Category: Advice

50 Creative Wedding Favour Ideas

Show your guests how much you love and appreciate them on your big day by offering them a small wedding token or favour. They’re a great way to add some beauty or fun to your tables, while also giving your friends and family a little something to remember the day by.

While, favours were limited to almonds for centuries, there are so many more options nowadays. Wedding favours come in all shapes and sizes, ready to match your unique theme, personality, or love story. You can have anything from cake pops and chocolate moustaches to succulents and wooden hearts. 

Whatever your theme and budget, we’ve got plenty of ideas that your guests will love. Keep reading for 50 unique wedding favour ideas, including suggestions for DIY favour options, couples on a budget, or even something a little more bougie!

What are wedding favours?

Wedding favours are small gifts from you and your partner for your wedding guests to thank them for coming. The favours tend to be placed next to each guest’s placemat at the wedding reception, but can also be given at any other time you’d prefer during the reception. 

Traditionally – and for many years – wedding favours were sugared almonds. Nowadays, these lovely little gifts can take on a variety of forms. However, they’re usually something small, edible, or practical that guests can enjoy and remember your special day by. Think little biscuits, bubble blowers, seed packets, or tealights. 

How much do wedding favours cost?

The cost of wedding favours entirely depends on what you pick. For example, you can find bubble blowers for as little as £1, while custom macaroons or decorated cake pops may be pricier. 

Generally speaking, you can expect to spend £2 to £5 on each wedding favour. Consider the size of your guest list and your overall wedding budget when trying to decide how much to spend. Naturally, the more guests you invite, the more your favours will cost in total. So for 100 guests, you’re looking at £200-£500. 

Does everyone have wedding favours?

No, not everyone has wedding favours. This is your day, and it’s totally up to you whether you provide them! Most guests will be thrilled to be invited to your wedding without receiving gifts and won’t expect it by any means. They’re a lovely touch, but don’t feel your guests will miss out if you don’t provide them. 

If you’re desperate to include favours but want to limit your spending, be sure to check out our dedicated post on how to save money on wedding favours.

50 great ideas for wedding favours

Check out this list of 50 unique, fun, and quirky wedding favour ideas. Whatever vibe you’re trying to create, there’s something for every couple and every budget on this list. 

DIY wedding favour ideas

1) Handwritten letters or thank you notes

Handwritten letters or thank you notes to each guest are personal, heartwarming, and inexpensive. These wedding favours allow you to express your gratitude to your guests in a unique way, all without breaking the bank.

  • Materials needed: Small envelopes, small pieces of paper, a pen. 
  • Cost: £0.50 a piece. 

2) Pressed flower bookmarks

Pressed flower bookmarks are another inexpensive DIY wedding favour idea. You can either press the flowers yourself or purchase pre-dried flowers online. Then, arrange the flowers on cardstock, laminate them, and cut them into bookmarks. These delicate and beautiful keepsakes are perfect for guests who love to read.

  • Materials needed: Cardstock, pressed flowers, laminating sheets, scissors.
  • Cost: Around £0.75 a piece, depending on whether you buy flowers or press your own wildflowers.

3) Personalised champagne bottles

This option is beautiful and personal, but it is one of the pricier options on this list simply due to the cost of champagne. However, mini bottles of champagne with custom labels or paint can make a sparkling statement as a wedding favour. You’ll need the bottle of champagne (obviously), glass paint, and paint brushes. Try painting each bottle with polka dots, guests’ names, flowers, or any other motif that suits your wedding theme. Give them plenty of time to dry, then place them on the tables next to guests’ place settings. 

  • Materials needed: Mini champagne bottles, glass paint, paint brushes, custom labels, ribbon.
  • Cost: £5-£25 a piece, depending on the brand of champagne.

4) Clay ornaments

Clay ornaments are a sweet and inexpensive option for wedding favours. You’ll need some air-dry clay, play stamps, something to cut the shapes out with (like a butter knife), and some string. You’ll also need a little water for smoothing edges, which we haven’t included in the cost below. 

Simply roll out the clay, cut out shapes like hearts or stars, and use stamps to imprint initials, dates, or designs. Let them dry completely, then thread a piece of string through each one for hanging.

  • Materials needed: Air-dry clay, stamps, knife or cookie cutters, string.
  • Cost: Around £1 a piece.

5) Message in a bottle

Message-in-a-bottle wedding favours are perfect for a quick thank you at a beach, outdoor, or whimsical themed weddings. You’ll need small glass bottles with corks, paper for the message, and a bit of twine or ribbon. Write a heartfelt thank you note, roll it up, and place it inside the bottle. Tie a small piece of twine or ribbon around the bottle neck for a charming touch.

  • Materials needed: Small glass bottles with corks, paper, twine or ribbon.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece.

6) Friendship bracelets

Friendship bracelets are a sweet and nostalgic wedding favour that guests will cherish. You can make them in your wedding colours or incorporate beads with initials or small charms that match your wedding theme. You can either buy pre-made friendship bracelet kits or visit a haberdashery for a selection of beads, strings, and clasps. Either way, this is an inexpensive choice for DIY wedding favours. 

  • Materials needed: Beads, string, lobster claw clasps. 
  • Cost: Around £1.75 a piece.

7) Painted plant pots

Purchase some small terracotta plant pots from your local garden centre and some clay paint and paint brushes from a craft shop. Then, sit down with your soon-to-be-spouse, wedding party, or family and get painting! You’ll have fun creating unique designs, and your guests will love taking home a little piece of your creativity. Once the paint is dry, pop it next to guests’ place names for a sweet DIY wedding favour. 

  • Materials needed: Plant pots, paint, and paint brushes. 
  • Cost: Around £3 a piece.

8) Embroidered napkins

You can easily DIY these wedding favours if you have an embroidery machine or a passion for needlepoint. However, just note that it may be a little time-consuming. Embroider each napkin with your wedding date, a small design, or your guests’ initials. These personalised napkins will be a beautiful and practical keepsake for your guests to remember your special day by. 

  • Materials needed: Plain napkins, embroidery thread, embroidery hoop, needle or embroidery machine.
  • Cost: Around £2.50 a piece.

9) DIY lip balm

This DIY craft will need basic ingredients like beeswax, coconut oil, and essential oils for scent. Melt the beeswax and coconut oil together, add a few drops of your chosen essential oil, and pour the mixture into small lip balm containers. Let them cool and solidify, then add personalised labels or decorate the containers with ribbons. These homemade lip balms are not only practical, but also a lovely way to pamper your guests.

  • Materials needed: Beeswax, coconut oil, essential oils, small lip balm containers, labels, ribbons.
  • Cost: Around £2.50 each 

10) Aromatherapy spray

Although it might seem complicated, it’s easy to DIY your own aromatherapy spray. Bulk-buy some spray bottles online, then combine your favourite essential oil with some tap water for a refreshing room spritz. You’ll need around 10 drops per 200ml to make an impact. Try peppermint oil for an energising spray, lemon balm and lavender for a relaxing scent, or eucalyptus for a fresh, clean aroma. 

Add a personalised label and a ribbon to each bottle for an extra special touch. Your guests will love having a little piece of tranquillity to take home with them.

  • Materials needed: Spray bottles, essential oils, tap water, personalised labels, ribbon.
  • Cost: Around £1.75 a piece.

Budget-friendly wedding favour ideas

11) Hand-painted stones

Collect pebbles and stones of different shapes and sizes from your local river or beach. Then, you’ll need some acrylic paint, brushes, and a little creativity. Sit down with your soon-to-be spouse or your wedding party, and have fun painting designs, quotes, or even your wedding date on each stone. These can be used as paperweights, garden decorations, or just a lovely keepsake for your guests.

  • Materials needed: Pebbles or stones, acrylic paint, paint brushes, clear sealant like PVA glue.
  • Cost: Around £0.50 a piece.

12) Scratch cards

You can’t go wrong with a £1 scratch card for a cheap and fun wedding favour. Pop each scratch card into a small envelope or wrap it with a pretty ribbon and a note wishing your guests good luck. It adds a little excitement to the festivities, and who knows, maybe one of your guests will win big!

  • Materials needed: £1 scratch cards, small envelopes or ribbon, note cards.
  • Cost: Around £1.15 a piece.

13) Charity donations

Give £1 (or however much you’d like) in the name of each of your guests to a charity of your choice. Simply print out small cards explaining that a donation has been made on their behalf and place them at each table setting. This thoughtful favour not only shows your appreciation, but also supports a good cause.

  • Materials needed: Donation, small cards, printer or calligraphy pen.
  • Cost: Around £1 a piece.

14) Love Hearts

Love Hearts are a nostalgic sweet treat that everyone will enjoy. Buy them in bulk and package a few in small organza bags or boxes. Add a personalised tag with a thank you message and your wedding date. These sweets are not only affordable but also bring happy memories to your special day.

  • Materials needed: Love Heart sweets, organza bags or small boxes, personalised tags.
  • Cost: Around £0.50 a piece.

15) Bubble blowers

You can buy bubble blowers in bulk and personalise them with custom labels or ribbons. Place them at each table setting for a whimsical touch. Your guests will love creating a sea of bubbles, adding fun and magic to your celebration. Plus, they look great in photographs!

  • Materials needed: Bubble blowers, custom labels or ribbons.
  • Cost: Around £0.75 a piece.

16) Recipe cards

Share the love by sharing your favourite recipes. Print or handwrite your favourite recipes on decorative cardstock, and tie them together with a ribbon. Your guests will appreciate this personal touch and may even try out your special dishes at home.

  • Materials needed: Decorative cardstock, printer or pens, ribbon.
  • Cost: Around £0.30 a piece.

17) Flower seed paper

Flower seed paper is biodegradable paper with dried flower seeds embedded in it. When re-hydrated, the flowers will grow wherever the paper is planted. You can buy this paper online in bulk, or make your own using paper pulp and dried flower seeds. In this case, it’s much cheaper and easier to buy it online. 

Cut the paper into hearts, flowers, or any shape that matches your wedding theme, and write a note explaining how to plant it. When guests plant the paper, it will sprout into beautiful flowers, reminding them of your special day.

  • Materials needed: Flower seed paper, scissors, pens or printer for instructions.
  • Cost: Around £0.60 a piece.

18) Fortune tellers

Remember those fun fortune tellers you made in primary school? Well, now they’re a fun and interactive wedding favour! Create customised fortune tellers with fun predictions or sweet messages for your guests. You can use colourful paper and add little decorations to make them even more special. Place them at each table setting for a delightful trip down memory lane.

  • Materials needed: Colourful paper, pens, decorations like stickers or stamps.
  • Cost: Around £0.20 a piece.

19) Soap curls

Making soap curls is a great way to make a few bars of soap stretch to many guests. You’ll need some bars of soap, a vegetable peeler, organza bag, and some ribbon. Try buying a few different scented soaps to create a lovely mix of gorgeous fragrances. Use the peeler to create curls from the soap bars, and fill each organza bag with a handful of curls. Tie with a ribbon and add a personalised tag for a low-cost wedding favour. 

  • Materials needed: Bars of soap, vegetable peeler, organza bags, ribbon, personalised tags.
  • Cost: Around £0.50 a piece depending on the soap you buy.  

20) Extra confetti

If you still have a lot of confetti left over, consider bagging up the confetti in organza bags and giving it to your guests as an extra little treat. This is a simple and inexpensive way to repurpose your leftover wedding supplies. Your guests can take the confetti home as a keepsake or use it to celebrate another special occasion. Plus, it adds a touch of fun and festivity to your wedding favours.

  • Materials needed: Confetti, organza bags, ribbon.
  • Cost: Minimal, since you’re repurposing leftover supplies.

Edible wedding favour ideas

21) Fortune cookies

Fortune cookies are a fun and delicious wedding favour. You can buy them online or from your local Asian food shop for as little as £1 per cookie — you may even be able to get them for less than this if you bulk buy! Set one down in front of each guest’s place settings. Not only will they tide your guests over before their starter, but they’ll also add an element of surprise and fun to your wedding. 

Each guest can break open their cookie to reveal a unique fortune or a sweet message, making it a great icebreaker and conversation starter.

  • Materials needed: Fortune cookies.
  • Cost: Around £1 a piece.

22) Homemade jam 

Feel like getting your Betty Crocker on? Consider making your guests some delicious homemade jam. Choose your favourite fruit, or even a combination of fruits, and spend an afternoon cooking up a batch. 

Pour the jam into small jars and add a personalised label with your names and wedding date. Tie a pretty ribbon around each jar for a charming, rustic touch. Your guests will love this sweet and thoughtful treat, which they can then enjoy at home long after your special day.

Pro tip: Don’t expect your jam to be perfect the first time. You’ll need to practise your jam making before making your wedding favours to ensure you get the recipe just right. 

  • Materials needed: Fresh fruit, sugar, pectin, small jars, labels, ribbon.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece if you use your own fruit.

23) Homemade biscuits

Again, if you’re a bit of a baking whizz, consider baking homemade biscuits for your guests. Choose a classic recipe like shortbread or chocolate chip, or get creative with your favourite flavours. Package the biscuits in small bags or boxes, and add a personalised label with a thank you message. Your guests will appreciate the homemade touch and enjoy these tasty treats.

Pro tip: Bake a test batch before the big day to make sure they turn out just right, and enlist some help for the baking marathon closer to the wedding date.

  • Materials needed: Baking ingredients, bags or boxes, personalised labels.
  • Cost: Around £0.75 a piece.

24) Cake pops

You can easily make cake pops at home, once you have the know-how. You’ll need to either buy a box cake mix or make a cake from scratch;. Bake as usual, then once cooled, crumble into fine crumbs. 

Mix the crumbs with ready-made buttercream icing until you get a dough-like consistency, then roll into small balls. Insert a lollipop stick into each ball and dip them into melted chocolate or candy coating. 

Decorate with sprinkles, nuts, or drizzle with more chocolate. Let them set, and package them in clear bags tied with a ribbon. They’re tasty, cute, and easy to personalise — perfect for a whimsical or garden party themed wedding!

  • Materials needed: Cake mix or ingredients for a cake, frosting, lollipop sticks, melted chocolate or candy coating, sprinkles or nuts, clear bags, ribbon.
  • Cost: Around £0.75 a piece.

25) Popcorn bags

Popcorn is delicious, filling, and cheap to make. All you’ll need are some popcorn kernels, a neutral cooking oil, and a bit of salt. Pop the kernels in a large pot or popcorn maker, then season to taste. You can also get creative with flavours —think caramel, cinnamon sugar, cheese, or even a spicy mix. 

Once your popcorn is ready, fill small paper bags or boxes with the tasty treat. Add a personalised label or tag, and you’ve got a fun and crunchy wedding favour that guests will love.

  • Materials needed: Popcorn kernels, cooking oil, seasoning, small paper bags or boxes, labels or tags.
  • Cost: Around £0.30 a piece.

26) Your favourite sweets

Your wedding day is all about you and your soon-to-be spouse, so the natural

choice for a wedding favour is your favourite sweet treat. Whether they’re M&Ms, seaside rock, or cinder toffee, it’s easy (and cheap) to share these little bites of joy with your guests. 

Buy your favourite sweets in bulk and package them in small bags or jars. Add a personalised label or tag with a thank you message and your wedding date. This sweet and simple favour will be a hit with everyone.

  • Materials needed: Favourite sweets, small bags or jars, labels or tags.
  • Cost: Varies depending on the sweet, but typically around £0.50-£1 a piece.

27) S’mores kits

Although s’mores are a traditionally American snack, they’re gaining popularity across the pond. Create individual s’mores kits for your guests by packaging digestive biscuits, chocolate squares, and marshmallows in small boxes or bags. Add a personalised tag with a fun message like “S’more love to you!” or “A ‘roast’ to our love!”.

These kits are perfect for a cosy, rustic wedding, and can be enjoyed around a bonfire or at home.

  • Materials needed: Digestive biscuits, chocolate squares, marshmallows, small boxes or bags, labels or tags.
  • Cost: Around £1 a piece. 

28) Macarons

Macarons are a sweet, elegant treat that can add a touch of sophistication to your wedding favours. These delicate French cookies come in a variety of flavours and colours, making them easy to match with your wedding theme.

You can, of course, make your own if you fancy yourself a bit of a pastry chef. We recommend practising beforehand to ensure they turn out just right. Making macarons can be a bit tricky, but with some patience and a few trial runs, you can master the art.

Once baked or bought, package a few macarons in a small box or bag, and add a personalised tag or label to make them extra special. They are sure to be a hit with your guests, offering a delightful taste of luxury.

  • Materials needed: Macarons, small boxes or bags, labels or tags.
  • Cost: Around £2 a piece.

29) Tea blends

Whether you’re a fan of a classic cuppa, prefer a fruity blend, or enjoy the fresh taste of a peppermint tea, custom tea blends can make for a wonderful wedding favour. You could either keep it classic or buy a variety of loose leaf teas and mix your own special blends. 

Package the tea in small tins or sachets, and add a personalised label with brewing instructions and a thank you message. Your guests will love this thoughtful and soothing gift, perfect for relaxing and remembering your special day.

Bear in mind that loose leaf tea is typically cheaper and fresher than tea bags, but not all your guests will have a tea strainer. 

  • Materials needed: Loose leaf tea, small tins or sachets, labels or tags.
  • Cost: Around £1 a piece.

30) Mini olive oil bottles

Little bottles of olive oil will add a Mediterranean touch to your wedding favours. Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and pour it into small glass bottles. You can infuse the oil with herbs like rosemary or garlic for added flavour. 

Add a personalised label and tie a sprig of fresh herbs around the neck of each bottle with a ribbon. These elegant and practical favours will remind your guests of your beautiful day every time they cook.

  • Materials needed: Extra virgin olive oil, small glass bottles, herbs for infusion, labels, ribbon.
  • Cost: Around £3.50 a piece.

Keepsake wedding favour ideas

31) Custom fridge magnets

Have custom fridge magnets made with the date of your wedding, your shared initials, or a sweet snap from your engagement shoot. Every time your guests open their fridge, they’ll be reminded of the wonderful time they had at your wedding. 

You can find plenty of online services that create personalised magnets, or if you’re feeling crafty, you can make your own with magnet sheets and a bit of creativity. These magnets are not only practical, but also a lovely way for your guests to remember your special day.

  • Materials needed: Custom fridge magnets.
  • Cost: Around £1 a piece if ordered online, less if DIY.

32) Custom keyrings

Similarly to the custom fridge magnets, you can have custom keyrings made with your wedding date, initials, or a meaningful symbol. Keyrings are something your guests can carry with them daily, keeping the memory of your special day close at hand. 

You can choose from a variety of materials like metal, wood, or acrylic, and there are many online services that offer custom designs. If you enjoy DIY projects, you can create your own keyrings with a personal touch, but it’s usually easier and cheaper to purchase these online. 

  • Materials needed: Custom keyrings.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece.

33) Custom plant markers

If you’re expecting some green-fingered guests, consider offering custom plant markers as your wedding favours. Plant markers are designed to help gardeners remember what they planted where. 

You can either have these made online or make them yourself out of lollipop sticks and waterproof paint pens. Add a personal touch by including your names and wedding date, or a cute garden-related pun. 

  • Materials needed: Plant markers or lollipop sticks, waterproof pens.
  • Cost: Around £0.50 a piece if DIY, more if purchased online.

34) Engraved compacts

Engraving your guest’s names on compact mirrors is a chic and personal way to thank them for being a part of your special day. These small mirrors are not only practical, but also make for a beautiful keepsake. 

You can find services online that offer engraving, or if you’re into DIY projects, you can buy an engraving tool and do it yourself. This is a perfect favour for a glamorous or vintage-themed wedding.

  • Materials needed: Compact mirrors, engraving service or tool.
  • Cost: Around £3 a piece.

35) Personalised trinket tray

You can make personalised trinket trays out of air-dry clay, acrylic paint, and simple glaze like PVA glue. Consider engraving the clay dishes with your initials, the date of your wedding, or a small design that fits your theme. Keep the design simple to ensure you can recreate it a number of times. 

Once the clay has dried and set, paint and glaze the trays for a polished look. These trinket trays are perfect for holding jewellery or small keepsakes and will be a delightful reminder of your special day for your guests.

  • Materials needed: Air-dry clay, acrylic paint, PVA glue or glaze, engraving tools.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece if DIY, more if purchased.

