With 10 years' experience working in brand and content for some of the UK's biggest hospitality brands under her belt, Bella leads marketing for Togather's Live events. Owning the go-to-market strategy for festivals, stadia and event partnerships. Recent work includes the Palate Shift trend report and the concepts behind a number of Togather's biggest tender pitches.
With the cost of the average UK wedding rising to over £20,000 in 2023, it’s no surprise that couples are looking for budget solutions and cheap solutions when tying the knot. We’ve written an article on the cost of just getting legally married at a registry office which would be the very cheapest route to marriage. However, for some, celebrating with family and friends and making a celebration of the occasion is still very important so in this article we’ll look at some of the cheapest places to get married and give you some guidance on how to plan a budget wedding that ticks all of your boxes.
There’s lots of blogs out there that list venues and suppliers that offer cheap packages and whilst in some cases you may come across a venue in the location you and your partner are looking at, the chances are you won’t travel 200 miles, and ask your friends and family to do so, just to save on venue hire. With this in mind, our aim here is to give you some general indications on how being smart with location can help you save.
We looked at the variation in the average quote value submitted by our suppliers split by region for all of our wedding enquiries. The chart below shows how London tops the list with an average quote price above £2500 whilst the East Midlands is under £1800. Bear in mind that a quote here represents one service i.e. a caterer and that there’s usually around 10 different suppliers involved in a wedding (we’ll give some more advice on cost saving around this point later).
We can also look at this data when broken down by the type of supplier couples are interested in:
As we can see, wedding costs are generally higher in the South vs the North with some exceptions across verticals. Venue hire in Scotland for example is one of the most expensive across the country according to data from over half a million supplier quotes we’ve collected. Other trends show that really the price across regions and different supplier types also doesn’t vary too much - marquees and tipis for example only differ by around £1000 across the country.
So how does this help you? Well, following averages across the regions shows that there can be cost savings to be made where is appropriate to your plans. If you and your partner are from London and Wales, then get married in Wales. If you are willing to cross the border from the West to the East Midlands then you could also make a saving there. Regardless of region however, there are other ways to help cut costs.
Our data is backed up by peers in the industry. We got our team to do some digging to see if what information we could find out there supports what we see on Togather. Here’s what we found:
Data was collated from reputable sources, including Bridebook's 2024 UK Wedding Report and Statista's 2023 statistics, to analyse average wedding costs by region. Additional insights were gathered from industry reports and wedding planning websites
Findings
The data indicates a clear north-south divide in wedding costs, with southern regions generally more expensive than their northern counterparts. Factors contributing to these variations include local living costs, venue availability, and regional demand.
Couples can achieve significant savings by selecting wedding venues in regions with lower average costs. However, it's essential to balance budget considerations with personal preferences and logistical factors to ensure a memorable wedding experience.
Here’s the data we used:
The type of venue you select greatly influences your overall budget. Here are some cost-effective options:
Key Takeaway: Exploring non-traditional venues can uncover hidden gems that are both unique and cost-effective.
1. Book at the Right TimeTiming is everything when it comes to wedding planning. Suppliers and venues experience seasonal fluctuations in demand, and booking during quieter months like March, April, October, and November can yield significant savings. Many couples aim for summer weddings, causing prices to skyrocket in June through August. By avoiding summer weekends or festive periods like Christmas and New Year, you may secure off-peak rates. Additionally, consider booking well in advance—up to two years ahead—to lock in prices before inflation hits.
2. Pick a Weekday or Off-Peak DateWeekday weddings are becoming increasingly popular as couples recognize the cost savings they bring. Venues and suppliers often offer discounts for weekday ceremonies or Fridays and Sundays instead of Saturdays. Not only does this help with affordability, but it also ensures better supplier availability. For example, many photographers or florists charge premiums for Saturday bookings due to higher demand. A weekday wedding might also feel more intimate and relaxed, giving you a unique vibe.
3. Bundle Suppliers Where PossibleBundling services not only saves money but also simplifies logistics. Many caterers offer bar services or have trusted partnerships with other suppliers like cake makers or florists. Hiring one supplier for multiple services reduces delivery and setup fees while streamlining communication. For example, instead of booking a separate supplier for a photo booth, ask your photographer if they provide one as an add-on. Always inquire about package deals and see if negotiating a discount is possible.
4. Choose a Blank-Canvas VenueBlank-canvas venues, such as barns, village halls, or industrial spaces, allow couples to personalize their weddings while keeping costs down. Unlike traditional venues with preferred supplier lists, blank-canvas spaces let you choose your vendors, giving you the flexibility to find more affordable options. Decorate with fairy lights, bunting, or handmade touches to transform the space on a budget. Many blank-canvas venues also offer dry hire options, meaning you only pay for the space and can bring in your own catering, bar, and entertainment.
5. DIY ElementsDIY weddings are a great way to add personality and save money. From designing your own invitations using platforms like Canva to creating centerpieces with items from craft stores, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Consider enlisting friends and family to help with tasks like assembling favors or setting up decor. Even small touches, like handwritten name cards or homemade bunting, can make your wedding feel uniquely yours while keeping expenses low. Pinterest is an excellent source of inspiration for budget-friendly DIY ideas.
6. Embrace Seasonal BloomsFlowers are a quintessential part of weddings, but they can quickly consume your budget. Opting for seasonal, locally grown blooms not only reduces costs but also ensures fresher arrangements. For example, daffodils and tulips in spring or dahlias and chrysanthemums in autumn are beautiful and affordable. Alternatively, consider potted plants, succulents, or herbs as centerpieces, which can double as guest favors. Faux flowers are another cost-effective option, particularly for creating long-lasting decor like floral arches.
7. Limit the Guest ListWhile it can be challenging to cut down your guest list, a smaller gathering dramatically reduces expenses for catering, seating, invitations, and even venue size. Micro weddings and elopements are trending for a reason—they offer intimacy and focus on meaningful connections rather than a large-scale celebration. Limiting your guest list allows you to splurge a little more on the details that matter, like gourmet food or bespoke decor, while staying within budget.
8. Simplify CateringFood and drink are often among the largest wedding expenses, but there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Buffets, food trucks, or grazing tables offer casual, fun alternatives to formal plated meals. Street food options, like wood-fired pizza or taco trucks, are not only affordable but also memorable for guests. For dessert, consider a single-tier cake supplemented with cupcakes or donuts for a cost-effective yet stylish spread. Family-style dining is another great option, fostering a communal atmosphere while simplifying serving logistics.
9. Repurpose Decor and AttireLook for ways to reuse or borrow items for your wedding day. Vintage shops, charity stores, and online rental platforms are treasure troves for unique, affordable decor and accessories. For attire, consider renting a wedding dress or suit instead of buying new—many high-end designers offer rental options. Alternatively, repurpose heirloom items from family members, like jewelry or veils, which not only save money but also add sentimental value to your day.
10. Think Outside the Box for VenuesRather than traditional wedding venues, explore unconventional spaces like galleries, libraries, or parks. Public spaces often require only a permit, which costs significantly less than a full venue hire. Hosting your ceremony and reception in the same location can also reduce transportation and setup costs. For a truly budget-friendly option, consider hosting your wedding at home or on a friend’s property, turning it into a personal and heartfelt celebration.
Planning a budget wedding doesn’t mean compromising on quality or experience. With these tips, you can focus on what truly matters—celebrating your love with friends and family—while keeping costs under control. By being resourceful and embracing creativity, you can create a beautiful, memorable day without breaking the bank.
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