How to fund a wedding in the UK?

How to fund a wedding in the UK?

December and January are among the most popular months for asking, “Will you marry me?” If you said yes, elatedly, it’s time for the wedding bells. Everything may sound like a fairy-tale until the costs enter. From booking the venue to wedding attire and accommodations, every aspect requires money. And you may not be ready for this financially.

Here, knowing some ways to finance the wedding may help. It is the route to living up to your dream and ticking every aspect of your wish list. The blog discusses the prominent ways that provide financial flexibility for a memorable wedding arrangement.

Here, knowing some ways to finance the wedding may help. It is the route to living up to your dream and ticking every aspect of your wish list. The blog discusses the prominent ways that provide financial flexibility for a memorable wedding arrangement.

What will be ideal saving amount for a wedding in the UK?

According to Hitched.co.uk, “the costs of a wedding may be £23,700 in 2025 based on the data of 3000 individuals who got married in 2024.” It is slightly higher than in 2024, when the cost was £23,250 for a wedding.  It has increased by 12% since the last year.  Thus, you may save at least £24000 for a comfortable wedding ceremony.

Moreover, nearly 1 in 2 couples who got married in 2024 believe the economy impacted their budget. This is the reason most couples increase their budget while planning (60%), whereas 54% of individuals plan to include more DIY elements in their wedding.

What does the wedding cost breakdown look like in 2025?

In 2025, couples plan to spend the most on venue (35-40%) and catering services (25-30%) in a wedding. However, the actual amount depends on the location, choices, and specific requirements. Here is the basic breakdown of wedding costs in the UK marketplace.

The data is according to the cheeseweddingcakeshop.co.uk recent analysis. It clearly reveals the individual’s basic wedding expenditure plan. They want to spend the most on catering and venue and the least on photography services. Meanwhile, individuals also want to save a lump sum for sudden costs and insurance coverage.

How do you manage wedding costs with no money?

Yes, you can plan a wedding with no money in the UK by doing a Registry Office Wedding. It just costs £1342 on average. You get the certificate after marriage as proof. You must notify them at least 29 days before the wedding at the local registrar’s office.

Moreover, you must complete your wedding ceremony within 12 months of giving the notice. Alternatively, you may explore wedding grants, focus on DIY, or host a small wedding get-together at home if you lack money to host a grand wedding.

However, qualifying for grants requires you to meet stringent criteria. What if you don’t get through it? Would you cancel or postpone the wedding? Well, you don’t need to. Instead, check whether you have someone who can cover the wedding costs on your behalf. He could be any family member or a close friend.

 If you have one, check guarantor loans nearby. It helps you get instant funds by providing a guarantor. The person should have a good credit and financial history to qualify. It is the ideal option if you lack money and a good credit score. It may help you get a higher sum than with individual finances.

The guarantor will be responsible for the payments if you cannot pay. He must clear the loan dues to walk off debt-free. The arrangement is ideal for you if you have a good bond with a specific person. It is a long-term agreement, and thus, one must decide by analyzing every situation. It is a safe way to finance a wedding with no money in the UK marketplace.

5 options that may help fund the wedding

Borrowing for a wedding helps you manage every little aspect without worries. Apart from helping you with pre-wedding shoots, it helps with comfortable guest accommodations.

The first step before exploring the funding options is to understand your budget. Analyse the aspects you want to spend on keeping the approximate costs besides. It will help you get a vague idea of how much the wedding may cost in 2025.

Alternatively, use a wedding budget calculator that you may use online in the UK for free. It will help you get a more precise overview of the expected costs. You will get a number according to which you can explore the financial options to fund the wedding:

1)     Open up a high-yielding savings account

Yes, setting up a high-yielding savings account may help you. It is an ideal option for couples who plan to marry within 2-3 years. You can set up a wedding fund account by comparing and getting the one offering the highest interest. You can join the new account with the current one. You can set automatic transfer from your old account to the new one.

However, if you want wedding savings to grow fast, get a dedicated savings account. It ensures financial discipline towards a single goal. It is one of the best ways to save for a wedding in 2 years or more. Moreover, consistent savings and low expenses improve your financial credibility. It makes you ideal for low-cost loans.

2)     Check an affordable credit card

According to Lowell.co.uk, “23% of Brits use credit cards to fund their wedding in 2025.” Check for interest-free credit cards. Yes, you may find credit cards with 0% interest charges for a specific time.  You must pay the principal amount timely to benefit from this.

Paying after the period is complete leads to interest costs. It increases the total expenses. Use only a few cards to benefit from rewards on booking flights and other aspects.

3)     Use bad credit loans for a lump sum

You cannot put everything on chance when it is your wedding. If you lack an ideal credit score, you don’t need to regret or depend on savings alone. Instead, check personalised bad credit loans for your needs. It mainly caters to profiles with missed payments, CCJs, or even bankruptcies. You may share better chances to qualify over other personal loans here.

Furthermore, you may fetch low interest rates with a consistent income and improved financial structure. You certainly have past financial mistakes. However, if you are regular on your bills, you may qualify regardless of your credit score.

You may get up to £25000 for any of your wedding-related requirements. Choose and pay according to the repayment structure you are comfortable with.  Thus, meet any of your needs without postponing it to a later date.

• Get a perfect wedding loan for your “big day.”

Wedding loans help you finance any purpose related to your marriage.  You can use it for –

• Booking a venue
• Catering services
• Booking a photographer
• Wedding dress
• Invitations
• Accommodations
• Transport

However, you can use it exceptionally for wedding-related purposes only. You may also get wedding loans without a credit check or bad credit scores. The former helps you know the basic costs without affecting your credit score.

Choose an amount that lies within your affordability. Later, you will get the cash in your account the same day.  It eliminates lengthy documentation or collateral (if you can afford it). Learn more tips to finance your wedding using a loan.

• Check on a personal loan

If you need little flexibility with payments and don’t want to risk your assets, a personal loan may help. Loan is useful for any purpose related to the wedding. However, the loan rates you get may be higher than specific wedding loans.

Compare the costs like APR, interest, and other loan-related expenses. Make a relevant choice as per your budget. Here is a representative example of the personal loan costs:

Note: The APR you are offered may differ depending on the lender, their financial assessment, loan amount, and your financial circumstances. Read the terms carefully before applying.

Bottom line

These are a few strategies that may help you fund a wedding comfortably in the UK. Analyse the right one, given your budget, financial circumstances, and wedding type. A savings account could be a good option if the wedding is still 2 years away. Alternatively, check wedding loans and credit cards to fund the marriage needs.