36) Leather wrist bands

Leather wrist bands are ideal for outdoor, rustic, or boho-themed weddings. You can personalise these bands with your wedding date, initials, or a short yet meaningful phrase. There are kits available for DIY leather stamping, or you can find online services that will customise them for you. These stylish and functional favours will be a hit with your guests and can be worn as a memento of your special day.

  • Materials needed: Leather strips, stamping tools, or custom service.
  • Cost: Around £2 a piece.

37) Personalised fans

If you’re getting married on the beach, abroad, or in the height of summer, personalised fans are a fantastic and practical wedding favour idea. You can have them customised with your wedding date, names, or a sweet message. 

Not only will they help keep your guests cool, but they’ll also serve as a lovely keepsake from your special day. Choose from a variety of styles and materials, such as paper, silk, or bamboo, to match your wedding theme.

  • Materials needed: Fans, custom printing service.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece.

38) Burnt wooden discs

These wedding favours are natural, rustic, and will double as place settings. Use small wooden discs and burn your guests’ names, your wedding date, or a meaningful symbol onto them. You can use a wood-burning tool for this DIY project, or find a service that will do the custom burning for you. These discs can be used as coasters, ornaments, or keepsakes, adding a warm, personal touch to your celebration.

  • Materials needed: Wooden discs, wood-burning tool, or customisation service.
  • Cost: Around £1 a piece if DIY, more if purchased.

39) Acrylic paperweights

You can either make your own acrylic paperweights by purchasing clear acrylic moulds and casting resin, or buy custom-made ones online. Personalise them with your wedding date, initials, or a small decorative item embedded inside. These paperweights are practical, stylish, and make for a beautiful keepsake that your guests will appreciate.

  • Materials needed: Acrylic moulds, casting resin, decorative items, customisation service.
  • Cost: Around £2 a piece if DIY, more if purchased.

40) Personalised travel mugs

This wedding favour is a little pricier compared to the other options on our list,  but they’re a practical and memorable gift that your guests will use daily. Personalised travel mugs can be customised with your wedding date, names, or a special message. They’re perfect for both eco-conscious guests and those who are always on the go. 

It’s likely these personalised wedding favours will need to be created online (unless you have some very specialist equipment hanging around!). Choose from a variety of styles, colours, and materials to match your wedding theme. These mugs will keep your guests’ beverages hot or cold while reminding them of your special day.

  • Materials needed: Travel mugs, custom printing service.
  • Cost: Around £15 a piece.

Nature-themed wedding favours

41) Mini succulents

If you want to give your guests something different but still cute and memorable, mini succulents could be right up your street. They’re easy to care for, will bring a pop of colour to your big day, and are a quirky option for wedding favours. Plus, they symbolise growth and new beginnings, which is perfect for a wedding celebration. 

You can personalise the pots with your names, wedding date, or a sweet message, and add a decorative touch with some colourful ribbon or paint. 

  • Materials needed: Mini succulents, small pots, paint or ribbons, tags.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece.

42) Lavender sachets

You can easily create your own calming lavender sachets by filling some organza bags with dried or fresh lavender petals. Simply collect some lavender flowers, rub them between your hands to help the petals fall off, and collect them into little bags or pouches. Tie each one with a ribbon and a personalised note for the perfect DIY wedding favour. 

  • Materials needed: Lavender flowers, organza bag, ribbons.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece.

43) Pinecone bird feeders

Head to your local forest and collect some large pinecones. You’ll need to do this in the late summer or early autumn, so this DIY wedding favour idea is best for those planning an autumn or winter wedding.

Once you’ve collected the pinecones, coat them with peanut butter and roll them in birdseed. Tie a loop of string around the top so your guests can easily hang them in their gardens. Not only do these bird feeders look charming, but they also help local wildlife.

  • Materials needed: Pinecones, peanut butter, birdseed, string.
  • Cost: Around £0.50 a piece.

44) Bee-friendly flower bombs

Similar to dried flower seeds, bee-friendly flower bombs are a fun way to give back to nature. These small balls of seed and soil can be tossed into a garden or plant pot to grow flowers for a pop of colour and to support bee populations.

To make them, mix soil and wildflower seeds, add a bit of clay to hold the mixture together, and form into small balls. Let them dry, and package in a cute bag or box with planting instructions. 

  • Materials needed: Wildflower seeds, soil, clay, bags or boxes.
  • Cost: Around £0.75 a piece.

45) Bamboo straws

Reusable straws are an eco-friendly and practical wedding favour that your guests can get to using straight away. They’re perfect for reducing plastic waste and are a fun addition to your wedding day. You can find bamboo straws online for a small cost and either leave them plain or personalise them with some ribbon or engravings. 

It’s worth noting you probably won’t be able to DIY these unless you have highly specialised equipment. It’s best to just buy them! 

  • Materials needed: Bamboo straws.
  • Cost: Around £1 each depending on the store.

46) Beeswax wraps

Beeswax wraps are an eco-friendly alternative to cling film, allowing guests to keep their food fresh while protecting the environment. You can either make these yourself using cotton fabric, beeswax pellets, and an iron, or buy pre-made ones and personalise them with your wedding details. 

These wraps are reusable and washable, making them a practical and sustainable gift. Package them with a small tag explaining how to use and care for the wraps, and your guests will appreciate the thoughtful and green gesture.

  • Materials needed: Cotton fabric, beeswax pellets, iron (if DIY), tags.
  • Cost: Around £1.50 a piece if DIY, more if purchased.

47) Homemade clay plant pots

We spoke earlier about painting your own plant pots, but what about making your own plant pots for a truly unique wedding favour? Start with air-dry clay, which is easy to mould and doesn’t require a kiln. Shape the clay into small pots and personalise them by engraving your initials, wedding date, or a special design while the clay is still soft. Once the pots have dried, you can paint them in your wedding colours or leave them with a natural, rustic look. 

  • Materials needed: Air-dry clay, clay tools for shaping and engraving, paint (optional), small succulents or herbs.
  • Cost: Around £2 a piece if DIY.

48) Pressed flower coasters

Buy pre-pressed flowers online or collect rural wildflowers for hand pressing if you’re feeling crafty. You’ll also need to buy some cork coaster bottoms online. If you do choose to hand-press your flowers, make sure they’re completely dried out before proceeding to the next step!

You can then arrange the pressed flowers on the coasters in beautiful patterns and seal them with a clear, heat-resistant resin. This will not only protect the flowers but also give the coasters a glossy, professional finish. Add a personalised touch by including your names and wedding date on each coaster. 

  • Materials needed: Pressed flowers, cork coaster bottoms, clear resin, personalised labels or markers.
  • Cost: Around £2.50 a piece if DIY. Slightly more if you purchase flowers, slightly less if you collect and press your own. 

49) Wooden utensil sets

You can find reusable wooden cutlery and utensils online, making them a practical and eco-friendly wedding favour. Look for sets that include a spoon, fork, knife, and perhaps even a set of chopsticks. These utensils can be personalised with your wedding date, names, or a short message. 

To make the gift even more special, package each set in a cloth bag or wrap them with a ribbon. Your guests will appreciate this thoughtful and sustainable favour that they can use for picnics, camping trips, or everyday meals.

  • Materials needed: Wooden utensil sets, cloth bags or ribbons, personalised tags or engraving tools.
  • Cost: Around £4 a piece if purchased in bulk.

50) Shell jewellery

Throwing a beach wedding, summer wedding, or otherwise love the ocean? Consider offering shell jewellery as a unique and beautiful wedding favour. You can create stunning pieces using shells collected from your favourite beach or purchased online. 

Make necklaces, bracelets, or earrings by attaching the shells to simple chains, cords, or earring hooks. Personalise each piece with a small tag that includes your wedding date and a heartfelt message. They’re super cute, super personal, and carry all the charm of the sea. 

  • Materials needed: Shells, chains, cords, earring hooks, PVA glue or gloss.
  • Cost: Around £4 a piece if you collect the shells. The cost will largely depend on the quality of the metal used.

The bottom line on wedding favours

Wedding favours are a fun way to let your guests know how much you appreciate their presence on your big day. While they’re not expected, they are traditional, and they add a personal touch that can make your celebration even more memorable. Whether you choose DIY options or purchase them, the key is to select favours that reflect your personality and the theme of your big day. 

There are a ton of wedding favour options on this list to suit every wedding theme, colour scheme, and budget. Whatever you choose to do, have fun with it, get creative, and enjoy the process of giving a little something back to your friends and family. Oh, and be sure to track the cost on Bridebook’s handy budget tool. You wouldn’t want to get carried away, after all!

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Happy Planning!

100+ Inspiring Love Quotes for Your Wedding Day

A wedding speech, or wedding message, should always be written from the heart and in your own words. However, if you’re struggling for some inspiration or your words are playing hard-to-get, there’s nothing wrong with taking a few snippets of genius from someone else. You can do this by infusing your speech or message with love quotes or wedding day quotes. 

Love and marriage quotes give ​​profound insights into the beauty and complexities of relationships. They add a touch of timeless wisdom and eloquence to your speech or message, acting as the cherry on top of the cake.

Ready for some inspiration? Check out this post of 110 love quotes for your wedding day. Whether you’re looking for some general love quotes, a heartwarming Disney quote, a quote from a song, or one from a specific book or film — we’ve got you covered.

What makes a good love quote?

A good love quote is anything that touches your heart. If it resonates with your love story, has a specific significance to you and your partner, or simply summarises how you feel perfectly, then it’s a good love quote. 

Our advice is to read lots of different love quotes from different sources. There will be one or two that fill your heart with love or just capture your feelings perfectly. You’ll know them when you read them, and they’re the ones you should pick. 

How can I incorporate quotes about love in my speech or message?

We recommend that you pepper love quotes into your wedding speech, vows, or readings. Due to the short nature of most quotes, they’re not suitable to take the place of wedding vows or readings like love poems can. However, you can sprinkle them throughout a pre-written wedding speech or vows.

Try opening or closing your wedding message with a quote for maximum impact. For example, you could end with something like: “Thank you for listening to my speech today. I’d like to sum everything up with the immortal words of Nicholas Sparks, ‘I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had’. Thank you.”

General love quotes

  1. “Love is friendship that has caught on fire” — Ann Lander
  2. “Love is a force more formidable than any other” — Barbara de Angelis
  3. “Love is bigger than a tsunami, stronger than any fear” — Bethany Hamilto
  4. “Romance is the glamour which turns the dust of everyday life into a golden haze” — Elinor Glyn
  5. “You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back” — Barbara de Angelis
  6. “To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven” — Karen Sunde
  7. “I love you” begins by I, but it ends up by you — Charles de Leusse
  8. “To lose balance sometimes for love is part of living a balanced life” — Elizabeth Gilbert
  9. “For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love” — Carl Sagan
  10. “Our love cannot be measured, it just is” — John Paul Stevens

Inspirational love quotes

  1. “Where there is love there is life” — Mahatma Gandhi
  2. “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope” — Maya Angelou
  3. “Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back. Those who wish to sing always find a song. At the touch of a lover, everyone becomes a poet” — Plato
  4. “Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies” — Aristotle
  5. “The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart” — Helen Keller
  6. “Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction” -— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
  7. “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend” — Martin Luther King Jr.
  8. “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other” — Audrey Hepburn
  9. “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive” — Dalai Lama
  10. “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage” — Lao Tzu

Love quotes by famous people

  1. “I would rather spend one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone” — J.R.R. Tolkien
  2. “The real lover is a man who can thrill you by kissing your forehead or smiling into your eyes or just staring into space” — Marilyn Monroe
  3. “You know it’s love when all you want is that person to be happy, even if you’re not part of their happiness” — Julia Roberts
  4. “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other” — Audrey Hepburn
  5. “My blind eyes are desperately waiting for the sight of you” — Richard Burton, in a letter to Elizabeth Taylor
  6. “I would find you in any lifetime” — Kanye West
  7. “My most brilliant achievement was my ability to be able to persuade my wife to marry me” — Winston Churchill
  8. “I think the perfection of love is that it’s not perfect.” — Emma Stone
  9. “Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear” — John Lennon
  10. “Love is a verb. It’s an action requiring your involvement and your active participation” — John Legend

Love quotes from Disney films

  1. “I’d rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you” — John Smith, Pocahontas
  2. “It’s there, I know it is, because when I look at you, I can feel it. And I look at you, and I’m home” — Dory, Finding Nemo
  3. “Some people are worth melting for” — Olaf, Frozen
  4. “All at once everything looks different, now that I see you” — Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, Tangled
  5. “People do crazy things when they’re in love.” — Meg, Hercules
  6. “You are my greatest adventure.” — Mr. Incredible, The Incredibles
  7. “To infinity and beyond!” — Buzz Lightyear, Toy Story
  8. “Love is not an emotion, it’s a choice” — Maui, Moana
  9. “I wouldn’t have nothing if I didn’t have you.” — Mike Wazowski, Monsters, Inc. 
  10. “My dream wouldn’t be complete without you in it” – Princess Tiana, The Princess and the Frog

Love quotes from songs

  1. “Love is old, love is new. Love is all, love is you” — The Beatles, Because
  2. “With our love, we could save the world, if they only knew” — The Beatles, Within You Without You
  3. “I could make you happy, make your dreams come true. Nothing that I wouldn’t do. Go to the ends of the Earth for you” — Adele, Make You Feel My Love
  4. “You’re still the one I run to, the one that I belong to, you’re still the one I want for life” — Shania Twain, You’re Still The One
  5. “Cause all you need is love, love. Love is all you need” — The Beatles, Love Is All You Need
  6. “I belong with you, you belong with me, you’re my sweetheart” — The Lumineers, Ho Hey
  7. “You’re the closest to heaven that I’ll ever be, and I don’t wanna go home right now.” — Goo Goo Dolls, Iris
  8. “Take my hand, take my whole life too, for I can’t help falling in love with you” — Elvis Presley, Can’t Help Falling in Love
  9. “You’re my end and my beginning, even when I lose, I’m winning” — John Legend, All of Me
  10. “And isn’t it just so pretty to think all along there was some invisible string tying you to me?” —  Taylor Swift, Invisible String

Love quotes from plays, theatre shows, and musicals 

  1. “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none” — William Shakespeare, All’s Well That Ends Well
  2. “Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind, and therefore is winged Cupid painted blind”  — William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
  3. “Say you’ll share with me one love, one lifetime. Let me lead you from your solitude. Say you need me with you, here beside you. Anywhere you go, let me go too” — The Phantom (Erik), The Phantom of the Opera
  4. “She loves me and to my amazement, I love it, knowing that she loves me” — Georg Nowack, She Loves Me
  5. “Tonight, tonight, I’ll see my love tonight. And for us, stars will stop where they are” — Tony, West Side Story
  6. “Love will stand when all else falls” — Moses, The Prince of Egypt
  7. “Love is like oxygen. Love is a many-splendored thing. Love lifts us up where we belong” — Christian, Moulin Rouge
  8. “I saw you and the world went away” — Tony, West Side Story
  9. “When someone needs you, you love them so” — Nancy, Oliver!

  10. “Can it be us and only us? And what came before won’t count anymore or matter” — Evan Hansen, Dear Evan Hansen

Love quotes from books

  1. “I wish you to know that you have been the last dream of my soul” — Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
  2. “If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day so I never have to live without you” — A. A. Milne, Winnie The Pooh
  3. “I know I am in love with you because my reality is finally better than my dreams” — Dr. Seuss
  4. “You don’t love someone because they’re perfect, you love them in spite of the fact that they’re not” — Jodi Picoult, My Sister’s Keeper
  5. “I love her, and that’s the beginning and end of everything” — F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
  6. “I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once” — John Green, The Fault in Our Stars
  7. “I am who I am because of you. You are every reason, every hope, and every dream I’ve ever had” — Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook
  8. “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same” — Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights
  9. “You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought” — Arthur Conan Doyle, The White Company
  10. “Love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone” — Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie

Love quotes from poetry

  1. “To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides” — David Viscott
  2. “Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired” — Robert Frost
  3. “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways” — Elizabeth Barrett Browning
  4. “I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride” — Pablo Neruda
  5. “If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever” — Alfred Lord Tennyson
  6. “Love is an endless mystery, for it has nothing else to explain it” — Rabindranath Tagore
  7. “You are my sun, my moon, and all my stars” — E.E. Cummings
  8. “If my lover were a comet hung in air, I would braid my leaping body in his hair” — Djuna Barnes
  9. “Love is not consolation. It is light” — Friedrich Nietzsche
  10. “Love is the only reality and it is not a mere sentiment. It is the ultimate truth that lies at the heart of creation” — Rabindranath Tagore

Love quotes from films

  1. “You had me at ‘hello'” — Dorothy Boyd, Jerry Maguire
  2. “Storm clouds may gather and stars may collide, but I love you until the end of time” — Christian, Moulin Rouge
  3. “What I’m trying to say, very inarticulately, is that, um, in fact, perhaps despite appearances, I like you, very much. Just as you are” — Mark Darcy, Bridget Jones’s Diary
  4. “To me, you are perfect” — Mark, Love Actually
  5. “I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is” — Forrest Gump, Forrest Gump
  6. “I think I’d miss you even if we never met” — Kat Ellis, The Wedding Date
  7. “A marriage is a promise. With the ceremony and ring, you’re saying to one another, ‘Every experience I am going to have, I want to experience with you'” — Diane Keaton, The Big Wedding
  8. “You’re my air” — Dre, Brown Sugar
  9. “So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be really hard, and we’re gonna have to work at this every day. But I wanna do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever. You and me. Every day” — Noah Calhoun, The Notebook

Love quotes from TV shows

  1. “It’s you. It’s always been you” — Fitz Grant, Scandal
  2. “You make me happier than I ever thought I could be, and if you let me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way” — Chandler Bing, Friends
  3. “You’re my one in five billion” — Fox Mulder, The X-Files
  4. “Some love stories aren’t epic novels. Some are short stories, but that doesn’t make them any less filled with love” — Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City
  5. “I love our story. Sure, it’s messy, but it’s the story that got us here” — Ted Mosby, How I Met Your Mother
  6. “I love you, in a really, really big pretend-to-like-your-taste-in-music, let-you-eat-the-last-piece-of-cheesecake, hold-a-radio-over-my-head-outside-your-window, unfortunate way that makes me hate you, love you” -— Meredith Grey, Grey’s Anatomy
  7. “I love you and I like you” — Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation
  8. “I love you more than words, and I am a big fan of words” — Buffy Summers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
  9. “You are the love of my life. Everything I have and everything I am is yours” — Chuck Bass, Gossip Girl
  10. “I love you even when you’re sick and look disgusting” — Jim Halpert, The Office

Love quotes from the Bible

  1. “We love because He first loved us” — 1 John 4:19
  2. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves” — Romans 12:10
  3. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs” — 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
  4. “Let all that you do be done in love” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
  5. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” — 1 Peter 4:8
  6. “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgement: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” — 1 John 4:16-18
  7. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love” — John 15:9-10
  8. “Do everything in love” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
  9. “Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly” — Colossians 3:14
  10. “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves” — Romans 12:9-10

The bottom line on wedding love quotes 

Love quotes are a timeless way to express your feelings and show your partner what your big day means to you. Or, if you’re a guest, they’re a lovely way to share well-wishes with the couple and inspire them about their marriage. 

Don’t think you’re being un-original or cliché by using these quotes. Instead, use them to inspire your wedding speech or message and connect your personal vows to a broader, shared understanding of love. Everyone loves hearing familiar quotes in a speech, and you could even use it as an inside joke with your new spouse or guests. For example, using a quote from your favourite book, film, or TV show will no doubt put a smile on their face. 

So, feel free to use love and marriage quotes in your wedding speech or message. Embrace the timeless nature of the phrases and pepper them throughout your speech or message like the seasoning in a good dish.

If you need some more guidance, read our post featuring 15 romantic and inspiring love poems, or browse our wedding speech examples to help you craft the perfect wedding speech. 

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Happy Planning!

The Ultimate Year-By-Year Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide

Whether it’s been one year since the two of you got married, a decade, or even 50 years, every wedding anniversary is special, and deserves to be celebrated. To mark such a wonderful occasion, you no doubt love to show your other half just how much that loyalty and adoration means to you.

Every couple is different. You may use your anniversary to offer a huge gesture of love like a meal at a fancy restaurant or a trip somewhere nice. You may give them a stunning bouquet of flowers and a card or have a romantic night in away from the rest of the world. Or, you might choose to give them a gift specifically linked to the number of years the two of you have been together.

