The cost of getting married in the UK can be overwhelming, and for many couples, it's one of the biggest financial commitments they'll ever make. From the venue to the catering, flowers, and photography, everything adds up quickly. But is a wedding really worth spending tens of thousands of pounds on?

If you’re looking for ways to plan a wedding on a budget, you’re not alone. Many couples are now choosing affordable wedding ideas to keep costs down while still having a magical day. Here’s how you can have your dream wedding without the huge price tag.

1. Choose an Off-Peak Wedding Date

One of the easiest ways to save money on a wedding is to avoid the most popular times of the year.

• Peak wedding season in the UK is May to September, with Saturdays being the most expensive day to get married.
• If you choose a weekday wedding or opt for an off-season month (January, February, November), you could save up to 50% on venue hire and supplier costs.
• Some venues offer winter wedding packages with significant discounts, making it a smart choice if you want a cheap wedding venue in the UK. 

2. Trim Down the Guest List

Your guest list has one of the biggest impacts on your budget. More guests mean higher costs for catering, invitations, venue size, and seating arrangements.

• Focus on inviting only close family and friends.
• Consider a small registry office wedding followed by an intimate meal at a restaurant instead of a big reception.
• If you want a bigger party, why not invite more people to the evening reception only?

Keeping your wedding guest list small is one of the best ways to cut wedding costs without sacrificing the experience.

Rustic wedding welcome sign from Etsy

3. Find an Affordable Wedding Venue

Some of the most expensive wedding venues in the UK charge £5,000+ just for the venue hire. But there are plenty of budget-friendly wedding venues to consider:

• Community halls and village halls – These can be hired for under £500 and can be decorated beautifully.
• Parks and gardens – If you want an outdoor wedding, a local park could be an affordable option.
• Airbnb wedding venues – Many couples are now renting large houses or countryside barns for a fraction of the price of traditional venues.
• Pubs and restaurants – Many offer wedding packages that include food and drink for a lower price than hotels.

For inspiration for a humble DIY backyard wedding in the UK, check out A Sneak Peek at Our Garden 'Wedfest' Wedding

4. Buy a Second-Hand or High-Street Wedding Dress

A wedding dress doesn't need to cost thousands of pounds. Many brides find stunning dresses at a fraction of the price by:

• Buying second-hand – Preloved wedding dresses are often in perfect condition and can cost 70-90% less than new ones.
• Shopping on the high street – Many brands like ASOS, Monsoon, and Next now sell affordable wedding dresses.
• Renting a dress – Some brides are now choosing to rent designer dresses instead of buying them.

Custom bridal dress hanger from Etsy

5. DIY Wedding Decorations & Flowers

Decorations and flowers can be surprisingly expensive, but you can save money on wedding flowers by:

• Using seasonal flowers – They are much cheaper than out-of-season blooms.
• Ordering flowers from supermarkets – Many offer affordable wedding flower packages.
• DIY wedding decorations – Create table centrepieces, signs, and backdrops yourself instead of hiring a professional.

6. Rethink Catering Options

Catering can be one of the biggest wedding expenses, but there are plenty of budget-friendly catering ideas:

• Buffet-style food – Instead of a formal sit-down meal, a buffet is cheaper and more flexible.
• Food trucks – These are becoming popular for relaxed, informal weddings.
• Afternoon tea weddings – Swapping a full meal for afternoon tea or a brunch reception can cut costs.

Custom wooden wedding ring box from Etsy

7. Skip the Fancy Wedding Cake

A traditional three-tier wedding cake can cost £500 or more. Instead, consider:

• A simple supermarket cake decorated with fresh flowers.
• Cupcakes or a dessert table instead of a formal cake.
• A homemade wedding cake if you (or a friend) enjoy baking!

These options can save you hundreds of pounds while still providing a beautiful centrepiece.

8. Cut Costs on Wedding Entertainment

Entertainment can quickly add to your budget, but you can still have a fun wedding reception on a budget by:

• Creating your own wedding playlist instead of hiring a DJ.
• Hiring a student band instead of professional musicians.
• Providing fun DIY entertainment like a photo booth with props or a games area

Wedding guest book tree

9. Save on Wedding Rings with Lab Diamonds or Alternatives

Wedding rings can be a significant expense, but there are ways to cut costs without compromising on quality:

• Lab-grown diamonds – These are more affordable and ethical than mined diamonds, offering the same sparkle at a fraction of the price.
• Alternative stones – Consider moissanite, white sapphire, or cubic zirconia, which look similar to diamonds but cost far less.
• Recycled metals – Many jewellers offer rings made from recycled gold or silver, which can be cheaper and more sustainable.
• Shop smart – Buy rings online, during sales, or from independent jewellers for the best deals.

