Services
Why It’s Important:
Hiring professionals for every aspect of your wedding can be costly. While some services are worth the investment, like a professional photographer, others might not be necessary.
Tip:
Consider asking a talented friend or family member to take on certain tasks, such as doing hair and makeup, or baking the cake. Just be sure they’re comfortable with the responsibility and you trust their skills.
In Summary
Planning a wedding on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing your vision or cutting corners on what’s important. By prioritising what matters most to you, getting creative with DIY projects and making smart choices about where to spend and where to save, you can have a beautiful, memorable wedding without the financial stress.
For more detailed budgeting advice and tools, check out resources like Hitched, The Knot and Brides for comprehensive guides and cost-saving tips.
*Data courtesy of Hitched
**Catering price guide courtesy of Bridebook