But what should you give? If you’re stuck for ideas, every anniversary has a traditional gift you can give your partner, as well as an anniversary gemstone and traditional flower. These traditions go back more than a hundred years, and today, there are modern gifts too, which gives you plenty of choices.

In this article, we’re going to explore everything to do with wedding anniversary gifts and traditions in the UK, including the traditional gifts given by couples to each other for a century, and the modern options for couples who want to give their symbolic gift-giving a 21st-century boost. We’ll also let you know the gemstones and flowers, and dive into the symbolic meaning everything has so you can put love and consideration into your gifts every year.

And if you’re in a rush, check out our handy infographics below: we’ve got one for the traditional and modern anniversary gifts, as well as the anniversary gemstones and flowers. Be sure to save them for future reference!

Should you mark every anniversary?

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Your marriage was a monumental and pivotal event in your life. It no doubt changed the way you live, think and behave. Your goals likely evolved, your priorities shifted, and your mindset altered. You may still (and always) be an I, but the day you got married, you also became a we.

Because marriage is such a big commitment, it should be celebrated. So, whether you’ve been married one year, two years or five decades, why not use it as an excuse (not that you need one) to celebrate the love you and your partner share?

Of course, you and your other half might like to keep things on the low down. You might not like the fuss associated with an anniversary or you might not have the money to spare. And that’s okay too. So long as you and your partner are open and honest with each other from the start, there’s nothing wrong with choosing not to celebrate your anniversary. You do you.

What are wedding anniversary gifts?

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Wedding anniversary gifts are like the gifts given to mark other significant moments of someone’s life, such as a birthday, Christmas, marriage or any other special occasion. But it counts double for an anniversary, because you’re not the only one celebrating something. Both you and your partner have reached an incredible milestone in your marriage, whether it’s one or one 90 years.

Couples love to give each other gifts on their anniversary because it marks such an important time they share. It’s a symbolic gesture that shows your continued love and commitment to your partner and how much you appreciate them. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive and you shouldn’t feel pressured to give them a gift if your budget doesn’t allow it – it all depends on your personal preferences and circumstances, and what feels right to you as a couple. 

Do you have to give a gift on your anniversary?

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No, you don’t have to give your partner a gift on your anniversary. While many couples do choose to mark every anniversary with a card, gift or something else, it’s not for everyone. You might not be comfortable with giving or receiving gifts, or you may not have the budget to spare. And that’s perfectly okay.

There are plenty of other ways you can treat your partner on your anniversary that don’t involve giving a gift. Instead, why not put your phones away and enjoy a cosy movie night? Or take a romantic walk and enjoy a picnic at a lakeside? There’s lots you can do if you’re not in a position to give each other gifts.

Like with any part of a marriage, it’s all about communication. So be open and honest with your partner about what you’d like to give on your anniversary. 

What are traditional and modern anniversary gifts?

The Complete Year-by-Year Wedding Anniversary Gift Guide
Wedding anniversary gift guide: a quick reference infographic

It’s thought that couples have been giving each other gifts to mark their wedding anniversaries for hundreds of years. For example, Folklorist Hanns Bächtold-Stäubli wrote that couples in Germanic countries gave each other anniversary jewellery as far back as the 16th century.

During the Victorian era, the act of giving anniversary gifts grew in popularity, but at the time there were no ‘rules’ as such. It was only after the publication of Emily Post’s 1922 book, Etiquette: in Society, in Business, in Politics and at Home, that the idea of traditional wedding anniversary gifts for specific milestones came to be. The list contains traditional gifts you can give to your partner for your 1st to your 15th anniversary, then every five years after that.

Less than 20 years after Emily Post’s book, the American National Retail Jeweler Association published a modern version in 1937. Since then, couples have used both lists as a source of inspiration for what to gift each other.

Until a second even more modern version is created, couples will have to bend the rules if they want to give each other an iPad or PlayStation.

Here’s a list of the main wedding anniversaries and their associated gifts:

Should you give your partner a traditional or modern anniversary gift?

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Whether you should give your partner a modern or traditional anniversary gift is entirely up to you – there’s no right or wrong answer. Speak to your partner about what you might like to do and if you want to stick to a theme.

Different gifts have different symbolic meanings and might have a unique meaning or nostalgic element for the two of you. Some gifts might also have actual uses and a lot more flexibility about them. As you might expect, modern anniversary gifts are a little easier to work with, but even some of those are a little outdated by 21st-century standards.

If you stick to traditional anniversary gifts, for your first anniversary you’ll want to give your partner something associated with paper. Now, this could be a packet of tissues, or it could be a certificate showing how they’ve purchased an acre of land on the moon – you can be as creative with it as you like.

For something a little easier to work out, you could get them the modern equivalent, which is a clock. This could be a gold watch, a FitBit or Apple Watch, a new bedside alarm clock… whatever you think your partner would love.

Or, you could scrap the idea that year altogether and get them a bunch of flowers or an overnight stay in a romantic B&B somewhere. There are no official rules, just inspiration and ideas you can follow.

And you could mix it up. One year you could go traditional, one year you could go modern. It’s about whatever fits your budget, your preferences and how it aligns with your creativity and what you and your partner have discussed. And if your partner does want an acre of land on the moon, then go for it!

Do different countries around the world have different anniversary traditions?

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Yes, depending on where you live, there may be different traditions and gifts associated with each wedding anniversary. There is a lot of crossover, but just because something is a tradition in one country doesn’t mean it applies to every country.

For example, in Korea it’s common for couples to celebrate their 100-day wedding anniversary, as the first 100 days are thought to be among the toughest they’ll experience as they settle into married life. To mark the occasion, Korean couples like to give each other a ring which might be engraved with a short phrase that means something special to them.

In this article, we’re going to focus on the traditional and modern anniversary milestones, traditions and gifts that couples in the UK might like to stick to. But, because there’s so much crossover, many of these traditions are shared across the world. Couples in the UK, USA, Germany, Japan and beyond mark the 25th (silver) and 50th (gold) anniversaries with gifts, parties and other celebrations.

What are wedding anniversary gemstones?

The Complete Year-by-Year Wedding Anniversary Gemstone Guide
Wedding anniversary gemstone guide: a quick reference infographic

Okay, so we’ve already covered that there are traditional and modern anniversary gifts you could give to your partner to mark specific milestones in your marriage. But, to make things super simple and give you even more options and ideas for what you could give them, there are also specific gemstones associated with every anniversary. So, if all else fails, a piece of jewellery that contains a gemstone is guaranteed to bring a smile to your other half’s face thanks to the symbolic meaning behind it.

Check out the below guide to see what wedding anniversary gemstones there are:

  • 1st anniversary gemstone – Gold
  • 2nd anniversary gemstone – Garnet
  • 3rd anniversary gemstone – Pearl
  • 4th anniversary gemstone – Topaz
  • 5th anniversary gemstone – Sapphire
  • 6th anniversary gemstone – Amethyst
  • 7th anniversary gemstone – Onyx
  • 8th anniversary gemstone – Tourmaline
  • 9th anniversary gemstone – Lapis Lazuli
  • 10th anniversary gemstone – Diamond
  • 11th anniversary gemstone – Turquoise
  • 12th anniversary gemstone – Jade
  • 13th anniversary gemstone – Citrine
  • 14th anniversary gemstone – Opal
  • 15th anniversary gemstone – Ruby
  • 16th anniversary gemstone – Peridot
  • 17th anniversary gemstone – Carnelian
  • 18th anniversary gemstone – Cat’s eye
  • 19th anniversary gemstone – Aquamarine
  • 20th anniversary gemstone – Emerald
  • 21st anniversary gemstone – Iolite
  • 22nd anniversary gemstone – Spinel
  • 23rd anniversary gemstone – Topaz
  • 24th anniversary gemstone – Tanzanite
  • 25th anniversary gemstone – Silver
  • 30th anniversary gemstone – Pearl
  • 35th anniversary gemstone – Emerald
  • 40th anniversary gemstone – Ruby
  • 45th anniversary gemstone – Sapphire
  • 50th anniversary gemstone – Gold
  • 55th anniversary gemstone – Emerald
  • 60th anniversary gemstone – Diamond
  • 65th anniversary gemstone – Sapphire

As you can see, there are a few repeated gemstones. Gold, ruby, sapphire, emerald, pearl and diamond all make two or three appearances. For example, gold is both the 1st and 50th anniversary, but each has a different meaning. For the 1st anniversary, the gold can symbolise prosperity and optimism for what the future could bring. For the 50th anniversary, the gold can represent perseverance and a symbolic bookend to the 1st anniversary half a century later.

What are wedding anniversary flowers?

The Complete Year-by-Year Wedding Anniversary Flower Guide
Wedding anniversary flower guide: a quick reference infographic

Flowers are an international symbol of love, and many lovebirds love to give flowers to the person they love (that’s a lot of love). As well as traditional and modern gifts and anniversary gemstones, there are also wedding anniversary flowers. If you give your partner flowers to mark the occasion, choosing the appropriate flowers adds that extra bit of care and thoughtfulness.

Surprisingly, roses – the flower almost everyone associates with romance and love – only appear on the list once. Even though a lot of anniversaries have a traditional flower associated with them, it’s not something you need to stick to. After all, nothing makes a statement quite like a bunch of roses!

Here are the flowers traditionally given on each wedding anniversary:

  • 1st anniversary flower – Carnation
  • 2nd anniversary flower – Lily of the valley
  • 3rd anniversary flower – Sunflower
  • 4th anniversary flower – Hydrangea
  • 5th anniversary flower – Daisy
  • 6th anniversary flower – Calla lily
  • 7th anniversary flower – Freesia
  • 8th anniversary flower – Lilac
  • 9th anniversary flower – Bird of paradise
  • 10th anniversary flower – Daffodil
  • 11th anniversary flower – Tulip
  • 12th anniversary flower – Peony
  • 13th anniversary flower – Chrysanthemum
  • 14th anniversary flower – Orchid
  • 15th anniversary flower – Rose
  • 16th anniversary flower – Statice
  • 17th anniversary flower – Red carnation
  • 18th anniversary flower – Sunflower
  • 19th anniversary flower – Chrysanthemum
  • 20th anniversary flower – Aster
  • 21st anniversary flower – Iris
  • 22nd anniversary flower – There isn’t one
  • 23rd anniversary flower – Nil
  • 24th anniversary flower – Lavender 
  • 25th anniversary flower – Iris
  • 30th anniversary flower – Lily
  • 35th anniversary flower – Coral rose
  • 40th anniversary flower – Nasturtium
  • 45th anniversary flower – There isn’t one
  • 50th anniversary flower – Violet

What are the major or most important wedding anniversary years?

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Every wedding anniversary is special – it marks another year spent with the love of your life, after all. But, there are a few wedding anniversaries that are perhaps that little bit more special. Your 1st anniversary marks one whole year since the two of you had the most incredible day of your lives. Your 10th anniversary marks a whole decade! You might also like to mark the anniversaries every five years after that with a bit more oomph, like the 15th and 20th anniversaries. 

After that, the 25th and 50th anniversaries are huge occasions, which should definitely be shouted about from the rooftops. They’re both such incredible achievements that you might want a huge celebration with friends and family, but also just the two of you because, at the end of the day, marriage is about you.

You might also want to mark every 5th anniversary that passes as something extra special. In the UK, the longest-known marriage is between Ron and Joyce Bond, who celebrated their 83rd wedding anniversary in January 2024!

What are the traditional and modern anniversary gifts for every year?

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If you’d like to mark your next wedding anniversary with a symbolic and thoughtful gift, there are traditional and modern options you can consider. Which you choose is up to you – you might even decide not to go with either. 

The creator of the traditional gifts, Emily Post, only wrote about the gifts couples should exchange for their 1st to 15th anniversaries, then every fifth anniversary after that. But thankfully, as with most traditions, they’ve evolved over time – so we’ve filled in the blanks to include the new traditions couples have adopted.

So, if you’d like to give your other half something with symbolic meaning, here are a few ideas, including the anniversary gemstones and flowers as well.

1st wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 1st wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Paper
  • Modern – Clocks
  • Gemstone – Gold 
  • Flower – Carnation

The traditional gift couples give to each other to mark their very first wedding anniversary is paper. Now, paper might seem like a strange choice – what’s so special about that? But, it’s not like you’re limited to giving your partner a blank sheet of A4 so they can doodle or practice their origami. Paper is a symbolic gesture that represents a new start – a blank sheet of paper can be filled in with whatever you want, after all. It can also be helpful since weddings are expensive and paper’s cheap!

But, paper is super versatile and you can get creative. Why not give your other half a family crest to hang on the wall? Or commission an artist you admire to recreate your favourite wedding photo? And if all else fails, a voucher can have a million and one uses, from a romantic hot air balloon flight to a romantic meal for two.

If you’re thinking modern, a clock is a wonderful gift that marks the time you’ve spent together during your first year as a married couple. This could be a new alarm clock for the bedside table or an ornate cuckoo clock. You could even combine the modern gift with the traditional gemstone (which technically isn’t a gemstone), gold. And what could be nicer on your 1st anniversary than to gift your partner a nice gold watch?

The traditional flower to give on your 1st anniversary is the carnation, which are big, beautiful blooms that are delicate but absolutely bursting with colour. A perfect gift for the perfect occasion.

2nd wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 2nd wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Cotton
  • Modern – China
  • Gemstone – Garnet
  • Flower – Lily of the Valley

If you’re all about traditional 2nd wedding anniversary gifts, then you’ll want to give your partner a gift associated with cotton. On paper, it may be a gift just as confusing as paper (see what we did there?) but it actually has a lovely symbolic meaning. Cotton is a natural fibre that grows in fields, and is then processed so it becomes strong and durable, which represents your second year of marriage.

The most obvious choice of gift you might give is clothing. This could be a beautiful dress, a pair of matching robes, or the most comfortable slippers imaginable. You could even have a custom tea towel made that features the date of your wedding.

For a modern option, you might want to give your partner some china. How you interpret this is up to you – an obvious choice would be a lovely tea set. Or, you could even spoil your partner and whisk them away on a trip to Beijing! 

The anniversary gemstone for two years of marriage is garnet, a stone that comes in a variety of beautiful colours and can vary hugely in cost. This gives you plenty of options if you’re keen to give your partner a gift that features garnet.

The traditional flower for a 2nd anniversary is lily of the valley, a super elegant flower with tiny white heads that look like little bells. Very dainty but also very beautiful.

3rd wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 3rd wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Leather
  • Modern – Glass or crystal
  • Gemstone – Pearl
  • Flower – Sunflower

The traditional 3rd anniversary wedding gift is leather, which is a super durable material that represents the strength of marriage. Leather is so hardy that a leather shoe was found that was thought to be 5,500 years old! There are so many things you could choose from, too, like a pair of boots, a jacket, a wallet, a purse… And the great thing is, there are also plenty of vegan leather products to choose from so everyone gets the option to give a traditional gift if they want to.

The modern 3rd anniversary gift is glass or crystal. This represents how fragile marriage can be, but also how beautiful it can be, which is why it should be looked after and treasured. You might want to give your partner a vase, some engraved champagne flutes, or even a set of shot glasses. Let your imagination run wild.

The 3rd anniversary gemstone is pearl, which is a hugely versatile gemstone that can be used in all kinds of jewellery. From rings and bracelets to necklaces and earrings, it’s a delicate stone that has a wide range of uses.

For flowers, the bold and eye-catching sunflower is traditionally given. Sunflowers are warming and welcoming and bring life to any room.

4th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 4th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Fruit or flowers 
  • Modern – Appliances
  • Gemstone – Topaz
  • Flower – Hydrangea

For your 4th wedding anniversary, the traditional gift to give your other half is fruit or flowers. Okay, flowers we understand, they’ve been given as a romantic gesture for thousands of years, but fruit? Actually, fruit has a fabulous symbolic meaning too, in that it’s fresh, it grows from a small seed and it’s sweet. A bouquet of flowers is always a wonderful gift, but a basket of fresh fruit is such a unique and thoughtful way to mark an anniversary.

The modern gift is appliances. When modern gifts were established in the 1930s, there wasn’t quite the same range of choice as there is today, which can make your decision easier. It could be a coffee maker, an air frier, a new fridge freezer… you certainly won’t be stuck for ideas.

The 4th anniversary gemstone is topaz, a clear stone that comes in a lot of different colours. It’s also another stone that can vary in cost, with some types of topaz being very affordable. But, if you want to push the boat out it can also be incredibly expensive.

The hydrangea is the traditional flower given to mark a 4th anniversary, which are fabulously explosive blooms of vivid and varied colour.

5th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 5th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Wood
  • Modern – Silverware
  • Gemstone – Sapphire
  • Flower – Daisy

The traditional 5th wedding anniversary gift is wood. Wood is a tough, durable material that grows from a tiny seed into a magnificent tree that has deep and strong roots. This is why it’s perfect that it represents your fifth year of marriage. And the great thing is, wood can come in a huge variety of forms. You could give your other half a wooden carving, a sign to hang on the wall or a bench for sitting on in the back garden.

For something more modern, you could give them some silverware. Okay, so it might not be that modern, but some fancy new cutlery or an engraved spoon you can hang in the kitchen make for a lovely gesture.

The anniversary gemstone for five years is sapphire, which is a striking blue stone that looks amazing on rings, necklaces, earrings… in fact, it looks amazing on anything. It can be a little pricey, but it’s definitely worth the cost if your budget allows for it.

If you’d like to give your partner something floral, the daisy is the traditional flower for five years of marriage. Daisies might be small, but they’re the quintessential flower, with bright and open heads that scream of spring.

6th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 6th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Sugar
  • Modern – Iron
  • Gemstone – Amethyst
  • Flower – Calla lily

The traditional gift for a 6th wedding anniversary is sugar. Now, a bag of sugar might not hit the spot, but there are so many ways to interpret this. A box of chocolates, a delectable cake, some Turkish delights… or a trip to a chocolate factory! Yes, you might treat your partner to some chocolates throughout the year, but when it’s your 6th anniversary it has a lovely symbolic message. After all, sugar is sweet, and after six years together your relationship is only getting sweeter.

The modern 6th wedding anniversary gift is iron. Now, try to avoid the temptation of getting your partner an iron so they can iron your clothes… though this can make for a funny exchange on your anniversary! With a little creative thinking, you could come up with something unique and thoughtful, like an engraved padlock, a cast iron skillet or a sculpture that represents your love.

The 6th wedding anniversary gemstone is amethyst, which is as striking as it is elegant. They’re usually a stunning shade of purple, and they’re hardy so can come in a huge variety of shapes and decorative objects.

The flower to mark a 6th anniversary is calla lily, which are elegant flowers with cup-like heads. They might be beautiful, but just be aware that they produce tiny crystals that are super sharp, so it’s recommended that you don’t have them if you have pets or young children. There are plenty of other flowers out there though that aren’t toxic to pets, so your other half won’t have to go without.

7th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 7th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Wool or copper
  • Modern – Stationery or desk set
  • Gemstone – Onyx
  • Flower – Freesia

For your 7th wedding anniversary gift, there’s a huge selection of ideas for you to choose from, so you’re guaranteed to think of something your other half will love. The traditional gifts are wool or copper, which could include anything from a big, thick jumper to cufflinks made with 1p coins. Wood represents the warmth and cosiness of marriage, while copper represents wealth and prosperity.

For something more modern, you could give some stationery or a desk set. Neither sounds particularly romantic, but you could personalise some pens or give your partner a brand-new diary.

As for the 7th anniversary gemstone, onyx is an eye-catching stone that features shades of black and sometimes even white. Onyx can sometimes be expensive, but it’s incredibly unique and used in a lot of different types of jewellery.

The freesia is the traditional flower to mark a 7th anniversary. Freesias are colourful blooms which look hugely eye-catching and have surprisingly long stems.

8th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 8th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Bronze
  • Modern – Linen or lace
  • Gemstone – Tourmaline
  • Flower – Lilac

When they’re separate, copper and tin are two relatively weak metals. However, when melted down and combined, they become bronze, the traditional 8th wedding anniversary gift, which is incredibly strong. This is why humanity made such huge strides during the bronze age, with the ability to create strong tools from bronze. The art of mixing two things (you and your partner) so they become strong (your marriage) is a lovely, symbolic gesture. Many statues and figures are available in bronze and make for a thoughtful anniversary gift.

The modern 8th anniversary gift is linen or lace, which are both beautiful and delicate fabrics. This could be anything from bedsheets to special pyjamas – very romantic.

