How to Set a Wedding Budget: Where to Start With Wedding Planning as a Newly Engaged Couple

One of the very first questions newly engaged couples ask is also one of the hardest:

“How much should we actually spend on our wedding?”

If the idea of setting a wedding budget fills you with dread, you’re not alone. Many couples put this step off entirely - but creating a clear, realistic budget early on is one of the best things you can do to make wedding planning feel calm and manageable.

This guide will show you where to start with wedding planning when it comes to budgeting, without guilt, pressure, or unrealistic expectations.

Why Setting a Wedding Budget Early Matters

Your wedding budget affects almost every decision you’ll make - from your venue and guest list to your suppliers and overall experience.

Without a budget, it’s easy to:

• Fall in love with venues or suppliers you can’t afford

• Overspend early and feel restricted later

• Feel constant stress about money throughout planning

A budget doesn’t limit your wedding - it gives you clarity and control.

Where to Start With Wedding Planning: Have an Honest Money Conversation

Before looking at venues or scrolling Pinterest, sit down together and talk openly about money.

Discuss:

• How much you can realistically afford

• Whether you’ll be paying yourselves or receiving family contributions

• What financial boundaries you want to set

This conversation might feel uncomfortable, but it’s an important foundation - not just for wedding planning, but for your marriage too.

Understand the Average Cost of a UK Wedding (Without Comparing)

It’s helpful to have a rough idea of UK wedding costs so you can set expectations, but try not to compare yourselves to others.

The “average UK wedding” includes everything from luxury weekend celebrations to intimate registry office ceremonies. Your wedding doesn’t need to match anyone else’s budget — only what works for you.

Focus on affordability and comfort, not averages.

Decide What Matters Most to You

Once you have a total budget in mind, decide where you want to spend the most.

Ask yourselves:

• What will we remember most about the day?

• What elements matter least to us?

• Where are we happy to simplify or save?

For some couples, it’s photography. For others, it’s food, music, or the venue atmosphere. Spending intentionally will make your budget feel empowering rather than restrictive.

Break Your Budget Down Early

A large number can feel overwhelming, so break your budget into categories such as:

• Venue and catering

• Photography and videography

• Outfits, shoes

• Flowers and décor

• Entertainment

• Stationery

• Contingency fund

Always set aside a small buffer (around 5–10%) for unexpected costs. They almost always come up.

Be Honest About Guest Numbers

Your guest list and your budget are closely linked. More guests usually means higher costs - particularly for catering and venue hire.

If your budget feels tight, reducing guest numbers can have a bigger impact than cutting lots of smaller details. An intimate wedding can be just as meaningful, if not more so.

Remember: A Meaningful Wedding Isn’t About the Spend

Social media can make it feel like there’s a “right” way to do weddings - but there isn’t.

A beautiful wedding is one that feels personal, relaxed, and true to you as a couple. Your budget is simply a tool to help you create that experience without unnecessary stress or financial strain.

Final Thoughts

If you’re newly engaged and unsure where to start, budgeting is a powerful first step. It brings clarity, confidence, and calm to the rest of your planning journey.

Start with honest conversations, make intentional choices, and remember - this is your wedding, and it deserves to feel good from the very beginning.

Happy planning x