Wedding Budget Calculator
Allocate your wedding budget across venue, catering, photography, and more. Adjust percentages and see real-time breakdown.
Allocate Budget
Venue
£6,000
40.0% of budget
Catering & Bar
£3,750
25.0% of budget
Photography & Videography
£1,500
10.0% of budget
Flowers & Decorations
£750
5.0% of budget
Music & Entertainment
£750
5.0% of budget
Wedding Attire
£450
3.0% of budget
Invitations & Stationery
£300
2.0% of budget
Other & Contingency
£1,500
10.0% of budget
Budget Summary
£6,000
40.0%
£3,750
25.0%
£1,500
10.0%
£750
5.0%
£750
5.0%
£450
3.0%
£300
2.0%
£1,500
10.0%
Industry Standard Allocations
These percentages are based on industry standards for wedding budgets:
Budget Tips
- ✓ Venue often costs the most (40%) — book early for better rates
- ✓ Catering & bar is typically 25% — consider guest count and dietary needs
- ✓ Photography captures memories — allocate 10% for quality
- ✓ Keep 10% contingency for unexpected expenses
- ✓ Get quotes from multiple vendors before finalising budget
- ✓ Track all expenses as you go — use a spreadsheet or app
How to Allocate a Wedding Budget That Actually Holds
The average UK wedding cost £20,700 in 2024 according to Hitched's national survey, and the single biggest reason couples blow that figure is failing to allocate the budget upfront. The Wedding Budget Calculator splits your total across the eight standard categories using industry percentages, then lets you slide each one to match what matters to you. Photography fanatics push that slider up; couples having a small ceremony pull venue down.
The default split is venue 40%, catering 25%, photography 10%, flowers 5%, music 5%, attire 3%, stationery 2%, and 10% for the inevitable 'other'. Those percentages come from years of UK wedding industry data and are a sensible starting point. The total percent indicator at the bottom warns you when sliders push past 100% so the maths never gets away from you.
Default Allocation Examples
| Total Budget | Venue (40%) | Catering (25%) | Photo (10%) | Other (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £10,000 | £4,000 | £2,500 | £1,000 | £1,000 |
| £20,000 | £8,000 | £5,000 | £2,000 | £2,000 |
| £30,000 | £12,000 | £7,500 | £3,000 | £3,000 |
| £50,000 | £20,000 | £12,500 | £5,000 | £5,000 |
Why the 'Other' 10% Matters
First-time wedding planners almost always underestimate the small line items. Marriage licence (£46 in England), favours (£2 to £5 per guest), wedding insurance (£100 to £200), tips for vendors, hair trials, an emergency kit, and the 'we forgot we needed' run to the corner shop the morning of. Set aside the full 10% even if your itemised plan looks like it can absorb it; you'll thank yourself in the final fortnight.
Combine this with the [Wedding Cost Per Head Calculator](/wedding-cost-per-head-calculator) to see what your guest list is genuinely costing you. Cutting the list by ten people saves around £700 to £1,000 at the average UK price-point, which is often a kinder lever than cutting categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average UK wedding cost in 2026?
Hitched's 2024 National Wedding Survey put the average UK wedding at £20,700, up from around £18,400 in 2022. Costs vary hugely by region: London and the South East routinely run at £25,000 to £35,000 while rural Wales and parts of Scotland sit closer to £14,000 to £16,000.
Should the venue really take 40% of the budget?
Yes for most couples. The venue line includes hire fee, ceremony room, and often the dance floor or marquee. If you're using a free venue (a family garden, a registry office, a parents' home) you can drop venue to 10% and shift the saved budget into catering or photography.
Do I need a separate budget line for tips?
Tipping isn't expected in the UK the way it is in the US, but most couples tip the photographer, DJ, and any service staff who go above and beyond. Budget around 5% to 10% of the relevant vendor's fee, drawn from your 'other' allocation.
How much contingency should I leave for last-minute costs?
Aim for 10% of total budget held in reserve. Standard last-minute spend includes alterations after the final dress fitting, vendor overtime if the day overruns, weather contingencies (umbrellas, marquee sides), and the always-a-bit-more-than-quoted bar tab.
Related Tools
Wedding Cost Per Head Calculator
See the real cost per guest at your wedding. Break down your budget across venue, catering, drinks, photography, and more with adjustable percentages and what-if scenarios.
Wedding Catering Calculator
Calculate food quantities for your wedding reception. Choose between sit-down, buffet, canapes, or BBQ and get exact kg amounts for meat, fish, vegetables, and desserts.
Wedding Drink Calculator
Calculate exactly how many bottles of champagne, wine, beer, and soft drinks you need for your wedding. Adjusts for season, duration, and bar type with cost estimates.