Your Complete Wedding Costs Guide
As Stuart and I are currently planning our wedding and have been looking at costs as well as speaking to a friend who recently got married about her wedding costs and choices, I wanted to share with you a few tips we have so far.
Planning your wedding should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand celebration or keeping things simple with a registry office wedding, understanding every cost involved helps you make smart choices and avoid nasty surprises.
Many couples focus on the big expenses like the venue and catering, but forget about the smaller costs that add up quickly. From legal fees to wedding insurance, there are dozens of expenses to consider.
This guide walks you through every expense you might encounter, plus money-saving tips that actually work. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of where your money goes and how to stretch your wedding budget a little bit further.
The Must-Have Legal Expenses
Before you can say “I do,” there are some unavoidable legal costs that every couple must budget for. These expenses apply whether you’re having a registry office wedding or a fancy church ceremony.
Notice Fees and Certificates
Every wedding starts with paperwork. You’ll need to give notice at your local register office, and this comes with a fee. Both partners need to do this, so remember to budget for two people.
After your ceremony, you’ll want copies of your marriage certificate. Most couples need at least two or three copies for things like changing names on bank accounts and passports. Order extra copies on your wedding day rather than requesting them later, as this costs less.
Registrar Fees
If you’re having a registry office wedding, the registrar fee covers the ceremony itself. This is often one of the most affordable parts of your wedding budget compared to hiring a venue.
For couples choosing to marry elsewhere, you’ll need to pay for a registrar to come to your venue. This costs more than a registry office wedding but gives you more flexibility with your location.
Venue Costs: More Than Just the Room
Your venue choice has the biggest impact on your overall wedding budget. But remember, the room hire is just the starting point.
Hidden Venue Expenses
Many venues charge extra fees that aren’t obvious at first glance. Some require you to use their preferred suppliers for catering or flowers. Others charge corkage fees if you want to bring your own drinks.
Ask about setup and cleanup fees, parking charges, and overtime costs if your reception runs late. Some venues also require damage deposits, which you’ll get back after your wedding if everything goes smoothly. I have also seen one venue near us ask for a damage waiver that was non-refundable, which I think is very sneaky!
Low-Cost Venue Alternatives
Registry office weddings offer excellent value, especially if you’re keeping your guest list small. Community centres, local halls, and even restaurants can provide beautiful settings at a fraction of the cost of traditional wedding venues.
Consider unconventional spaces like museums, libraries, or parks. These often charge less than dedicated wedding venues and offer unique backdrops for your special day. The Civil War Museum in Newark has some lovely rooms we have seen and may consider.
Photography: Capturing Memories on Any Budget
Professional wedding photography can be expensive, but there are creative ways to document your day without spending a fortune.
Friend and Family Photographers
Ask a talented friend or family member to take your photos. Many people have excellent cameras and photography skills. While they might not have professional experience, they know you well and can capture natural, candid moments.
Create a shot list of must-have photos to help your amateur photographer stay organised. Include family group photos, ceremony highlights, and couple portraits.
Crowd-Sourced Photography
Ask all your guests to take photos throughout the day and share them with you afterwards. Create an album of everyone’s photos using a site like Wedding Photo Swap. You’ll get hundreds of photos from different perspectives, including candid moments you might have missed.
Professional Photography Alternatives
Consider hiring a photographer for just part of your day, like the ceremony and family photos, rather than the entire celebration. Student photographers often offer lower rates while building their portfolios.
Look into newer photographers who are trying to establish themselves. They often provide excellent service at competitive prices.
Wedding Outfits: Looking Amazing for Less
Your wedding outfit is important, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are many ways to look stunning while staying within your budget.
Alternative Dress Shopping
Prom dresses can be significantly cheaper than traditional wedding dresses while offering similar styles and quality. Many prom dress designers create elegant, formal gowns that work perfectly for weddings. A website like Prom Dress Finder might help you find something perfect.
Off-the-peg dresses cost less than made-to-measure options and are available immediately. High street stores often carry beautiful formal dresses suitable for weddings at reasonable prices.
Consider hiring your outfit instead of buying. This works particularly well for grooms’ suits and formal wear that you might only wear once.
Accessories and Alterations
Simple alterations can transform an affordable dress into something that fits perfectly. Budget for basic adjustments like hemming or taking in seams.
Borrow accessories like jewellery, shoes, or veils from friends and family. Many people are happy to lend special items for your wedding day.
Shop second-hand for accessories. Vintage brooches, antique jewellery, shoes, and handbags often cost much less than new items and add unique character to your outfit.
Wedding Insurance: Protection You Need
Wedding insurance might seem like an unnecessary expense, but it protects you from financial disaster if something happens. For a simple ceremony and reception, it will likely be less than £100 and could save you losing a lot of money if something goes wrong.
What Wedding Insurance Covers
Most policies cover cancellation due to illness, extreme weather, or venue problems. They also protect against supplier failure if your photographer, caterer, or other vendors go out of business.
Some policies include public liability insurance, which protects you if someone gets injured at your wedding. This is particularly important if you’re having your reception at home or in a rented space.
Choosing the Right Coverage
Basic wedding insurance costs much less than comprehensive coverage but still protects against major disasters. Consider what risks are most relevant to your wedding plans.
If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, weather coverage becomes more important. Couples with expensive photography packages might want higher coverage limits for supplier failure.
Some wedding insurance also includes the honeymoon, so if this is important to you be sure to check the coverage.
