Wedding expert Nick Harris says the typical £60,000 mid-market wedding can be achieved for as little as £35,000 by choosing value-focused suppliers and planning carefully. According to Just About Weddings, the UK's only full wedding vendor group, many couples overspend due to misconceptions about pricing.
Plan with a Fixed Budget
“The best way to save money on a wedding is not to haggle at the end. It is to plan properly at the beginning,” says Nick. He advises couples to start with a fixed budget—not a vague idea—and work backwards from the absolute maximum they are prepared to spend.
Make a Detailed List
Before booking a venue, Nick recommends listing every other expense: photography, videography, flowers, hair and make-up, DJ, food, drink, cake, transport, décor, and extras. Assign a realistic figure to each, add them up, and the remainder is the venue budget. “Do not fall in love with venues above it. That is how couples end up cutting the things they really care about or simply spending more,” he says.
Read the Contract Thoroughly
Nick stresses the importance of reading every line of the venue contract. Look for ceremony fees, minimum spends, service charges, corkage, linen, furniture hire, and VAT. “If VAT is not clearly shown on a consumer quote, ask why. If something is not written down, assume it is not included and will be charged for later,” he warns.
Check Catering Small Print
Catering contracts also require scrutiny. “A cheap quote is not always a cheap wedding,” says Nick. He advises checking how many staff are included, their hours, when service ends, and whether clearing down is covered. Crucially, ask what happens if guest numbers drop: “How far will the caterer reduce the final bill before the price stops coming down? That clause can make a big difference.”
Be Supplier Savvy
Nick urges couples to always ask suppliers for the total price upfront. “Travel should never be left as a vague 'plus travel' line. That is not a quote; it is a trapdoor.” He warns against suppliers who hide prices behind “investment” pages without actual pricing, and advises never to disclose your budget before seeing a fixed price list.
Ignore Charm, Use Your Head
“Do not book with your heart instead of your head,” Nick says. “Liking a smooth talker can be expensive. 'He really understood us' sounds lovely, but really? Weddings are personal, but they are not so different that charm should cost thousands more.” He highlights that transparency matters—Just About Weddings publishes all prices clearly, never charges for travel, and avoids hidden extras.
Widen Your Net
Finally, Nick advises not assuming local means best value. “Search beyond the venue’s postcode, and treat preferred supplier lists as suggestions, not instructions. Best value might be just across a county line. The real saving is simple: know the full cost before you sign anything.”
