How much have Brits spent attending weddings this summer?

group of people taking a selfie

We all love a wedding! After two years of covid and postponed big-days, 2022 was a bumper year for nuptials with more taking place than ever! The team at Fenwick has delved into the true cost of attending weddings that aren’t your own. Have you ever wondered how much the average person spends? By surveying 1,000 people, the study reveals how much Brits are spending on each wedding they attend.

graphic of wedding cake breaking down the spending habits per layer

The average Brit spends £380 attending a wedding... and this is before buying a prosecco or two while you're there!
The average person will spend £380 on clothes, accommodation, travel, a wedding gift, hair and make-up per wedding that they go to. And, if you're attending on average two weddings a year, over ten years you could spend £7,600 on weddings that aren't your own.

The outfit: £82.53
According to the survey, the majority of women spend between £51-100 on their outfit for each wedding. The overall average spend on outfits is £82.53 per wedding which is split £92.65 for women and £73.17 for men. From dresses to jumpsuits, the options for wedding guest outfits are endless no matter the formality of the occasion.

Hair and make-up: £41.50
When it comes to hair and make-up, people are spending on average £41.50 per wedding. Although some prefer to seek the help of a professional, the abundance of hair and make-up tutorials on social media means people are now able to learn how to create intricate looks at home only needing to buy a couple of extra products.

A wedding gifts: £85.93
Choosing a wedding gift for the happy couple can be tricky, and whether you're going to buy a bottle of champagne, or something for their kitchen, knowing how much to spend can be a challenge. The survey reveals that the average person is spending £85.93 on a wedding gift. When breaking this down by UK city, Leeds is the most generous city in the UK spending £124.91 per wedding on a gift.

Travel and accommodation: £169.72
Some of the most beautiful wedding venues are in the middle of the British countryside, so can be a little remote. Travel and accommodation can make up quite a large proportion of the amount people spend per wedding. According to the findings, the average amount of money spent travelling to weddings is £75.99 per wedding. And, whether it's in the venue itself and sometimes it's a nearby hotel, accommodation is setting the average person back £93.73 per wedding attended.

table of which areas spend the most

Manchester has the highest overall spend at £553 per wedding, 167% more than the city of Norwich, who spends the least at £207.

graph of how much brits are happy to spend

If you're planning up your stag or hen celebration, keep the cost in mind. Fenwick's study revealed that Brits are happy to spend on average £143.50 on a stag or hen, with people aged between 25-34 willing to spend the most (£175.86) and half of Brits (50.7%) would refuse to attend an abroad hen or stag.

Back to previous page

You may also be interested in

Sleep Like A Traitor

Sleep Like A Traitor

The Traitors is back! And with Britons fully embracing their inner detectives, the allure of a suspense-soaked countryside escape complete with shadowy hallways, crackling fires and the irresistible question of "who's hiding what?" is stronger than ever. Groups can immerse themselves in their very own plot twist this winter thanks to Rural Retreats. From atmospheric farmhouses to sprawling manors perfect for plotting and sleuthing, the scene is set for the ultimate Great British Whodunnit Weekend.

READ ARTICLE

Manchester is the UK’s Marriage-Search Capital, New Research Finds

Manchester is the UK’s Marriage-Search Capital, New Research Finds

From searching for the perfect engagement ring to browsing wedding venues and proposal ideas, Brits are increasingly turning to Google when preparing to take the next step in their relationships. But new research has revealed that some UK cities are considerably more marriage-minded online than others. Manchester has emerged as the UK city with the highest level of marriage-related search interest relative to its population, according to research from Agilis. The city records an estimated 1,540.7 searches per 100,000 residents across terms relating to engagement rings, proposals, wedding planning, marriage advice and civil partnerships. Plymouth comes in second, with 1,435.6 searches per 100,000 residents, while Leeds takes third place with 1,343.9. Newcastle upon Tyne, Glasgow and Birmingham also feature strongly, with each recording more than 1,300 searches per 100,000 people.

READ ARTICLE

Wedding photographer’s plea to guests: “Please don’t do this during the big moments”

Wedding photographer’s plea to guests: “Please don’t do this during the big moments”

As weddings become increasingly visual experiences, from professional photography and videography to social content and guest photos, modern couples are placing more focus than ever on preserving the moments they will look back on for years to come. To help couples and guests navigate this evolving landscape, leading bridal brand Grace Loves Lace has partnered with wedding photographer and planner Patrizia Corbianco, founder of Blancorazon Wedding, who has spent years capturing modern weddings and helping couples create meaningful, visually considered celebrations.

READ ARTICLE

The 2026 UK Wedding Blacklist: The 10 Songs Couples Don’t Want on the Dancefloor

The 2026 UK Wedding Blacklist: The 10 Songs Couples Don’t Want on the Dancefloor

Modern British couples are officially rewriting the rules of wedding entertainment, according to new social listening research released today by UK live music and entertainment agency Jonny Ross Music. An analysis of social media discussions across TikTok and Reddit (r/UKweddings) reveals that traditional party staples are being systematically blacklisted in favour of curated, sophisticated setlists. The results point to a clear change in what younger couples want from their wedding receptions. Group dances, heavily played 2010s pop songs and football-style chants are among the tracks and trends couples are increasingly asking DJs and live bands to leave off their playlists.

READ ARTICLE

Submit your wedding to be featured in Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding Magazine

VISIT SITE

Follow Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding Magazine on Instagram

VISIT SITE

Follow Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding Magazine on YouTube

VISIT SITE

Subscribe to Your Cheshire & Merseyside Wedding Magazine for free

VISIT SITE