Weddings Your Way: How to Plan Your Wedding Without the Stress, or the Debt

Weddings today cost more than ever, over £20,000 on average in the UK. But your dream day doesn’t have to break the bank, or your spirit. The truth is, many of the best weddings aren’t about fancy extras, they’re about enjoying real moments with the people who matter most.

We spoke to two real couples, Violet and Steve from East Sussex, and Emanuela and Davide from South London, who pulled off authentic, stress-free celebrations on a budget. Here’s how they did it, plus tips to help you do the same.

Meet Violet and Steve: Fun, Unique, and True to Themselves

Who: Violet (singer/songwriter, sculptor, painter) and Steve (musician, graphic designer)
Location: East Sussex
Wedding Cost: £7,700
Three Words to describe their day: Fun, Neurodivergent, Unique

Violet and Steve’s wedding was all about keeping it real. Their intimate ceremony at Brighton & Hove Registrars in April 2024 was followed by a seaside photoshoot and a relaxed reception at FOURTH AND CHURCH restaurant in Hove. Only nine of their closest friends and family joined them, a deliberate choice for this couple who’ve seen their fair share of weddings.

“I’ve planned a lot of weddings for other people,” Violet says. “It all just looked too stressful! Too many people turning up that weren’t supposed to, things going wrong… I didn’t want any of that.” Instead, they focused on making the day special for themselves.

They saved £15,000 over several years but only ended up spending half. Their biggest splurges? A photographer to capture their memories and a stay at the Grand Hotel, Brighton, an iconic seafront spot. “Breakfast is done, the room’s all done, there are two bars downstairs—everything is sorted for you,” Steve says.

Violet did her own makeup, baked a traditional Jamaican black cake, and even recorded their wedding song. Steve’s son performed a song and gave a heartfelt speech, adding a personal touch that no hired entertainer could match. 

Their final advice? “Chill out. Plan for yourself. Don’t people please.”

Meet Emanuela and Davide: Prioritising what matters

Who: Emanuela (technical manager) and Davide (senior HR specialist)
Location: South London
Wedding Cost: Less than £5,000
Three Words to describe their day:  Spontaneous, Cosy, Natural

Emanuela and Davide tied the knot at Southwark Register Office in June 2024, with a relaxed celebration at a nearby pub garden. Their guest list? Just 35 of their closest friends and family.

As an Italian couple living in London, they skipped many traditional elements, no fancy cake, no expensive rings (saving £4,000 compared to the average couple). Emanuela chose a simple white dress from Etsy, saving over £1,000 compared to a traditional gown. “The most important thing for us is getting married. It wasn’t about the party,” Emanuela explains.

They booked a register office with a beautiful garden view for photos and a pub for the reception. “The Sun of Camberwell had the perfect outdoor space for us,” Booking a pub helped them secure their ideal summer celebration at a fraction of the cost of traditional venues. They even cut into a giant mozzarella “cake” as a nod to their roots, a moment they’ll never forget.

Emanuela’s advice? “Couples should really think about what they want to prioritise in life. For me, the key is having memories. That’s why we pushed to have a photographer—it’s really important, more than the venue, more than your shoes or the dress.”

The Wedding Trap: When Cost Equals Stress

Remember that classic scene from Father of the Bride where Steve Martin loses it over hot dog buns? It’s funny, but it’s also a real warning: wedding planning can spiral out of control if you let it. Some costs, like registry and legal fees, are essential. But elaborate flower displays and towering cakes? Those are “nice-to-have, not necessary” territory.

Both Violet and Steve and Emanuela and Davide sidestepped these extra costs by focusing on memories and meaningful moments over expensive traditions and flashy displays. They proved that you don’t need to empty your savings for a special day.

Your Blueprint for a Budget-Friendly, Stress-Free Wedding

Every wedding is unique, but these tips are tried-and-tested. 

1. Keep It Small and Intimate
The biggest cost-saver? Trim your guest list. Whether it’s 50, 15, or even just five people, a smaller wedding means more meaningful interactions and less financial strain.

2. Choose the Right Venue and the Right Day
Venues can be pricey, especially on weekends and in summer. Consider off-peak dates or alternative venues like pubs, restaurants, or even your own backyard. Emanuela and Davide saved big by booking a pub garden, no venue hire, just good vibes, great company and drinks on tap.

3. Look Local for Vendors
Choosing local services and vendors can help cut costs without sacrificing quality. Local venues, caterers, and bakers often offer better prices and a more personal touch.

4. Tap Into Your Circle’s Talents
Got a friend who DJs? An aunt who bakes? Let your loved ones contribute. It’s personal, heartfelt, and saves money. Steve’s son performed at their wedding, and Violet baked the cake herself.

5. Focus on What Matters
Prioritise the one or two things that will make your day truly special for you and your partner, whether it’s live music, a killer dessert table, or a photographer to capture it all. Let go of the rest.

6. Don’t Stress the Details
“It’s not worth it,” says Emanuela. “Think about the stress and time you’re putting into organising a wedding. The key is to create lasting memories.” Build in buffer time throughout your day so you can relax and enjoy the moment.

7. Ask the Right Questions
Before booking any venue or supplier, ask about hidden charges, minimum headcounts, and what’s included in the price. This can save you from nasty surprises and help you stick to your budget.

The Bottom Line: Authenticity Trumps Expense

As Violet puts it: “100 grand doesn’t buy you the best wedding. Just do your thing. Please yourself in an authentic way. You’re the ones getting married, so it needs to be a day that you want and that you remember and that you are happy with.”

Emanuela urges couples not to stress over the details: “For me, the key is having memories. That’s why we pushed to have a photographer – it’s really important, more than the venue, more than your shoes or the dress.”

So, take a deep breath, focus on what matters to you, and remember: your wedding is about your love, not the price tag. Make it yours, and enjoy every moment!

Ready to start planning your own dream wedding without the stress? Connect directly with local suppliers at wedishttps://wedissimo.com/simo with transparent pricing and real-time availability.