The annual Wedding Industry Report commissioned by Hitched.co.uk reveals the latest trends, insights, and the average cost of a wedding in the UK, based on the post-nuptials data of 2,020 newlyweds.  

• Annual report from leading UK wedding platform Hitched reveals the average cost of a wedding is £21,990, as Brits continue to invest in this big life moment. 
• This year is all about quality over quantity, as the average spend per guest increased 4% to £272 as people invest in guest experience.
• The average millennial wedding costs nearly £24,000; a significant 7% above the national average.
• More than three in five couples say they were gifted money from family to help pay for their wedding (61%).
• More than half of newly married couples (56%) overspent on their wedding budgets in 2025.

Wedding Budgets and the Economy

The Hitched Wedding Industry Report has confirmed that the average cost of a wedding is now £21,990. This year, the data has shown that couples are focusing on quality over quantity, as they invite less guests, but spend more on those in attendance.

The average spend per head this year increased 4% to £272, compared to £261 in 2024. For those with extensive family and friends in attendance, the average cost for 101+ guests is nearly 40% more at £35,591. It’s clear that those with large guest lists don’t spare any costs for the big occasion. 

Over half of British couples (61%) use gifted money from family to help fund the day they dream of, and are more likely to do so than couples from other European countries, such as France (40%), Italy (39%) or Spain (35%).

More than half of newlyweds (56%) overspent on their original budget. A third of couples managed to stay on budget (32%), while just 6% came in below budget. 

Generational divides

Millennials are the biggest spenders when tying the knot, committing on average £23,612 – 7% above the UK average. One in four even go so far as spending more than £30,000. 

The second biggest spenders are Gen Z, for whom the average wedding costs £21,373. There is no doubt that they are working with smaller budgets due to their age and earning potential. But Gen Z are still eager to invest in the big day – so that means being more intentional about where they spend, investing in the parts of the day that matter most and finding creative ways to scale back. It also means leaning on family where possible, with 68% of Gen Z reliant on their parents’ help to foot the bill.

Regional divides

It is no surprise that weddings in the capital come with the largest price tag. London couples spend the most on their weddings, at an average of £24,622 – nearly 12% above the national average.

Following closely in second place, weddings in the South East come in at an average cost of £23,589. This is followed by couples in the East spending £23,350 on their big day.

Scottish weddings made it into the top four when it comes to spending, as the average cost is now £22,123. In fact, Scots spend the most per guest, averaging £293 a head compared to the overall UK average of £272.

Chloe Lansdowne, Head of Consumer Marketing (UK) at Hitched.co.uk, says: “Our data shows that despite the cost of living crisis, couples continue to invest in the huge life moment of a wedding – and this year, we’ve seen a lift in investment in each guest’s experience.

“As couples spend more per head, it is clear that there is an emphasis on making the day unforgettable for everyone in attendance, from the happy couple to distant relatives. After all – the wedding may be about the couple, but you want your guests to have fun! 

“At Hitched, we help couples find the best suppliers and inspiration for their weddings, from venues to photographers. With couples continuing to invest in the big day despite financial challenges, we want to ensure that every penny spent helps to deliver a day they’ll never forget.”

About Hitched

Hitched, part of The Knot Worldwide Inc., is a leading UK wedding planning destination with a simple mission: to help people get married.

For more than two decades, Hitched has provided couples with help, advice and inspiration covering every aspect of wedding planning from the engagement to honeymoon and beyond.

Hitched is dedicated to ensuring every UK couple has the help and ideas they need to make their wedding day a success, and that each stage of their journey is inspirational, enjoyable and simple. With thousands of the UK’s leading venues and suppliers, smart digital planning tools across app, mobile and desktop, along with the latest weddings news and trends, it’s no wonder Hitched is a favourite UK wedding planning brand.

In 10+ countries across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia, The Knot Worldwide champions the power of celebration. The company’s global family of brands provide best-in-class products, services and content to take celebration planning from inspiration to action. Through its wedding brands, including The Knot, WeddingWire, Bodas.net, Hitched.co.uk, Mariages.net, Matrimonio.com, and others, the company offers an extensive database of hundreds of thousands of wedding professionals to assist couples in organising the happiest day of their lives.