As it's reported the typical mid-market wedding costs up to £60,000, expert Nick Harris tells us it doesn't have to be this way. He shares his advice for slashing the price09:11, 14 Jul 2026The typical mid-market UK wedding is reported to cost up to £60,000, yet according to the UK’s only full wedding vendor group, Just About Weddings, this is an inflated and avoidable figure. In reality, the cost of a wedding only needs to be around 50% of that, as shown by recent weddings organised by its planning team.‌“One of the biggest misconceptions in the wedding industry is that spending more automatically means getting a better supplier,” says founder Nick Harris. “In reality, a couple with quotes adding to around £60,000 for their wedding could have exactly the same experience for £40,000 - or even £35,000 in some cases - simply by choosing suppliers who offer value rather than ego-inflated pricing.‌Couples should focus on the quality of what's being delivered, not assume a higher quote means you’re getting something better. Invariably you’re not!” Here Nick shares his top tips to cut wedding costs and bring the price right down.‌Plan"The best way to save money on a wedding is not to haggle at the end. It is to plan properly at the beginning," says Nick. Start with a fixed budget. Not a vague idea. Not 'around' a certain figure. Decide the absolute maximum you are prepared to spend, then work backwards."Make a listNick says: "Before you book a venue, list everything else you want: photography, videography, flowers, hair and make-up, DJ, food, drink, cake, transport, décor and any extras. Put a realistic figure next to each item. Add it up. What remains is your venue budget. That is the number you should use when searching. Do not fall in love with venues above it. That is how couples end up cutting the things they really care about or simply spending more.‌Read the contract"Once you have found a venue, read the contract properly," says Nick. "Every line. Look for ceremony fees, minimum spends, service charges, corkage, linen, furniture hire and VAT. If VAT is not clearly shown on a consumer quote, ask why. If something is not written down, assume it is not included and will be charged for later."Check the catering small printDo the same with catering, adds Nick. "A cheap quote is not always a cheap wedding," he says. "Check how many staff are included, how long they are there for, when service ends and whether clearing down is covered. Most importantly, ask what happens if your guest numbers drop. How far will the caterer reduce the final bill before the price stops coming down? That clause can make a big difference."‌Be supplier savvyNick says: "Always ask suppliers for the total price up front. Travel should never be left as a vague “plus travel” line. That is not a quote; it is a trapdoor. Be cautious with suppliers who hide their prices. If a website has an “investment” page but no actual pricing, ask why. Never tell a vendor your budget before seeing a proper fixed price list."Ignore charm, and use your head"Do not book with your heart instead of your head," says Nick. "Liking a smooth talker can be expensive. “He really understood us” sounds lovely, but really? Weddings are personal, but they are not so different that charm should cost thousands more. This is where transparency matters. Just About Weddings publishes all prices clearly, never charges for travel and avoids hidden extras, so couples can compare properly from the start.Widen your netFinally, Nick says, do not assume local means best value. "Search beyond the venue’s postcode, and treat preferred supplier lists as suggestions, not instructions," he adds. "Best value might be just across a county line. The real saving is simple: know the full cost before you sign anything."Article continues below*For more information on Just About Weddings, see HERE