Average total wedding cost
in United Kingdom, 2026
£21,990
Typical range: £16,000 – £35,000
Cost by category.
Full breakdown.
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
Venue hire Ceremony and reception venue, including exclusive use where applicable | £4,000 | £15,000 |
Catering & drinks Wedding breakfast, evening food, and drinks package | £4,000 | £14,000 |
Photography Full-day coverage with edited digital gallery | £1,500 | £4,500 |
Videography Highlight film and ceremony edit | £1,200 | £3,500 |
Flowers & decor Bouquets, buttonholes, centrepieces, and venue flowers | £1,000 | £4,000 |
Wedding dress & suit Including alterations, veil, shoes, and accessories | £1,500 | £5,000 |
Entertainment DJ, band, or both for ceremony and reception | £800 | £3,500 |
Hair & makeup Bridal trial and day-of for bride and bridesmaids | £300 | £1,200 |
Wedding cake Three-tier traditional or naked cake | £250 | £1,000 |
Stationery Save the dates, invitations, order of service, menus, and table plan | £200 | £800 |
Ways to save.
Look outside London and the South East
Venues in the Midlands, North, and Wales can be 30-50% cheaper with equal charm.
Book a winter wedding
November through February rates are significantly lower. Add candles and fairy lights for atmosphere.
Consider a pub or restaurant wedding
Many gastropubs and restaurants offer wedding packages without the premium of a dedicated wedding venue.
Skip the evening buffet extras
Late-night pizza or fish and chips is cheaper and more memorable than a formal evening buffet.
Frequently asked questions.
Around £30,000 for the national average. London weddings typically cost 30-50% more, pushing the average well above £40,000.
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Ivory Lane Editorial
The Ivory Lane editorial team covers wedding planning, budgeting, and vendor advice for couples worldwide. Our guides are reviewed regularly to reflect current pricing and industry practice.