Planning a wedding in the UK today feels a bit like trying to solve a Rubik's cube whilst blindfolded – especially when the average cost has crept up to over £18,000! But what we've learned is, a completely magical wedding doesn't have to leave you eating beans on toast for the next two years. It's all about being clever with where you splash the cash and where you can be a bit more savvy.
Worth Every Penny: Your Wedding Splurges
Photography & Videography
Listen, we can't stress this enough – long after you've binned the last bit of confetti from your handbag and finally eaten that top tier of cake from the freezer, your photos and videos are what remain. These aren't just pretty pictures; they're the memories you'll be scrolling through on your first anniversary (probably whilst crying happy tears into your morning coffee). A brilliant photographer doesn't just take photos – they capture your dad trying not to cry, your best mate's face during that absolutely hilarious best man speech, and that moment when you and your partner look at each other and the whole world just disappears.
The Venue
Your venue is basically the main character of your wedding day. Choose somewhere that already has bags of personality and gorgeous natural light, and you're halfway there! A stunning venue often means you can dial down the decorations because the space is already doing all the heavy lifting. Think of it as choosing the perfect little black dress – it looks amazing without needing loads of accessories.
Food & Drink
Nobody's going to remember your wedding favours (sorry, but it's true!), but they'll definitely remember if they left hungry or thirsty. You don't need to serve a feast fit for royalty, but thoughtful food makes all the difference. Maybe splash out on an incredible drinks reception with gorgeous canapés, then keep the main course a bit simpler. Trust us, your guests will still be raving about those amazing cocktails and those divine little Yorkshire pudding bites years later!
Clever Cuts: Where to Save
Wedding Stationery
Digital invitations aren't just acceptable these days – they're actually rather brilliant! They're kinder to the planet and much kinder to your wallet. If you're absolutely set on paper invites, there are loads of gorgeous DIY options that'll have people thinking you've spent a fortune. Let's be real – your guests will have a quick look, stick them on the fridge, and eventually they'll end up in the recycling. Not exactly worth remortgaging the house for!
Wedding Favours
Most wedding favours get left behind on tables or end up at the back of someone's cupboard. If you really want to give your guests something, make it edible (everyone loves a good biscuit!) or genuinely useful to your guest and to your table decor.
The Cake
Instagram might make you think you need a towering cake that could feed a small village, but here's a little secret: it's one of the easiest places to save some serious cash. Order a gorgeous smaller cake for those all-important photos and cutting ceremony, then have the kitchen serve everyone from simple sheet cakes. Same delicious cake, but your wallet will thank you!
The Magic of DIY Personal Touches
Now, here's where things get really exciting! There's something absolutely wonderful about adding handcrafted elements to your wedding day. DIY isn't just about saving money (though that's a lovely bonus) – it's about creating something uniquely yours that you'll treasure forever.
Simple projects like painting your own signs, creating personalised table numbers, or putting together a gorgeous photo display can completely transform your venue without breaking the bank. Even curating your own playlist instead of hiring a DJ can save you hundreds whilst ensuring every single song means something special to you both.
If you love the idea of personal touches but the thought of crafting makes you break out in a cold sweat, this is exactly why we created Bridebox! Our monthly boxes deliver everything you need to create beautiful wedding elements, complete with foolproof instructions that even the most craft-challenged bride can follow. Plus, each box includes lovely self-care treats because we know wedding planning can be absolutely mad sometimes!
What's particularly lovely about taking the DIY route (especially with a bit of help from your monthly Bridebox) is that satisfaction you'll feel on your wedding day, looking around and knowing you created some of those special touches yourself. Those handmade details become proper conversation starters and treasured keepsakes from your planning journey.
Finding Your Perfect Balance
Remember, your wedding budget should reflect what actually matters to you both. Maybe you're music mad, so investing in an incredible band is non-negotiable. Perhaps you're proper foodies, so an exceptional meal is where you want to spend your money.
The real secret is making thoughtful choices rather than just throwing money at everything because you think you should. Your wedding should be a celebration of your love story, not a financial nightmare that follows you into married life!
At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you're marrying your favourite person. Everything else? Just lovely extras that make the day even more special.