How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget

According to a recent survey carried out by professional wedding planners hitched.co.uk, the average wedding in the UK cost £23,250 in 2024. This was 12% up on the average cost of a wedding just one year earlier, and 34% up since 2021.

Here, Anel Andrew at MoneyPlus reveals exactly how to plan a wedding on a budget.

Walking Down the Aisle to Debt

So, why do so many couples find themselves in debt after their big day? Well, it tends to be down to a mix of factors. First and foremost, costs tend to spiral because weddings are highly emotional occasions, and it’s easy to get swept up in the romance of it all, chasing a day in which everything is picture perfect. This can lead to overspending, as couples prioritise creating a magical experience, sometimes without fully considering the financial implications.

Unexpected expenses are another common pitfall. Even the most meticulous planners can encounter unforeseen costs, such as final alterations to the dress or last-minute unexpected guests. These surprise expenses can throw even the most carefully crafted budget off track, leading to further debt. 

Finally, the easy availability of credit plays a role to fund weddings and can also fuel the issue. In order to put on the wedding of their dreams, many couples resort to using credit cards or taking out personal loans to finance their weddings. While this may seem like a convenient solution in the short term, it can lead to long-term financial problems. The interest accrued on these debts can be substantial, making it difficult to repay and creating a stressful start to married life. Starting a marriage burdened by debt can impact future financial decisions, such as buying a house or starting a family, and can put a strain on the relationship itself.

Set a Realistic Budget & Include Realistic Debt

This is the most crucial step to planning a wedding. Before you start organising anything, sit down with your partner and honestly assess your finances. From this point, you can determine how much you can realistically afford to spend without going into unmanageable debt. Just be sure to remember to be realistic about your income and expenses, and factor in any existing debts you may be dealing with – both as a couple and independently. Once you have a figure in mind, stick to it!

Limit the guest list

One of the biggest wedding expenses is catering. The more guests you invite, the more you’ll spend on food, drinks, and potentially even venue hire. If you are planning a wedding on a tight budget, think about maybe having a smaller, more intimate celebration with your closest family and friends. This not only saves money but can also create a more personal and meaningful experience.

Choose an affordable venue

Typically, venue hire makes up the biggest expense when planning a wedding. Indeed, as a general rule, you should be earmarking around half of your total wedding budget for the venue rental and dining services. However, by securing a great value venue, overall costs can be significantly reduced. With this in mind, think about less traditional venues, such as community halls, local parks, or even your own home. These options can be much cheaper than traditional wedding venues like hotels. If you have your heart set on a dedicated wedding venue, consider off-peak times or days of the week, as these are often offered at discounted rates.

DIY invitations and decorations

Instead of hiring a professional, consider creating your own invitations and decorations. There are countless DIY tutorials available online, and this can be a fun and creative way to personalise your wedding while saving money. Think about using affordable materials like recycled paper, wildflowers, and homemade decorations.

Think about pre-loved/vintage

Wedding outfits, especially dresses, can be incredibly expensive.  Exploring second-hand or vintage options can be a fantastic way to save money while also finding something unique and potentially even more special.  There are many online marketplaces and dedicated vintage shops where you can find beautiful dresses, suits, and accessories at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Plus, it’s a more sustainable choice!

Rethink your priorities

Decide what elements of your wedding are most important to you and your partner. Are you passionate about having a live band?  Or is the food the most important aspect?  Once you’ve identified your priorities, allocate your budget accordingly. This exercise will undoubtedly require compromise from both you and your partner, and you might not be able to have everything you’ve ever dreamed of, but ultimately it will help you make informed decisions about where to spend and where to save. By being flexible and willing to adjust your expectations, you can still have a beautiful and memorable wedding without breaking the bank.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for help. They may have skills or resources that you can utilise, such as photography, baking, or even just lending a hand with decorations! Although you may find it awkward asking for help, you might be surprised how many of your friends are happy to contribute to a couple’s special day.

Track your spending

Finally, keep track of all your wedding expenses. This sounds obvious, but you would be amazed how much this simple task can save in the form of accidental overspending and help you avoid any surprises. Use a spreadsheet or a wedding planning app to monitor your spending and make sure you’re not overspending in any area.