Hannah and Richard Polson’s wedding in Wiltshire last May, which ultimately cost £41,000, exemplifies the growing trend of increasingly expensive weddings in the UK. The couple hosted 100 guests at Syrencot, treating them to premium food and cocktails, while also indulging in unique touches such as paying two self-described witches £40 to cast a weather spell—a nod to a popular social media trend.

According to Bridebook, a wedding planning site, the average wedding cost in the UK stands at £20,604. However, spending varies widely: about 25% of couples spend over £26,000, and 10% exceed £35,000, while another 25% manage to keep costs under £10,000. Wedding planners attribute rising expenses to the influence of social media, which sets high expectations and pressures couples to elevate their celebrations. Additionally, many couples now extend their weddings beyond a single day, incorporating events like next-day brunches or pool parties.

Venue choice and timing significantly affect costs. The Polsons paid £9,000 to book Syrencot for a Saturday, although weekday hire would have been around £5,000. Weddings on weekdays are generally cheaper for hosts but more costly for guests, due to higher travel expenses during peak times. Data from Intuit Credit Karma indicates that guests spend an average of £691 attending weekend weddings, compared with £789 during the week.

The couple largely financed the event themselves, with some contributions for the dress and catering from their parents. Richard, a financial adviser, acknowledged that a recent salary increase expanded their budget, leading to an upgrade in venue catering and drink packages. Despite the lavish spending, Hannah described their experience positively, noting the event exceeded their initial scale.

Wedding planners note that couples frequently underestimate the final costs. Hannah Rose of Northamptonshire commented that setting a budget often leads to overspending, especially in the final weeks when emotions run high. Rose also highlighted the role of social media influencers who may emphasize minimal spending without accounting for hidden or indirect costs. Rianna Elizabeth of The Planning Suite described the cycle of escalating expectations and standards as “never-ending.”

Contrasting with the Polsons’ approach, Amy Grayland and her partner Luke planned a wedding on a £1,500 budget within three weeks. They chose a register office ceremony, digital invitations, and a modest post-wedding party with music and finger food, carefully managing expenses. Amy sourced a summer dress secondhand and obtained discounted rings. The couple did not intend to marry initially but were motivated after learning about the financial incentives, including inheritance tax benefits and asset protections available to married couples.

Chartered financial planner Samantha Secomb advises taking a pragmatic approach to wedding spending, focusing on tax advantages rather than traditional or social expectations. She observes generational shifts in wedding priorities, with younger couples often favoring practical financial goals, such as saving for a home, over elaborate celebrations.

As wedding costs continue to climb, couples face complex decisions balancing personal desires, financial realities, and social pressures in planning their big day.