Are Weddings In the UK out of control?

Are Weddings In the UK out of control? A look at the costs of having a wedding and if it's worth it

2/3/202511 min read

Are Weddings In the UK out of control?

Weddings are often hailed as one of the most significant days in a person’s life—a celebration of love, commitment, and the start of a shared future. Yet, there’s a growing sense of unease around the sheer scale of the wedding day in the UK.

For many couples, this once-simple celebration now demands huge sacrifices, and not just emotionally. Financially, the growing pressures of the wedding industry have left people questioning whether these escalating costs are even worth it.

Think about it—multiple ceremonies, extravagant venues, and intricate details that cost a small fortune. Many couples find themselves spending more money than they’d planned, chasing an idealised vision of what their big day “should” look like. But at what point does this stop being about their marriage and start becoming a show for others?

The wedding industry thrives on creating the perfect day, yet it’s no secret that these elaborate traditions often come at the expense of practicality. Are we cherishing unique ceremonies that reflect genuine love, or are we feeding into a cycle of excess? By stepping back to reflect on what truly matters, perhaps we can begin to reclaim control over how we celebrate this milestone moment.

Breaking Down the Costs

Weddings may be magical, but the price tag behind the magic can leave many couples in disbelief. From the moment the planning begins, costs start to pile up fast. It's not just about the dress or the cake—every detail seems to come with its own hefty price tag, sometimes making you wonder where the money is even going.

Take venues, for example. These often make up the largest share of wedding expenses. Many couples dream of saying their vows in a grand country house, a historic barn, or even a charming seaside setting. Yet, securing one of these highly coveted venues can cost anywhere between £4,000 to £15,000, with very few extras included. Then there’s catering, where feeding 100 guests at an average of £50 per head can quickly pile on another £5,000.

Now, let's talk about everyone's favourite part of the wedding: the outfit! While some choose budget-friendly or second-hand options, others splurge up to £2,000 or more on their dream dress alone—without even factoring in accessories or tailored suits for the rest of the bridal party. And, of course, no ceremony feels complete without the added sparkle of entertainment. Whether it’s hiring a live band, a DJ, or even a magician, these extras can add £1,000+ to the final cost.

Then there are the small but mighty expenses—things like floral arrangements, invitations, favors, hair and makeup, and transportation—all seemingly minor but shockingly expensive when added together. It’s no wonder the average cost of a wedding in the UK now exceeds £18,000, and that’s excluding the honeymoon!

With such staggering figures, we’re left wondering—do we truly need all of these extras to have a meaningful ceremony? Or are these growing price tags more a reflection of the wedding industry’s influence and societal pressures than personal preferences? These are tough questions, but they’re worth asking as we consider what truly matters in this special moment.

The Alternatives

For many couples, the staggering cost of a wedding can make them wonder if simpler alternatives are the way forward. Not everyone dreams of a lavish wedding day dripping with extravagance, and plenty of options exist to step away from the expectations set by the wedding industry.

Take the couple who opted for a modest ceremony at a registry office. With only three guests present, they found joy in the intimate moment of exchanging vows, followed by a cozy meal at a local restaurant. Their choice wasn’t just a means to save money. It also reflected their values—focusing on the love they share rather than societal pressures. For these newlyweds, the simplicity of the day was far from a compromise; it was just right.

Then there's the couple who celebrated their marriage in a local castle for just £1,000. By keeping the guest list to 40 and hosting the reception in a friendly pub, they bypassed the hefty price tags associated with many venues. A BBQ and a hog roast added a personal and inviting touch, with loved ones pitching in. The result? A day filled with laughter, good food, and a genuine connection—all without the financial strain so common in today’s wedding industry.

DIY options are another great alternative. Transforming a back garden or village hall into a celebration space gives many couples the chance to create a truly personal wedding day. Friends and family can play critical roles—whether it’s snapping photos, baking the cake, or providing live music. Beyond keeping the cost manageable, this approach ensures every moment is steeped in meaning, courtesy of the close-knit community that helped bring it together.

Even pubs have become popular venues for low-budget weddings. One couple managed to book their favourite local as a private space for free. With the relaxed atmosphere and hearty pub food, their wedding day felt like a gathering of friends rather than a stressful production. It’s a testament to how important people, not price tags, are when it comes to celebrating love.

These stories highlight how couples across the country are challenging traditional norms with creativity and heart. Weddings don’t have to conform to outdated ideals or sky-high budgets. For many couples, it’s about crafting meaningful moments that prioritize love, shared values, and the joy of gathering their favorite guests together. After all, the best wedding day memories aren’t defined by spending money, but by treasuring the bonds that unite us.

The Wedding Tax Phenomenon

It's often said that as soon as you mention the word "wedding," prices magically skyrocket. This so-called "wedding tax" leaves many couples frustrated, wondering why everyday services and products become significantly more expensive just because they’re tied to a wedding. But this isn’t just an urban myth—it’s a reality faced by couples in the UK, adding further complexity to an already overwhelming process.

