How to Save Money on Your Wedding: Practical Tips to Cut the Cost Without Sacrificing the Day
Published 19th of April 2012·Updated 13 April 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy April 2026
The average UK wedding cost £20,775 in 2023, according to Hitched's annual wedding survey. Starting married life in significant debt is a real risk if you do not set a clear budget and stick to it. The good news is that most of the biggest costs have cheaper alternatives that do not affect the quality of the day.
Short Summary
The five biggest costs in a UK wedding are the venue, catering, photography, the dress and flowers. Cutting costs in these five areas alone can save thousands.
Marrying on a weekday or in the off-peak season (November to March, excluding Christmas) can reduce venue costs by 20 to 40 per cent at many venues.
A guest list reduction of 20 people can save £2,000 to £4,000 at average catering rates of £100 to £200 per head.
Putting wedding costs on a credit card can offer Section 75 protection on purchases over £100, but only use one if you can repay the balance in full shortly after the wedding.
How to choose a venue that fits your budget
Your venue is almost certainly your biggest single cost. Licensed wedding venues in popular areas charge significant premiums, particularly at weekends from April to October. You have several ways to reduce this:
- Book a weekday: Thursday weddings are growing in popularity and many venues offer 25 to 40 per cent discounts compared to Saturdays
- Choose off-peak months: January, February and November offer the lowest venue prices
- Consider non-traditional venues: local authority register offices, village halls, and some National Trust properties offer far lower hire fees than purpose-built wedding venues
- Negotiate: venues have unsold dates they want to fill; asking for a price reduction on a short-notice or off-peak booking is often successful
Some couples hold the ceremony at a register office (typically £50 to £150 in registrar fees) and then host a separate celebration at a lower-cost venue such as a pub function room or family garden.
Where can you save on catering?
Catering costs at UK weddings typically run between £70 and £200 per head. On a guest list of 80, the difference between the cheapest and most expensive caterers can exceed £10,000.
| Catering format | Approximate cost per head |
|---|---|
| Formal seated dinner with multiple courses | £120-£200 |
| Buffet (hot or cold) | £40-£80 |
| Afternoon tea | £25-£50 |
| Pizza or street food van | £20-£40 |
| DIY with family help | £10-£20 |
An afternoon reception with cake and drinks rather than a full dinner can cut your catering bill significantly. If your family is willing and able to help cook, a self-catered reception can save several thousand pounds, though check your venue's policy on outside catering first.
How to spend less on the wedding dress
The average spend on a wedding dress in the UK is around £1,500, but you do not need to pay anywhere near that amount.
Sample sales at bridal boutiques offer significant discounts on designer gowns. Selling platforms such as Still White and Stillwhite.co.uk list pre-owned wedding dresses in excellent condition, often at 50 to 70 per cent of the original price. High-street retailers including ASOS, Coast and Marks and Spencer sell wedding dresses from around £200 to £500.
Renting is also an option, particularly for a dress you will wear only once. Several UK rental services operate online with home try-on options.
Is it cheaper to get married abroad?
A destination wedding in countries such as Italy, Portugal or Greece can cost less overall than a large UK reception, particularly if you keep the guest list small. However, factor in travel and accommodation costs for you and your guests. A small destination wedding of 20 to 30 people can be significantly more affordable than a large UK celebration, while a destination wedding with the same guest numbers as a UK event can easily exceed UK costs.
Should you use credit to pay for your wedding?
Using a credit card for wedding purchases over £100 gives you Section 75 protection under the Consumer Credit Act. This means that if a supplier goes bust or fails to deliver, your card provider is jointly liable for a refund. This is particularly valuable for venue deposits, catering contracts and photography.
However, borrowing more than you can repay quickly is a serious financial risk. Interest on wedding debt at 25 per cent APR can add thousands to the total cost over several years. Budget what you can genuinely afford, not what you think you should spend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a wedding in the UK?
According to Hitched's 2023 National Wedding Survey, the average UK wedding cost £20,775. Costs vary significantly by region, with London weddings averaging higher. Venue hire is typically the largest single expense.
How can I reduce my wedding guest list without causing offence?
Keep the ceremony itself smaller and invite more guests to an evening reception only. Draw a clear line: for example, invite only immediate family and close friends to the full day, and extend the evening invitation more broadly. Communicating this clearly and early reduces the chance of misunderstanding.
Is it worth hiring a wedding planner to save money?
A good wedding planner with strong supplier relationships can negotiate discounts that offset their fee. However, if your priority is saving money, take on the planning yourself and use free online tools and local Facebook groups for supplier recommendations.
What is the cheapest time of year to get married in the UK?
January and February are the cheapest months. Venues, florists and photographers often offer their lowest prices in these months. December is not considered off-peak due to Christmas party season demand.
Can I get married for under £5,000 in the UK?
Yes, with careful planning. A register office ceremony costs as little as £50 to £150 in fees. A small self-catered reception, borrowed or rented dress, a local photographer and a simple cake can bring the total well under £5,000 for a guest list of 20 to 30 people.
What wedding costs are protected under Section 75?
Any wedding purchase made on a credit card where a single item costs between £100 and £30,000 is covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. This includes venue deposits, catering contracts, photography packages and wedding dress purchases. Your credit card provider is jointly liable if the supplier fails to deliver.