How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Wedding in London: Your Step-by-Step Guide

14/04/2025

“Weddings cost a lot—especially in a city like London, where couples spend over £20,000 on average. Yikes, right? But guess what? You don’t need a fortune to have a gorgeous, heartfelt day. With smart planning, a little creativity, and some pro tips, you can pull off a wedding that feels special and saves your savings account.

Dreaming of a laid-back pub celebration? A sunny ceremony in the park? Or maybe a DIY bash with your favorite people (and a luxury wedding car to arrive in style)? Whatever your vision, this guide will help you make it happen—without the stress or crazy costs. Let’s dive in!”

Key Takeaways

  • Prioritise: Spend on what matters most (e.g., venue, food) and skip the rest.
  • Be flexible: Off-peak dates and non-traditional venues save thousands.
  • DIY wisely: Focus on easy, impactful projects (e.g., decor, invites).
  • Keep it small: An intimate guest list = bigger savings.
  • Shop smart: Second-hand attire, bulk drinks, and budget-friendly catering are your friends.

Step 1: Set a Realistic Budget (and Actually Stick to It!)

Before you dive into Pinterest boards, sit down with your partner and decide how much you can comfortably spend. Be honest—this will save you stress later!

  • Break it down: Allocate percentages to each category. For example:
    • Venue: 40%
    • Food & Drinks: 25%
    • Attire: 10%
    • Photography: 10%
    • Decor/Entertainment: 10%
    • Miscellaneous (permits, marriage license): 5%
  • Track everything: Use free tools like Google Sheets or budgeting apps (e.g., Bridebook) to log every pound spent.

Pro Tip: Leave a 10% “buffer” for unexpected costs (e.g., extra chairs, last-minute decor).

Step 2: Pick a Venue That Won’t Break the Bank

London is packed with stunning, affordable venues if you think outside the box:

Option 1: Parks & Outdoor Spaces

  • Why it works: Parks like Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, or Greenwich Park offer gorgeous backdrops for ceremonies. Permits cost £300–£800 (way cheaper than a traditional hall!).
  • How to book: Contact the local council (e.g., Royal Parks) at least 6 months in advance.
  • Bad weather backup: Rent a nearby community hall or pub for the reception.

Option 2: Community Halls & Libraries

  • Example: The Canvas Café in Shoreditch or The Upper Room in Notting Hill. Prices start at £500–£1,000 for a full day.
  • Bonus: Many include tables/chairs, saving you rental fees.

Option 3: Historic Pubs

  • Charm on a budget: There are many Pubs that offer cosy, all-inclusive packages from £50–£80 per person

Option 4: Off-Peak Discounts

  • Save up to 40% by booking a weekday or a winter date.

Step 3: Trim the Guest List (Without Hurt Feelings)

Smaller weddings aren’t just cheaper—they’re often more personal. Here’s how to keep the guest list tight:

  • Rule of thumb: Invite only people you’ve spoken to in the last year.
  • Split the day: Host a ceremony with close family, then a larger evening reception with snacks/drinks.
  • Go digital: Use e-invites (e.g., Greenvelope) to save £100+ on paper invites.

Sample Budget Impact:

  • 50 guests: £1,500 (food/drinks)
  • 100 guests: £3,000
    Cutting the list in half saves £1,500!

Step 4: Easy DIY Decor & Invites (No Stress Allowed!)

You don’t need fancy skills or a pro to make your wedding look amazing. Try these cheap, fun ideas:

  • Flowers: Grab fresh, in-season blooms from Columbia Road Flower Market (open Sundays!) and pop them into mason jars or milk bottles. Easy and pretty!
  • Lights: Fairy lights are cheap (£10–£20 a pack) and magical. Add tea candles for cosy vibes.
  • Signage: Hand-paint a welcome board or print signs at home.

Pro Tip: Host a “craft night” with friends! Turn decor prep into a fun pre-wedding activity.

Step 5: Feed Your Guests Affordably (Yes, It’s Possible!)

Food is often the biggest expense, but you can slash costs with these hacks:

  • Food Trucks: Hire a taco, pizza, or burger van (e.g., Street Food Union). Prices start at £10–£15 per person.
  • Buffet Style: Self-serve meals (e.g., pasta, salads) cut staffing costs.
  • Dessert Alternatives: Skip the £300 cake—opt for a cupcake tower (£50–£100) or a DIY s’mores station.
  • BYOB: Buy wine, beer, and prosecco in bulk from Aldi or Lidl.

Sample Menu for 50 Guests

  • Tacos + sides: £500
  • Dessert table: £150
  • Drinks: £200
    Total: £850 (vs. £2,500 for a traditional caterer!)

Step 6: Save on Attire (Look Amazing for Less)

  • Brides: Check sample sales at Bridal Outlet London or buy pre-loved dresses on Stillwhite (up to 70% off retail).
  • Grooms: Rent a sharp suit from Moss Bros(£80–£120) or buy a stylish off-the-rack option at M&S (£100–£150).
  • Accessories: Borrow jewelry from family or shop at Accessorise or H&M.

Step 7: Photography & Entertainment Hacks

  • Photography: Hire a talented student from London College of Communication or use platforms like Hitched.co.uk to find newbies offering discounts.
  • Music: Create a Spotify playlist and rent speakers (£50–£100) instead of hiring a DJ (£300+).
  • Marriage License: Book a registry office ceremony (£70–£120).
  • Park Permits: Apply early! Fees range from £50 (small parks) to £800 (iconic spots).

Do’s and Don’ts Table

Do’sDon’ts
Compare 3–5 venue quotesAssume weekends are your only option
Buy alcohol in bulk from supermarketsPay for full-service bars with premium brands
Use seasonal flowers (e.g., sunflowers)Order expensive orchids or peonies
Negotiate payment plans with vendorsForget to ask about hidden fees (e.g., cleaning)

Real-Life Example: Sarah & Tom’s £4,000 London Wedding

  • Venue: Regent’s Park ceremony (£600) + local pub reception (£1,200)
  • Food: Pizza van (£800) + DIY dessert table (£150)
  • Attire: Second-hand dress (£250) + rented suit (£90)
  • Decor: DIY flowers (£120) + fairy lights (£50)
    Total: £3,860

Message by Grand Luxury

Planning a budget-friendly wedding in London isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about spending wisely and focusing on what truly matters. By choosing meaningful moments over fancy extras, you’ll create a day that’s uniquely yours without the debt hangover.

Remember: Your wedding is a celebration of love, not a competition. Keep it simple, stay organized, and enjoy every step. Cheers to your big day—and don’t forgot to contact us for your dream wedding car!

Got questions? Drop them in the comments below!

FAQs

Q: Can I have a wedding in London for under £5,000?
A: Absolutely! Opt for a park ceremony (£500), pub reception (£1,500), DIY food (£800), and a pre-loved dress (£300).

Q: What’s the cheapest way to handle wedding invites?
A: Digital invites are free or low-cost (try Canva for custom designs).

Q: How do I find affordable photographers?
A: Search Instagram hashtags like #LondonWeddingPhotographer and filter by price.

Q: Are there free wedding venues in London?
A: Some public spaces allow free ceremonies, but you’ll still need a permit for chairs/decoration.