From big celebrations to budget savvy: the changing face of UK weddings
At a time of rising costs and changing perspectives, is the sound of wedding bells as tempting as it once was? To find out, Legal & General polled more than 2,000 married and engaged couples to see if they opted for a big wedding – or a big rethink.
Weddings in 2024 A 2024 survey revealed the average cost of a UK wedding has risen to £20,700, marking a 12.5% increase from £18,400 in 2022. Despite this, our survey found that couples typically budget much less, with the average amount set aside being just under £9,000 (£8,997.32). There was also a stark difference in wedding budgets across generations. Younger couples, particularly those aged 16-24, budget an average of £14,937 for their special day, while those over 55 set aside £4,614.
Rising costs and financial constraints A significant number of couples, particularly younger ones, find themselves exceeding their wedding budgets. The research revealed 69% of Gen Z respondents (16-24-year-olds) went over their budget, compared to just 18% of those aged over 55. Financial constraints have led many couples to make significant cutbacks. A majority (52%) reported excluding certain elements from their original plans to save money. The top cutbacks include reducing the guest list (22%), and almost a fifth (19%) of 25-34-year-olds said they've had to cut pre-wedding events like stag and hen parties. 63% of respondents also received financial help from family or friends, with a significant gap between Gen Z (85%) and those over 55 (42%).
Memories to last a lifetime Despite the increasing costs of weddings, the data shows that most people have no regrets. A significant majority (55%) responded "no" when asked if they wished they had spent their wedding budget differently. In contrast, only 23% said they would allocate the money differently, while 15% were unsure.
Paula Llewellyn, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at Legal and General comments, "Planning a wedding is not just about celebrating love, but also managing the money and budgeting realities that come with it. Our survey highlights how couples across the UK are flexing their plans in response to rising costs, while still creating lasting memories. "Whether it's a grand celebration or a more intimate gathering, careful planning and realistic budgeting can help couples manage costs without compromising on their plans. Beyond the wedding, thoughtful financial planning can ensure that the next steps in life are taken with confidence. Our dedication to providing peace of mind extends beyond the wedding day, helping couples protect their future and navigate life's journey with security and joy."
In summary - from big celebrations to budget savvy: the changing face of UK weddings · Average wedding budget is just under £9,000 · 69% of Gen Z exceed their budget, compared to 18% of those over 55 · A majority (55%) of respondents said they didn't regret having a wedding · 52% of couples cut wedding costs; 19% of 25-34-year-olds reduced pre-wedding events
New app launches to simplify one of marriage’s biggest admin headaches
Changing your name after marriage can mean updating details with countless organisations, from banks and subscriptions to official documents and employers. New app Name Change Navigator aims to make the process easier, guiding newlyweds through each step from one platform. Founded by Rebecca Dainton, Head of Product at Flutter UK & Ireland, the app was created to reduce the stress and mental load associated with name changes. It supports a range of naming journeys, including traditional surname changes, double-barrelling, blended surnames and other choices following marriage, civil partnership, divorce or personal identity changes. The launch comes as younger generations increasingly rethink traditional naming conventions, with technology offering a more streamlined approach to this often-overlooked part of newlywed life.
READ ARTICLE
Enjoy late summer at a Premier Cottage in Wales and Hampshire
With late-summer getaways on the horizon, make some memories with loved ones in a holiday cottage in Snowdonia or Hampshire with Premier Cottages. Wallops Wood Cottages located near Droxford in Hampshire is a collection of ten stunning luxury lodges and cottages ideal for a familymoon, mini-moon or a pre-wedding hen celebration. The grounds feature an on-site indoor swimming pool, sauna, games room and enclosed gardens. Each site comes with its own hot tub and seven of the ten cottages offer disabled access making them an ideal spot for multi-generational holidays. Dogs are also welcomed too, and prices start from £795.
READ ARTICLE
County Wedding Events coming to Tudor Barn in Buckinghamshire!
If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Tudor Barn, Buckinghamshire for inspiration on Sunday 25th October 2026! A must-visit for all those that got engaged over the festive months, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.
READ ARTICLE
Countdown to the County Wedding Events Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey
We live and breathe weddings at County Wedding Magazines and Events, so we can't wait for our Signature Wedding Show at Mercedes-Benz World, Surrey on Sunday 11th October, 2026! It's one of our biggest wedding shows of the spring wedding show season. The event brings couples in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.
