Wedding Budget Breakdown: How to Allocate Your Wedding Budget
If you’ve read our month-by-month guide to planning a wedding, you’ll know that deciding on your wedding budget is one of the very first steps to planning the day of your dreams – so before you start booking bridal boutique appointments, you need to understand your wedding budget breakdown.
Not started planning yet? Our wedding planning checklist is a great place to begin.
What do we mean by that? Part of deciding your wedding budget is working out how to split your budget between the various elements of your day, from venue to caterers, cake maker to celebrant.
Luckily, Bridebook is here to help you allocate your wedding budget, explaining typical wedding budget percentages (i.e. how much to spend on each part of your big day), how much couples usually spend on each category, and how to prioritise spending to make sure you’re not left short on something that matters to you.
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Typical Wedding Budget Breakdown
Every couple is different, so the percentage of your budget which should go on each element changes. However, if you’re looking for a rough guide on how to split your wedding budget, we’ve put one together for the average 2026 wedding cost – £20,604.
With a budget of around £20,000, the biggest chunk (around 50%) should be allocated to venue and catering. The second biggest cost will likely go on your photographer and videographer. Set aside 12% of your budget for photos and a video – these will be with you forever, after all.
Next up is your wedding attire – dresses, suits, and so on – allocate 10% to this. Your venue needs dressing, just as you do – set aside 8% of your budget for making the place look pretty.
For your DJ or band, expect to pay 7% of your budget, while rings and stationery (consider digital invites and save the dates) should take up 5% of your budget.
- Venue and catering: 40–50%
- Photography and videography: 10–12%
- Attire (outfits, hair & makeup): 8–10%
- Flowers and décor: 7–8%
- Entertainment: 7%
- Rings and stationery: 3–5%
- Transport: 2–3%
- Ceremony fees / admin: 2–3%
Read on for a deeper dive into the average price of all elements of your wedding – it will give you a clear idea of the general price of each part of the big day, allowing you to create your own percentages if our guide doesn’t feel quite right!
Average cost of a wedding venue (excluding catering):
£6,040 is roughly what a wedding venue costs.
Your wedding venue is perhaps the most important part of your planning – so it’s no surprise that it’s also the most expensive part of your wedding budget.
Choosing your wedding venue is step one of your wedding planning journey, and it impacts every aspect of your big day.
Not sure where to start when it comes to choosing your venue? Well, don’t worry, we’ve got you!
With our wedding venue search tool, you and your partner can find your dream venue faster than you can say, “I do!” If you know exactly what you’re looking for, you can kick things off by searching by name, location or style.
If you’re just getting started with your venue search, try using filters such as “barn” or “city” and “budget” or “luxury” to get an idea of what’s out there.
Average cost of wedding catering:
£7,408 (80-90 guests on average; varies on the number of guests)
As you might expect, the total cost of your catering will be 100% dependent on the number of guests you invite to your wedding. Your guest list will have a big impact on what you’ll spend on your wedding overall as well, so we recommend making some rough decisions about the size of your guest list as early as possible in your wedding planning if you can.
Since caterers usually charge by the head, cutting some co-workers or +1s from your guest list might be your first move if you’re looking to save a few hundred pounds on your wedding. Another easy way to cut costs is to go for food trucks, sharing plates or a buffet over a set menu or traditional sit-down meal. Not only is this a great option for couples planning a wedding on a budget, but it’s also ideal for those wanting a more relaxed atmosphere on their big day.
For even more ways to save on your wedding catering and make your budget go further, check out our top tips on slashing the price of your wedding breakfast.
Average cost of wedding photography:
£1,484 is the country-wide average price for wedding photography.
Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, so it’s important that those memories last forever. That makes choosing the right wedding photographer one of your key decisions. After all, you’ll be looking at their photos for years to come, so it’s absolutely worth the investment.
Not sure where to start? We’ve pulled together some expert tips on choosing your wedding photographer, as well as some key questions to ask before booking them for your big day.
How much you pay will depend on the photographer, the service you want and the specific package you choose. If you want to cut costs and make your budget go further, ordering a digital album instead of a hard copy can save you some serious cash.
Average cost of wedding videography:
£1,514 is the UK’s average price for videography.
You might be asking yourself, “Why do I need a wedding videographer when I already have a wedding photographer?” Well, while a photographer can capture the key moments and highlights in a few snapshots, we’re betting you’ll want to remember every second of your wedding day – and having a designated wedding videographer will allow you to do just that.
As with wedding photographers, some videographers cost more than others. If having an absolutely jaw-dropping video is a priority for you, consider cutting back on some of your other suppliers to make room in your wedding budget.
If you don’t know how or where to find wedding videographers in your area, try using our wedding supplier search and then selecting the “Videographer” category. And be sure to check out our top tips on choosing your wedding videographer before you book yours.