DIY Elements: What You Can Make Yourself
Creating some wedding elements yourself saves money and adds personal touches to your celebration.
Invitations and Stationery
Designing your own wedding invitations using something like Canva gives you complete control over the style and wording. Online templates and printing services make this easier than ever.
Consider digital invitations for some guests, especially for save-the-dates or evening invitations. These cost nothing to send and are better for the environment.
Create your own order of service, menu cards, and table numbers using the same design elements as your invitations for a coordinated look.
Decorations and Centrepieces
Simple flower arrangements often look more elegant than elaborate displays. Buy flowers wholesale or from a market rather than a florist to reduce costs significantly.
Use items you already own, like candlesticks, vases, or picture frames, as part of your decorations. Fairy lights and candles create a romantic ambience without expensive floral arrangements.
Consider non-floral centrepieces like books, lanterns, or seasonal fruit. These often cost less than flowers and can be reused after your wedding.
Wedding Favours
Wedding favours are optional, but if you want to give guests something special, homemade options show thoughtfulness while saving money.
Bake cookies, make jam, or create small plants in pots. Package them nicely with ribbons and labels that match your wedding theme.
Consider edible favours that guests can enjoy immediately, rather than items they might not use. Sweets, chocolates, or mini bottles of alcohol usually cost less per person than traditional favours.
Food and Drink: Feeding Your Guests
Catering often represents the largest portion of your wedding budget after the venue, but there are ways to reduce costs without compromising on quality.
Alternative Catering Options
Buffet meals typically cost less per person than plated dinners and offer more variety for guests with different dietary requirements. They also feel more relaxed and encourage mingling.
Consider alternative meal times. Brunch or afternoon tea receptions often cost less than evening dinners and create a different but equally special atmosphere.
Ask local restaurants about group catering options. Many offer party platters or family-style meals that work well for wedding receptions.
Drinks Strategy
Providing beer, wine, and soft drinks costs much less than a full bar. Most guests are happy with these options, especially during daytime celebrations.
Some venues allow you to bring your own alcohol, which can result in significant savings. Buy drinks from wholesale suppliers or cash-and-carry stores for better prices.
Consider signature cocktails instead of a full bar. Choose one or two special drinks that reflect your personalities, alongside wine and beer.
Music and Entertainment
Great music makes any wedding memorable, but you don’t need to hire expensive bands or DJs to create the right atmosphere.
DIY Music Solutions
Create playlists for different parts of your day, from ceremony music to dancing songs. Many venues have sound systems you can connect to your phone or laptop.
Ask musically talented friends to perform during your ceremony or reception. This adds personal meaning to your celebration while reducing entertainment costs.
Consider acoustic performances over full bands. A guitarist or pianist often costs less than a full band while creating an intimate, romantic atmosphere.
Budget-Friendly Entertainment
Lawn games like croquet or giant Jenga provide entertainment without high costs. These work particularly well for outdoor or informal receptions.
Photo booths can be expensive to hire, but you can create your own with props, a backdrop, and a camera on a tripod. Guests love taking silly photos, and you’ll get great candid shots.
Transportation Considerations
Getting to and from your wedding venue requires planning and budgeting, especially if you’re having your ceremony and reception in different locations.
Cost-Effective Transport Options
Traditional wedding cars look spectacular but cost significantly more than regular taxis or ride-sharing services. Consider whether the extra expense fits your budget priorities.
If family or friends have nice cars, ask if they’d be willing to drive you. Decorate the car with ribbons or flowers to make it feel special for photos.
Public transport might sound unromantic, but it can work well for city weddings. Some couples find it fun and memorable to travel by bus or train with their wedding party.
Planning Timeline and Budget Tracking
Staying organised helps you avoid overspending and ensures nothing gets forgotten in the excitement of wedding planning.
Creating Your Budget
List every possible expense, no matter how small. Include obvious costs like venue and food, plus smaller items like postage for invitations and tips for suppliers.
Allocate your money based on what’s most important to you as a couple. If photography matters more than flowers, spend accordingly.
Build in a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Even the most careful planning can’t predict every cost that might arise.
Tracking Spending
Keep records of all deposits and payments. This helps you stay within budget and ensures you don’t double-pay suppliers.
Many couples find spreadsheets helpful for tracking wedding expenses. Update them regularly as you make bookings and payments.
Review your budget monthly during planning. This gives you time to adjust if you’re overspending in some areas.
Making Your Wedding Day Special
Remember that the most important part of your wedding day is celebrating your love with people who matter to you. Expensive elements don’t automatically make weddings better or more meaningful.
Focus on what truly matters to you both. Some couples care most about great food, others prioritise photography, and some want amazing music for dancing. Spend your money on what will make your day memorable for the right reasons.
Personal touches often mean more to guests than expensive decorations. Handwritten notes, favourite songs, or family traditions create lasting memories without big price tags.
Your Budget-Friendly Wedding Starts Here
Planning a wedding on any budget requires careful thought and creativity, but it’s absolutely possible to have a beautiful, meaningful celebration without overspending. Registry office weddings can be just as special as elaborate affairs, and low-cost weddings often feel more personal and intimate.
Start by deciding what matters most to you both, then allocate your wedding budget accordingly. Remember that every couple’s priorities are different, and there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate your marriage.
Take time to research all your options before making decisions. Often, the first quote you receive isn’t the best deal available. With patience and creativity, you can create the perfect wedding day that reflects your relationship and fits your budget.