If you're looking for affordable engagement rings, check out Lab Diamond Rings: An Affordable and Ethical Choice

10. Use Digital Invitations Instead of Paper

Wedding invitations can cost hundreds of pounds, but you can save money by going digital:

• Use free or low-cost digital invitation websites like Canva, Paperless Post, or Greenvelope.
• If you prefer printed invites, DIY them or order in bulk to reduce costs.
• A wedding website can replace traditional invitations, allowing guests to RSVP online.

Going digital isn't just budget-friendly, it’s also eco-friendly!

Kids wedding activity book

11. Borrow or Rent Wedding Accessories

There's no need to spend a fortune on accessories you'll only wear once. Instead:

• Borrow from friends or family – Shoes, veils, jewellery, and even tiaras can be borrowed for free.
• Rent wedding accessories – Websites like HURR and By Rotation offer affordable rental options.
• Shop second-hand – Platforms like Vinted, Depop, and eBay have budget-friendly bridal accessories.

This can help you save hundreds of pounds while still looking stunning.

12. Book a Photographer for Fewer Hours

Professional photographers can cost £1,500+ for a full-day wedding package. Instead:

• Hire a photographer for just a few hours to capture key moments like the ceremony and couple portraits.
• Find an up-and-coming photographer who may offer lower prices to build their portfolio.
• Ask a talented friend to take photos or use a DIY photo booth for fun guest snapshots.

If you’re set on a professional photographer, consider a weekday wedding when rates may be lower.

13. DIY Wedding Favours or Skip Them Altogether

Wedding favours often go unnoticed or unused, so why spend a fortune? Consider:

• DIY wedding favours like homemade candles, jam jars, or personalised notes for a thoughtful touch.
• Edible favours such as chocolates or biscuits, which are affordable and won’t go to waste.
• Skipping favours entirely – Many guests won’t miss them, and you'll save £200+.

Happy tears wedding favour

14. Choose a Registry Office Ceremony

One of the cheapest ways to get married in the UK is through a registry office wedding.

• Costs start at £56 for a simple ceremony, compared to £1,000+ for private venues.
• You can still personalise your day by booking a nice reception venue or a small gathering after the ceremony.
• Registry office weddings are quick, simple, and budget-friendly while still being legally binding.

15. Find Budget-Friendly Bridesmaid & Groomsmen Outfits

Kitting out a wedding party can be expensive, but you can save money on outfits by:

• Letting bridesmaids and groomsmen wear their own formalwear instead of buying new outfits.
• Shopping at high-street stores like ASOS, Next, and M&S for stylish but affordable dresses and suits.
• Renting outfits instead of buying – Some wedding boutiques offer bridesmaid dress and suit rental services.

This ensures everyone looks great without breaking the bank.

Personalised metal wedding sign

16. Limit the Alcohol Budget

Alcohol can be a huge wedding expense, but there are ways to reduce costs:

• Offer a signature cocktail instead of a full open bar.
• Buy alcohol in bulk from wholesale stores instead of paying venue prices.
• Have a BYOB wedding – If your venue allows it, guests can bring their own drinks, saving you £1,000+.

Managing the alcohol budget smartly can free up money for other parts of your wedding.

17. Cut Down on Transport Costs

Wedding transport can cost hundreds of pounds, but you can save by:

• Having the ceremony and reception at the same venue to eliminate travel costs.
• Using self-drive car hire instead of a chauffeur service.
• Asking a friend or family member with a nice car to drive you for free.

If you still want a special car, look into vintage rentals for a lower-cost option.

Custom neon wedding family name sign

18. Plan a Budget-Friendly Honeymoon

A honeymoon can be one of the biggest wedding expenses, but there are plenty of affordable alternatives:

• Opt for a UK honeymoon – A staycation in Cornwall, the Lake District, or Scotland can be just as romantic as going abroad.
• Take a ‘mini-moon’ – Have a short, local break and save for a bigger trip later.
• Use travel rewards and cashback – Credit card points, hotel deals, and airline sales can help cut costs significantly.

You can still enjoy a romantic honeymoon without overspending.

Remember What Matters Most

At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating your love, not spending a fortune. Focus on what truly matters to you and cut costs on things that aren't essential.

By following these budget wedding planning tips, you can create a beautiful and memorable wedding day without going into debt.