There’s something incredibly exciting about those first few weeks after getting engaged. You start imagining your wedding day, searching for inspiration, exploring venues and picturing everyone you love celebrating in one place.
One of the first questions many couples ask is:
“How much does a wedding cost?”
Creating a wedding budget can feel overwhelming at first, especially when there are so many different elements to consider. The honest answer is that there is no single figure. Every wedding is different, and your final investment will depend on the choices you make along the way.
Many couples begin their planning by searching for average wedding costs and trying to understand what is realistic. The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer — your guest numbers, venue, style, priorities and chosen date will all influence the overall cost.
Through helping couples plan their weddings at Berwick Lodge, we have seen that some of the biggest budget decisions are made right at the beginning. Understanding these choices early can help you plan with confidence, make the most of your budget and create a wedding that feels truly personal.
The Biggest Factors That Influence Your Wedding Budget
Before looking at individual costs, it is helpful to understand the decisions that have the biggest impact on your overall wedding investment.
1️⃣ Guest numbers – the size of your celebration influences everything from catering and drinks to flowers, styling and accommodation.
2️⃣ Your venue and catering – your chosen setting and what is included within your package will shape a large part of your budget.
3️⃣ Your wedding package – understanding what is included can help you compare venues fairly and avoid unexpected costs.
4️⃣ Your date and season – the time of year and day of the week can influence availability and pricing.
5️⃣ Your personal priorities – deciding what matters most to you helps you spend your budget on the elements you will remember most.
Taking time to think about these areas first can help you create a realistic budget and focus your spending on the things that truly matter to you.
Guest Numbers: The Starting Point for Your Wedding Budget
You do not need to have your final guest list confirmed before viewing wedding venues, but having a realistic idea of your approximate numbers is one of the most helpful first steps.
Whether you are planning an intimate celebration, a micro wedding or a larger gathering will influence the type of venue you need, the atmosphere you want to create and many of the costs involved.
Adding guests does not just mean extra meals. It can also mean more drinks, stationery, flowers, table styling, cake, evening food and accommodation requirements.
A wedding for 50 guests and a celebration for 150 guests are likely to feel very different from a budget perspective. Larger guest numbers can influence everything from table layouts and flowers to entertainment and accommodation.
One thing we often find is that couples sometimes begin their planning with a larger guest list because they feel they need to invite everyone. As conversations develop, many discover that a slightly smaller celebration allows them to create a more personal experience and invest more in the details that matter most.
At Berwick Lodge, we welcome couples looking for different styles of celebrations — from intimate elopements for two, through to micro weddings for around 15–30 guests and exclusive weddings for larger gatherings of around 50–150 guests.
There is no perfect wedding size. The right size is the one that feels right for you and allows you to spend your budget on the elements that matter most.
Choosing Your Venue: One of the Most Exciting Decisions
Choosing your wedding venue is one of the most exciting parts of planning your day, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many different styles of venues, packages and pricing structures available, it can be difficult to know what represents the best value for your budget.
For many couples, the venue and catering will make up one of the largest parts of their wedding investment. However, it is important to look beyond the headline price and understand what is included, as some venues may require additional investment in areas such as styling, décor and furniture.
The venue you choose can influence many of your other decisions. A setting with character, beautiful surroundings and thoughtfully designed spaces may naturally require less additional styling because the venue itself already creates much of the atmosphere.
At Berwick Lodge, our Victorian country house, gardens and woodland provide a naturally beautiful backdrop for weddings throughout the year. Couples can add their own personal touches while allowing the character of the venue to shine.
Our ceremony spaces are prepared ready for your special day, and couples can even incorporate seasonal flowers from our gardens, lovingly arranged by our team.
Choosing a venue is not just about finding somewhere beautiful to celebrate; it is about finding a place that creates the right atmosphere and allows you to spend your budget on the elements that are most meaningful to you.
Understanding Your Wedding Package: Knowing What Is Included
Once you have an idea of your guest numbers and the type of venue you are looking for, the next step is understanding what is included within your wedding package.
Wedding packages can vary significantly between venues, so it is important to look beyond the headline price and understand exactly what you are paying for. A package that appears more expensive initially may already include many of the elements you would otherwise need to arrange separately.
When comparing packages, consider whether they include:
▪️Venue hire
▪️Food and drink
▪️Reception drinks and canapés
▪️Wedding breakfast
▪️Evening catering
▪️Linen, crockery and cutlery
▪️Wedding coordination and support
▪️Accommodation or additional experiences
At Berwick Lodge, we make understanding your wedding costs as simple as possible. Our packages (like this Spring Wedding Package) are designed to give couples clarity from the beginning, with venue hire, food and drink costs included alongside our 2 AA Rosette dining experience.
