Yes, it can feel like a minefield. Yes, the numbers stack up faster than you’d like. But a budget doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task that keeps getting ignored. Done right, it can actually be the thing that gives you freedom: to choose what’s genuinely worth investing in and what you can skip over without a second thought (and avoid venting in the group chat about how much chairs cost to hire).
If you’re trying to make the numbers work without losing your mind (or your style), here’s some helpful, genuinely realistic advice to keep your wedding budget on track – and avoid the financial hangover.
The venue is often the biggest spend, but also the one that can save you the most.
A good venue (sorry, a well-chosen venue) will make your life easier and your day smoother from the outset. Pick somewhere that fits your vision as it is, not necessarily a blank canvas you’ll have to fill with hired-in everything. Look at what’s included: tables, chairs, staff, sound system, accommodation, props, styling? The more you can tick off from the start, the less you’ll have to spend (or stress over) later.
Logistics matter, which is why a ceremony and reception at the same location are easier, smoother, and often more cost-effective.
If your dream venue is licensed, even better. Many couples are also choosing celebrant-led ceremonies: personal, flexible, and possible pretty much anywhere. If you’re open to a meaningful ‘unofficial’ ceremony on the day (with a quick town hall visit beforehand), this can be a brilliant, budget-friendly option that gives you a lot more freedom.
Dry-hire venues or DIY weddings can seem cheaper at first glance, but that spreadsheet fills up fast. Marquee? Great – now add flooring. Generators. Toilets. Fridge trailers. Staffing. Someone to clear it all up.
We’re not saying don’t do it – DIY weddings can be beautifully personal and totally unique – but go in with your eyes open, and add a generous buffer to your budget (and your energy levels).
It doesn’t have to be the Maldives. But having a few days to unwind post-wedding is a must. Book a special spot in the UK, head to Europe off-season, or treat yourselves to a cosy cottage and room service. The main thing is: give yourselves the space to decompress and revel in your ‘just-married’ status.
Working with the seasons will nearly always give you more for your money. From food to florals, leaning into what’s fresh, local, and readily available helps your budget (and the planet) go a little further.
Chat with your florist about what’s in bloom, speak to your caterer about what’s local, and resist the temptation to fly in peonies in October.
Have you considered repurposing your flowers? You’ve paid for them, so technically, they could work double shifts. Aisle arrangements? Move them to the bar. Top table display? Reuse it behind the cake. Chat with your florist about what’s movable, and assign someone the job on the day.
It’s not always doable – and sometimes it’s more hassle than it’s worth – but it’s a conversation worth having. Also, don’t underestimate foliage. It’s dramatic, sculptural, and often more budget-friendly than flowers. Greenery FTW.
A summer Saturday will naturally feel quite expensive. A Wednesday in October? Much less.
Off-peak dates are increasingly popular, not just for the savings, but also for the mood: longer celebrations, softer light, seasonal menus, a more relaxed atmosphere. Ask your venue about weekday or shoulder-season availability – you might just fall in love with the cool and calm of an autumnal wedding.
Sit down, just the two of you, and work out your must-haves. Maybe it’s an amazing meal. Maybe it’s a band. Maybe a fabulous outfit and a packed dance floor. Identify what really matters, and let that guide the rest.
Once your budget is set, track it. All of it. Every canapé and candle.
There’s a big difference between being resourceful and doing everything yourself. Some things are worth outsourcing – for your sanity and for the final result.
Yes, you can make your own signage, grow your own flowers, or design your own invites. But unless you’re a seasoned pro, it might take longer, cost more, and cause more stress than it saves. A great supplier can streamline the process and help you avoid expensive missteps.
Fewer bridesmaids = fewer bouquets, dresses, makeup artists, gifts. Keep the crew small, and give others meaningful roles instead: readings, witness duties, toastmaster, etc.
If they love you, they’ll say yes.
This is wedding planning, not a Marketplace gamble. Always get more than one quote and make sure you’re comparing like-for-like. The cheapest option might not be the best value once you factor in experience, quality, or reliability.
Pre-loved, sample sales, high-street heroes; the options for wedding fashion have never been better. More couples are turning away from one-wear outfits and choosing pieces they can re-wear, adapt, or pass on. And we’re very much here for it.
From vintage designer to upcycled pieces, there’s something deeply satisfying about finding the look without the eye-watering price tag, and without adding to the fast-fashion pile.
The same goes for your wedding party: one great suit, one great dress, worn again and again. You don’t need ten matching gowns or custom tailoring for everyone. Let them choose something they genuinely love, and they’ll thank you (and wear it again).
You don’t have to feed 150 people oysters and beef Wellington. An intimate wedding, a dinner party, or an elopement is a valid, beautiful, and often much more affordable way to celebrate.
And if you go tiny, you can go bigger on the details.
It’s not the most glamorous part of planning, but it is one of the most important. Always check whether VAT is included in your quotes – an unexpected 20% on a five-figure spend is nobody’s idea of a good surprise.
Some suppliers will show prices with VAT already added, others won’t, and it’s easy to assume one thing and get a nasty shock later. Before you sign anything, read the small print, ask the question, and get super clear on what’s included.
If you love print, go for it, but don’t feel you have to send every piece of stationery IRL. A digital Save the Date or wedding website can do plenty of heavy lifting.
If you do go for print, small tweaks – like one order of service per couple or table menus instead of individual ones – can help lower print costs without losing the magic.
Booking suppliers close to your venue can make a surprisingly big difference. Local florists, caterers, photographers and stylists won’t need overnight accommodation or mileage covered, and those costs add up fast.
And let’s be honest, who knows your venue better than someone who’s worked there 20 times before? Familiarity means smoother setups, better photos, and a team who already knows where the plugs are, what the light’s like, and how long it takes to get from the car park to the prep suite.
A six-piece band will cost considerably more than a Spotify playlist; both have their merits.
If you’re cutting costs, consider a DJ pal, a killer playlist, or a request box so guests feel involved. Bonus: you’ll have a ready-made party soundtrack to relive it all later.
But if you simply can’t imagine the party of a lifetime without a live rendition of Mr. Brightside, then get that band booked in pronto.
There really is no such thing as the “right way” to get married. Ditch the cake if you want. Skip the favours. Wear sequins. Serve tacos. Get married on a Tuesday.
Spend where it counts. Save where you can. And plan a wedding that could only ever be yours.