London takes the top spot as the most affordable place to get married

An overwhelming 94% of UK based couples who are planning a wedding during the current cost-of-living crisis say they’re looking for ways to cut back on the cost of their big day, a new study has revealed, with almost half (45%) admitting they’d be willing to cut people from their guestlist in order to do so.     The research, conducted by jewellery experts F. Hinds, quizzed 2,000 Brits to learn more about how bride-and-grooms-to-be are approaching wedding planning, in the midst of the current cost-of-living crisis. 

Alongside opting for a more exclusive guest list, a third (33%) of those surveyed said they would be looking to book a cheaper wedding venue. 

This cut back alone could save a substantial chunk of wedding budget, with previous research1 reporting that a wedding venue in the UK can set couples back an average of £8,400. 

Regionally, the survey findings highlighted that over a quarter (27%) of couples in London are looking to cut back on wedding venue hire costs, and luckily the city boasts the most affordable wedding venues in the UK. 

According to Hitched data analysed by F Hinds, there are 65 options available for £3,000 or less for couples to pick from in London – under half the UK average hire cost. 

Hitched search tools reveal that the top five cities with the most affordable wedding venues (available to hire for £3,000 or less) are:  

• London - 65  
• Southampton – 33  
• Nottingham – 19   
• Manchester – 18  
• Norwich – 16   

Southampton was the only city to come close to London in terms of affordable wedding venues, with 33 different options available.  

Those in Cardiff and Manchester also seem eager to save cash on their wedding venues, with nearly a quarter (23%) of survey respondents in both cities admitting they’d consider looking at cheaper alternatives.

However, while Manchester residents have 18 potential venues to choose from, our research revealed that there are only four available options in Cardiff that come in at £3,000 or less. 

The UK cities with the least amount of affordable wedding venue options are: 

• Belfast – 3 
• Cardiff – 4 
• Newcastle – 4 
• Edinburgh – 6  
• Glasgow – 9 

Jeremy Hinds, Sales Development Director at F. Hinds said: “Every element of a wedding can add up to a huge expense, and with the cost of living still high, it’s clear to see that some parts are more important to us than others when it comes to the big day. 

Large weddings with big guestlists may be swapped out for more intimate ceremonies, and budget for certain expenses may be reallocated to other elements that each couple deems more important.  

But it’s not just the couples that incur costs! Those of us invited to weddings during the cost of living crisis also have to shell out on transport, accommodation and gifts and so it’s not surprising that as budgets are squeezing some of us are having to turn down our invites all together (although we’d suggest telling the couple in advance, rather than pulling a sickie to get out of the celebrations!)” 

Wedding expert Hamish Shephard, Founder and CEO of Bridebook, offers his advice on how to navigate tricky conversations when planning a wedding with a smaller guestlist:

Planning a wedding on a limited budget can be challenging. If you're having more intimate wedding, you may find that you have to explain your circumstances with grace and tact to those that miss out. Remember, it's your wedding, and you should never feel guilty about doing what's right for you and your partner. 

Here are some tips to politely communicate your decision while maintaining strong relationships… 

• Be open and honest about your desire for a more intimate experience: many people are choosing smaller weddings for that special intimacy, and most will understand. 
• Emphasize the significance of including those closest to you: with a smaller wedding, prioritising your guest list is essential, and the vast majority of people will be understanding. 
• Offer alternative ways to celebrate together, like post-wedding gatherings or virtual experiences: including those who couldn't be invited can still be meaningful. Consider a budget-friendly gathering or a fun virtual get-together. 
• Express gratitude for understanding and support, acknowledging any disappointment: some people may be disappointed, but acknowledging how important they are to you while explaining the situation will keep things positive.