Average wedding costs in the uk in 2023-2024 Having previously created a blog on money saving tips for weddings. Today we are doing a deep dive into the finances of weddings in the UK for 2023/24. Our blog will cover the main factors of expense,…
Average wedding costs in the uk in 2023-2024
Having previously created a blog on money saving tips for weddings. Today we are doing a deep dive into the finances of weddings in the UK for 2023/24. Our blog will cover the main factors of expense, average costs of a wedding, where using a wedding planner is suitable and some money saving tips.
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey that often comes with a price tag and can be overwhelming getting your finances estimated. We run through the various factors that contribute to the overall wedding cost. We’ll explore the average cost of weddings in the Uk for 2023 and provide you with valuable insights and a comprehensive breakdown of expenses through the lens of a wedding planner.
Average Wedding Cost UK
The average cost of a wedding in the UK fluctuates each year, influenced by various elements such as location, venue, guest count, and personal preferences. According to recent research, the average wedding cost in the UK for 2023 is estimated to be nearly £20,000. This figure encompasses essential elements like venue hire, catering, decor, entertainment, attire, and more. Keep in mind that these costs can vary based on individual choices and wedding styles.
Factors Influencing Wedding Costs: Understanding the factors that contribute to the overall wedding cost is crucial. Here are some key elements to consider:
- Venue: The choice of venue plays a significant role in determining the cost. Popular wedding venues in prime locations tend to be more expensive than alternatives outside major cities. The date of the event also vary in price. Prime wedding season tends to be Spring/Summer and weekends often have a premium charge attached, especially Saturdays.
- Catering: Food and beverage costs depend on the menu selection, number of guests, and the level of service desired. Out of season produce, customised menus and specialty cuisines, additional food serving staff will fluctuate costs.
- Decor and Styling: Creating the desired ambiance and visual appeal requires careful consideration of decor elements, flowers, lighting, and other styling elements. These expenses can vary based on the complexity and theme of the wedding. Factors include price of flowers depending on season, sheer quantity of decor required, think about how many centerpieces required for your tables, ceremony flowers, bouquets and reception areas.
- Attire and Accessories: Brides dresses, bridesmaids outfits, groom’s attire is just the start.
- Entertainment: Music, DJs, live bands, and other forms of entertainment contribute to the celebratory atmosphere of a wedding. Entertainment costs vary depending on the type and duration of performances.
- Photography & Videography: The choice of either or both, how many hours they are on site and what editing package you’ve picked will determine the costs for your photography package.
Money Saving Tips For 2023 UK Weddings
Here’s our 5 big money saving tips for your wedding. This is designed for couples at the beginning of their wedding planning journey:-
1. Ditch Wedding Invites
Websites such as Tie the Knot, Hitched, Squarespace & Wix often wedding RSVP templates that you can easily alter and invite your guests to RSVP on. You will save on your wedding stationery and will find it easier confirming your numbers to start planning your day.
2. Control Your Guest Count
For each guest your price point can be up to £150, having a large wedding very quickly escalates your costs in catering, limits your venue options and increases your decor budget. Look to concentrate on creating quality over quantity. Look to limit the decision makers on the wedding invite as it can get out of hand quite easily when your dad starts inviting his friends who you haven’t seen since you were 5!
3. Order Seasonal Items on Food & Drink
While working in a caterer, I realised the savings you can make by switching to in season veg and fruit! For example, if you’re thinking of steaks for your wedding, look at using a cheaper cut rather than the fillet, switch to the rump. Caterers can further guide you on what vegetables are in season and where you can make savings on your food items. I find it best to be clear with your caterer, you know what you like so how can you do it at the best price? Caterers will appreciate the honesty and be happy to work with you in maximising your budget knowing you have researched the cost of food and are open to alternatives!
4. Have your wedding NOT on a Saturday
Who said you have to get married on a Saturday? Venues often provide discounted hire rates on weekdays and some offer a discount on a Sunday compared to a Saturday. So if the venue is important to you but out of your budget, look into alternative days where you can potentially get a better deal for your dream wedding space
5. Book Early!
When wedding season hits, vendors are super busy setting up and getting organised, if you want the best deals you need to plan as early as possible and tie down the suppliers who best fit your criteria and budget as early as possible. The later you leave it, the more extra unforeseen costs will come that you didn’t expect when you forecasted your budget.
Wedding Planner Benefits
As mentioned the average wedding cost in the UK is a significant sum around the £20,000 mark. A trend which shows an increase in cost year after year (bar COVID year 2019). Suppliers cost more, venues cost more and its harder than ever to save. These factors point to a wedding planner being a luxury rather than a necessity right? Wrong! Why would you not want someone from the industry on your side, using their supplier contacts for vendor negotiations, experience in drafting wedding timelines and someone you can confide in and advise you on elements such as financial costs, quality of vendor and concerns you may have.
As a wedding planner, we always get asked why should I use a wedding planner and we seem to always have to justify the use of planners. Realistically, it is one of the most important days of your lives, looking to get a seasoned professional who does this day in day out surely has some key advantages! Here’s 5 key reasons why to consider a wedding planner at the start of your wedding journey:
Budget Management: A skilled wedding planner can help allocate your budget effectively, ensuring that your priorities are addressed while minimising unnecessary expenses.
Vendor Connections: With their extensive network of trusted vendors and suppliers, wedding planners can help you secure the best deals and negotiate contracts, ultimately saving you time and money.
Creative Vision: Wedding planners are experienced in transforming your ideas into reality. They can provide creative suggestions, recommend unique themes, and guide you in choosing the perfect decor, entertainment, and other elements to bring your vision to life.
Stress Reduction: Planning a wedding involves numerous details and deadlines. A professional wedding planner can alleviate the stress associated with wedding planning. They will take care of all the logistical aspects, timelines, and coordination, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey.
Attention to Detail: Wedding planners pay meticulous attention to every detail, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. From coordinating vendor arrivals to managing the wedding day timeline, they ensure a seamless and flawless execution of your wedding day.
Final Thoughts
Planning a wedding involves careful consideration of various factors, in today’s climate and with the average wedding cost in the UK going up; finances is a big one. When organising your wedding finances take time with your budget allocations, researching wedding planners that suit you and grasp the factors that influence your wedding expenses such as catering, decor, venue and photography. Start planning early to make informed decisions after researching the industry to make sure you are getting good deals. If you are working to a tight budget, be clear with suppliers that you have non negotiable budgets and ask how they can fit your requirements based on your price.
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