The 8th anniversary gemstone is tourmaline, which isn’t usually the first choice of stone for jewellery, but is super appealing thanks to the range of colours. Some stones also have a rainbow effect, which is a wonderful stone to choose for LGBTQ+ couples in particular.

For something floral, the traditional flower for an 8th anniversary is the lilac, dainty little flowers that come together to form large, cloud-like blooms. Lovely.

9th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 9th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Pottery or willow
  • Modern – Leather
  • Gemstone – Lapis Lazuli
  • Flower – Bird of paradise

Traditionally, you might give your partner a gift of pottery or willow when celebrating your 9th wedding anniversary. Pottery is a lovely symbolic gift because it’s something that’s been made by hand from a lump of clay and formed into something beautiful. A willow tree is fabulous and full of luscious life with a strong trunk and roots – just like the ninth year of marriage.

When it comes pottery, there are loads of ideas for you to choose from. Anything from a handcrafted vase to a plant pot. For willow, you could choose a carved ornament, a basket full of treats and other goodies, or even a cricket bat if your other half is that way inclined.

If you’re going modern, you could get them a leather gift. This has already appeared on the list as the traditional gift for a 3rd anniversary, so try to think back six years to work out if you’ve already got this covered. If not, there are plenty of gift options out there for you.

The anniversary gemstone for nine years of marriage is lapis lazuli, a beautifully textured blue stone that makes any piece of jewellery pop.

The bird of paradise is the traditional flower for a 9th anniversary and looks more like a flower from Avatar than it does anything from Earth. It’s unique and attention-grabbing, but also delicate and colourful.

10th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 10th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Tin or aluminium
  • Modern – Diamond
  • Gemstone – Diamond
  • Flower – Daffodil

When celebrating your anniversary, the traditional gift for reaching the 10-year mark is tin or aluminium. Okay, so neither is particularly glitzy or glamorous. But you can still get creative and have some fun with it, like a tin filled with chocolates, matching tin camping mugs, or a good ol’ tin of beans. If you choose the last one, it might be good to get a little extra something as well, just to be safe.

The modern 10th anniversary gift is, of course, diamond. It’s an extra special milestone in your marriage journey, after all. Diamond is also the 10th anniversary gemstone, so it’s a double-diamond type of celebration. It all depends on your budget as to what you might like to give your partner to commemorate your decade together, but diamond offers you plenty of choices to give something beautiful and memorable.

You might expect a 10th anniversary flower to be something like a rose, but it is in fact the humble daffodil. Daffodils might commonly grow throughout the spring, but they represent new beginnings, which is appropriate as you begin a new decade as a married couple.

11th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 11th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Steel
  • Modern – Jewellery
  • Gemstone – Turquoise
  • Flower – Tulip

To mark your 11th anniversary the traditional way, you might want to give your partner a gift linked to steel. Even we admit that this one’s hard, but with a little thought and research, it’s definitely possible to get your partner something showstopping. An engraved cutlery set, a dish to keep treasured jewellery, or tickets so you can both set sail on a cruise… cruise liners are made from steel, right?

For the modern alternative, you could give your other half some jewellery. Link it to the traditional gemstone for an 11th anniversary with turquoise, which is a striking bluey-green colour – perfect for while you’re on that cruise!

If you’d like to treat your partner to flowers to celebrate your 11th anniversary, the traditional flower is the tulip, which comes in a massive range of stunning colours.

12th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 12th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Silk
  • Modern – Pearl
  • Gemstone – Jade
  • Flower – Peony

Okay, when you get to 12th wedding anniversary gift-giving, you’ll have plenty of great themes to choose from. The traditional gift is silk, elegant and smooth, just like your marriage. It’s also a lovely choice as there are lots you can give your partner, from a posh scarf to the most comfortable pyjamas you can imagine.

The modern gift to give is pearl, which means there’s a whole world of jewellery options open to you. But, the 12th anniversary gemstone is jade, which comes in all different shades of green. This means if you want to go for jewellery, you’ll face a dilemma – pearl or jade? Both are a great choice, so why not choose the best of both worlds and go for a jade and pearl necklace? The greens and creams complement each other perfectly and it has a double meaning!

If giving flowers is more your thing, for your 12th anniversary you could give your partner the traditional peony, which comes in every colour except blue, and has big and fantastic blooms.

13th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 13th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Lace
  • Modern – Fur
  • Gemstone – Citrine
  • Flower – Chrysanthemum

Unlucky for some but definitely not for you, as you celebrate 13 incredible years together! The traditional gift is lace, which gives you the opportunity to get your partner something a little exciting if you know what we mean. And if not, some new shoes with laces will do just the trick too.

The modern 13th anniversary gift is fur, which sort of reflects how these modern gifts maybe aren’t quite as modern as we might think after all. Thankfully there are still options out there, as faux fur is super convincing and works for everyone.

The anniversary gemstone for 13 lucky years is citrine, and as the name suggests it’s a wonderful lemony or orangey colour, and is actually a variety of quartz.

For something a bit more floral, the traditional 13th anniversary flower is a chrysanthemum, a lovely, open bloom that’s bright and warming.

14th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 14th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Ivory
  • Modern – Gold jewellery
  • Gemstone – Opal
  • Flower – Orchid

A long time ago (and not even in a galaxy far, far away) the traditional 14th wedding anniversary gift was ivory. Of course, this is no longer the case as it comes with massive animal rights connotations. But, couples who still want to mark the traditional gift often give something associated with elephants instead. Perhaps a wooden carving of an elephant, or an elephant feeding experience at your nearest zoo, so you can admire these amazing animals in person.

The modern 14th anniversary gift is gold jewellery, and we don’t need to go into detail about the huge amount of options you’ll have with that. You could combine it with the 14th anniversary gemstone, opal, a stunning iridescent stone that bounces light around like a natural disco ball. Opal is also associated with hope and truth, which is perfect for marking an anniversary.

The traditional 14th anniversary flower is the orchid, which is tall, strong, delicate and beautiful. An orchid looks magnificent in any room.

15th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 15th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Crystal
  • Modern – Watches
  • Gemstone – Ruby
  • Flower – Rose

If you like sticking to traditions, your partner is in for a real treat for your 15th anniversary. The traditional gift is crystal, much like the modern option for a 3rd anniversary. You could go for anything from an ornate vase to an engraved whisky glass.

The modern gift for 15 years is a watch, which means you can treat your other half to anything from an expensive Rolex to one of those Casio watches with the little calculators on them that everyone had in the 90s.

The gemstone for a 15th anniversary is the ruby. Rubies are a dark red in colour, almost purple, like the two hearts that you gave to each other all those years ago. Rubies also look fantastic in all kinds of jewellery, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The traditional anniversary flower for 15 years is the rose. Finally, after 15 years, you can give your partner the flower most associated with love (if you’re sticking to the loose rules, of course – you’re free to give them what you like when you like). Roses are hardy and versatile, while also being elegant and beautiful. The ultimate symbol of love.

16th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 16th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Wax
  • Modern – Silver holloware
  • Gemstone – Peridot
  • Flower – Statice

What’s one of the things you’ll always crack out which is guaranteed to create a romantic atmosphere? That’s right, a candle! Which is perfect, because the traditional 16th wedding anniversary gift is wax. Wax might not be hardy, but it burns bright, which is a lovely symbolic meaning for your marriage so far.

The modern gift for a 16th anniversary is silver holloware, which is a fancy way of saying a bowl, pot or container that’s made of silver. This could be a teapot, gravy boat or tureen – basically, anything that you can keep something else inside of.

The gemstone for a 16th wedding anniversary is peridot, which is a fantastic green-coloured stone, and one of the few gemstones that’s only found in one colour. That makes it rather unique, and makes for a lovely choice of gift. It also represents compassion, which you’ll likely have in abundance after spending 16 years with your love.

If you’d like to treat your other half to flowers, the traditional flower for 16 years of marriage is the statice, a papery bloom that usually grows in hot Mediterranean climates. The Victorians used to give statices to let someone know they were thinking about them, which couldn’t be more perfect for an anniversary.

17th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 17th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Watches
  • Modern – Furniture
  • Gemstone – Carnelian
  • Flower – Red carnation

While Emily Post’s list of traditional gifts didn’t include the 17th anniversary, couples have taken to giving each other a watch, much like the modern option for a 15th anniversary. If this was you two years ago, you might prefer the modern gift option – furniture. While an IKEA Callax Unit or Billy Bookcase will possibly do the trick, have a good think about what will have symbolic meaning so the two of you can look back on it and remember your 17th anniversary.

The 17th anniversary gemstone is the carnelian, a rust-coloured semi-precious stone which represents creativity and self-esteem. It’s not the shiniest of stones out there, but it still looks great set in jewellery.

For a flowery touch, the red carnation is the traditional 17th anniversary flower. Its big blooms fill any space with an explosion of fantastic reds, and is a symbol of intense love.

18th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 18th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Porcelain
  • Modern – Porcelain
  • Gemstone – Cat’s eye
  • Flower – Sunflower

No one can quite agree on what counts as a traditional 18th wedding anniversary gift, so most like to take inspiration from the modern equivalent, which is porcelain. Now, porcelain might famously be associated with toilets and sinks, but neither of those really has an air of romance about it. Unless you’re able to treat your other half to a brand-new bathroom, perhaps. Instead, you could go for a porcelain figurine, an engraved decorative plate, or a thimble that commemorates the date you got married.

If porcelain doesn’t inspire you, the anniversary gemstone for 18 years of marriage is cat’s eye. Cat’s eyes are super unique in that, as you might expect from the name, they look a little bit like a cat’s eye. They’re almost marble-like and are a wonderful centrepiece for any jewellery. And you’ll get double brownie points if your other half happens to love cats, too.

The traditional flower for an 18th anniversary is the sunflower, the same as for the 3rd anniversary. Sunflowers are big, beautiful and long-lasting… much like the marriage between you and your love.

19th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 19th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Bronze
  • Modern – Bronze
  • Gemstone – Emerald
  • Flower – Chrysanthemum

More than 10 years after its first appearance on the list of traditional and modern anniversary gifts, bronze once again becomes both the traditional and modern 19th wedding anniversary gift option. Sculptures, candlesticks, a picture frame, cufflinks… there’s a lot to choose from if you use your imagination.

The gemstone for 19 years of marriage is aquamarine, a fabulously bright and blue sky-coloured stone that symbolises youth and happiness. It’s not the most commonly used stone in jewellery, so would make for a unique gift to celebrate your special day.

For something floral, the traditional flower for 19 years is the chrysanthemum, which has already made an appearance on the list just six years before. But for good reason – it’s a lovely big bloom that comes in all kinds of colours. Plus, it symbolises happiness and a long life, which is apt as you near your 20th wedding anniversary.

20th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 20th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – China
  • Modern – Platinum
  • Gemstone – Emerald
  • Flower – Aster

After a four-year break, the traditional anniversary gifts are back as outlined in Emily Post’s book. The traditional gift to give your partner to celebrate two decades together is china, which is delicate, beautiful and painstakingly made – so perfect to represent the time you’ve spent as a married couple.

The modern gift for 20 years is platinum, which is a rather pricey precious metal that’s used to make all kinds of incredible jewellery, from rings to bracelets. You could combine this with the 20th wedding anniversary gemstone, which is emerald. Emeralds are a stunning, eye-catching shade of green and go well set in any type of jewellery. They also symbolise royalty, so there’s not a more perfect gift for the king or queen in your life.

The traditional flower for a 20th wedding anniversary is the aster, which is a dainty flower that looks a little bit like a purple daisy. They also grow in the UK and flower around the summer months, so if your anniversary falls during the hotter time of the year then asters should be in good supply.

21st wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 21st wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Brass or nickel
  • Modern – Brass or nickel
  • Gemstone – Iolite
  • Flower – Iris

To celebrate your marriage now being legally old enough to rent a car, we once again enter territory not covered by Emily Post’s list of traditional gifts. So, the modern gift, brass or nickel, covers both bases. Both represent strength, which is lovely after the amount of time you’ve spent together. This means you have a huge choice of gifts available, from trinkets and ornaments to personalised jewellery.

The 21st anniversary gemstone is iolite, a fabulously blue or purple stone which is actually fairly low priced. That means you can pick up jewellery with iolite relatively cheaply. And thanks to its incredible colour, it goes with almost everything, too, so you won’t struggle to find something your other half will love.

The traditional flower for 21 years of marriage is the iris, which is also purple but oh so delicate. You’ll also be spoilt for choice, as there are over 300 species of iris out there.

22nd wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 22nd wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Copper
  • Modern – Copper
  • Gemstone – Spinel
  • Flower – There isn’t one

There isn’t an official traditional wedding anniversary gift for 22 years, so it borrows from the modern option (which in turn borrows from the 7th anniversary gift), copper. Copper is a great rusty brown colour, and makes for a fantastic ornament or statue. Because it’s a fairly weak metal, it can be moulded into all kinds of shapes and engraved easily, so what you can get is only limited by your imagination.

For something a bit more sparkly, the 22nd anniversary gemstone is spinel. Spinel are a lovely ruby shade of red – in fact, they’re often confused for rubies. They vary in cost, but are always a beautiful addition to any piece of jewellery, so you really can’t go wrong with them.

Now for the bad news – there’s no official flower associated with 22 years of marriage! The good news is, you can go crazy with creativity! Why not have a bouquet designed by a local florist that contains 22 flowers? One from each of the traditional flowers of the past 21 years plus an extra  – that’ll definitely show your other half just how much you mean to them.

23rd wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 23rd wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Silver plate
  • Modern – Silver plate
  • Gemstone – Topaz
  • Flower – Nil

The modern 23rd wedding anniversary gift is a silver plate, and because there isn’t a traditional gift, the silver plate unofficially falls into that category too. A silver plate is a fairly self-explanatory thing, but you can still have a lot of fun with personalisations and engravings so it’ll look amazing on the wall or when brought out for special occasions. You could even use it to announce a weekend away or get them a dish to keep their jewellery in.

The gemstone for 23 years together is topaz, which has already appeared on the list before as the gemstone for the 4th anniversary. But it’s a beautiful stone, so if you’ve already given your partner jewellery containing topaz that’s no bad thing. Another piece to complement it would be a wonderful gesture.

As for flowers, the traditional flower for a 23rd wedding anniversary is nil. If you’re not familiar with this name, it’s also known as Japanese morning glory, which may or may not be apt considering it’s your anniversary (steady on!). It’s quite a bushy plant, so it’s not really one you can give as part of a bouquet, but it does grow in the UK and usually flowers in the later summer months if you sow the seeds in the spring.

24th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 24th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Opal
  • Modern – Musical instrument
  • Gemstone – Tanzanite
  • Flower – Lavender

When choosing gifts for your 24th wedding anniversary, if you want to stick to the ‘rules’, you’ll have a wonderful selection to choose from. The traditional gift is opal, which was also the gemstone for 14 years of marriage. It’s a stunning iridescent stone that looks fabulous in all kinds of jewellery and symbolises hope. You could pair this with bluey-purple tanzanite, the traditional gemstone for 24 years. It’s believed it helps with intuition, which is lovely as you clearly have great intuition by celebrating your 24th anniversary with the love of your life!

The modern gift for a 24th wedding anniversary is a musical instrument. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to give your partner a gift that they’ve always wanted, but never got around to. Or they may be a keen guitarist or pianist and could do with an upgrade. And if they’re really not into playing an instrument, you can’t go wrong with the good ol’ trusty triangle!

The traditional 24th wedding anniversary flower is lavender, a beautiful bloom associated with the south of France, distinguished by its striking purple hue and soft calming fragrance. Lavender represents purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace and calmness – all great qualities to celebrate in a marriage.  

25th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 25th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Silver
  • Modern – Silver
  • Gemstone – Silver
  • Flowers – Iris

Your 25th wedding anniversary is known as your silver anniversary for a reason. This is it, the big one. A quarter of a decade spent with the person you love the most. It’s an incredible milestone that should be shouted about from the rooftops. That’s why silver is considered the must-have gift for traditional and modern gifts, as well as the gemstone (though technically a precious metal, but we’ll let it slide).

There are so many amazing gifts you could give your partner that are silver. Jewellery, a keepsake box, a photo frame, silverware, an ornament… the list goes on. You’ll certainly be spoilt for choice.

The traditional flower to give for a 25th wedding anniversary is the iris, which also made an appearance just a few years ago for the 21st anniversary. It’s purple, pretty and delicate, but represents wisdom and trust – could there really be a better flower to symbolise 25 years together?

30th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 30th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Pearl
  • Modern – Diamond
  • Gemstone – Pearl
  • Flower – Lily

After spending 30 whole years together, you might want to celebrate by giving your partner the traditional gift, which is pearl. It represents becoming wise through experience, and there’s no doubt that you’re wise after spending such an amazing amount of time with your other half. Pearl is already associated with the 3rd and 12th wedding anniversaries, but it’s the traditional gift for 30 years for good reason. It’s also the traditional 30th anniversary gemstone, so you’d be covering two bases with this thoughtful and symbolic gift.

The modern gift for a 30th anniversary is diamond. Diamond is also associated with other anniversaries, but that doesn’t make it any less special. They’re the ultimate symbol of love, and are perfect when set in necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets… and any other type of jewellery your partner might love.

The traditional flower for 30 years of marriage is the lily. Lilies are stunning open-flower blooms that are available in all kinds of magnificent colours. Just remember that lilies are toxic to cats, so think twice if you have a furry little friend living with you at home.

35th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 35th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Coral
  • Modern – Jade
  • Gemstone – Emerald
  • Flower – Coral rose

Wow, 35 years. What a milestone! To mark your 35th wedding anniversary with a traditional gift, you can give your other half something related to coral. This is another traditional gift you could interpret in different ways. You could give an item of jewellery set with a coral stone, you could give them something that’s the colour coral, or if you have the budget, a trip to the Great Barrier Reef to view the incredible coral in person.

The modern gift for a 35th anniversary is jade, a fabulous stone which is a delicious shade of green. In the Far East, jade has a rich history as it symbolises immortality and represents the soul, which is great for celebrating a long and happy marriage. Plus, the gemstone to mark 35 years is emerald, an incredible precious stone which also happens to be green. Why not pair jade and emerald together in a piece of jewellery to give your partner something truly unique?

Sticking with the coral theme, the traditional flower for 35 years isn’t anything in particular, but many like to give their partners flowers that are coral-coloured. Bouquets that feature coral and other pastel shades are wonderful and autumnal.

40th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 40th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Ruby
  • Modern – Ruby
  • Gemstone – Ruby
  • Flower – Nasturtium

The fact that you’ve made it to 40 years together is incredible, and a real testament to your love and devotion to each other. To mark such a fabulous milestone, the traditional and modern gifts, as well as the anniversary gemstone, are ruby. For that reason, many like to treat their other half to something that contains this truly precious stone. Yes, rubies can be pricey, but for good reason – they’re drop-dead gorgeous and set well in almost every kind of jewellery. Ruby symbolises power and a thirst for life, and after 40 years of marriage, you’ll know a thing or two about living your life to the fullest.

The traditional flower for a 40th anniversary is nasturtium, a small orangey-red flower which, from a distance, you might mistake for poppies. They’re very small and delicate so it’s hard to include them in a bouquet, but they’re relatively easy to grow. If you sow the seeds in the garden in the spring they’ll flower in just a few months. They’re also perfect for celebrating your marriage, because nasturtiums symbolise victory through perseverance.

45th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 45th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Sapphire
  • Modern – Sapphire
  • Gemstone – Sapphire
  • Flower – There isn’t one

45 years is another stunning milestone, which can only be marked by a stunning gift. The traditional and modern gifts, as well as the gemstone, are all the same – the sapphire. Sapphires are precious stones, so can be rather expensive, but wow are they worth it! They represent wisdom and strength, which are definitely qualities you’ll have adopted after all those years spent with the love of your life.

There’s actually no traditional flower for a 45th anniversary, but many like to treat their partners to flowers that evoke sapphires, so blue flowers are a great choice. This might be hydrangea, iris, clematis, morning glory… there’s a lot out there that can make up a truly fabulous bouquet.

50th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 50th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Gold
  • Modern – Gold
  • Gemstone – Gold
  • Flower – There isn’t one

You’ve reached your 50th anniversary, that’s absolutely incredible! 50 years together is such a massive achievement and one that deserves to be celebrated with glitz and glamour. This is why the traditional and modern gifts, along with the anniversary gemstone (well, precious metal) is gold. Yes, your 50th wedding anniversary is your golden anniversary, so it’s the perfect opportunity to give your love something made from gold. This could be absolutely anything, from jewellery to a whisky glass adorned with gold.