Average cost of wedding attire: £1,532 (dress) + accessories (£449) + wedding suits (£859)
There’s a beautiful wedding dress out there for everyone – and it doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Our handy list of wedding dress saving tips will help you find that dress of your dreams…even if you’re trying to avoid the average wedding dress cost of £1,532.
Not included in this total are your bridesmaids’ dresses. Whether you’re taking the hit yourself, splitting the cost or asking your besties to pay, you can find our favourite places to buy your bridesmaid dresses here. From budget to luxury, your girls will look fabulous no matter the choice.
Don’t overlook your accessories when you’re allocating your wedding budget. You want to look both fabulous and comfortable, and when it comes to shoes, that comes at a price.
Some brides with simple ballet flats so they can take the dance floor by storm, while others are comfortable in stiletto heels for all eight hours of their wedding day. If you want to save on shoes, go with the favourites in your wardrobe.
But if that perfect pair of brand-new wedding shoes is something you’ve been dreaming of since your engagement, why not step into Jimmy Choo’s wonderful world of wedding shoes guide right here on Bridebook.com?
Don’t forget the other wedding fashion accessories, either. From the classic bridal veil to belts and sashes or hats and capes, accessories are a great way to make a statement, especially if you’re on a budget. A bit of sparkle is a sure-fire way to liven up a more affordable, simple gown.
As for the groom and his groomsmen? Remember to allocate budget for his suit – be it hired or made bespoke.
Average cost of wedding beauty (hair & makeup):
£417 (hairdressing) + £394 (makeup)
While we’re on the subject of looking like your best self on the big day, we ought to touch on hair and makeup, too.
These wedding beauty prices might sound steep, but they usually include trials too, to help you nail the look you want. With thousands of fantastic hair and makeup artists all over the UK, we can help you find your dream wedding make-up artist and hair stylist, no matter your budget.
Average cost of wedding flowers:
£1,187 is the average spend on wedding flowers.
How much do wedding flowers cost? That depends on the type of flowers you want at your wedding. Though, in our opinion, our best bet is to go with seasonal flowers. It’s a great look, can mean big savings if you’re on a budget, and can even bag you some sustainability points. But whatever you do, never, ever underestimate how much flowers can transform your wedding.
If your heart’s still set on elaborate floral decorations but you’re worried about breaking the bank, check out our top wedding flowers penny-saving tips. You’ll be amazed at how much you can save on your wedding flowers without sacrificing the “wow” factor.
Average cost of wedding décor & marquee hire:
£1,404 (average wedding decoration spend) + £4,633 (marquee spend)
Decoration isn’t just about the flowers. Don’t forget that many venues require you to hire all your furniture and other decorative features (especially “blank canvas” venues). This might be from the venue itself, your caterer, or a third party – but either way it’s an additional cost to factor in.
Something that can also eat up a big chunk of your wedding budget is marquee hire. If you’re hiring an outdoor venue for a winter wedding (or, let’s face it, probably for summer too!), you’ll definitely need one. If marquee hire isn’t included, this extra cost will add a few hundred pounds to your budget.
So our top tip? If you’re looking to save money, aim to book an all-inclusive venue which offers a two-in-one decoration and hire package. That way, you won’t have to worry about extra costs later on!
Average cost of a wedding cake:
£360 is the UK’s average wedding cake spend.
There are two main things that will affect the cost of your wedding cake. The first is the number of tiers you go for. This comes down to how many people you’re trying to feed and what kind of look you want.
At the end of the day, more cake means more money, but one sneaky way to cheat the system if you’re on a budget is to order a cake that uses dummy layers.
The second factor is whether you want a traditional fruit wedding cake or a more modern sponge with fresh fruit. While the former can be made further in advance, the latter will need to be baked the night before or even the day of the wedding itself, which makes them that bit more expensive.
Average cost of wedding entertainment & wedding music:
£844 (non-music entertainment) & £845 (ceremony music) + £1,061 (reception music)
Deciding on your ideal wedding entertainment is no easy decision. You’ll want to think carefully about three things. Firstly, what do you and your partner want? Do you see yourself and your partner swaying to a romantic live band, or is techno not something you’re giving up on your big day?
Secondly, what will your guests enjoy? And finally, what will fit in with the style and vibe of your wedding?
When it comes to wedding entertainment pricing and budgeting, the first question is whether or not you have your heart set on live music. A DJ is almost always cheaper than a live band and can be just as good.
Still searching for the perfect entertainment? Take a look through Bridebook’s fantastic range of entertainment and music suppliers.
Average cost of wedding rings:
£1,057
Don’t forget your wedding rings – you’ll be (hopefully) wearing them for the rest of your life. Having trouble deciding on which metal and design to go for?
We’ve put together a handy guide on all the different types of wedding bands available and their pricing.
Average cost of wedding stationery:
£378 is the typical spend on wedding stationery.
