Bridal Costs: What You Really Need to Budget For

Planning a wedding can feel like juggling a million details, and money is the hardest part to keep straight. The good news? You don’t have to guess. Below is a straight‑forward look at the biggest bridal costs and how you can keep them in check without sacrificing style.

Where Your Money Goes – The Main Categories

Venue and catering usually top the list. A midsize hall with food for 100 guests can run anywhere from £5,000 to £12,000 depending on location and menu. If you’re flexible on date or consider a less‑traditional space (like a garden or loft), you can shave a few thousand off.

The dress is the next big ticket. While designer gowns can exceed £4,000, many brides find beautiful options between £1,200 and £2,500. Remember to factor in alterations – the average cost is about £150‑£300.

Photography captures the day forever, so it’s worth the investment. Most couples book 6‑8 hours of coverage for £1,200‑£2,200. Adding a second shooter or a videographer will increase the total, but you can ask for a package discount.

Flowers and décor vary widely. A simple bouquet and basic table arrangements might be £500‑£800, while elaborate setups can top £3,000. DIY bouquets or using seasonal blooms are solid ways to stay under budget.

Entertainment (DJ or live band) typically costs £800‑£2,000. A good DJ can keep the dance floor alive for less than a band, and many offer a mic‑up service for speeches at no extra charge.

Other line items you’ll see in most budgets include invitations (£200‑£500), wedding cake (£300‑£800), transportation (£150‑£400), and attire for the groom and bridal party (£1,000‑£2,500 total).

Smart Ways to Trim the Bill Without Cutting Fun

Start by setting a clear overall budget and then allocate percentages to each category. A common split is 40 % venue, 15 % dress, 15 % food, 10 % photography, and the rest for décor, entertainment, and extras. This method helps you see which areas have wiggle room.

Look for off‑peak dates. Weddings on Fridays, Saturdays in November, or during early summer often get a discount of 10‑20 % on venue fees.

Consider a pre‑owned dress or a sample sale. Many bridal boutiques sell gently used gowns for 30‑50 % less, and you still get the designer quality.

Combine services when possible. Some photographers also offer videography or photo‑album design at a reduced rate.

Use digital invitations or printable templates. They cost a fraction of custom‑printed cards and still look polished.

Ask your friends and family. Many have connections to florists, DJs, or bakers who can offer a friendly discount in exchange for a shout‑out on the day.

Finally, track every expense in a simple spreadsheet. Seeing each line item updated in real time keeps overspending from sneaking up on you.

With these basics in mind, you can build a realistic bridal cost plan that matches your style and your wallet. Remember, the most memorable weddings focus on love and connection – not on how much was spent.