There isn’t a traditional flower for a 50th anniversary, but you might want to give your partner flowers that evoke the gold theme. This could be yellowy-gold roses, sunflowers or chrysanthemums, which would look incredible and vibrant as part of a summery bouquet

55th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 55th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Emerald
  • Modern – Emerald
  • Gemstone – Emerald
  • Flower – There isn’t one

For your 55th anniversary, there’s an overarching theme of emerald, with this beautiful green precious stone being the traditional and modern gift, as well as the anniversary gemstone. Emerald has already been an anniversary stone for the 20th and 35th anniversaries, but it’s so beautiful that it deserves to make another appearance. It’s known as ‘the jewel of kings’ and symbolises truth and love, which you obviously have plenty of since you’ve made it to your 55th anniversary.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a traditional 55th anniversary flower, but flowers with green blooms will keep your celebrations on track with the emerald theme. Lilies, carnations, chrysanthemums, dahlias and orchids all come in wonderful shades of green.

60th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 60th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Diamond
  • Modern – Diamond
  • Gemstone – Diamond
  • Flower – There isn’t one

Being married to someone for 60 years is just jaw-dropping, so it’s more than worthy of being known as your diamond anniversary. So, the traditional and modern gifts, and the anniversary gemstone, are the glorious precious stone, the diamond. Diamonds are one of the most iconic symbols of love because they’re beautiful, hardy and – sometimes – priceless. They also symbolise faithfulness and commitment, which reaching 60 years of marriage demonstrates you have plenty of. Diamonds are also a fantastic stone to include in all types of jewellery, from necklaces to bracelets – and of course, rings.

There isn’t an anniversary flower for 60 years, but you could choose to give your partner flowers that evoke the feeling of diamonds. Diamonds let off a rainbow display of lights known as fire, when the light hits them just right. So, you could choose to have white flowers to represent the diamond and its sparkle, with other colours, like red, yellow and blue, to represent the fire.

65th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 65th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Sapphire
  • Modern – Sapphire
  • Gemstone – Sapphire
  • Flower – There isn’t one

65 years together – is there really an achievement quite like it? The traditional and modern gifts, as well as the anniversary gemstone for 65 years, is the sapphire. Much like the anniversary you celebrated 20 years ago, your 65th anniversary is celebrated in the traditional way by giving your other half something that evokes this fabulous precious stone.

There also isn’t a traditional flower associated with 65 years of marriage, but you might like to gift your partner sapphire-blue flowers. Blue flowers could include bluebells, orchids, asters – even roses can be blue. Blue flowers symbolise peace and tranquillity, which you definitely deserve after such a long time with your favourite person.

70th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 70th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Platinum
  • Modern – Platinum
  • Gemstone – Platinum
  • Flower – There isn’t one

A 70th wedding anniversary is an achievement that very few get to experience, and is a real testament to the incredible love and commitment you and your partner share. To celebrate such a huge moment in your lives, the traditional and modern gifts, and anniversary gemstone (though it’s a precious metal) is platinum. Platinum can be a pricey metal, but it looks fabulous in pretty much every type of jewellery. After all, platinum symbolises true love, so could there really be anything as perfect to give to your other half when celebrating 70 years together?

There isn’t a traditional flower for celebrating 70 years, but you could give someone flowers that evoke the quality and feeling of platinum. Lots of flowers come in various shades of silvery-white, like roses, tulips, dahlias, peonies and hydrangeas.

75th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 75th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Diamond
  • Modern – Diamond
  • Gemstone – Sapphire
  • Flower – There isn’t one

To be married to the person you love for 75 years is something most of us can’t comprehend. The level of love and devotion to another person is nothing short of stunning. The traditional and modern 75th anniversary gift is diamond, much like the 60th anniversary. In fact, the 75th anniversary was the original diamond anniversary, with the 60th added a little later. Diamonds represent commitment and faithfulness and are considered by many to be the precious stone to symbolise love. Thankfully, diamonds are versatile and can be used in so many different types of jewellery, so you should definitely be able to find something your other half will love.

You might also want to pair a diamond with sapphire, which is the anniversary gemstone for a 75th wedding anniversary. Any piece of jewellery that contains both diamonds and sapphires proves that it really is a match made in heaven – exactly the same as your marriage.

There isn’t a flower that’s traditionally given for 75 years, but if you’d like to give your other half a bouquet to commemorate the occasion, you could choose flowers that are white and blue. That way, you can continue the diamond and sapphire theme – plus it makes for an eye-catching combination.

80th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 80th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Oak
  • Modern – Oak
  • Gemstone – Ruby
  • Flower – There isn’t one

At 80 years and counting together, it’s obvious that your relationship is strong with deep, unshakable roots. That’s why the traditional and modern 80th wedding anniversary gift is oak. Oak trees stand tall and proud, and oak represents endurance, power and stability – which is why it’s perfect for such an incredible occasion. You might choose to give your other half an oak carving, or perhaps plant a tree in their name.

The anniversary gemstone for 80 years is ruby, which we’ve seen for two other anniversaries: the 15th and 40th. Rubies are synonymous with love, as well as health and wisdom, which you’ll no doubt have plenty of after spending 80 years with the love of your life. 

There isn’t a flower that’s traditionally given to mark an 80th anniversary, but ruby-red roses and other big blooms would be fabulous. You might also like to include a few oak leaves just to tie it into the whole theme of such a brilliant day.

85th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 85th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Wine
  • Modern – Wine
  • Gemstone – Moonstone
  • Flower – There isn’t one

After spending 85 years with your partner, you might expect the traditional and modern gifts to be something rather extravagant and pricey, such as platinum or diamonds, like the anniversaries that came before it. However, it’s far more humble than that – wine. That being said, you might not want to give your partner a £5.99 bottle of Merlot from the local shop – but it is something open to interpretation. It could be a trip to a local vineyard, a wine-coloured photo frame or, of course, your favourite bottle of vino.

The 85th anniversary gemstone is moonstone, a stunningly iridescent stone that comes in various colours and all with unique patterns. Many moonstones have the appearance of tiny planets, which look incredible set in jewellery. Moonstones can also be relatively inexpensive, so you can give your partner a one-of-a-kind but affordable gift to mark your big day.

There isn’t a traditional flower for 85 years, but if you like to give flowers then you could give your partner a bouquet that features colours associated with wine and moonstone. Deep red hydrangeas, rosé-coloured roses, multicoloured tulips… you can have a lot of fun creating the perfect bouquet.

90th wedding anniversary gifts

The traditional and modern 90th wedding anniversary gifts
  • Traditional – Granite or diamond
  • Modern – Granite or diamond
  • Gemstone – Diamond
  • Flower – There isn’t one

Very few couples have been married for 90 years, but it can and does happen. In fact, a couple from Yemen celebrated their 90th wedding anniversary in 2021. And as we get older and people live longer, it’ll no doubt happen more and more. But what do you give someone you’ve been married to for nine whole decades? Well, because it happens so infrequently, there isn’t an official traditional or modern gift, but it’s common for couples to give each other gifts centred around diamond or granite. Diamond can also extend to being the gemstone to mark a 90th wedding anniversary, so you could give the best of both worlds.

When it comes to diamond gifts, the choices are obvious – diamond jewellery is always going to brighten someone’s day. Granite is a little trickier, but you can get jewellery, ornaments, coasters, bowls, plates… there’s a lot out there. Or, if you have the budget, a nice new kitchen with granite worktops would work, too.

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Sign up to Bridebook today to access everything you’ll need to plan the most incredible wedding and pave the way for a marriage that stands the test of time. 

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An Autumnal Wedding with a Horse-Drawn Carriage in Northumberland

The bride and groom pet one of the horses that pulls the carriage.

Charlotte and Callum knew exactly what they wanted for their autumnal wedding in Chathill Northumberland: a gorgeous burgundy colour scheme, seasonal flowers… and a horse-drawn carriage!

What made their day even better? A venue that could offer them the whole weekend, not just a day. With its blend of traditional features and contemporary touches, Ellingham Hall offers a completely exclusive (and seriously stylish!) two-night wedding experience.

Carriage being pulled by two white horses.
The bride is inside holding a bouquet.
The guests throw petals to the couple as they laugh.
Charlotte & Callum in Chathill, Northumberland (Autumnal + Burgundy)
One of the table tops shows the theme of the table to be Vietnam.
Another table top shows a candle display and the theme to be New Zealand.
The guest inside the building, which features a chandelier hanging from a wooden ceiling.
The groom holds a black labrador dog.
The groomsmen help the groom get dressed.
The bride is running outside.
The bride and groom kiss outside.
The bride and groom kissing.
The tables set for dinner inside. Lots of lights in the ceiling.
The bride getting her makeup done.
The bride and groom kiss outside at night as the guests hold candles.

Congratulations, Charlotte and Callum, on your beautiful ceremony! And special thanks to Rachel Barlow, marketing and communications manager at Ellingham Hall, for providing us with the photographs of the happy couple’s big day.

Charlotte and Callum’s Suppliers

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How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Colour Scheme

Picking your wedding colour scheme is one of the first (and most fun!) steps you should take when planning your wedding. Choosing your colour palette early on will make picking out all your other details – from your flowers and your decorations to your invitations and your place cards – that much easier.

But are you and your fiancé a baby blue couple? Or would rich purples and golds suit you better? Will an autumnal red go with your venue? With so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start! So here are our top tips for choosing the perfect wedding colour scheme.

Get Inspired

If you’re feeling lost for where to start, Pinterest is a great place to go for some initial inspo. We’d also recommend looking at real weddings to see what other couples have done. Still feeling stuck? Then it’s time to shut the laptop and get outside! Consider going for a wander through interiors and fabric shops. You’ll be able to find out what’s on trend right now, plus fabric designers have a knack for matching unlikely colours – so keep your eyes peeled for anything that stands out to you. And think outside the box! If lilies are your favourite flower, why not take inspiration from that and design a colour scheme incorporating crisp whites and fresh greens?

wedding florals in church

Location, Location, Location

Once you’re feeling inspired, the first thing to consider when choosing your colour scheme is your wedding location. If you’ve already chosen and booked your venue, what colours will you be working with already? What other colours will bring out your venue’s best features? Your venue might have wallpaper or carpets that could clash with certain other colours so it’s important to check that out before you commit to your wedding colour palette.

If you haven’t found your venue yet, keep your ideal colours in mind when looking round potential locations. The colours you choose don’t have to match perfectly, but you’ll want them to mesh well with your venue’s overall style at the very least. For example, if you’re getting married in a rustic barn, working with light-filled spaces and pale woods, sage green and cream could be beautiful choices. On the other hand, if your venue is more of a country house, full of cosy, oak-panelled rooms, deeper hues may well be a better fit.

blush and white florals

Seasons Change

Another major factor to consider when choosing your wedding colour scheme is what will match the seasons. Our top tip is to take inspiration from good old Mother Nature! For an autumn wedding, go for rich reds, deep greens and warmer tones. Spring couples, on the other hand, might want to focus on pastels, greens and light neutral colours. For winter weddings, picture a white Christmas: all blues, silvers and creams (and perhaps a little sparkle too!). Finally, if your wedding is in the summer months, now’s your chance to incorporate more vibrant hues – think bright colours, jewel tones and perhaps a little gold.

Set the Mood

Don’t underestimate the power of colour! Your wedding colours play a key role in determining the whole vibe of your wedding, influencing everybody’s feelings and emotions on your special day. From classic and romantic to fun and creative, your chosen colours will have a huge impact on the atmosphere of your big day. If you want to amp up the drama, don’t choose a pastel colour scheme! You’ll want strong jewel tones instead – such as emerald greens, deep purples and golds – to set the mood. On the other hand, those very same pastels – think blush tones, creams and whites – are perfect for creating a more dreamy, romantic mood.

barn wedding table

Think Texture

It’s not just about colour – texture plays an almost as important role in setting the mood of your wedding. In summer, linens and cottons bring a beautifully relaxed feel to any celebration, while velvets can be used to create a sense of opulence and luxury at a winter wedding. Different textures can complement your wedding colour scheme and add a little extra interest to your decor, especially if you decide to go for a more neutral palette.

pink and green wedding decor

Get Trendy

So you’ve spent hours scrolling Pinterest, stared at photographs of your venue for what feels like hours… and you’re still stuck for ideas? Then here’s one more tip! For many couples, an easy way to get inspired is to find out what colours are trending. Looking at the most popular colours of the year is a great place to start. Sage, cassis and cantaloupe aren’t just ingredients in a fancy fruit salad – they’re the perfect colours for bridesmaid dresses! A word to the wise, though – don’t get too caught up with what’s “on trend” if you’re not feeling it. At the end of the day, you should always go for the colours that really make you excited.

So there you have it: five ways to get started with your wedding colour scheme. Just remember: your wedding day is all about you, your partner and what you both love. As long as you pick a colour combination that makes you both happy, you’re onto a winner.

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What To Include On Your Information Sheet

Starting to put together your wedding invitation suite? Then a big well done from us because that likely means you’ve sorted your Guest List – and that’s no mean feat! Now, if you haven’t already, you’ll want to take a look at our introduction to your wedding stationery and start off by getting to grips with all the different items you’ll need. Done that? Then read on to learn all about your wedding information sheet.

Psst! Need to know where to send your invitations? Try using our handy Address Collector to sort it all out in just one click.

What Is Your Wedding Information Sheet For?

Well, as we always say, your wedding is the celebration of the century – and while that means tons of fun, it also means lots of logistics! Since your wedding invitations only include the very basics (date, time, location), your wedding information sheet lets your guests know everything else: how to get to the venue, where they can stay, what they should wear… Plus, it lessens the chance that you’ll have to field a ton of last-minute queries on the day!

Bridebook.co.uk- order of service written on a blackboard
By Guy Hearn

What Information Should You Include On Your Wedding Information Sheet?

Well, every wedding is different – so your wedding information sheet will be specific to the details and requirements of your own wedding. The easiest thing to do is to put yourself in the shoes of one of your wedding guests and think about what questions they might have! To get you started, here are a few things we’d expect to find on most information sheets:

1. Directions

Always include directions to your ceremony and/or reception venue. You may also want to include maps of surrounding area for guests who aren’t familiar with the location. Bonus points if you throw in a list of local attractions and your recommendations for any guests combining your wedding with a getaway!

Psst! If you’re still looking for the perfect place to tie the knot, why not use our Venue Search Tool?

2. Transport Links And Taxis

It’s always helpful to add a list of transport links (eg. the closest train station, the best airport to fly into) for guests who don’t drive or are coming from further afield. It’s also a good idea to provide your guests with the contact details of local, reputable taxi firms or the details of any nearby car parking.

Bridebook.co.uk- guests sitting on hay bells
By Weddings Vintage

3. Accommodation

It’s more likely than not that at least a few of your guests will want to stay nearby so make sure to offer them a few recommendations for accommodation. If you’re not sure, ask your wedding venue where they recommend guests stay. And if you can, why not reserve a few rooms at a local hotel or bed and breakfast in advance? That way, you’ll know they’re not fully booked and you can just let your friends know to mention your name to secure a room.

4. Dress Code

If your wedding has a dress code, you will most likely have included it on your invitation – but now’s your chance to go into a bit more detail. For example, if you’re getting married in a marquee, you might want to let your guests know they’ll need “lawn-friendly” shoes. Or if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony in mid-winter, make sure to mention to your guests that they’ll want to pack their mittens!

5. Children

Are you planning on having children at your wedding? Your wedding invitation will most likely indicate in some way if you’re planning a “child-free” wedding but it’s always worth reiterating on your information sheet to make sure everyone’s got the message! If you will be including children but you’ve made any special arrangements (eg. providing a crêche), here’s where to go into detail.

cards and gifts table with a suitcase
By Guy Hearn

6. Presents

If you’re nervous about mentioning your gift list – don’t be! If you don’t put the details of your gift list on your wedding information sheet, your guests will just ask you directly instead. Or, if you want to be a little more subtle, you could always have your gift list details printed separately onto small cards you can slip into your envelopes alongside your invitations.

7. The Bar!

If you already know you’ll be having a cash bar, now’s a good time to let your guests know. Make sure to let them know any extra details too, like which cards the bar accepts and whether or not they’re cashless. 

Psst! If you need some help deciding between an open bar and a cash bar, check out our guide to wedding alcohol here.

8. Carriages

Ever struggled to get everyone out at the end of a house party? Well, “Carriages” is an easy way to avoid that happening at your wedding! It lets your guests know the latest time by which they’ll need to leave the venue. Including it on your information sheet means they can make arrangements for getting home in advance.

9. The Day After

Are you planning activities for the day after? Whether you’ll be hosting brunch or organising a golfing trip, let your guests know the details so they can plan accordingly.

Of course, you don’t have to send out an information sheet – and not all couples do. A great alternative – whether it’s because you want to cut costs or reduce waste – is to set up a wedding website and include the URL on your invitations. Then you can host all the above information there – and update it for everybody any time. Make sure to include your contact details, as well as those of your best (wo)man or maid/man of honour, so that your guests can ask any additional questions.

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How Much Does Wedding Catering Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

When it comes to hosting a memorable wedding, food and drink are a huge contributing factor. Including canapés and arrival drinks, a three or four-course wedding breakfast and a spread for the evening buffet, your guests will spend a large portion of their time at your wedding enjoying some delicious food and drink.

But how much does wedding catering cost, so you know exactly how much of your budget you need to dedicate toward keeping your guests fed, watered (or wined!) and – ultimately – happy?

In this post we’re going to take a look at the average cost of catering a wedding and what can affect that cost – including the alcohol.

How does the pricing work?

Photo © Pure Indulgence Catering | See their Bridebook profile

The first thing you need to know is that, depending on the venue, catering can often be done in-house. But, if the venue doesn’t offer catering that suits your taste, you can hire caterers to come to your venue separately. Venues that include catering are usually priced per head, meaning there will be a set price for every guest which will include food (a buffet or sit-down meal), the venue rental and sometimes half a bottle of wine per person for the meal and some bubbly for the toasts.

If a venue is priced at a lump sum, it usually means that catering is not included and what you are paying goes towards securing the venue. For more information check out our post on the cost of a wedding venue.

What is the average cost of catering a wedding?

Photo © The Wedding Kitchen | See their Bridebook profile

How much your wedding catering costs depends entirely on how many people you’re looking to invite. The more people you invite the more hungry mouths there will be, and of course the higher the cost will be.

In our ultimate guide to budgeting a wedding, we outlined that to cater an 80- to 90-guest wedding you can expect to spend an average of £5,700 overall. This may initially sound like a lot, but it actually equates to just over £65 per person, which is quite reasonable when you consider it’s their food for the entire day. However, it’s also enough to make you think twice when liberally handing out those +1s.

Of course, if your wedding is more intimate than that – or more grandiose – it can drastically change that figure. Based on this, to cater a 40-guest wedding the average cost will be around £2,600, and a 160-guest wedding will cost around £10,400.

This is of course based on the average, and depending on your budget there’s a range of options available:

  • Affordable – £20 – £40 per head
  • Moderate – £40 – £60 per head
  • Luxury – £60 – £80 per head
  • Super luxury – £80+ per head

Is it cheaper per head the more guests there are?

Photo © Create | See their Bridebook profile

You may expect the price per head to reduce depending on the greater the number of guests there are, but this isn’t always the case when it comes to catering a wedding. It will usually depend on several factors, including the venue, the number of kitchen and wait staff required, and the dining style.

For example, the price per head will be cheaper if you provide buffet-style food or food trucks than it would with a four-course meal, regardless of how many guests are attending.

How much does a wedding breakfast cost?

Photo © Lettice Events | See their Bridebook profile

The wedding breakfast will generally be one of the most expensive parts of your wedding reception. They’re usually multi-course sit-down meals that are meticulously run from a busy kitchen like a well-oiled machine – and that kind of operation comes at a cost.

The average cost of a wedding breakfast will be around £30-40 per head, but certain venues and vendors can charge more than three times this amount.

To make sure you get all the information you need, check out our post on what questions you should ask your wedding caterer.

How much does an evening buffet cost?

Photo © Dine | See their Bridebook profile

Your evening buffet is a far more relaxed meal, which offers a greater choice of food and the need for fewer servers. It also offers you the chance to fill the bellies of your guests who could only come to the evening reception.

