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Weddings are a significant financial commitment. Here’s what UK couples actually spend in 2026 and how to budget for your big day.
Average Wedding Cost 2026
UK Overview
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average total cost | £20,604 (Bridebook 2026) |
| Average cost per guest | £278 |
| Average ceremony guest count | Around 74 |
| Couples spending £10,000 or under | 25% |
Wedding Costs by Budget Level
Bridebook’s 2026 survey groups couples by how much they spend.
| Spend Level | Share of Couples |
|---|---|
| £10,000 or under | 25% |
| £10,001 to £25,999 | 40% |
| £26,000 or more | 25% |
| £35,000 or more | 10% |
Bridebook describes a budget wedding as £5,000 to £10,000 and a luxury wedding as £30,000 or more.
Full Wedding Cost Breakdown
Average Spend by Category
| Category | Average Spend (Bridebook 2026) |
|---|---|
| Venue (excluding catering) | £6,040 |
| Catering, reception | £5,406 |
| Catering, evening | £2,002 |
| Marquee / tipi | £4,633 |
| Wedding planner | £1,543 |
| Dress | £1,532 |
| Videographer | £1,514 |
| Photographer | £1,484 |
| Decor | £1,404 |
| Florist | £1,187 |
| Music, reception | £1,061 |
| Rings / jewellery | £1,057 |
| Menswear | £859 |
| Music, ceremony | £845 |
| Entertainment | £844 |
| Transport | £593 |
| Toastmaster | £514 |
| Celebrant | £504 |
| Accessories | £449 |
| Hair styling | £417 |
| Make-up | £394 |
| Stationery | £378 |
| Cake | £360 |
These are averages across all couples, including those who did not buy the item, so they do not add up to the overall average.
Share of the Budget
| Category | Share of Budget |
|---|---|
| Venue hire and catering | 51% |
| Wedding attire | 19% |
| Photography and videography | 10% |
| Flowers and décor | 7% |
| Entertainment | 7% |
| Other suppliers and extras | 6% |
Wedding Costs by Region
Regional Average Costs
| Region | Average Cost | vs UK Average |
|---|---|---|
| London | £26,986 | +31% |
| Scotland | £22,987 | +12% |
| South East | £22,637 | +10% |
| South West | £22,304 | +8% |
| UK Average | £20,604 | n/a |
| West Midlands | £20,006 | -3% |
| East of England | £19,794 | -4% |
| Wales | £19,175 | -7% |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £18,769 | -9% |
| Northern Ireland | £18,564 | -10% |
| North East | £18,410 | -11% |
| East Midlands | £17,981 | -13% |
| North West | £17,342 | -16% |
Supplier Costs by Region
Bridebook’s data shows supplier prices differ by region as well as the total spend. These are indicative averages across supplier categories.
| Region | Supplier Cost vs UK Average |
|---|---|
| London | +30% |
| Northern Ireland | +13% |
| Scotland | +7% |
| North East England | +5% |
| East of England | +4% |
| South East England | +1% |
| South West England | -1% |
| North West England | -2% |
| West Midlands | -4% |
| Wales | -5% |
| East Midlands | -9% |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | -12% |
Catering Costs
Bridebook’s 2026 survey puts average reception catering at £5,406, with evening food adding another £2,002. Caterers’ quotes depend on the menu and venue, so a per-head price in writing is the reliable figure for your own wedding.
Total Spend by Guest Count
| Wedding Size (Day Guests) | Total Average Spend | Average Cost per Guest |
|---|---|---|
| 50 guests | £15,162 | £303 |
| 70 guests | £21,791 | £311 |
| 100 guests | £22,510 | £225 |
| 120+ guests | £26,000 | £217 |
Dress, Attire, Photography and Entertainment
Bridebook’s 2026 averages for these categories are in the table above: dress £1,532, menswear £859, accessories £449, photographer £1,484, videographer £1,514, reception music £1,061, ceremony music £845 and other entertainment £844. Prices for individual suppliers depend on the supplier, the date and what is included, so quotes are the figure to rely on for your own budget.
Cost by Month
Date matters as well as location. Bridebook’s 2026 data shows summer weddings generally costing more and winter weddings often offering better value.
| Month | Average Spend |
|---|---|
| January | £11,000 |
| February | £17,563 |
| March | £18,813 |
| April | £20,875 |
| May | £19,829 |
| June | £23,809 |
| July | £20,483 |
| August | £22,351 |
| September | £22,116 |
| October | £17,873 |
| November | £18,910 |
| December | £19,333 |
Bridebook lists June, August and September as the most expensive months and January, February and October as the cheapest.
Ways to Save Money
Bridebook lists these as the cheapest ways to get married: smaller guest lists, weekday dates and registry office ceremonies. Other approaches it names include a pub, restaurant or non-traditional venue, DIY décor, stationery or flowers (though DIY is not always cheaper), and putting money into the suppliers that matter most to you. Suppliers set their own discounts for off-peak dates, so ask each one what they offer.
Wedding Budget Planning
Monthly Saving Targets
For a £20,000 wedding
| Saving Period | Monthly Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months | £1,667 | Very aggressive |
| 18 months | £1,111 | Challenging but doable |
| 24 months | £833 | Comfortable for most |
| 30 months | £667 | Relaxed timeline |
| 36 months | £556 | Long engagement |
Costs That Are Easy to Forget
Alongside the supplier costs above, couples often overlook the marriage notice and registration fees, wedding insurance, tips and service charges, supplier meals, venue overtime, a day-of coordinator and guest accommodation. Ask each supplier and the venue what is and is not included, and get the deposit and balance dates in writing.