This means couples have a clearer picture of their main wedding investment from the outset, allowing them to focus on the personal touches that make their day unique.
Choosing Your Wedding Date: How Season and Day of the Week Affect Your Budget
Your wedding date can have a significant impact on your overall budget. While summer Saturday weddings are often the most popular choice, they are not the only option for creating a beautiful and memorable celebration.
Choosing a date outside of peak season can offer more flexibility and help your budget stretch further. Spring, autumn and winter weddings can be just as magical, with each season bringing something different.
At Berwick Lodge, our Victorian country house, gardens and woodland provide a beautiful backdrop throughout the year — from the first spring flowers such as daffodils and bluebells, to the rich colours of autumn and the atmosphere of a winter celebration.
For couples who dream of a stunning setting but want to maximise their budget, choosing a quieter season can create more opportunities to invest in the details that make their wedding personal, whether that is additional flowers, candlelight, entertainment or styling touches. Take inspiration from Emma and Joshua’s beautiful spring wedding.
The day of the week can also influence pricing. Saturdays are usually the most sought-after, while weekday weddings, particularly Monday to Thursday, can offer better value. Fridays and Sundays may sit somewhere in between depending on the venue.
Many couples worry that guests will not attend a weekday wedding, but in our experience, loved ones are often delighted to celebrate with you when it is such a meaningful occasion.
Choosing a different season or day is not about compromising on your dream wedding — it can create even more opportunities to make it your own.
Other Wedding Costs to Consider
Once you have considered your venue, guest numbers, package and date, it is time to think about the additional elements that will make your wedding personal to you.
Every couple’s priorities are different. Some couples may choose to invest more in flowers and styling, while others prioritise photography, entertainment or creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Some additional wedding costs to consider include:
▪️Photography and videography – capturing the moments you will look back on for years to come.
▪️Wedding attire – including your dress, suit, shoes, accessories and alterations.
▪️Hair and makeup – for the couple and members of the wedding party.
▪️Flowers and styling – including bouquets, buttonholes, centrepieces, décor and personal touches.
▪️Entertainment – such as a band, DJ or live musicians.
▪️Cake – from a simple design to a bespoke creation.
▪️Stationery – including invitations, menus, place cards and signage.
▪️Transport – such as wedding cars or guest transport.
▪️Accommodation – including a wedding night stay, guest rooms and any additional nights.
Remember that not every couple chooses every element. A beautiful wedding is not created by adding more and more details; it is created by choosing the details that feel meaningful to you.
Planning a Wedding That Feels Like You
While your venue, food and drink form the foundations of your wedding day, it is often the personal touches that guests remember most.
We are seeing more couples invest time in creating handmade favours, meaningful decorations, personalised music choices and thoughtful details that tell their story as a couple.
These touches do not need to be the most expensive parts of your wedding — they simply need to feel personal.
The most memorable weddings are not about following a formula; they are about creating a celebration that feels completely yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the average wedding cost?
There is no single answer, as every wedding is unique. The overall cost will depend on your guest numbers, venue, package, date and the elements you choose to include.
The best approach is to understand your priorities first and create a budget around what matters most to you.
What is usually the biggest wedding expense?
For many couples, the venue and catering make up one of the largest parts of their wedding investment. This is why understanding what is included within a venue package is so important when comparing options.
Are weekday weddings cheaper than Saturday weddings?
Many venues offer different pricing depending on the day of the week, with Saturdays often being the most sought-after. Weekday weddings can provide an opportunity to make your budget stretch further while still creating a beautiful celebration.
How can I make my wedding budget go further?
Choosing your priorities early can make a big difference. Considering different seasons, guest numbers, packages and what matters most to you can help you create a wedding that feels personal without unnecessary spending.
Start Planning Your Berwick Lodge Wedding
Planning your wedding should be an exciting experience, not just a list of costs to manage.
Whether you are dreaming of an intimate celebration, a micro wedding or an exclusive gathering with your favourite people, our team is here to help you understand your options and create a day that feels completely personal.
From your first viewing through to your wedding day itself, we are here to guide you through every step.
Explore weddings at Berwick Lodge or download our wedding brochure to begin planning your celebration. You might also find our blog post ”How to Start Wedding Planning” useful.
