Whether you want to tie the knot in a big traditional wedding, a chapel in Vegas or an intimate ceremony that's unique to you, we’re here to help you budget and save for your big day.
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Congratulations, you’re engaged!
How much does the average wedding cost?
The average cost of a wedding in the UK in 2024 was £23,250 - that's £2,550 more than the year before.
It's no surprise weddings are getting more expensive, with 1 in 2 newlyweds saying the economy impacted their wedding budget. Here are some of the key costs to factor into your wedding budget.
(Source: Hitched 2025 National Wedding Survey)
Venue Hire
£8,000
Catering
£4,500
Photography
£1,500
Flowers
£800
How long does it take to plan a wedding?
It all depends what kind of wedding day you've got your heart set on. Something small and personal will be far quicker to plan than a big traditional ceremony or destination wedding. But in a NatWest survey, 81% of couples* we spoke to said they'd rather delay their wedding than get into debt or borrow to fund it.
Our survey showed UK couples now spend an average of two years and four months engaged, with 1 in 10 opting for engagements lasting five years or more, giving them more time to plan and save for the big day.
(*Source: NatWest survey of 2,000 adults, 2025)
Wedding budgeting top tips
We know weddings can be expensive, but with a bit of careful planning and budgeting there are still ways you could make your big day more affordable. Here are some of our top wedding budgeting tips.
Wedding Budgeting
Venue hire
A venue can often take up the biggest chunk of your budget, but there are ways to save. You could save thousands on venue costs just by choosing off-peak seasons and dates, like a winter or weekday wedding rather than a Saturday in the middle of summer.
If you’re going for a big wedding, it might be worth looking for a venue that offers discounts for a bigger guestlist. And don't forget to factor in any hidden costs, like extra fees for partying past midnight or corkage.
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Wedding outfits
The second biggest expense is often the dress or suits. You’ve probably had something in your mind for years but take some time to shop around and try on different styles - you might be surprised!
You could cut costs by shopping at samples sales, going for something vintage or pre loved. Lots of high street stores have bridal ranges that can be more affordable, or you could hire your dress or suit for the day.
Don't forget to factor in any alterations you might need, which can cost more than you'd think. Once you've said I do, you could sell your wedding outfit for someone else to wear on their big day.
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Photography and videography
Reportage, traditional or contemporary? Decide what photography style you want then head to Google or Instagram to draw up a shortlist. Rule out any over budget. And don’t forget to ask friends and family. Do they know an amateur photographer who could shoot your big day for less?
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Marriage notice
Before you get married, or form a civil partnership, in England and Wales you need to sign a legal statement. This is known as ‘giving notice’. To give notice you have to pay a fee to the local council.
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Hidden wedding costs
Don’t get caught out by hidden costs. Things like wedding insurance, VAT or supplier fees and expenses can quickly add up, so make sure you're on top of the details so you don't get a nasty surprise.
The little ‘nice to haves’ can really eat into your wedding budget too. From thank you gifts and favours, to outfits for your honeymoon, make sure you’ve got them covered in your budget.
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Creating a wedding fund Start saving
You might want to think about setting up a savings account to stash away your wedding funds. If you've got an instant access savings account and the NatWest app, you could use our Savings Goal tool to help you work out what you need to save each month to hit your wedding budget goal and stay on track for the big day.
Not sure where to start with saving? Book in a free financial health check and we could help you manage your everyday spending and spot any opportunities to save, helping you top up your wedding fund.
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Specific account eligibility apply. App available to customers aged 11+ with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.
Saving up Personal loan
What if you’ve got some savings and your family want to help, but your wedding budget still doesn’t quite add up? You could think about taking out a personal loan. Remember, as well as having to pay back the cost of your loan, you’ll also have interest on top.
Representative 6.6% APR.
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This rate is available on loans between £7,500 and £14,950. Other loan amounts are available at alternative rates. Our rates depend on your circumstances, loan and term may differ. To apply, you must be 18+ and a UK resident.
Had a current account with us for 3+ months? You could borrow up to £50,000. Otherwise, if you don't have a current account, you could borrow up to £35,000.
Credit cards
You probably won’t be putting the full cost of your wedding on a credit card. But they could help you cover specific, one-off costs. We've got a range of different credit cards to choose from and find out which could work best for you and how you'd like to use it.
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To apply, you must be a UK resident, aged 18+. Specific account criteria apply. Annual fee may apply.
Next steps after the big day
Doing admin in the bliss bubble of early married life might feel like a real chore. But planning for the important financial decisions you’ll need to make, as well as the little jobs you need to take care of will help you avoid a headache later.
- Update your married name – if you’re choosing to change your name that is.
- Write and send ‘thank you’ cards to your wedding guests.
- Think about whether you want to keep separate accounts or put everything into a joint bank account.
- Discuss your finances. Have open and honest conversations around any debts so you’re starting off on the right foot.
- If you're ready to buy a home together, start to think about mortgage options, and any other financial goals you want to set for yourselves. Why not start with a free NatWest financial health check?
To apply for any joint accounts, you must be 18+ and a UK resident. Specific account criteria and eligibility apply. NatWest mortgages are available to over 18s. Your home or property may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.