The average 2026 UK wedding cost revealed – couples are relying on 1 thing

The average cost of a wedding in 2026 has been revealed, with couples relying on one thing more than anything else. The Hitched Wedding Industry Report has confirmed that the average wedding cost is now £21,990. 

This year, the data shows that couples are focusing on quality over quantity, inviting fewer guests but spending 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 over 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. Couples have been found to rely on one thing – over half of British couples (61%) use gifted money from family to help fund the day they dream of. More than half of newlyweds (56%) overspent on their original budget. A third of couples stayed on budget (32%), while just 6% came in under budget.

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.

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.”