Planning a wedding in the UK? Understanding the latest Cost of a Wedding is essential for creating a realistic budget. With inflation, evolving trends, and changing priorities, wedding expenses continue to rise. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the latest figures, offering an in-depth look at where couples are investing their money and how you can plan your dream wedding without financial stress.
The Average Wedding Cost in the UK (2025)
Based on recent surveys, the average cost of a UK wedding in 2025 has reached £23,700, reflecting a continued increase from previous years:
- 2024: £23,250
- 2023: £20,700
- 2022: £18,400
- 2021: £17,300
With nearly 1 in 2 couples stating that economic conditions have impacted their wedding budgets, many are adjusting their plans to accommodate rising costs.
Cost of a Wedding in 2025: Where Is the Money Going?
Understanding how wedding budgets are allocated can help couples prioritise spending. Below is a detailed breakdown of average wedding expenses:
| Expense Category | Average Cost (£) |
|---|---|
| Venue Hire | 8,600 |
| Catering (per guest) | 75 |
| Wedding Dress | 1,450 |
| Photography & Videography | 2,400 |
| Entertainment (Band/DJ) | 1,200 |
| Flowers & Decor | 1,150 |
| Invitations & Stationery | 350 |
| Hair & Makeup | 200 |
| Wedding Rings | 1,500 |
| Transportation | 600 |
| Miscellaneous Costs | 2,500 |
With these figures, 25% of couples are spending over £30,000, while 40% of weddings cost at least £10,000.
How Couples Are Funding Their Weddings
The financial landscape of weddings is evolving. While many couples still receive financial support from family, reliance on personal savings and alternative financing methods is increasing:
- 63% of couples receive financial gifts from family
- 1 in 20 use "Buy Now, Pay Later" options
- 29% prioritise paying off debt alongside wedding expenses
- 64% are also saving for a honeymoon
The Modern UK Wedding: What’s Trending?
Guest Experience Takes Priority
Guest satisfaction has become the top priority for couples, outranking budget concerns. The most valued aspects include:
- Personalised elements reflecting the couple’s identity
- High-quality food and drink options
- Thoughtful entertainment and unique experiences
Smaller, More Intimate Gatherings
While the average guest count has increased to 89 guests, 20% of weddings now feature under 50 guests, prioritising meaningful interactions over large-scale celebrations.
Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Weddings
More couples are focusing on sustainable weddings, with 25% incorporating eco-friendly elements such as:
- Ethical wedding attire
- Locally sourced catering
- Digital invitations
Shifts in Wedding Traditions
Several traditional wedding elements are becoming less common:
- 9% of weddings are now alcohol-free
- 20% of couples opt out of cutting a wedding cake
- 1 in 5 skip the traditional wedding party setup
How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget
For those looking to keep costs manageable, consider these strategies:
1. Choose an Off-Peak Date
Opting for a weekday or off-season wedding can save thousands on venue and vendor costs.
2. DIY Where Possible
With 56% of couples incorporating DIY elements, making your decorations, invitations, or favors can significantly cut costs.
3. Trim the Guest List
Since catering is charged per guest, reducing your invite list is one of the easiest ways to stay within budget.
4. Prioritise Must-Have Elements
Decide on the non-negotiables (venue, dress, photography, wedding cars) and adjust your budget accordingly for other expenses.
5. Consider Alternative Venues
Many couples save by opting for outdoor weddings, community halls, or small boutique venues over traditional hotel receptions.
Book Your Wedding Car
At Prestige Chauffeur, we offer a great range of cars and services to replace the stress of wedding transportation with sophisticated travel to the ceremony and beyond. Make your day even more special with a wedding car hire for the bride, groom or the wedding party to make sure everyone gets to the venue on time.
With our expertise in wedding day transportation and dedication to customer service, we guarantee a wedding car hire service that's second to none no matter the weather!
Contact us now to discuss your wedding transportation needs, and let us handle the rest!
info@prestigechauffer.com
01463 214211
07546746885
Inverness - 55 Church Street, IV1 1DR
Aberdeen - 5 Crown Street, AB11 6HA