Planning a Wedding on a 100k Salary

Got a combined income of around £100,000 and wondering how far it will go for your wedding? You’re not alone. Many couples think a six‑figure salary means unlimited spending, but the reality is more about smart choices than big bucks.

First, figure out how much you actually have after taxes and essential bills. For most UK earners in this bracket, net household income sits near £65‑70k a year. Subtract mortgage or rent, utilities, food, transport, and kids’ costs if you have any. What’s left is your "wedding pot" – usually between £10k and £15k for a modest yet stylish celebration.

Break Down the Numbers

Use a simple spreadsheet: list every wedding category and assign a percent of your total pot. A common split looks like this:

• Venue & catering – 40%
• Photography & videography – 15%
• Attire (dress, suit, accessories) – 10%
• Flowers & décor – 10%
• Stationery (invitations, RSVPs) – 5%
• Entertainment (DJ or band) – 10%
• Miscellaneous (rings, transport, insurance) – 10%

Plug your total wedding pot into these percentages and you get realistic budget caps for each item. If you have £12,000 to spend, the venue and food should stay around £4,800, photography around £1,800, and so on.

Smart Savings Hacks

Now that you know the limits, look for ways to trim costs without sacrificing style:

• Venue timing: Saturday evenings are pricey. A Friday night or a Sunday brunch can shave 20‑30% off the hire fee.
• DIY décor: Borrow glassware from friends, use seasonal flowers from a local market, or make simple centrepieces with jars and candles.
• Combine services: Some photographers also offer videography at a discount. Ask for package deals.
• Off‑peak season: May, September, and October often have lower venue rates and better vendor availability.
• Digital invites: A well‑designed e‑invite saves on printing, postage, and can be tracked easily for RSVPs.

These tweaks can free up cash for those must‑have splurges, like a dream dress or a bite‑size wedding cake.

Finally, keep an eye on hidden costs. Service charges, taxes, and extra hours for your DJ can add up fast. Ask every vendor for a detailed quote that includes everything from travel fees to overtime.

With a clear budget, a realistic split, and a few clever shortcuts, a £100k salary can comfortably cover a beautiful wedding without leaving you broke. The key is to treat the wedding pot like any other financial goal: plan, track, and adjust as you go. Happy planning!