How to plan a wedding budget in the UK
Six steps to a calm wedding budget in pounds, from agreeing the total to protecting your deposits.
1. Agree the total first
Before you look at a single venue, agree one number together, and who is contributing. Families often help; write down who is paying for what so nobody is surprised later.
2. Set aside a contingency
Put about 5% aside as a buffer. Small extras add up: postage, alterations, the second fitting, a taxi you forgot.
3. Track planned, quoted and paid
For every line keep three figures: what you planned, what you were quoted, and what you have paid. The difference between quoted and paid is what you still owe, and the due date tells you when.
| Item | Planned | Quoted | Paid | Next payment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venue hire | £6,000 | £6,500 | £2,000 | Balance three months before |
| Photographer | £2,000 | £2,400 | £500 | One month before |
4. Pay deposits by credit card
Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, your credit card company can be jointly liable if a supplier lets you down, for anything costing over £100 and up to £30,000. It counts even if only part of the price, such as the deposit, goes on the card, but not if the card provider is also the seller.
5. Insure early
Buy wedding insurance before or with your first deposit, so the money you pay from the start is covered. Read what is excluded.
6. Keep a payment calendar
Most suppliers take a deposit and then a balance, often weeks before the day. Put every due date in one calendar so nothing lands as a surprise in the final month.
Sources
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