Rewording (human biased): Weddings are to celebrate love, commitment and a new journey. However, crafting the perfect day can be challenging, particularly when it comes to budgeting. If you have ever been thinking like which wedding can cost how much in UK in 2025, then you are not alone. Because of rising costs and evolving trends, you’ll need to know what expenses could be ahead.
The average UK wedding in 2025 is estimated to cost £20,822 or £25,625 for a wedding according to the latest data based on location or guests or personal tastes.
So let’s dig into a detailed analysis of these costs and how to optimize and fund your dream wedding to be both unforgettable and affordable!
|
Item |
Cost (Approximate) |
|
Venue (with catering) |
£9,000 to £11,000 |
|
Catering (per guest) |
£110 |
|
Photography and Videography |
£1,400 to £1,600 |
|
Entertainment |
£1,000 to £2,500 |
|
Wedding Dress and Attire |
£1,500 to £3,000 |
|
Hair and Makeup |
£600 to £700 |
|
Flowers and Decor |
£500 to £2,000 |
|
Invitations and Stationery |
£200 to £600 |
|
Wedding Planner |
£2,000 to £3,000 |
|
Engagement Ring |
£2,000 |
|
Wedding Cake |
£300 to £500 |
|
Total Estimate |
£20,822 to £25,625 |
Note: These figures are averages and can vary based on individual choices and circumstances.
The venue and catering is usually the biggest expense in any wedding budget. The most recent wedding report suggests that the average cost, inclusive of catering, is between £9,000 and £11,000 in 2025. This generally covers things like venue hire, food and drinks, and occasionally further services like staffing and decoration.
Take a look at our guide to the Best Wedding Venues in the UK to find a spot that fits with both your style and budget.
Budget Tip:
Wedding Off-Peak: Host your wedding on off-peak or off-season months (November to March) for better rates.
And if your wedding falls on a weekday, you may be able to save a bundle because many venues provide cheaper rates for non-weekend dates.
Entertainment: One Ingredient to a Memorable Wedding Day It establishes the emotional tone, gets your guests moving and makes your celebration feel vibrant. Whether you opt for a DJ playing your favourite MOTOWN classics or a live band that loves a bit of showmanship, you should put aside between £1,000 and £2,500 in your budget. If you’re after the crème de la crème of entertainment, visit UK Live Entertainment’s Wedding Bands for everything from classical string quartets to upbeat pop and rock bands for receptions.
Looking for playlist inspiration? For crowd-pleasing classics, see our Top 10 Wedding Songs of All Time. Or listen to our Amped Up Love Songs for Weddings for more intimate vibes.
Tip: Schedule your acts early to secure the best rates and availability. Choose entertainers who can perform for the ceremony/cocktail hour/reception for seamless flow through your day.
For a lot of people, maybe the biggest investment is capturing the memories of your big day. The average national UK photography & videography spend is between £1,400-1,600 (2025). These memories in image form allow you to relive every smile, every tear, every moment of joy for years to come.
Budget Tip:
Book a combiner photo & video package – many photographers would give a discounted rate if you book both video & photograph packages. This helps maintain style consistency and a smoother experience. Look to Employ New Talent with a Fresh Approach and Prices to Match — there is no avoiding one or the other, experience comes at a price but newer entrants can give you both.
Book early — the best photographers and videographers are often booked months in advance, particularly during peak wedding season.
Decor and floral arrangements are what adds that special detail to your wedding and gives your wedding the style and ambiance that is specific to you! The average couple in the UK are spending £500-2,000 to achieve their wedding vision in 2025. From stylish centerpieces to personalized signage, these details contribute to the atmosphere and showcase your personalities.
Budget Tip:
To incorporate meaningful components while avoiding overspending, consider DIY decor for things like table settings, signage or favors. One great way to save is to choose in-season flowers, as they are cheaper and more widely available.
Even if you’re aiming for rustic elegance or modern minimalism, a little planning and a healthy mix of professional help and personal creativity can keep your day beautiful and your budget in check.