Take catering as an example. One couple shared how they approached a local pizza van with their plans, only to find the typical rate nearly doubled once they mentioned it was for a wedding. Florists and hairstylists often follow suit, charging significantly more for bridal-specific services than they would for other occasions. And cakes? The title of “wedding cake” alone can seem to justify an inflated price, even if it's identical to one made for another type of celebration.

This issue is further compounded by existing frameworks that limit the creativity and control couples have over their ceremonies. Outdated regulations surrounding marriages can restrict where and how religious weddings or civil weddings take place, creating unnecessary barriers for couples trying to find affordable or personalized options. Many are forced to stick to "established practices" that may not align with their vision or budget, leaving few alternatives outside the traditional wedding industry's offerings.

And it's not just about locations or legalities—there’s a noticeable lack of flexibility in who can officiate ceremonies under current laws. Couples seeking independent officiants to create a more intimate and tailored day often hit roadblocks. The rules governing who can legally oversee a wedding are rigid, doubling down on the logistical and financial strain many couples face. These restrictions leave little room for experimentation or cost-saving approaches, funneling couples toward pricier, conventional options.

Businesses also bank on the idea that weddings are monumental, once-in-a-lifetime events, which inevitably leads to higher markups. The assumption is that couples—motivated by societal pressure—are willing to spend more to make their day “perfect.” For those looking to deviate from these norms, the path forward can feel unnecessarily fraught with complications and expense.

Some couples have started finding ways to sidestep these barriers. A few choose to omit the word “wedding” when booking vendors, instead describing their event as a “family celebration” or “gathering” to avoid unnecessary costs. Others are turning away from traditional venues and opting for independent celebrants capable of providing personalized ceremonies outside the constraints of formal regulations. These movements reflect a growing frustration with a system many see as rigid and exploitative, and they signal a push for more flexibility, affordability, and creativity in weddings today.

Ultimately, while vendors and industry professionals often claim that high costs are justified by the stakes of the day, it’s clear that inflated pricing and restrictive practices aren’t just about quality control. They are products of a system that hasn’t adapted to changing expectations and the diverse needs of modern couples. Addressing these outdated norms and unnecessary regulations is key to giving couples the flexibility—and financial control—they deserve.

The Social Media Effect

Social media has changed not just how we celebrate weddings, but how we prepare for every related event. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are powerful tools for inspiration, showcasing jaw-dropping ideas for ceremonies, receptions, and even pre-wedding celebrations like hen parties and stag parties. But the constant stream of polished images can create unrealistic expectations, turning what should be moments of joy and fun into a spiral of comparisons and overspending.

Take pre-wedding celebrations, for example. What used to be a simple night out has turned into elaborate weekend getaways, complete with matching outfits, themed activities, and professional photographers. Couples and their friends often feel compelled to spend more just to keep up, ensuring these moments are “post-worthy.” While this might look like harmless fun, the costs can quickly add up, putting additional pressure on already stretched budgets.

This "keeping up with the Joneses" mentality extends to the wedding day itself. Social media encourages a focus on staged perfection, pushing couples to consider not just what they'll remember but how it will look online. People are no longer just planning a celebration—they’re curating a brand. This pressure often pushes couples to feel they need to choose options that are on-trend, even if it means spending more than planned. For some, this translates to cutting costs elsewhere, sacrificing elements that bring them genuine happiness or limit their chance to make unique, meaningful choices.

However, there’s hope for reclaiming the joy of these moments. More couples are starting to push back, prioritizing experiences that truly matter over the image they project to followers. Some are choosing low-key hen or stag parties where fun is the center, not the photos. Others are focusing on meaningful decor or intimate celebrations instead of trendy but costly embellishments. They’re realizing that having more choice over how they plan can lead to more authentic happiness—both emotionally and financially.

Social media’s influence may be here to stay, but couples who resist the pull of likes and perfectly curated posts are proving that weddings, and the events leading up to them, can still be deeply personal rather than performative. After all, whether it’s a simple hen night, a quiet ceremony, or a bold and unique celebration, the memories made should always mean more than the number of likes they get.

The Cultural Perspective

Weddings in the UK have long been a reflection of varying cultural, societal, and personal expectations, embodying centuries of tradition while also adapting to modern values. For some, weddings are an opportunity to celebrate to the fullest—an extravagant, once-in-a-lifetime occasion to honor love, family, and community. For others, however, the modern wedding industry feels like a scam, marked by overpriced rituals and societal pressure to conform.

Religious weddings, for instance, often hold deep meaning for couples and families who see the day as an important spiritual milestone. These ceremonies are rooted in longstanding beliefs and rituals that connect individuals to their faith and heritage. A church wedding, surrounded by loved ones, can feel profoundly significant, offering more than just a legal union but also a sacred vow witnessed by a higher power. For many families, this connection to tradition makes a wedding day more than just a celebration—it's a meaningful ritual that reaffirms their values and beliefs.

