As we head into a new year of engagement announcements and wedding planning, let’s take a look at the ever-changing average cost of a wedding in the UK.

It’s no secret that weddings are expensive. According to research conducted by Bridebook’s Wedding Survey, the average cost of a wedding in 2021 was £24,000 – although this is lower than 2019 when it rose to around £30,355 – likely due to the impact of COVID-19 and the rise of the micro- Wedding and smaller, more intimate celebrations.

The cost of weddings has steadily increased over the decades, demonstrating huge budget gaps between our own generation, that of our parents and that of our grandparents when it comes to wedding planning.

The average cost of a wedding over the decades

Wedding costs have increased by 3000% since the 1950s and will reach an all-time high in the 2020s.

Average cost of a wedding: 1950s

Our 1950s bride is Jean. Her whole family helped with all the wedding preparations as she only had two weeks to plan the big day.

• Average weekly wage – £9.55
• cost of the wedding – £70
• Wedding dress cost – £8
• Number of guests – 60
• Location of reception – South Hackney Church
• food served – A cold buffet and dessert

1960s

Janet married in the 1960s. Her total wedding cost was just £60 and her charming wedding photos perfectly reflect the swing era.

• Average weekly wage – £18.25
• cost of the wedding – £50
• Wedding dress cost – £20
• Number of guests – 60
• Location of reception – The local railway association
• food served – Chicken salad

1970s

In the 1970s, Bernie managed to have her dream day come true with wedding costs totaling just £100. Mr. and Mrs. Shortt served steak and chips in an intimate and rather rocking setting at the local pub.

• Average weekly wage – £34.64
• cost of the wedding – £100
• Wedding dress cost – £30
• Number of guests – fifteen
• Location of reception – The local pub
• food served – Steak or chicken and fries

1980s

As the economy boomed in the 1980s, we saw more brides spending a higher percentage of their salary on their wedding parties. Nicky spent 7 times the national weekly wage — something brides today are very familiar with. In the style of the 80s, she served Black Forest cake – a staple of the decade.

• Average weekly wage – £145.88
• cost of the wedding – £1,150
• Wedding dress cost – £120 (rented)
• Number of guests – 150
• Location of reception – A dance center
• food served – Shrimp cocktail, chicken, potatoes, Black Forest cake

1990s

Our 1990s bride, Claire, had a lot to offer. The nation has been obsessed with weddings, with films like Four weddings and one death and father of the bride break box office records.

This is also the first time we’ve come across wedding venues that are changing from local pubs or clubs to the larger and more glamorous hotels and country houses that we know today.

• Average weekly wage – £340.18
• cost of the wedding – £5,000
• Wedding dress cost – £690
• Number of guests – 80
• Location of reception – A country hotel
• food served – Soup, duck or chicken and cheesecake

2000s

Our millennium bride is Holly Dunham. She spent four years planning her big day and saving for rising wedding costs.

She was the only one of our brides who did not receive financial support for their wedding expenses.

• Average weekly wage – £532.34
• cost of the wedding – £17,000
• Wedding dress cost – £825
• Number of guests – 96
• Location of reception – family home
• food served – Roast pork

Average cost of a wedding: 2010s

Wedding costs continued to rise as we settled into the 2010s with the average total cost reaching over £26,000 in 2019. By 2018, The Independent said that cost had reached £30,355 – yet Bridebook found the cost in 2021 was £24,000, suggesting the impact of COVID-19 with the rise of micro-wedding and couples opting for smaller ones , more intimate ceremonies decide.

Average cost of a wedding in 2021

Bridebook found the cost of a wedding in 2021 was £24,000 – lower than 2019’s £31,000, partly due to the impact of COVID-19.

And not only will the cost of the actual wedding ceremony go up, honeymoon prices and additional extras will go up too.

According to WeddingPlanner.co.uk, at least half the cost of a UK wedding comes from expenses such as catering, guest expenses, hair and beauty, photography and the whole host of extra extras that couples add to their big day.

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