How to create a wedding budget (and stick to it)

Wedding planning is one of the most exciting experiences, but it can also be one of the most stressful and financially overwhelming. With venues, suppliers, attire, and all the other details in between, it’s easy for costs to spiral quickly!

Understanding and organising your finances, setting priorities, and making conscious choices lets you enjoy your wedding day without financial whiplash afterwards.

In this article, you’ll learn how to budget for a wedding​, helping you create a day that feels meaningful and personal while not breaking the bank.

An overview of how to make a wedding budget​

• Set your total spend. Agree on a realistic budget and include a small contingency for unexpected costs.

• Prioritise what matters. Focus spending on the elements that are most important to you as a couple.

• Break your budget into categories. Allocate funds to key areas like venue, food, photography, and décor using a clear wedding budget breakdown.

• Be realistic about guest numbers. Fewer guests lowers costs and creates a more relaxed day.

• Track every expense. Record deposits, balances, and small extras to avoid overspending. 

• Plan for hidden costs. Include fees for alterations, licences, postage, and deliveries.

• Save without sacrificing style. Use off-peak dates, seasonal flowers, DIY décor, or hire items.

• Revisit and adjust regularly. Update your budget as quotes come in and priorities change.

6 simple steps to create the perfect wedding budget

A well-planned wedding budget sets the tone for every decision that follows. By understanding your limits, prioritising what matters most, and planning ahead, you avoid unnecessary stress. 

Follow these six simple steps to build a wedding budget that truly works for you.

1. Start with your total spend

Before booking a wedding venue, trying on dresses or browsing inspiration online, it’s essential to establish how much you can realistically afford to spend. This early conversation sets the foundation for every decision that follows.

Sit down with your partner and have an open, honest conversation to:

• Review your current savings and what you can realistically save before the wedding.

• Factor in any financial contributions from family members.

• Define expectations around family contributions early to prevent misunderstandings.

• Decide whether to avoid debt completely or spread costs over time.

It’s crucial to base your budget on real numbers, not averages you’ve seen online or on social media. Weddings vary hugely in cost depending on location, guest numbers, and priorities, and even a typical wedding budget in the UK figure may not reflect what’s right for you.

Once you’ve agreed on a total figure, reduce it slightly to create a contingency fund. Unexpected costs almost always arise, from last-minute logistics to overlooked fees. Having a buffer in place can also save a great deal of stress as your wedding day approaches.

2. Prioritise what matters to you as a couple

One of the most effective ways to budget is to focus your spending on what genuinely matters to you both, rather than what feels expected.

Talk through what you want your day to feel like. Some couples place value on a beautiful venue or exceptional food, while others prioritise photography and entertainment. For some, wedding attire is a key emotional investment; for others, guest experience takes centre stage.

Once you’ve both shared your priorities, compare lists and identify any overlap. These shared priorities are where your money will have the most emotional impact. Areas that matter less can often be simplified and scaled back, or approached creatively.

3. Categorise your budget

Breaking your budget into manageable categories makes the planning process feel far less overwhelming. It also helps you see exactly where your money is going, allowing you to make informed decisions as you move forward.

Many couples find it helpful to work with percentage guidelines as a starting point. A typical wedding budget breakdown looks something like this:

• Venue and catering typically take up the largest share, often around 40–50%, as they are closely tied to guest numbers.

• Photography and videography usually account for around 10–15%, reflecting the expertise, time, and editing involved.

• Wedding attire, including outfits and accessories, often falls between 5–10%.

• Wedding flowers and décor generally sit around 8–10%, depending on scale and seasonality.

• Entertainment can range from 5–10%, depending on whether you choose a DJ, live band, or musicians.

• Stationery and favours tend to make up a smaller portion, often 2–5%.

• Hair, makeup, and beauty services usually account for around 3–5%.

• A contingency and miscellaneous fund of 5–10% is strongly recommended.

These figures aren’t rules, they’re simply a framework. Adjust them to reflect what matters most to you. If photography is a priority, for example, it makes sense to allocate more there and simplify spending elsewhere.

4. Be realistic about guest numbers

Your guest list has one of the biggest impacts on your overall wedding budget. Each additional guest increases costs across multiple areas, including catering, drinks, venue size, table décor, stationery, and hire items.

We know it can be tempting to invite lots of people, but an intimate wedding guest list often allows you to create a more relaxed and enjoyable experience – both financially and emotionally. 

Fewer guests can also give you more flexibility to invest in quality, comfort and atmosphere.

Here’s are some tips for trimming your wedding guest list: 

• Prioritise your must-have guests. List the people who matter most and focus on including them first.

• Set a guest limit early. Decide on a maximum number to keep costs manageable and planning easier.

• Review and adjust as needed. Revisit your list if the budget gets tight, trimming less essential invites to protect key priorities.

5. Track every expense

Wedding costs can add up quickly, particularly when payments are spread across monthly installments. Tracking every expense (even small ones) helps you stay in control and avoid overspending without realising.

For example, keep tabs on: 

• Deposits 

• Final balances

• Outfit alterations

• Delivery and set-up fees

• Travel or accommodation costs

• Tips for suppliers

• Last-minute purchases

These smaller expenses are easy to overlook but can significantly impact your final total.

To track these expenses, use a dedicated wedding budget spreadsheet, budgeting app, or wedding planning tool. This helps you record all costs in one place. Review and adjust your budget consistently to stay on top of spending and avoid surprises.

6. Make budget-friendly choices without sacrificing style

Saving money doesn’t mean your wedding day has to feel basic or impersonal. Thoughtful, intentional choices can significantly reduce costs while still creating a beautiful and cohesive experience.

Here are some wedding ideas on a budget​ to keep costs down:

• Choose an off-peak season or weekday wedding to reduce venue and supplier costs. 

• Opt for seasonal and locally sourced food and flowers that provide better value and quality. 

• Use DIY décor or personalised stationery to avoid hiring or buying items.

Many of the most memorable celebrations are built around clever wedding ideas on a budget, focusing on atmosphere and experience rather than excess.

Wedding budget FAQs

How how-to-create-a-wedding-budget-and-stick-to-itmuch does a wedding cost, UK? 

The average UK wedding costs around £15,000–£25,000, but costs can vary. Guest numbers, venue type, location, and time of year can all influence price, with London and summer dates usually costing more.

How much does it cost to get married in the UK?

A basic legal ceremony starts from around £120–£600, covering notice fees and a registry office ceremony. Costs increase if you marry at a licensed venue or add a celebrant-led ceremony.

How much do wedding venues cost​?

Wedding venues in the UK typically range from £5,000 to £13,000. This usually covers venue hire and sometimes catering, though exclusive-use venues and peak dates cost more.

How to do a wedding budget? 

Decide your total budget first, list all key expenses, assign realistic amounts to each, and keep a running total as you book suppliers.

How to save for a wedding? 

Creating a clear savings target, opening a dedicated account and reducing discretionary spending are some of the best ways to save money for your wedding. 

Bring your wedding vision to life at The Lawrence

Planning a wedding budget is about more than numbers. It’s about creating a day that feels true to you, with unnecessary stress. Choosing the right venue can play a huge role in keeping your plans organised, transparent and flexible from the very beginning.

At The Lawrence, we pride ourselves on offering personalised services and bespoke wedding packages that suit every budget.

From venue hire and decor to catering options, we offer clear pricing options so you can prioritise what matters most to you. 

If you’re in the early stages of planning or refining your budget, we’d love to help. Get in touch to explore how we can bring your wedding vision to life!