This figure varies, depending on whether you’re sending physical or digital invites.
While DIY or online invitations (such as those from Paperless Post) can be more affordable, bespoke and handcrafted stationery can cost more, due to the details, personalisation and effort that is involved.
Don’t forget to factor in stamps too!
Average cost of a registry office wedding:
£300 (registry fees alone) / £1,342 (registry office wedding)
Organising your registrar isn’t the most exciting part of your wedding, but it is one of the most crucial. Despite that, they’re an often overlooked expense that can come as a shock if you’re not expecting it.
Even the royals have to pay their registrar fees, and it’s the one cost on this list where there are no little loopholes or cost-cutting measures.
If you’re looking to save money on your wedding, or simply want an intimate legally binding affair, a registry office wedding is by far the cheapest option. Discover registry office wedding costs here.
Average cost of a wedding planner & celebrant/toastmaster:
£1,543 (wedding planner costs) + £504 (celebrant pricing)
If you’re on a budget, consider hiring a wedding planner. Adding in this extra cost might sound counterintuitive, but it could work out in your favour in the long run.
Wedding planners have invaluable industry connections and a knack for haggling down prices – so they’ll likely have access to deals us mere mortals can only dream of.
If you’re looking for a less traditional and more personalised wedding ceremony, you’ll want to hire a celebrant. They’ll give you the freedom and flexibility to truly personalise how you celebrate your love with your partner.
Just bear in mind that celebrant ceremonies aren’t legally recognised in England, and Wales (but are in Scotland and Northern Ireland, plus the Channel Islands). So, hiring a celebrant will be an additional cost – you’ll still need to make provisions for the legal paperwork to be done at a registry office.
To ensure your wedding day runs smoothly, consider hiring a toastmaster as well. A lot of couples overlook toastmasters, but they play a vital role on the wedding scene. They’re responsible for announcing toasts and introducing the speakers, and making sure your guests are in the right place at the right time.
Average cost of wedding favours:
£144 is the average cost of wedding favours.
One of the elements many couples choose to DIY are the wedding favours – but even this can cost money (and time!). We’ve kept the budget allocation for this element on the lower side, based on 2026 average wedding costs (check out our ideas for affordable wedding favours), but favours can be as big or as small as you like, depending on your budget and preferences (and how many guests you have).
And remember, you don’t have to give favours at all! A lot of couples wonder whether or not wedding favours are a necessary cost – and honestly, it depends. For many of your guests, attending your big day will have been enough of a gift. But if you have money left in your budget…go for it! We actually get this question a lot on our Bridebook Instagram page, which you should follow immediately if you want wedding tips, inspiration and a little bit of Bridebook silliness.
Average cost of wedding transport:
£593 is the average budget for wedding cars.
Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you organise taxis for your entire guest list. But whether you’re thinking of making a low-key arrival or even planning on flying down the aisle (no, seriously, it’s been done before!), don’t overlook your own wedding transport. From vintage cars and carriages to tandem bikes and trucks, you’ll find the wedding transport to suit you on Bridebook.
When making decisions about your transport, a key consideration is how far your ceremony is from your accommodation and the reception venue.
Average cost of a honeymoon & other hidden wedding costs:
£5,833 (honeymoon spend) + £1,500 (other forgotten wedding costs)
Don’t forget your honeymoon, and any other commonly-forgotten wedding costs (think organists and choirs, delivery costs, accommodation for your guests and suppliers, service charges, feeding your suppliers on the day, insurance, VAT).
Your main focus might be on the wedding day itself, but it’s important to budget for any post-wedding spending too, as these costs can be significant. For example, you might need to dry clean clothing, send thank you notes to your guests, and so on.
For a more complete list, check out our post on hidden wedding costs every couple needs to know about.
Example Wedding Budget Breakdown
Every couple is different – and how you spend your wedding budget is equally unique, but we’ve put together a rough guide to how to break down your wedding budget percentages – and where to allocate them, based on three budgets.
£15,000 Wedding Budget Breakdown
£15,000 sits a little below the average price of a wedding in 2026, but that doesn’t mean your day will be any less spectacular – you just need to split your wedding budget wisely – we recommend the below, but of course, adjust accordingly to your priorities.
We know one couple who did away with their wedding ring budget and spent less than £30 on the groom’s ring – as a plumber, he knew he would rarely wear it, but they wanted something to exchange on the day.
As for the emergency fund, that might sound like a high percentage of your wedding budget allocation, and feel free to do away with it altogether if you feel confident you won’t need extra at any point. The good news – if you do set it aside and don’t use it, you’ve got a nice bump for your honeymoon fund.
