Saving for a wedding
Planning and saving for a wedding involves balancing a variety of costs, including securing a venue, choosing a dress and booking a photographer. Establishing a clear budget and building your wedding fund early could give you more flexibility when planning your big day.
This guide covers everything you need to know about wedding savings, from understanding average UK costs to building a savings timeline and choosing the right wedding savings account to help your money grow.
How much does the average wedding cost?
The average UK wedding costs around £20,604, according to Bridebook’s research, excluding the engagement ring and honeymoon. Add those in, and the total rises to approximately £25,800.
But that figure can vary widely, with around one in four couples spending £10,000 or less, and others spending significantly more.
When putting together a plan, these are some of the main categories that typically make up the overall budget:
- Venue hire
- Catering
- Photography
- Wedding attire (dress/suit)
- Flowers and décor
- Music and entertainment
- Wedding cake
- Stationery and invites
- Hair and make-up
- Transport
Setting a realistic wedding budget
A wedding budget usually starts with a total you are comfortable spending, rather than one based on averages. That total is then usually split across the main elements of the day. Here are three factors to consider when setting your own budget:
Prioritise what matters most
It often helps to sit down together and agree on a few non-negotiables. For instance, you might want to focus on finding the perfect venue, while your partner prioritises the catering. Once you know which elements will take the largest share of the budget, it’s much easier to adjust the rest of your wedding plans around them.
Factor in hidden costs
Some wedding costs don’t always appear in initial quotes, which could lead to a higher final total than expected. These might include venue-related charges such as service fees, VAT or corkage, along with smaller extras like invitation postage, supplier tips, attire alterations and wedding insurance.
Create a wedding savings timeline
Once you know your total budget, work backwards from your wedding date to create a monthly savings target.
Here’s an example based on a £15,000 savings goal:
| Time to the wedding | Monthly savings needed | Total saved |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years | £417 | £15,012 |
| 2 years | £625 | £15,000 |
| 18 months | £833 | £14,994 |
| 12 months | £1,250 | £15,000 |
Tip: Some costs, such as venue deposits, may need to be paid in advance. This can affect how long it takes to reach your savings goal, so it's worth factoring this into your timeline.
Smart ways to cut wedding costs
Here are a few common areas where couples frequently find ways to scale back their costs:
- Timing the event: Peak summer Saturdays are usually the most in demand. Opting for a weekday or winter wedding is a popular way to lower venue costs.
- Reviewing the guest list: Because food, drink and seating costs scale per person, even minor adjustments to guest numbers can have a noticeable impact on the final budget.
- Exploring venue alternatives: Local restaurants, pubs, community halls, or scenic outdoor spaces can offer budget-friendly options.
- Catering options: Swapping a formal sit-down meal for a more relaxed style, such as a buffet or sharing platters, often opens up more flexible pricing options.
- Adjusting photography coverage: Instead of a full-day package, some couples choose to book a photographer just for the key moments to keep overall costs down.
How to plan a wedding on a budget in the UK
Organising a wedding on a tighter budget is common, with costs varying depending on venue, suppliers and timing. These wedding budget tips can help when planning ahead.
Explore venue options
Registry offices are one of the more affordable options, with fees often starting from around £50–£100 for the ceremony. Many couples complete the ceremony at a registry office and hold a separate celebration elsewhere.
Spread the costs over time
Saving for a wedding usually takes time. Costs are typically spread out with deposits and supplier payments due at different stages. Some couples use a dedicated wedding savings account to keep funds separate and track progress.
Compare wedding suppliers
Because venues and supplier prices can vary, asking for a detailed quote can help you see exactly what you are paying for and compare options more easily.
Tip: Create a spreadsheet to track costs, deposits paid and outstanding balances. Staying on top of the numbers could make it much easier to stay within budget.
Should you use a savings account for wedding funds?
A wedding savings account is one way to keep funds separate from everyday spending. It can make it easier to track what you’ve set aside and reduce the risk of using it for other costs. It may also earn interest on your balance over time.
It’s worth thinking about the type of account you choose. For example, an easy access savings account lets you withdraw money when wedding deposits or supplier payments are due, without penalties.
Common wedding budget mistakes to avoid
When planning your big day, it’s easy for expenses to add up quickly. Being aware of where budgets tend to grow is a great way to stay confidently on track. Here’s a look at where costs most frequently creep beyond your budget, and a few helpful strategies to keep your savings secure:
- Underestimating the total cost: It's common for expenses to stretch beyond the original plan. Using realistic figures from the start and including a 10% buffer are popular ways to ensure you stay comfortably on track.
- Starting to save too late: The earlier you begin saving for a wedding, the more manageable your monthly contributions will be. Even saving a small amount right away after getting engaged gives you a heard start.
- Forgetting to compare savings rates: Opening a wedding savings account with your existing bank out of convenience may mean missing out on a more competitive rate elsewhere. A quick comparison could make a real difference over 12-35 months of saving.
- Not reviewing the budget regularly: Circumstances change, and so do supplier prices. Schedule a monthly budget check-in to ensure you're still on track and catch any surprises early.
How The AA could support your wedding savings goals
Choosing the right savings account is about finding a reliable partner that makes managing your wedding fund simple and flexible. At The AA, we're here to help you do just that.
To be eligible for an AA savings account, you need to:
- Be a UK resident with a UK address
- Be aged 18 or over
- Have a UK mobile number
- Have UK tax residency only
- Have an open UK personal account that can be used as a nominated account
With our Easy Access Savings Account, you can open an account online in minutes and start earning a return on your wedding fund. You’ll enjoy the freedom to pay your wedding suppliers on your schedule, with the confidence that your savings are FSCS protected and accessible whenever you need them. If you’re an AA Member, you could also benefit from exclusive interest rates with a Member Saver account.
Saving for a wedding FAQs
How can I save money for a wedding quickly?
The quickest way to build a wedding fund is to open a savings account and set up a regular transfer on payday. You might wish to reduce non-essential spending in the months before the wedding and put any extra funds, such as bonuses, gifts or tax refunds, into your savings. Setting a clear goal and timeline can also help keep you on track.
How long does it take to save for a wedding?
It depends on your budget and how much you can save each month. For a £15,000 wedding, saving £625 a month would take two years. Many couples save over 18 months to three years, with longer timelines allowing costs to be spread out more gradually.;
Is it better to pay for a wedding up front or in monthly instalments?
Deciding whether to pay upfront or in instalments usually comes down to personal preference. Paying directly from savings means there are no lingering costs after the big day, which many find incredibly reassuring. On the other hand, spreading the cost through manageable monthly instalments is a popular way to keep your main savings intact for everyday emergencies.
What percentage of income should go towards wedding savings?
There’s no fixed percentage of income that needs to go towards your wedding savings. The amount usually depends on joint income, regular financial commitments and the time available before the wedding.
Is it worth using an easy access savings account for a wedding fund?
An easy-access savings account can be a great way to keep your wedding funds separate from everyday spending, earn interest and allow withdrawals when supplier payments are due without penalty.