Every survey gives a slightly different figure, but the two biggest UK sources land in the same place. Bridebook's UK Wedding Report 2026 puts the average wedding at £20,604; Hitched puts it at around £21,990. Both describe weddings that are getting smaller — Bridebook's average is 80 day guests, 11% fewer than in 2024 — but not much cheaper per guest. Here's how to use those numbers to plan your own budget.
Why averages only go so far
An average hides huge variation. A 40-guest registry office wedding followed by a party and a 150-guest marquee wedding are both "a wedding", and they bear no resemblance on a spreadsheet.
The two numbers that drive your budget more than anything else are your guest count and your venue type. Decide those first, then the rest follows.
Where the money goes
Venue and catering are almost always the largest share. After that come photography and video, attire, the bar and drinks, music and entertainment, flowers and styling, and stationery.
Dry-hire venues often look cheaper on the venue line but move costs onto other lines, because the bar, sound, lighting and sometimes power all have to be brought in. Our dry-hire venue checklist lists what to budget for.
The drinks line
Drinks is one of the most flexible lines in the budget, because there are several ways to pay for a bar — from guests buying their own drinks to a fully hosted bar. Our mobile bar hire cost guide explains each model.
For quantities, see the wedding drinks planning guide. For the service itself, see wedding bar hire.
Ways to bring the total down
Cut guests before you cut quality: each guest adds catering, drinks, a chair and a seat at the table.
Consider a weekday or off-peak date. Savills found 47% of weddings are on a Saturday, so other days are less contested.
Book suppliers who can cover several jobs. One crew for bar, sound and lighting removes duplicated travel and set-up, which is why our packages come in below the sum of their parts.
Getting real numbers
Averages are a starting point; quotes are the truth. Every one of our quotes is itemised and written for your date, venue and guest count, and we'll tell you which way of paying for the bar works out best for you.
If you've only just got engaged, read what to book first, and when.
More wedding planning: weddings by Lunar Events Group