Venue and catering: 50% / £7,500
Photos and video: 12% / £1,800
Outfits / hair and makeup: 10% / £1,500
Entertainment: 7% / £1,050
Flowers and décor: 7% / £1,050
Rings and stationery: 5% / £750
Ceremony fee / admin: 3% / £450
Emergency fund: 6% / £900
£25,000 Wedding Budget Breakdown
This budget sits a little above the average price of a wedding in 2026, meaning you have a little more to play with in the “nice to have” elements of your wedding day – we’re thinking a fancier cake, maybe more accessories for your outfits, or additional flowers.
Venue and Catering: 48% / £12,000
Photos and Video: 12% / £3,000
Outfits / hair and makeup: 10% / £2,500
Flowers and Décor: 8% / £2,000
Entertainment: 7% / £1,750
Rings and Stationery: 5% / £1,250
Cake and Transport: 4% / £1,000
Ceremony / admin: 2% / £500
Emergency Fund: 4% / £1,000
£40,000 Wedding Budget Breakdown
With a budget of £40,000, you’re well above the average wedding cost in the UK for 2026 – and it’s up to you how you spend it to create the lavish day of your dreams. Here’s how we’d recommend allocating the different amounts – we’ve added a wedding planner into this budget (the average wedding planner costs £1,543, so we’ve allocated a little more, just in case!)
Venue and Catering: 45% / £18,000
Photos and Video: 12% / £4,800
Outfits / hair and makeup: 8% / £3,200
Flowers and Décor: 10% / £4,000
Entertainment: 10% / £4,000
Rings and Stationery: 4% / £1,600
Cake and Transport: 3% / £1,200
Wedding Planner: 5% / £2,000
Emergency Fund: 3% / £1,200
How to Prioritise Your Wedding Budget
Deciding how to split your wedding budget really isn’t easy – and it’s deeply personal to every couple. Some people may have always dreamed of cascading flowers, meaning the blooms will be budget heavy, while other couples might prefer a minimalist look.
We recommend prioritising key expenses such as venue and catering early, then adjusting guest numbers and optional extras to stay within budget. These elements make up the largest share of the average UK wedding budget and affect many other decisions, so they should be planned first.
Think long and hard about what else truly matters to you on the day. If you’ve got your heart set on a super-expensive wedding outfit or a fine dining style meal, consider the elements that are less important to you – simplify your décor, and opt for a DJ instead of a live band, have a smaller wedding cake, or consider holding your wedding mid-week. There are always ways to make your wedding budget go further – it just requires you to know what matters most to you.
Hidden Wedding Costs to Consider
This is where the emergency wedding fund we recommended you set aside comes in handy. This pot of money covers wedding costs you might not be expecting.
Think alterations to your outfits (outside of the ones included in the price), the cost of transport for your vendors – especially if you’re having a destination wedding and need to fly out your photographer – but also, if you’re getting married out of their usual remit, you may need to cover their accommodation or travel costs.
If the party is raging on and you want your photographer to stay longer, they’ll need to be paid for overtime, so set aside a little cash for this – the same goes for your entertainment. They might have a set fee for their sets, but if you’re loving the show, you might need to pay more for overtime.
Speaking of partying, if you’re feeling generous and having a free bar, keep in mind that the budget is often used up way before the end of the night, so if you want to keep the tab open and the drinks flowing, consider setting aside a few hundred extra pounds.
While you’ve likely paid your vendors the going rate, if you want to give them a tip for how special they made your day, a small pot for gratuities is a good idea – the same goes for the waiting staff serving you and your guests.
Tips for Staying Within Your Wedding Budget
It’s so tempting to stretch your budget when you get into the swing of wedding planning and meet all the incredible vendors out there – but remember, you set it for a reason. Try not to spend beyond your means, as this can cause lingering resentment if you’re still paying off bills years later.
To stay on top of your budget, track your spending regularly – Bridebook’s wedding budget planner will be your best friend. It makes it easier to manage payments, deposits and deadlines. Check out our article on how to save money on a wedding, too – it’ll give you plenty of inspiration on how to stay within your budget.
If you need more advice on how to stay on budget, take a look at our other articles for some of our top wedding saving tips. We’ve got advice on how to save on photography, flowers, invitations and more. If you’re looking for ways to cut costs creatively, our cheap wedding ideas article is packed with inspiration, from DIY wedding decor to planning a small wedding – so you can have your dream wedding without going over your budget.
Plan Your Wedding Budget with Bridebook
Now you know how a wedding budget breaks down for the average couple in 2026, it’s time to find out what your personalised budget breakdown will be, so you can get cracking with your planning.
Bridebook’s free planning tools are designed to take the stress out of budgeting. With the budget planner, you can set your total budget, allocate amounts to each category, and track every payment as you go – so there are no nasty surprises. Alongside that, the wedding planning checklist keeps you on top of every task, and the guest list tool helps you manage RSVPs and numbers – which directly affects your catering costs.
Create your free wedding budget planner on Bridebook »
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