The average cost of a buffet is usually around £20-30 per head, however, this can also vary depending on the selection of dishes on offer and the type of cuisine. For example, chicken and chips will be far more affordable than hand-made sushi!

What else can affect the cost of catering a wedding?

Photo © Le Mange Tout | See their Bridebook profile

The above costs are all averages, and you’ll make plenty of choices that will make that cost go either down or way (WAY) up. These include:

  • Style of service: the cost of a buffet, sit-down meal, or food truck can vary hugely. For example, for a sit-down meal, you would have to factor in the wages of the waiters (it’s recommended to have 1 per 11 guests) and a buffet would have a wider selection of food options. There are thousands of caterers offering a wide variety of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
  • Menu choice: The more options you offer your guests outside of the standard meat, fish or vegetarian/vegan, the more you’re likely to pay.
  • The venue: Does it have its own catering team? If you’re hiring a catering team separate from the venue, you may also need to factor in the cost of hiring a marquee and portable kitchen. These costs can quickly add up, adding several thousand to the cost of your catering. Some venues have a list of preferred caterers, so make sure you ask your chosen wedding venue if there are limitations.
  • The food: Some food is cheaper to make than others. If you’re keen to offer oysters and caviar, don’t be surprised if it’s more expensive than if you were to offer sandwiches and vol-au-vents.
  • The ingredients: Some caterers may offer premium ingredients, and if imported or organic produce is important to you then expect to pay a little extra.
  • The number of courses: Are you happy with a three-course meal, or would you like to offer hors d’oeuvres, a fish course, palate-cleansing sorbets, and mignardise? The more courses there are (and the more complex they are to make) the pricier it will be.
  • The date: you can expect to pay higher rates during peak times, such as during the summer and at weekends.

What about the alcohol?

Photo © Caper & Berry | See their Bridebook profile

While it can be tempting to offer an open bar, a wedding is one of those rare occasions when people tend to let their hair down. As a result, many of your guests will want to partake in a drink or two (or five or six). The cost of an open bar can quickly become eye-wateringly expensive, which is why many couples opt instead for a bottle or two of wine per table, plus a glass of bubbles on arrival and for the toasts. Then, if guests would like any other drinks, they’re free to choose what they like from a cash bar.

Remember, if you choose to supply your own fizz or bottles of wine, the venue may charge a corkage fee, which can be around £5-11 per bottle.

For more information check out our ultimate guide to wedding alcohol.

Ready to plan your big day?

Need a hand (or two) with wedding planning? Join Bridebook and get all the tools you need to plan your big day from start to finish. Plan your wedding budget, find your wedding venues and suppliers, organise your guest list and more.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding catering, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to help you keep costs down. 

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Happy Planning!

How Much Does a Wedding Venue Cost? The Average 2024 Revealed

When it comes to planning your wedding, there will be plenty of important choices to make – ranging from the enormous to the teeny tiny. Many of these choices will be optional, but one of the biggest will be making sure you choose the right venue. After all, it’s where you and your guests will spend the entire day and can’t be changed once the big day arrives.

As you work out your wedding budget, you’ll need to make sure you dedicate enough toward your ideal venue. Whether it’s a hotel, a golf course, a vineyard, a village hall, or anywhere else you want to marry that special someone, you’ll need to budget accordingly. 

Below, we’re going to take a look at the average cost of a wedding venue, what’s included in that cost, and any unexpected fees you should look out for.

How much does the average wedding venue cost?

Photo © Dorfold Hall | See their Bridebook profile

With the average total cost of a wedding in the UK rising to £20,775, over a third of that cost is likely to go towards the venue. In 2024, the average cost of a wedding venue is around £8,000-£10,000 (£9,877 to be exact). Of course, this figure can vary dramatically depending on different factors, including the type of venue and where in the country the venue is located.

For example, our 2024 UK Wedding Report found that couples in London pay an average of £14,357 for their venue, compared to Wales where the average is £7,641. However, that’s not to say that one is better than the other – it’s all a matter of taste, what’s right for you, and how far you and your guests want to travel.

It’s also important to remember that you won’t necessarily have to travel great distances to find a venue that works for your budget. For instance, venue prices at London Shenley Club, found in beautiful Hertfordshire, start from as low as £550.

How can the cost of a wedding venue vary?

Costs taken from our 2024 UK Wedding Report, based on data gathered from ~6,000 married and engaged couples, representing an average for venue types across the UK

There’s a range of wedding venues available across the UK, so whatever your budget you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something to your taste:

  • Affordable – £3,000 – £5,000
  • Moderate – £5,000 – £10,000
  • Luxury – £10,000 – £15,000
  • Super luxury – £15,000+

How does the type of venue affect the cost?

Costs taken from our 2024 UK Wedding Report, based on data gathered from ~6,000 married and engaged couples, representing an average for venue types across the UK

The type of wedding venue you choose affects the price, with certain types of venue costing significantly more than others on average. According to our 2024 UK Wedding Report, couples are more likely to spend the most on venues for weddings at castles, stately homes and country houses, and the least on registry offices, places of worship and restaurants.

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost depending on the venue type, based on data gathered from almost 4,000 couples married and engaged in 2024:

  • Castle – £12,454
  • Stately home – £10,716
  • Country house – £9,700
  • Golf course – £8,792
  • Event venue – £7,422
  • Hotel – £7,324
  • Barn – £6,897
  • Outdoor – £6,800
  • City venue – £6,717
  • Restaurant – £5,526
  • Place of worship – £5,480
  • Registry office – £1,342

What does the cost of a wedding venue include?

Photo © Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa | See their Bridebook profile

The cost of the venue will include rental of the space itself, however, it can also include additions and the use of certain facilities, such as:

  • Tables and chairs
  • Linens, such as tablecloths, napkins and chair covers
  • Lighting and sound
  • Wine and bubbles for the tables
  • Bar services
  • Catering
  • Coordination and setup

Exactly what’s included in the cost of the venue is something that you’ll need to confirm with the venue. For example, some venues won’t have catering facilities and will require you to arrange your own vendors. For more information check out our post featuring questions to ask your wedding venue.

Why are wedding venues so expensive?

Photo © Brookfield Barn | See their Bridebook profile

Mark Dawson, the former owner and operator of Brookfield Barn and expert on all things venue-related, explains why wedding venues are often so expensive:

“Couples benefit from being “one-time customers” that venues are trying to attract and therefore price is a key lever. The venue market has become extremely competitive with diminishing margins. So many features at the top of couples’ lists come with high maintenance costs. For example, listed and historic buildings, extensive grounds. Remember you are paying such that the venue is maintained in a way to be at its best on your big day – and every other couple has the same expectation.”

“Exclusivity on your day means you are the sole revenue stream for the venue. So when faced with budget challenges, take time to prioritise what is most important. Is it exclusivity on the day for your wedding, is it the historic setting, is it the extensive grounds, is it having it for multiple days to set up and clear up, is it having lots of staff support from the venue for planning it all – they all drive the price point that the venue needs to continue to operate.”

What factors can affect the cost of a wedding venue?

Photo © Beamish Hall | See their Bridebook profile

We’ve already highlighted how the type and location can affect the cost of a venue, but there are plenty of factors that can contribute towards how much you might pay for your dream venue.

Size

Naturally, the higher the number of guests you’d like to invite, the larger the venue will need to be. Of course, it makes sense that a venue with a 30-person capacity will usually be more affordable than one that can accommodate several hundred.

Region

Where you are in the UK plays a huge part in how much you’ll pay for a venue. For instance, couples in London will pay around 50% more than the national average.

Dates

As you might imagine, venue prices vary depending on the season. When it comes to choosing a wedding date, spring, summer, and even autumn dates are more popular than winter. As a result, you’ll likely find that it’s more affordable to secure a date in January or February than it is in July or August.

Similarly, Fridays and the weekend – particularly Saturday – are more expensive than weekdays, as well as specific dates like Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Eve.

It may be possible to grab a bargain if you’re open to a last-minute booking during off-peak times or based on a cancellation – though this risks you missing out by catching vendors and guests off-guard. Here at Bridebook, we offer late availability deals at many of our partner venues – just filter by ‘Special Offers’ when searching for a wedding venue.

Packages

The majority of wedding venues will have packages that can include anything from a glass of bubbly for the guests on arrival to a free stay for the newlyweds on the night. If you definitely don’t want one of these, you can ask your chosen venue if they can exclude some items to give you a lower price.

Catering

According to our 2024 UK Wedding Report, two thirds of couples choose venues that include catering in their offering. However, couples also spend almost £4,000 more on average for venues that include catering, making venues that don’t include catering the cheaper option when considering just the venue alone.

Costs taken from our 2024 UK Wedding Report, based on data gathered from ~6,000 married and engaged couples, representing an average for venue types across the UK
  • Average wedding venue cost without catering – £6,084
  • Average wedding venue cost with catering – £9,877

Exclusive use

Exclusive use of the wedding venue means that you and your guests will be the only ones on the premises during your special day, so you don’t need to worry about anybody accidentally stumbling in and helping themselves to the buffet. Normally, venues that offer exclusivity will charge slightly more, but it’s definitely worth it.

What are some unexpected costs or fees at a venue?

Photo © Hedingham Castle | See their Bridebook profile

When speaking with the venue, you should clarify early on what is and isn’t covered, otherwise you may find yourselves being hit with one or two (or six or seven!) surprise costs that can cause your budget to spiral.

Some potential hidden fees to be mindful of include:

  • Taxes
  • Gratuities
  • Security deposit to cover loss and damages
  • Cleaning fees
  • Insurance
  • Overtime fees
  • Corkage fees

How much does it cost to decorate a wedding venue?

Photo © Parley Manor | See their Bridebook profile

Once you’ve chosen your venue and signed on the dotted line, there may be additional costs to bear in mind to make sure it’s decorated to perfectly match your tastes. Decoration hire, such as unique lighting and features, may not be included in the cost and is another cost to factor into your budget.

Have you discovered your dream venue? 

Are you planning your wedding and umming and ahhing over the perfect venue Bridebook’s wedding planning tools provide you with everything you need to find your venues, caterers, photographers, music and more!

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding venue, we’ve got plenty of money-saving tips to help you stay firmly within your budget.

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Happy Planning!

How to Save Money on Your Wedding: The Ultimate Cost-Cutting Guide

Whether you’ve recently started to plan your wedding or you’re right in the thick of it, you probably noticed something fairly quickly –  weddings can be costly. In 2024, the average cost of a wedding is £20,775, and that’s before you’ve even got to the honeymoon or considered the cost of the engagement ring. So if you’re trying to figure out how to plan your dream wedding and stay firmly within your budget, you’ve come to the right place.

In this post, we’re going to take a deep dive into how to save money on a wedding and offer you plenty of tips to make sure you don’t go over your wedding budget.

Before you start planning

Wedding Budget How-To Inforgraphic
Check out Bridebook’s state-of-the-art Budget Calculator

Before we go over the many ways you can save money on your wedding, make sure you have a solid idea as to what you want to (realistically) spend. To give you a helping hand, you can use Bridebook’s useful wedding budget calculator.

Throwing a lavish and expensive wedding is a fabulous way to spend your big day, but it’s important not to get too carried away. Have a chat with your partner about what’s really important for both of you and create a list that categorises the must-haves and the nice-to-haves so you know what can be cut if you get a little too close to the top end of your budget.

Planning a wedding is a lot of fun, but it can also be a stressful time. That stress, combined with spending a great deal of money, can be create challenges. Remember to be open and honest with your partner and try not to get your heart set on something before you’ve booked it. The last thing you want is to be disappointed if something doesn’t quite work out how you hoped.

What’s the average cost of a wedding in 2024?

Average UK Wedding Costs: With and Without the Engagement Ring and Honeymoon
Average UK Wedding Costs: With and Without the Engagement Ring and Honeymoon

As uncovered in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, the average cost of a wedding in 2024 is £20,775, not including the ring and a potential honeymoon. When you factor the engagement ring and honeymoon into your budget, the average cost rises to £25,952, which is a huge amount of money to spend.

It’s important to remember that this is just an average, and the actual cost of your wedding will depend on many factors, including the cost of the venue, number of guests, time of year, and even how many tiers there are on your cake.

Of course, you don’t have to spend this amount, or anything close to it – couples have weddings which range from costing less than £1,000 to costing £100,000 or more. If you budget wisely, make some careful decisions and plan ahead, you can make significant savings while still ensuring you have your dream wedding.

What are the best tools for saving money on your wedding?

Wedding fund piggy bank
Check out Bridebook’s state-of-the-art Budget Calculator

When the time comes to start planning your wedding in earnest, the excitement can take hold and before you know it you’re creating spreadsheets, browsing Instagram hashtags and Pinterest stores, and your Google search history is nothing but venues and flower shops. But before you dive into the deep end, why not consider a tool to help you save time, money and effort?

We recommend using Bridebook’s state-of-the-art wedding budget tool to keep track of your expenses and make sure everything is taken care of. We also have a wedding planning app so you don’t have to keep a stack of notebooks with you or carry your laptop around when you meet vendors – you’ll have everything you need right there on your phone.

Can you save money on your wedding by inviting fewer guests?

Wedding guestlist with flowers
Manage your guest list on Bridebook

When you’re getting married, we understand that it’s a big deal and you’ll probably want to invite every family member, friend, colleague and acquaintance you have. However, having a set number of guests will ensure you keep the guest list limited, which will save you on the venue, catering and invitation costs. It may be tempting to invite everyone you know to come and celebrate with you, but doing so will increase the cost of your wedding and could push it beyond your budget.

To put it into perspective, the average couple spends around £200 per guest – that means, if you’re ruthless with your guest list and invite 100 guests instead of 150, you’ll save over £10,000. If you’re not prepared to make cuts quite that drastic, even just cutting back your guest list by five could save you around £1,000.

Is it cheaper to have a twilight wedding?

Twilight wedding with magical fairy lights
Plan a budget-friendly twilight wedding today

A twilight wedding is a wedding that starts later in the day and is a great way to lower the cost of your wedding. It not only means you’re using your venue for a shorter amount of time, but you also bypass the expensive wedding breakfast and you pay vendors and staff for fewer hours as well.

For example, Friern Manor Country House Hotel offers a twilight wedding package starting at £3,500 for 70 guests, compared to £7,995 for a traditional wedding – that’s half the price! That means you can have all the celebrations of every other wedding, only condensed into a shorter amount of time. It’s the perfect way to make massive savings on your wedding if you’re happy to have the ceremony take place later in the day.

The expert wedding budget video course: DIYs and money-saving tips

If you’re planning a wedding on a budget or just looking to save a bit of cash, knowing how to break down your budget will be one of the most important parts of your overall wedding planning, but how to stick to it? In this video course, Bridebook founder (and qualified wedding planner) Hamish Shephard explains how to plan a wedding on a budget, sharing his expert money-saving tips on everything from your wedding venue to your catering and more. 

How can you save money on a wedding venue?

Photo © Swinfen Hall | See their Bridebook profile

The average cost of a wedding venue in the UK is around £8,000 – £10,000 and is almost half the overall budget for the typical wedding.

If you haven’t set the date yet, you can find huge savings by avoiding the busy seasons, certain days of the week and popular locations. So, if you’re happy to not have a Saturday wedding in the middle of summer, slap bang in the middle of London, you could save thousands. For example:

  • Choose a midweek wedding. You’ll save on almost every wedding supplier by joining the 50% of couples who hold their big day on any day other than a Saturday, which is the most popular day to get married. To maximise your savings, the cheapest day to get married is a Tuesday. Suppliers are usually happy to offer reduced rates on days that otherwise wouldn’t be booked.
  • Consider areas outside London. Couples are now spending over £15,000 (or 77%) more to marry in the capital. So, like other savvy couples, why not consider having your wedding somewhere outside of the capital (both Wales, and Yorkshire and the Humber, are the cheapest regions to get married in)? Plus, not only is a wedding away from your hometown a great way to save money, it increases the feeling of magic, mystery and adventure.
  • Have a winter wedding. Try to avoid peak wedding season, which is between June and September, when costs are the highest. Costs are lowest in the winter, with January and February being the cheapest months in which to tie the knot (24% less than the UK average). So, if you don’t mind it being cold outside, it could be a great choice. And on the off-chance there’s frost or snow, it’ll give you the opportunity to take unique wedding photos.
  • Choose an all-in-one venue (with in-house food and drink). You can save a lot by booking an all-in-one wedding venue that includes food and drink versus one that offers separate venue hire and catering options. Some of our most popular all-in-one venues include The Wasing Park in Reading, Tunnels Beaches in Devon, and Blakelands Country House & Barns in Bobbington. 

It’s also worth bearing in mind that many venues offer discounts and special ‘late availability’ packages in off-peak wedding seasons or to fill a space left by a cancellation. This can make even the most premium ones a far more affordable option if you’re happy with a bit of last-minute planning and organising. A great example is Holdsworth House Hotel, an idyllic wedding venue with 32 bedrooms, charming courtyards and enchanting gardens.

For more money-saving ideas when it comes to venues specifically, check out our blog post on how to save money on your wedding venue.

How can you save money on your wedding catering?

Photo © Touchays Wedding Caterer | See their Bridebook profile

If there’s one thing people remember about weddings, it’s the quality (and quantity) of the food. Whether you go for a four-course breakfast or an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring around-the-world cuisine, food is guaranteed to excite your guests. For that reason, you won’t want to cut corners when it comes to your food, but there are still some creative ways to save money while not compromising on quality. But, with couples spending around £5,700 on wedding catering, it can account for around a quarter of your entire wedding budget.

As we’ve already highlighted, you can slash these costs by cutting the number of guests you invite, as there will be fewer mouths to feed. Your friend’s boyfriend of two months? Sure, you like them, but do you like them enough to pay £62 per head for them to eat a three-course meal? Cutting out a table of eight will save an average of almost £500 on food and drink (as well as saving you in table numbers and stationery). Not to mention that cutting your guest list might also give you the ability to choose a smaller, more affordable wedding venue.

If you’re keen on having a lot of people there, why not invite them to the evening reception? That way, no one will get offended about not being invited, and you’ll save money by not having to feed as many guests at the wedding breakfast. Alternatively, why not skip the expensive wedding breakfast altogether and have a breakfast buffet instead? A buffet drastically reduces costs by only requiring limited staff, plus it offers guests a wider choice.

For more information on catering costs and savings, check out our post on how to save money on wedding catering.

How can you save money on wedding alcohol?

Photo © Savva Bars & Catering Co | See their Bridebook profile

Many people enjoy a drink or two at a wedding, and the most obvious way to save money is by not offering an open bar. Save over £2,000 by offering a paid bar. This requires your guests to pay for their drinks themselves, and stops everyone from accidentally over-indulging. Plus, guests won’t expect an open bar, with two out of three couples opting to let their guests pay for their own drinks.

Another way to save money is by choosing a more affordable fizz for the toasts. Champagne may be a luxurious choice, but cheaper alternatives like prosecco, sparkling wine or Cava will still go down just as well.

You may also be able to hire your own mobile bar instead of going with what the venue offers. One of our vendors, Near and Far Mobile Bar Ltd, is an excellent option as they set up their mobile bar at the venue, provide staff and bartending service, and offer pre-wedding consultation. Whoever you hire, just make sure they have a license. Or, you could choose to provide your own bubbly. Just bear in mind that the venue may charge a corkage fee. This can sometimes be more expensive than going with what the venue offers.

See our post on how to save money on wedding alcohol for more information. 

How can you save money on wedding photography?

Photo © Paul Swift Photography | See their Bridebook profile

A wedding photographer is a non-negotiable for many couples (9 out of 10 couples choose to hire one) and with the average cost being around £1,300 – £1,500, finding ways to save money on a photographer is always a huge bonus.

Below are just a few tips for helping strip those costs right back, while still ensuring you get wonderful professional photographs.

  • Consider an express package. Instead of having the photographer spend the whole day with you, ask if they offer two or three-hour packages, where they come and take shots of the venue, the bridal party and your close friends and family. Opting for fewer hours is the best way to reduce costs, but does mean forgoing pictures of you cutting the cake and your first dance at the evening reception. Some photographers also provide a second camera person and opting out of this service can significantly lower the cost.
  • Hire a local photographer. Local photographers will usually charge you far less than those who have to travel far and charge additional fees for those miles. Here at Bridebook, we have a huge range of fantastic photographers, so you’re sure to find one who operates where you’re hosting your wedding.
  • Go digital. If you forgo professionally printed albums as 9 out of 10 couples now do, you could save £250+. Most modern photography packages include a link to your own online gallery, where you can browse and enjoy all your favourite shots at your leisure. You can then always use a photo-developing service, such as Snapfish, to print your photographs for a fraction of the cost later on. 

