Just engaged and wondering what a wedding actually costs? According to Bridebook’s 2026 UK Wedding Report, a survey of 7,000 couples, the average UK wedding in 2026 costs £20,604. That’s for the day itself, not counting the engagement ring or honeymoon. Here’s where that money goes, and how to build a budget that works for you.
Average UK wedding costs by category (2026)
| Category | Average spend |
|---|---|
| Venue (excluding catering) | £6,040 |
| Catering: reception | £5,406 |
| Catering: evening | £2,002 |
| Wedding planner | £1,543 |
| Dress | £1,532 |
| Videographer | £1,514 |
| Photographer | £1,484 |
| Decor | £1,404 |
| Florist | £1,187 |
| Music: reception | £1,061 |
| Rings and jewellery | £1,057 |
| Menswear | £859 |
| Music: ceremony | £845 |
| Entertainment | £844 |
| Transport | £593 |
| Toastmaster | £514 |
| Celebrant | £504 |
| Accessories | £449 |
| Hair | £417 |
| Make-up | £394 |
| Stationery | £378 |
| Cake | £360 |
These are averages among couples who paid for each item, so not every couple spends on every line. A marquee or tipi, for example, averages £4,633 but only applies if you’re hiring one.
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Guest numbers make the biggest difference
The average cost works out at about £278 per guest, and the average ceremony has around 74 guests. Bridebook’s estimates by guest count:
- 50 guests: about £15,162
- 70 guests: about £21,791
- 100 guests: about £22,510
- 120+ guests: about £26,000
41% of receptions now have fewer than 60 guests. Cutting the guest list is still the quickest way to cut the total.
Where you live matters too
The average spend ranges from about £17,342 in North West England to £26,986 in London. In the South West it’s around £22,304, and in Wales around £19,175.
How to build your wedding budget
- Agree your total first. Decide what you can afford (savings, family contributions, what you can save before the day) before you look at venues.
- Pick your top three priorities. Is it the venue, the food, the photos, the party? Spend more there and less elsewhere.
- Set a guest number early. Almost every cost scales with it.
- Allocate a budget to each category, using the averages above as a starting guide.
- Keep 5–10% back as a contingency. Something always costs more than expected.
- Track every deposit and due date. Most suppliers take a deposit, then the balance a few weeks before the day.
- Update the budget as you book. Compare quoted, paid and still to pay, so you always know where you stand.
Easy ways to save
- Choose an off-peak date. Weekday and winter weddings are often much cheaper.
- Get several quotes for every big supplier, and ask what’s included.
- Check the venue’s minimum spend and whether you can bring your own drinks or suppliers.
- Do some of it yourself, such as stationery, favours or decor, but be realistic about your time.
- Remember the hidden extras: service charges, corkage, VAT, delivery and set-up fees, and outfit alterations.
Keep your budget in one place
Our Wedding Budget & Planning Command Centre is a spreadsheet for Excel and Google Sheets that keeps your whole wedding in one file. Track your budget against what you’ve actually spent and what’s still to pay, plus suppliers, your guest list and seating. It costs £13.99 one-off, is an instant download, and comes with a filled-in example so you can see how it works.
See the Wedding Budget & Planning Command Centre →
Prefer a simpler planner? Have a look at our Wedding Planner too.
Related guide: UK Wedding Planning Timeline: What to Do and When.
Wedding budget FAQs
What’s the average cost of a wedding in the UK in 2026?
£20,604, according to Bridebook’s 2026 UK Wedding Report. That’s for the day itself, not including the engagement ring or honeymoon.
What’s the biggest wedding expense?
The venue (about £6,040 on average) and reception catering (about £5,406) are the two largest costs for most couples.
How much should I keep for unexpected costs?
A contingency of around 5–10% of your total is a sensible buffer.
Figures are averages from Bridebook’s 2026 UK Wedding Report (survey of 7,000 couples). Your own costs will depend on your location, suppliers and choices.
Get this guide as a free PDF
Keep it, print it, read it offline. We’ll email it to you with a personal 10% discount code for any spreadsheet.