At the same time, shifting societal norms have led to a growing emphasis on individuality and choice in how weddings are celebrated. Civil weddings and personalized ceremonies are now just as popular as religious ones, with couples opting to design experiences that feel unique and true to their relationship. This can mean anything from ditching traditional rituals to reimagining them in modern ways, like blending elements from different cultures or writing custom vows that reflect personal stories. These approaches highlight the desire for meaningful moments that resonate personally, rather than simply adhering to established practices.

However, not everyone views weddings through a celebratory lens. Some argue that weddings today are more about appearances than significance, pointing fingers at the expansive wedding industry for creating an environment where families feel obligated to overspend. From costly venues to elaborate menus, critics see much of the tradition as a way to extract money under the guise of cultural obligation. One Reddit user remarked, "It's no longer about love or family—it’s about who has the best Instagram photos and who can afford the most lavish day." For those holding this view, the notion of marriage has been overshadowed by commercialism, leading many couples to feel pressured into following trends rather than prioritizing what matters most to them.

There's also a growing recognition of how diverse cultural perspectives play into this debate. While some families emphasize multigenerational traditions and expectations, others champion a more stripped-down, intimate approach to the celebration. For example, small weddings focused on meaningful moments with immediate family are gaining popularity, especially among couples who see value in prioritizing emotional connections over grand displays. These pared-back ceremonies can also ease financial stress, challenging societal narratives that bigger necessarily means better.

Ultimately, the cultural perspective on weddings in the UK underscores the tension between honoring traditional beliefs and adapting to changing societal priorities. For some, the lavish celebration is part of the magic—a way to make meaningful memories surrounded by all the people who matter. For others, weddings are becoming unreasonably inflated, with too many unnecessary trappings obscuring the true purpose of the day. Whichever side of the debate couples fall on, one thing is clear—weddings are deeply personal occasions, and how they are celebrated should reflect the values, traditions, and priorities that mean the most to those involved.

Is a wedding day Worth It?

When it comes to weddings, the age-old debate continues: Should couples pull out all the stops for a lavish celebration, or is a modest approach more sensible? For every couple singing the praises of their extravagant big day, there seems to be another sharing regrets or questioning whether the cost was truly worth it.

On one hand, many argue that weddings are about creating unforgettable moments. The romance of promising your vows in front of loved ones, wearing a breathtaking dress, and celebrating with friends and family is a dream for countless couples. Some view this as a once-in-a-lifetime event—a moment worthy of the grandeur. One Redditor shared their joy at spending substantially, noting how the opulent venue, standout band, and warm atmosphere made them feel special and showcased their love story.

Others, however, push back against the pressure to splurge, considering it a byproduct of the powerful wedding industry. From inflated costs for vendors who've heard the word "wedding" to outdated regulations governing ceremonies, many feel these issues create unnecessary barriers for couples just trying to celebrate their commitment. "We got married in a registry office with just a few close guests," one commenter revealed. "And you know what? It was intimate, meaningful, and affordable." Another couple detailed their lighthearted yet thrifty approach, organizing their own casual civil wedding and still forming precious memories without the high price tag.

The realities of debt can make even the best wedding memories bittersweet. While some may choose to spend lavishly without regrets, others feel burdened by having financed their celebrations through loans or credit, expecting years of repayments. One anecdote from the Reddit thread involved a pizza van vendor revealing they would triple their rates for weddings over casual events—a perfect example of how stag parties or hen parties might come at a fraction of the wedding-day price. This "wedding tax" breeds frustration for those already grappling with mounting costs.

Ultimately, the answer to whether it’s worth it lies in perspective. For some, the idea of uniting family and friends to celebrate love triumphs over the financial strain. For others, the focus on the vows, the meaningful connection, and the joy of togetherness matter more than any extravagant detail. Whatever approach couples decide on, the key is ensuring their wedding reflects their values and priorities—not just societal expectations. After all, a meaningful moment doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag.

Conclusion

The rising costs of weddings spark heated discussions, revealing a wide array of perspectives on how to celebrate love. With very few exceptions, most people agree that weddings hold great personal and cultural significance, but how they are executed often divides opinion. The widespread precedent of lavish celebrations has created societal expectations that can feel overwhelming to some, while others see it as a necessary tribute to such an important milestone.

Needless restrictions tied to outdated traditions and current law often hinder couples from crafting ceremonies that align with their personal values. Yet change could be on the horizon, as movements like those advocated by the law commission suggest a push toward greater parity and the inclusion of independent officiants. These shifts promise to offer couples more control over their special day while easing some of the financial and logistical pressures.

Ultimately, much like the perfect wedding playlist, it’s up to the couples to choose their own songs, creating a day that reflects who they are together. Whether they opt for grandeur or simplicity, the world of weddings continues to evolve, offering advice, options, and inspiration for navigating this life-changing event. With love at the heart of it all, weddings remain a deeply personal celebration—carried out by those saying “I do” and supported by everyone who stands by their side.