How can you save money on wedding videography?

Photo © Affordable Wedding Videos | See their Bridebook profile

While the majority of couples choose to have a photographer shoot at their wedding, a third of couples also choose to hire a videographer to document and capture their big day in a candid and natural way, with the costs in line with that of a photographer. If capturing your wedding on video is important to you, there are plenty of ways to save money on a videographer too.

One way to save money on a wedding videographer is by hiring a professional who might not have as much experience as others. An up-and-coming videographer, who is new to the business, will have plenty of enthusiasm and passion, but not quite as much of a portfolio. They may also not have a range of expensive kit, such as drones or 4K cameras, but should still be able to produce a beautiful video for a price that fits within your budget.

You may also be able to save money by asking not to have any complex editing or cinematography, which can add a lot of time to post-production.

How can you save money on your wedding flowers?

Photo © The Flower Mill | See their Bridebook profile

One of the expenses that might take you by surprise is the price of your wedding flowers, at an average cost of around £1,100. This is due to florists having to source different flowers, create elaborate artistic displays, and transport them to the venue, which all requires time, dedication, skill and expertise. That being said, there are ways you can save money on wedding flowers which mean you can have a luscious wedding filled with flora while sticking within your budget.

Many wedding florists have years, if not decades, of experience providing flowers for hundreds of weddings. That means they’re equipped to work with any budget – including yours. Speak to your chosen florist, tell them what you’re looking for and trust them. As with all wedding vendors, communication is key. 

Here are a few money-saving tips for choosing wedding flowers:

  • Choose flowers with big heads. Not only do they look gorgeous, but generally, the bigger the flowerhead, the fewer stems you need to fill out an arrangement, which can cost a lot less than having multiple small-headed flowers.  
  • Go for flowers that are in season. While it may be tempting to ask for roses at your spring wedding, they’ll cost a lot more then than they would during late summer or autumn, because they wouldn’t be in season. Choosing flowers that are in season will naturally help keep costs down.
  • Choose a naturally beautiful venue. Go for an outdoor wedding with plenty of surrounding greenery, so you won’t have to pay for additional decor. Great outdoor venues can include vineyards, parks and private gardens.
  • Opt for foliage over flowers. Greenery is super popular right now and many couples prefer to go with garlands to adorn their tables or drape over the altar. The best part is, foliage is typically way more affordable.

How can you save money on wedding decor and a marquee?

Photo © The Rustic Wedding Company | See their Bridebook profile

Wedding decor peppers your personality across your big day, but depending on your theme, the costs can quickly add up. The average cost of professionally sourced wedding decor is £1,500, but there are plenty of ways to save money if you’re willing to compromise, such as by creating DIY decorations or sourcing them from specialist vendors. If you’re happy not to have personalised decorations, you can slash this amount to just a couple hundred pounds. Check out our blog post on how to save money on wedding decor for more inspiration.

Another expense is the cost of marquee hire, which averages around £4,200. This depends on the size and type of marquee you go for, so if you’re not set on either of these, you can make significant savings by having a more basic marquee type. Another way to save money on a wedding marquee is by avoiding peak times, such as Saturdays and/or the summer months, as prices can be much higher during the busiest and most popular periods.

How can you save money on a wedding cake?

Photo © By Yevnig | See their Bridebook profile

Your wedding cake is most likely the most expensive dessert you’ll ever buy, with the average cost at around £400 – £500. After all, it’s not just hugely symbolic: you’re paying for an edible work of art. Yet just like the cake itself, there are layers to the cost. The larger your wedding party, the bigger the cake will be, and the more expensive it will be too. If you do have a lot of guests, a cake with a less complex or intricate design will help keep costs down. You could also consider a dummy layer that replaces a layer of cake with polystyrene – not as tasty, but generally cheaper (though this isn’t always the case).

Due to the skill and time needed to make them, fondant and sugar flowers will typically cost more, so you can save money by forgoing them where possible. A lovely and cost-effective option (not to mention fashionable) is a naked cake with fresh flowers or fruit. Not only does a naked cake require less buttercream and fewer time-consuming decorations, but it still looks and tastes amazing.

Wedding cupcakes are another cute option and usually cost around £4 per guest; they’re generally easier to make and decorate, look adorable in pictures, and are often cheaper than a showstopping multi-tiered wedding cake.

For more tips, check out our post on how to save money on your wedding cake.

How can you save money on wedding entertainment and music?

Photo © The Love Of Dance | See their Bridebook profile

Wedding entertainment and music are a key part of keeping your guests entertained throughout the day, but with the average cost of entertainment coming in at £800 and the average cost of music at £1,800, they’re not cheap.

For entertainment, it ultimately depends on your wedding theme. To keep costs down, consider creating a DIY kid’s table if children are coming to your wedding. A collection of colouring books, crayons and a box of Lego will save you £500+ that you would have to spend on a kids’ entertainer.

When it comes to music, if you’re interested in a live act, unless you want Tylor Swift at your wedding, a solo singer will generally be far more affordable than a band, simply because you’re paying one performer instead of four or five. Similarly, a DJ is often a more budget-friendly option and is almost guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. You can actually save up to £900 by choosing a DJ over a live band (though a band will offer that unique touch to your evening reception).

Check out our posts on how to save money on wedding entertainment and how to save money on wedding music for more money-saving tips.

How can you save money on your wedding dress?

Photo © Kate Joseph Bridal | See their Bridebook profile

Many couples spend between £1,000 – £2,000 on a wedding dress, and that’s often  before any accessories or alterations that complete the final ensemble. Making bridal shop appointments and trying on dresses is a momentous and exciting part of the planning process, but before you say yes to the dress, know that there are plenty of tips for saving money on your wedding dress.

Firstly, you can reach out to bridalwear boutiques and ask if they have any upcoming sales or bridal dresses at discounted prices. There’s every chance that in a week or two, there may be a sale that slashes the price of many of their dresses, saving you a bundle. And, it may be an awkward conversation, but asking your bridesmaids to pay for their own dresses could save you £300+.

Most bridal shops sell sample dresses in styles they’re either discontinuing or no longer want to sell at discounted prices. These are dresses you and other brides-to-be try on in the shops, but if you can look past this you can make significant savings. You can also opt for high-fashion brands – ASOS, Chi Chi London and Little Mistress all sell wedding dresses at super affordable prices (just note that these are unlikely to match the quality and service of a bridalwear boutique). 

The amount of gorgeous second-hand dresses out there shouldn’t be underestimated, and you can save as much as £750 by finding a vintage or pre-loved dress. Plus, only 5% of brides buy a second-hand dress, which means you won’t face much competition if you opt for something pre-loved.

How can you save money on wedding accessories and wedding shoes?

Photo © Tulle & Blue | See their Bridebook profile

From beads to boutonnières, wedding accessories help to bring your outfits together and complement the style and theme of your wedding. However, wedding accessories aren’t cheap, with couples spending an average of £300-£400.

To save money on a veil, why not have it as your ‘something borrowed’ and ask a family member if you could use theirs? If you’re willing to compromise, you may also have other accessories at home already, including a belt and bowtie, or jewellery and handbag, which may already work with your wedding outfit. 

It’s also worth checking the depths of your shoe cupboard to see if you have some shoes that will work. Just remember to give them a polish to make them extra shiny. And remember that, again, you might have to compromise on the exact look and quality you originally envisioned . Check out our dedicated post to discover more ways to save money on wedding accessories.

How can you save money on wedding beauty?

Photo © Tara Sanger Makeup | See their Bridebook profile

The thought of walking down the aisle, all eyes on you, is both exciting and probably a little nerve-wracking. But, when you look amazing, it can help you feel confident enough to melt those nerves away. This is one of the many reasons why hiring a professional to take care of your hair and makeup is important to so many brides and, in most cases, totally worth it – that and it’s one less thing for you to worry about on the day. But, with couples spending an average of £690 on hair and makeup (as well as other pre-wedding rituals) cutting costs where possible can be a lifesaver for budget-conscious couples. 

The most obvious way to significantly save money on wedding hair and makeup is by biting the bullet and doing it yourself, or asking your bridesmaids to take on the responsibility. This could save you up to £330+, but comes with its own set of risks (which we set out in our article on demystifying bridal beauty costs). If the DIY approach isn’t ideal, you could instead consider hiring a makeup assistant , who won’t be as experienced as a hair or makeup artist but will still have worked closely with one at plenty of weddings.

Another cost-saving option is to travel to your stylist or beautician on the morning of your wedding, rather than having them come to you at your venue. This could potentially halve the amount you spend on beauty. Just note that you won’t get the same level of on-the-day care and attention, including last-minute touch-ups and veil adjustments, which might be stressful). 

How can you save money on a wedding suit?

Photo © dapper chaps formal wear | See their Bridebook profile

While not generally quite as pricey as a wedding dress, today’s couples spend an average of £700-900 on suits for their wedding. While a bespoke, tailored suit might be appealing, high-street retailers offer a great range of wedding suits for around £150 if you’re on a tight budget. You may also find a great suit or tuxedo at a local second-hand store or charity shop, but bear in mind you’ll likely need to have it altered to fit you perfectly (which will bump up the costs). 

Another option to slash the price of a suit is through renting, which can cost as little as £50 per suit. Plus, if all the groomsmen rent their tuxes or suits from the same place, there’s a good chance the groom’s suit will be free, or at least discounted. And even if this isn’t an advertised offer, it’s always worth asking.

For more tips and tricks, check out our post on saving money on wedding suits.

How can you save money on wedding rings?

Photo © Maree London | See their Bridebook profile

Your wedding ring is the one piece of jewellery you’ll rarely take off, so will be with you through thick and thin – which is why couples spend an average of £1,000 on their wedding rings. However, it is possible to save money on wedding rings by not relying on expensive metals such as gold and platinum, instead opting for something such as silver or titanium, which could lower the cost to as little as £50 per ring (and still be durable over years of wear and tear). 

You may also want to seriously think about whether or not you want to choose wedding rings with set diamonds or other precious stones. While it may look incredible, it will be far more expensive than if you were to choose a plain band. Also, the thicker the band is, the more expensive it will be, so consider choosing a band that is on the thinner side to reduce the cost.

How can you save money on wedding invitations and stationery?

Photo © Wonder Wedding Stationery | See their Bridebook profile

With Pinterest full of gorgeous and creative wedding invitation ideas, it’s hard to forgo a beautiful professionally-designed invitation in favour of a less aesthetic amateur one. But, you don’t necessarily have to do that to save money. Choose the invitation style of your dreams and go digital, and give your guests the option to RSVP digitally too. This will massively reduce the cost of your wedding stationery, on which couples spend an average of £400.

Almost a third of today’s couples don’t use paper stationery, such as menus and invitations, so consider joining them! Save money on wedding stationery by using sites like Paperless Post, or design your own beautiful digital invitations to email to your guests and save almost £300. At the wedding, a decorative chalkboard can explain the menu and agenda for the day – beautiful and often cheaper than paper (plus you can box it away as a keepsake post-wedding).

How can you save money on a registry office wedding?

Photo © Kensington and Chelsea Registry Office | See their Bridebook profile

A registry office wedding is already one of the most affordable choices when it comes to a wedding on a budget, costing an average of £1,342. However, it’s possible to save even more money on a registry office wedding if you opt for the basic ceremony only, which means it could cost you as little as £57 (not including the £35 it costs for each of you to give notice). 

It can also be cheaper to get married during quieter periods, so make sure you avoid peak times such as Saturday afternoons or the height of summer.

How can you save money on a wedding planner?

Photo © Camilla Boniek Events | See their Bridebook profile

Hiring a wedding planner may sound like another cost you could do without – after all, the average cost of a wedding planner is £2,436, or about 10% of your overall budget. But, wedding planners can actually help you save money in the long run by ensuring you stay within your budget. Not only that, but being in the industry means that wedding planners also have plenty of contacts and connections and can help you land the best deals, discounts and savings as a result, and they’re expert negotiators as well.

One way to save money on a wedding planner is by hiring them to do a partial wedding planning service, which means they come in with a few months to go before your wedding to make sure everything is as it should be. It’s a far more affordable service, but obviously not as thorough as if you were to hire them at the very start of your planning journey.

To learn more, read our post on how to save money on a wedding planner.

How can you save money on a wedding celebrant?

Photo © RD Ceremonies | See their Bridebook profile

A wedding celebrant is a wonderful way to personalise your ceremony, particularly if you’re not looking for a religious wedding or you’re a couple with mixed faiths. However, because a celebrant can’t legally marry you, there are further costs due to the need to also hire a registrar. And, with the average cost of a celebrant being £500, this can be an important cost to consider.

To save money on a wedding celebrant, consider compromising on the level of service involved. Ask if they’ll consider not meeting with you ahead of the wedding, and if they’re happy to rely on a questionnaire to personalise your ceremony. Similarly, many celebrants will want to speak to your family and friends about your relationship; cutting out this service may help to lower the price. Just be aware that you may not get as bespoke or thorough a service. 

How can you save money on wedding favours?

Photo © Green Manatee | See their Bridebook profile

Wedding favours might not be the biggest expense of your wedding (the average amount couples spend on wedding favours is £160), but here are some money-saving tips to help keep those costs as low as possible:

  • Go down the DIY route. DIY favours can really reduce your costs, and if you’re happy with them not being super personalised, you could get the cost down to less than £1 each.
  • Consider cheap sweet treats. Edible favours are usually a more budget-friendly choice, such as retro sweets, biscuits, or even homemade jam.
  • Keep packaging simple and practical. The simpler the design, the more affordable the packaging will generally be. 
  • Donate to a charity. A charity donation made on behalf of your guests allows you to control how much you spend, and makes for a thoughtful and generous gesture.

How can you save money on wedding transport?

Photo © VW Wedding Campers | See their Bridebook profile

Depending on your plans, you could spend a good chunk of the first half of your wedding day being driven from A to B to C and back to B again. For that reason, wedding transport can be expensive, with couples spending an average of £700 on the vehicle and driver of their choice.

To save money on wedding transport, consider hiring a venue that allows you to have the ceremony, breakfast, reception and accommodation all in one, so you only need to pay for an hour or so of time. Or, if you know someone with a classic car or something with some oomph under the bonnet, call in a favour in exchange for an invite and a night of free drinks.

If you’re not particular about the type of vehicle, there are plenty of low-cost options available, including DS Executive Cars, Classic Bridal Cars and Kent and Coastal Wedding Cars, who all have costs as low as £100.

How can you save money on your honeymoon?

Photo © Alexa Poppe Wedding & Event Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Your honeymoon is your chance to relax and unwind after a year or more of full-on wedding planning. The honeymoon is non-negotiable for many couples and is one of the biggest splurges, costing an average of £4,300.

It can be tempting to book your honeymoon early to help you budget, but if you’re flexible with where you’re happy to go, you could grab a bargain by booking a last-minute deal a week or two before your wedding.

But if you have your sights set on somewhere in particular, reduce costs by travelling on off-peak days: Wednesdays and Thursdays are usually the cheapest for international flights. It also goes without saying that during busier times, such as school holidays or the summer months, it’s often expensive to travel. If your wedding is booked on such an occasion, why not postpone your honeymoon by just a couple of weeks and save money by travelling off-peak?

For more tips, check out our post on how to save money on your honeymoon.

How can you save money on wedding insurance?

Photo © Chris Thornton Photography and Videography | See their Bridebook profile

The cost of wedding insurance might feel like an unnecessary expense – as low as £30 for the most basic cover, to £100 -£180 on average, to up to £20,000 – but it can save you thousands down the line in the unlikely event something goes wrong.

You can save money on your wedding insurance by only choosing a basic policy, such as a policy which doesn’t include public liability. If you also forgo a marquee, you won’t need to add a marquee insurance extension to your policy, further bringing the cost right down.

Despite being a specialist type of insurance, comparison sites such as Money Supermarket let you compare quotes from various providers so you can secure the best policy. Just double-check that your chosen insurer includes everything you need and provides you with the right level of coverage.

How can you save money on wedding gifts?

Photo © Photographer Liam Gillan | See their Bridebook profile

Spending the ‘right’ amount of money on a wedding gift is something that plagues the mind of many wedding guests, but the cost of a wedding gift can vary dramatically based on several factors, including your relationship with the couple and whether or not you’re in a couple yourself.

But, there are ways to save money on a wedding gift. Why not club together with other guests, turning what would be several smaller gifts into a single larger one?

If the couple has a gift registry, it should include gift suggestions to suit a range of budgets. Don’t buy your gift from the first retailer you find it in – if you shop around you might be able to find a bargain, or at the very least something very similar with a far more affordable price tag.

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

There you have our top tips to help you save money on your wedding. For more information, check out our individual savings pages for even more ways to cut down your spending and make your wedding budget go further. 

Here at Bridebook, we have thousands of wedding venues and suppliers to suit any budget. Sign up today and start planning your dream wedding!

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Choosing your Wedding Makeup Artist – 8 Questions to Ask

Booking your wedding makeup artist is a very similar process to choosing your wedding hairstylist. Check out our guide on booking your wedding hairstylist to find out how to determine the style you want to go for, find vendors who cater to that style and finally screen them to find the perfect stylist/makeup artist.

In this guide, we are going to outline the key questions that you should be asking potential makeup artists. This is the only part which differs slightly from booking a hairstylist:

1. Do you specialise in wedding makeup?

Make sure you go for a makeup artist who has worked on weddings before. A fashion makeup artist has different expertise and may not be as familiar with wedding make up.

2. Can you do bridesmaids/mother-of-bride makeup also?

If you have other guests from your wedding party getting ready with you on the morning of your wedding, ask if the makeup artist can do their makeup too?

3. Do you offer wedding hairstyling?

Many makeup artists also do wedding hair. You may not want to use the same person for both however as this can increase the time it takes to get ready. If you have bridesmaids getting ready with you too, 1 person doing both hair and makeup could be a challenge.

4. Do you work on location?

Before booking your wedding makeup artist or hairstylist, you need to decide where you will be getting ready on the morning of your wedding. This could be at home, at a hotel or at the wedding venue. Most makeup artists will be willing to travel to you on your wedding day(although some may not). Having your makeup done in the same place you are getting ready is much easier and less stressful as you don’t need to consider travel arrangements. Check if they charge travel costs as you may not have accounted for them. If you are getting ready at home, ask the makeup artist if they require a certain amount of space for their equipment so you can prepare for this in advance.

5. Do you offer a makeup trial?

This is a deal breaker. You need to get a makeup trial prior to your wedding. The great thing about the trial is that you can feedback areas of the makeup that you don’t like to the makeup artist to allow them to amend this on the wedding day.

6. How would you like me to prepare for the make-up trial?

Ask if they have any specific requirements of you for the makeup trial? They may want you to leave your hair un-styled or ask you to bring some accessories that you will be wearing on the wedding day.

7. What makeup brands do you use?

Do some research on the brands they use and make sure they are not going to irritate your skin on the day of your wedding!

This is especially important if you have sensitive skin. Ask them how they have dealt with previous clients who had sensitive skin.

8. What if you are unwell on the wedding day?

It’s a horrible question but what happens if they can’t make it on the day of your wedding? Check if they have a backup option. You don’t want to end up with no makeup artist on your wedding day.

How Much Does Wedding Entertainment Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

Planning a wedding is a little bit like putting a jigsaw together, and each of the pieces slots together to produce the overall picture that is your big day. Some pieces are bigger than others, like the venue, the flowers and the food, but another important piece that shouldn’t be overlooked is the entertainment.

Wedding entertainment comes in many forms and goes far beyond the music. Great entertainment can be the difference between a beautiful wedding and one that’s truly memorable – however, the cost of a wedding entertainer can vary depending on what you’re looking for.

In this post, we’re going to take a look at how much wedding entertainment costs, the cost of different types of entertainers available, and how important it is to hire an entertainer for your wedding.

What’s the average cost of wedding entertainment?

Photo © Illusion Fireworks Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

Because there’s such a wide variety of wedding entertainment out there, from acrobats to photo experiences, it can be difficult to put an exact figure on the average cost of wedding entertainment. However, as we set out in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, the average amount couples spend on professional non-music entertainment is around £800.

But, if you have a larger budget to play with and a flair for creativity, there are many fabulous wedding entertainers who can help make your wedding one that they’ll remember forever.