More than just your flower crown (or no flower crown, have you noted how it suits some and not others?) your wedding attire is a huge part of looking amazing on the very best day of your life. In 2025, couples are paying between £1,500 and £3,000 for outfits for the wedding, including suits, gowns and accessories. Hair and makeup services can incur upwards of an additional £600 to £700, particularly with bridal trials and on-the-day styling for the wedding party included.
Budget Tip:
Seek out pre-owned bridal boutiques or a sample sale to discover designer dresses and tuxes for a fraction of the cost. For grooming, look at group bookings for hair and makeup; many offer bundle discounts and it will help give your party a consistent look.
Trying to plan outfit when you are left with less than a month also creates bottlenecks, where trying to find shoes or hair styling that matches the configuration leads you to compromise selected pieces, when used along with your personality and theme.
In 2025 UK couples said they expect to spend between £200 and £600 on wedding invitations and stationery, which includes save-the-dates, RSVPs, menus and signage. Printed invitations generally can vary in price from £1.50 to £4 a piece, depending on the complexity of the design and embellishments. Digital options are on the up too, with customisable e-invites from just £10.
Budget Tip:
Digital invitations are a great money-saver and also make tracking RSVPs easy. To save money while getting the personalized look you want, take advantage of DIY design tools to create your own invitations to print yourself — or use a value-priced online service.
This method provides creative flexibility while maintaining budget constraints. From traditional printed stationery to modern digital invites, thoughtful exploration of design will keep your wedding communications true to your style and tone for a memorable day.
A wedding cake that’s elaborately designed is a fixture and sweet end to your celebration. UK couples in 2025 generally spend £300 to £500 on a traditional three-tier cake. Prices vary based on design complexity, flavors and size.
Budget Tip:
To create a grand multi-tier look without paying for an entire cake, use faux tiers — decorative layers that give height and elegance that are only partially edible. This standard also gives visual impact and can be more budget-friendly. The other is to choose a modest design without many adornments that will help save money without giving up style.
For those interested in alternatives, cupcake towers or dessert tables with a range of sweets can provide both variety and savings. Settle in, the tip is to go with something that suits your flavor and your wallet and give yourself and your guest saga good time.
The average cost of a UK wedding in 2025 is between £25,000 and 25,625, which is a 4% rise on previous years. But this number is just an estimate; your personal choices will greatly impact your overall spending. You could for example hire a live band from UK Live entertainment to transform the party, or use digital invitations to cut down on costs.
By prioritizing what is important to you — whether it's attire, location or the guest experience — you can customize your budget to perfectly correspond with your vision. With some thoughtful planning, smart vendor choices, and a little bit of okay-ness with compromising, you can save some costs without scrimping on your style.
The average cost of a wedding in the UK in 2025 ranges between £20,822 and £25,625. This includes essentials like the venue, catering, attire, photography, and entertainment. However, many couples are finding ways to personalize their day and cut costs by choosing off-peak dates or DIY solutions.
To save money without sacrificing the experience:
Host your wedding on a weekday or off-season (November–March)
Choose a buffet over plated meals
Go for digital invitations
DIY decor and enlist help from friends and family
Book entertainment and vendors early for the best rates
Yes, destination weddings can sometimes be more affordable than UK-based celebrations, especially in countries with lower vendor and venue costs. However, you must factor in travel, legal requirements, and guest logistics, which can offset the savings if not planned carefully.
Hiring a wedding planner can be a game-changer, especially if you’re working full-time or planning a large wedding. Most charge 10–15% of your total budget, but they often save you money through vendor connections and smart planning. If you're aiming for peace of mind and flawless execution, a planner is worth considering.
Popular 2025 trends include:
Micro weddings (30–60 guests) with luxurious details
Live entertainment like roaming bands or immersive performers
Eco-friendly weddings with digital invites and reusable décor
Hybrid celebrations with live streams for distant guests
First-look photoshoots to capture emotions before the ceremony