Check out our post on the average cost of wedding music for more information about bands, singers and DJs.

How much do different types of wedding entertainment cost?

Photo © The Luxury Magician | See their Bridebook profile

Wedding entertainment costs will differ depending on the type of entertainment you’re after. Got a lot of parents coming with their little ones? A clown or kids’ entertainer will keep them busy during the reception and into the evening. Holding a twilight wedding ceremony? A stunning fireworks display will light up the sky and start your marriage with a bang. The range of entertainers available across all budget levels means that whatever your theme, you can thrill and delight your guests long into the night.

Below are just some of the different types of entertainers you could consider for your wedding.

Fireworks

Photo © Phenomenal Fireworks Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

A real crowd-pleaser, a fireworks display is a wonderful way to entertain your guests, such as those supplied by Illusion Fireworks and Phenomenal Fireworks. Costs start from £750.

Photo Booth

Photo © Kabooth Photo Booth & Magic Mirror Hire | See their Bridebook profile

Create lasting memories for you and your guests with a creative photo booth, such as those from Kabooth Photo Booth & Magic Mirror Hire. and Smartpicsuk photo booth. Costs start from £300.

Children’s entertainment

Photo © The Wedding Crècherz | See their Bridebook profile

Looking forward to kids coming to your wedding but not them running around on the dance floor? Keep the little ones busy with entertainment of their own, like the pun-tastically named The Wedding Crècherz , or Rock Up and Play. Costs start from £180.

Magician

Photo © Owen Strickland Magic | See their Bridebook profile

Add a little extra magic to your wedding with a magician to wow your guests. Fabulous magicians include Owen Strickland Magic and Chris Priest. Costs start from £350.

Mind Reader

Photo © Looch – Mind Reader & Magician | See their Bridebook profile

Why not blow the minds of your guests (not literally of course) with a mind reader like Looch – Mind Reader & Magician and Grant Mitchell – Magician & Mind Reader? Costs start from £750.

Face and glitter artists

Photo © Face ‘n’ Glitz Glitter Bar | See their Bridebook profile

Fun for kids and adults alike, face and glitter artists like Face ‘n’ Glitz Glitter Bar and Luminosity Glitter add extra sparkle to your guests’ faces. Costs start from £150.

Casino

Photo © Aces Fun Casino | See their Bridebook profile

A casino night brings a taste of Las Vegas to your wedding but with none of the dangers of walking home empty-handed. Aces Fun Casinos and VIP Fun Casino & photo booth hire are just two fantastic vendors. Costs start from £450.

Circus performers

Photo © Rachel Mayes Circus Artist | See their Bridebook profile

Circus performers and acrobats, like Rachel Mayes Circus Artist and Swamp Circus, are great fun for the entire family. Costs start from £350.

Dancers

Photo © Save The First Dance Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

While watching the grandparents throw a few shapes on the dancefloor is good fun, why not see how the pros do it, such as Save The First Dance and Desi Nach Dance Entertainment Specialists? Costs start from £500.

Bouncy castle

Photo © Gedling Bouncy Castle Hire & Entertainments | See their Bridebook profile

Why not jump, bounce, and dive on a bouncy castle, like those from Gedling Bouncy Castle Hire & Entertainments and Bouncing Crazy Bouncy Castle hire? Just remember to take off your shoes! Costs start from £50.

Should you hire a wedding entertainer other than a musician or DJ?

Whether an entertainer is right for your wedding or not is purely down to you, your personality, the style and theme of your wedding, and your budget. If you’re hoping for an affordable wedding, then an entertainer (on top of music from a band, singer or DJ) can be one of the first to go. However, if you have a larger budget to play with, then additional entertainment will help your wedding to be unique.

So, if you do have a little extra budget and are keen for your wedding to stand out, an entertainer can do just that. It’ll create buzz and excitement, enhancing your guests’ experiences. It also adds an extra layer of personalisation and provides a little more variety to the average wedding celebration.

Browse our selection of wedding entertainers to find the perfect entertainment for your big day. If you have a smaller budget, check out our post on ways to save money on wedding entertainment.

Plan your wedding with Bridebook today

Discover venues, caterers, entertainers and more on Bridebook to make planning your wedding simple and stress-free. Sign up today and start planning today!

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding entertainment, we’ve got plenty of budget-friendly tips and tricks.

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How Much Does Wedding Photography Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

Choosing the right wedding photographer for you is absolutely crucial to ensure you have an amazing wedding album that you’re proud to leave out on the coffee table and show everyone who pops over. Your photo album will be a keepsake from your wedding that you’ll want to return to again and again, and may even cement itself as a family heirloom for your kids, grandkids and beyond. It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll use them as your profile pics on social media, too!

Every photographer is different, providing a unique way of stylising your wedding photos through framing, lighting, composition and more. Each professional photographer you consider will also have different rates, which will vary depending on a wide range of factors, such as experience and skill.

So, when it comes to budgeting for your wedding, how much might you expect to pay for a wedding photographer? In this post we’ll take a look at the average cost of a wedding photographer, what their rates include, and what you need to be aware of before your big day.

What’s the average price of a wedding photographer?

Photo © Jennifer West Photography | See their Bridebook profile

The price of a wedding photographer can vary wildly, but on average you can expect to pay around £1,300-£1,500. This may sound like a lot, but it’s important to remember that you’re not just paying for the photographer’s time on the big day. You’re also paying for their knowledge, skill and experience, as well as the work that goes into preparing for your wedding and the post-production afterwards.

What’s included in this cost?

Photo © Emis Weddings | See their Bridebook profile

What’s included in the price will depend on the package you choose. A basic package may include coverage on the day and your photographs on a USB, whereas a premium package will include this and much more. When making your decision, be prepared with the right questions to ask a wedding photographer to make sure you know exactly what your chosen package includes.

Depending on your choice, wedding photography packages may include many of the following:

  • A pre-wedding photography session
  • Coverage on the day
  • Post-production including photo editing
  • A second supporting photographer
  • Prints of your photos or digital download link 
  • A physical wedding album
  • Printed canvases
  • A ‘best of the day’ video

Most photographers offer a range of packages for you to choose from, with optional extras that allow you to customise your package. For a rough idea of what to expect for your budget, check out the table below:

Budget

£3,000+

£1,500-£3,000

£1,000-£1,500

Under £1,000

What may be included

This can offer you up to two experienced wedding photographers to follow you for the duration of your wedding day and a premium, leather-bound album with wedding photographs carefully chosen by you with optional personalisations.

This can offer you up to two photographers for eight hours and a set of beautiful high-resolution images, or just one photographer, an album and an engagement shoot.

This can offer you one photographer for six hours along with an engagement shoot, with all photographs available to view and share via your own private online gallery (or less commonly today, on a USB stick).

This can offer you up to four hours of coverage, with all photographs available to view and share via your own private online gallery (or less commonly today, on a USB stick).

What factors can affect the cost of a wedding photographer?

Photo © Queen Bea Photography | See their Bridebook profile

While these are general, average UK wedding costs, there are plenty of other factors that can influence the cost of a wedding photographer. These include:

  • Your venue: How far does the photographer have to travel? Will they need to take public transport? Are you based in a major city or out in the country? All of these will affect how much a photographer costs.
  • Location: Where you are in the UK will impact costs. For example, photographers in London will be more expensive than those outside.
  • Multiple photographers: Having multiple photographers means you have full coverage of the day both from your perspective and the perspective of your guests. The more photographers there are the better the coverage will be, but the pricier it will be as well.
  • The date: During peak times, such as during the summer and at weekends, you can expect to pay more due to the higher demand. Many photographers are booked months (or even years) in advance during busier times of the year.
  • How long they’re needed: Are you only looking for photos of the ceremony itself, or the entire day, including the wedding breakfast and evening reception?
  • Equipment: Will they need additional lighting, multiple lenses, or even drones?
  • The level of post-production: After they shoot a wedding, the photographer will spend time editing your photos, such as adjusting lighting, cropping, or tweaking your Great Aunt’s eyes because she blinked.
  • The type of album: Many photographers will offer your options to customise your album, such as leather-bound covers.

What else should you be aware of when it comes to the cost of a wedding photographer?

Photo © W&K Event Photography | See their Bridebook profile

As part of your package and one of the questions you should ask your photographer before hiring them for your wedding, find out what type of release  they offer (complete copyright, vs a personal use/printing release) and how it aligns with your budget and needs. 

By default, your photographer will own the copyright to your wedding photos. To buy the copyright for your photos later could end up being rather pricey – there are horror stories of newlyweds ending up paying hundreds or even thousands of pounds they hadn’t budgeted for. It’s rare, but something to be aware of before making your decision. And in all likelihood, you won’t need the copyright anyway. 

In the vast majority of cases, a personal use license or printing release is more than enough to meet your wedding photo needs. It allows you to enjoy your photos (for example, print them at home, or share them on your own social media) without the added expense of purchasing complete copyright.

Whichever you go for, be sure to communicate with your photographer to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting. And in all cases, it’s always good practice to credit your photographer when sharing photos on social media – especially if the images aren’t watermarked – as a sign of appreciation for their work.

What level of experience can you expect for your budget?

Photo © Stevie Price Photography | See their Bridebook profile

As we’ve already covered, pricing structures vary between photographers. At Bridebook, we’ve got a huge directory of photographers that includes photographers to fit all budgets.

A more inexperienced photographer will likely be much cheaper than one who has photographed hundreds of weddings, which means there’s also more risk. Full-time wedding photographers – who rely on events like yours as their sole income – may also charge more than those who use it as a side hustle. But again, if they’re full-time then they’re likely to have more experience, too.

Check out the table below to get a rough idea of what to expect from your budget.

Budget

£3,000+

£1,500-£3,000

£1,000-£1,500

Under £1,000

Level of experience

You’ll get a luxury or master photographer, who is admired in the industry. They may also have a second photographer working with them who also has plenty of experience.

You’ll get a very experienced photographer with a unique style.

You’ll get a photographer with a developing style and an increasing level of experience.

You’ll get an enthusiastic but less experienced photographer, who should still be able to produce fantastic photographs.

Ready to start planning your wedding?

Planning your big day but not sure where to start? Join Bridebook and take all the stress out of planning your wedding.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding photographer, check out our expert money-saving tips to help your budget go as far as possible.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding photography, we’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to help you stretch out your budget.

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How Much Do Wedding Flowers Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

Wedding flowers are a major part of the day for most couples: it’s one of the big questions you get from family and friends alike. Have you set the date? Have you got your dress? What flowers are you going to have?

However, the flowers you have at your wedding will often go much further than the bridal bouquet. There are also flowers for the bridesmaids, table centrepieces, gifts for the new in-laws, corsages, flower girls… if you choose to, your wedding could have enough flora to rival the Chelsea Flower Show.

But how much do wedding flowers cost? In this post, we’re going to discuss everything from bouquets to boutonnières, including the average cost of wedding flowers, what’s included, and the cost of the most common wedding flowers.

What’s the average cost of wedding flowers?

Photo © Foxgloves & Roses | See their Bridebook profile

While not one of the biggest costs to think about during your wedding, in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown you can discover that the average cost of wedding flowers in the UK is around £1,110.

Of course, this figure can vary dramatically depending on what you’re looking for. The bigger and bolder you go, the more you might expect to pay. Similarly, if you’re looking for less flora and more fauna at your wedding, the cost of your flowers will be much lower.

Regardless of your budget, there are still plenty of options out there so you get stunning flowers for your wedding. The budget levels can be broken down as:

  • Affordable – From £350
  • Moderate – £1,000 – £1,500
  • Luxury – £1,500- £2,000
  • Super luxury – From £2,000

What does this cost include?

Photo © The Floral Editor | See their Bridebook profile

What exactly is included in the cost of your wedding flowers depends on the vendor, so go in with the right questions to ask your florist before making your final decision.

The average cost will be made up of a package that likely includes:

  • 1 x Bridal Bouquet
  • 2 x Bridesmaids Bouquets
  • 6 x Buttonholes
  • 2 x Large Vase Arrangements for the Ceremony
  • 1 x Arrangement for the registrar’s table
  • 8 x Reception Flowers for 8 tables

Also included in that overall cost will be:

  • Consultation
  • Design
  • Conditioning and prepping the flowers
  • Accessories (for example, vases and mirrors)
  • Delivery
  • Installation

What’s the average cost of a wedding bouquet?

Photo © The Flower Alchemist | See their Bridebook profile

The average cost of a wedding bouquet is £80. Generally, the cheapest option is a hand-tied bouquet (perfect for a rustic wedding), as it doesn’t require intricate wiring from the florist and the flowers tend to have longer stems which are easier to manipulate. In contrast, a cascading bouquet needs wiring to achieve that gorgeous waterfall look and can add a significant amount to your budget.

For more information, check out our post on how to save money on your wedding flowers.

Why do wedding flowers cost so much?

Photo © Amarante London | See their Bridebook profile

When it comes to choosing your wedding flowers, you’re not going to want the same kind of arrangements you’d have at home day-to-day – it’s your wedding day after all. Whereas usually you might be happy with a bunch of supermarket flowers – or perhaps something from the local florist when you’re feeling fancy – your wedding flowers will be big, bold, beautiful and in keeping with the rest of your day. There are also a lot of individual arrangements needed to fit a very specific brief – which ‘off the shelf’ arrangements might not meet.

Wedding flowers cost so much because:

  • You’re receiving a bespoke, personalised service
  • They take florists a long time to design
  • Delivery and setup can be time-consuming
  • Flowers are often fairly pricey anyway

This is all not to say that, even if you have a budget below the average, your flowers won’t be stunning – far from it. Here at Bridebook, we have a huge choice of amazing florists who can work with budgets of all sizes. However, there are reasons why your specific choices might bump up the price.

What factors affect the cost of wedding flowers?

Photo © Stucio & Waow | See their Bridebook profile

Almost three-quarters of all couples hire a professional florist when planning their wedding. Flowers may be an expensive part of the big day, but for many couples they’re imperative. However, many factors can affect the cost of your wedding flowers that, if you’re mindful, can keep you within your budget.

Seasonality

Depending on the time of year you’re getting married, some flowers may be more common than others. The more in-season your flowers are, the more affordable they’ll be. They’re also more environmentally friendly that way, too.

Great seasonal flowers include:

  • Spring: Tulips, Sweetpeas, Snapdragons
  • Summer: Freesias, Irises, Dahlias
  • Autumn: Roses, Hydrangeas, Clematis
  • Winter: Carnations, Chrysanthemums, Orchids

The type of flowers

Roses may be the traditional wedding flower, but they’re also some of the most expensive, particularly if you’re keen on unique colours. Alternatives, such as hydrangeas offer stunning, colourful blooms but can be more budget-friendly. For more information read our guide to popular wedding flowers and their meaning.

Skill and experience

It may seem obvious, but a skilled and experienced florist with decades of experience will cost more than someone new to the industry.

Flower blooms

Believe it or not, another factor that can affect the cost is the physical appearance of your chosen blooms. For example, orchids only have a two-inch stem and will require a faux stem if you want to add them to your bouquet. This is intricate, time-consuming work that can bulk up the price. They do look beautiful though…

Sources

Are your chosen flowers available from UK suppliers? Since the UK left the EU, it’s more expensive to import flowers from Europe, while British-grown flowers are more affordable.

Home-grown flowers are also more environmentally friendly. Florists that utilise sustainable, British-grown flowers include Flowers by Imogen, Pesh Flowers and Flower & Farmer.

Accounting for delicate flowers

When you order arrangements that include delicate flowers, there is always going to be the risk that they’re damaged, not open, or past their prime. If you ask for a bouquet that includes a dozen roses, your florist will have to over-order to make sure to account for these issues.

What to consider when choosing your wedding flowers

Photo © Old Bricks & Blossom | See their Bridebook profile

Choose a bouquet that fits the size and shape of your dress (if you’re wearing one). For example, the bouquet should be in proportion to the dress – the bigger the dress, the bigger the bouquet. You don’t want a slender, figure-hugging dress to be hidden by a large bouquet, after all. Check out our article on how to choose your wedding flowers to explore even more possibilities. 

Another option to consider is silk flowers. It used to be that silk flowers were considerably cheaper than real ones, however, new technologies mean that silk flower prices often match and sometimes even exceed that of real blooms. On the plus side, they do look incredibly realistic. We recommend getting silk flowers if you are limited by weather, suffer from hay fever or want a permanent keepsake for your wedding day. If you do use fake flowers, be wary that you won’t get the benefit of the smell of the bouquet. Think about a floral perfume that you can use to forever associate with your big day.

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How to Ask Your Parents for Wedding Money

Budgeting is a crucial part of wedding planning. In the UK, the average cost of a wedding is £20,775, which is a heck of a lot of money to save for any couple. That leaves many with no other choice than to ask their parents to help them. And there’s nothing wrong with asking your parents for help, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a difficult conversation to have.

If this is you, then there are some potentially awkward conversations in your future. If you think you may need to discuss the money aspect of your upcoming nuptials with your parents, there are ways to approach it carefully so you don’t feel too shy, awkward or embarrassed. The last thing you want to do is make your parents feel like you’re demanding money, which you might accidentally do if you go in all guns blazing.

Thankfully, Bridebook is here to help you negotiate those tricky conversations with your parents, so you can sort out your budget once and for all. In this post, we’re going to explore how to ask your parents for wedding money, including what to do, what to avoid, and what to do after the talk to keep Mum and Dad on your side.

Should you ask your parents to help pay for your wedding?

Photo © Tom Groves Wedding Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Whether or not your should ask your parents for wedding money totally depends on the scale of the wedding you have in mind and how that aligns with your personal finances. If you’re in the lucky position to have a high-paying job, significant savings or next Saturday’s winning Lotto numbers, then you may not need to have this conversation at all.

As revealed by our annual UK Wedding Report, modern couples generally get married a little later in life thanks to higher-paid jobs and more savings. Up to a third of couples pay for their entire wedding themselves. However, that leaves two-thirds of couples who need a little extra help. So, when it comes to who pays for what at a wedding, the split might look a little like this:

  • Bride’s family – 25%
  • Groom’s family – 25%
  • The couple – 50%

You also need to bear in mind the financial situation of your parents. It’s likely that your parents will want to help, but whether or not they can is something else entirely. If your parents don’t have savings or live month to month, asking them to fork out thousands will be a rather tall order. It might make them feel bad if they want to help but don’t have the spare funds, so consider this before sitting down to have the conversation.

How much money should you ask for to help pay for your wedding?

Photo © Rebecca May Photography | See their Bridebook profile

There’s no set amount you should ask for. Of course, there are traditions related to what each side of the family pays for, but this might not be possible. It’s important not to go into the conversation by asking for a blank cheque or a random number that you’ll make work. Jumping in unprepared will put you on the back foot and won’t instil in your parents a whole lot of confidence that their money will be put to good use.

How to ask your parents for wedding money: step-by-step guide 

Photo © Damien Vickers Photography | See their Bridebook profile

Below is a step-by-step guide for how to ask your parents to help you pay for your wedding. If you follow these steps, you might find that it doesn’t need to be quite as daunting as you think.

Step 1: Understand how much money you need for your dream wedding

Before you even consider sitting your parents down to ask them for money, you first need to understand exactly what you need. You and your spouse-to-be should generally agree on what you want and don’t want from your wedding. You don’t need to agree on the nitty-gritty at this stage, but you must be at least on the same page. After all, when it comes to the cost of transport, there’s a big difference between hiring a vintage car and a horse-drawn carriage, and when it comes to venues, a castle costs more than double a restaurant.

Establish how much you need to fund your dream wedding. You can do this by using our handy wedding budget tool, which allows you to enter the cost of each part of your wedding. You can also get a great idea of what things cost in our guide to the average cost of a wedding.

Step 2: Look at your own finances

Once you have a rough idea of how much your wedding might cost, take a look at your finances. You both might have some savings, and you should be able to work out how much additional money you can save between now and your wedding. For example, if you can each save £100 a month and your wedding is in two years, that’s almost £5,000 – or about a quarter of the average cost of a wedding. Suddenly, that helps you realise that maybe you won’t have to ask for quite as much as you fear.

To make things easy, let’s imagine your dream wedding is estimated to cost £20,000.

You and your fiance have £5,000 in joint savings, and you estimate that you can save another £5,000 before the wedding. The good news is, you’ve already accounted for half the cost of your wedding! With bonuses and any side hustles you might have, you might be able to scrape together another £2,000.

So, that leaves you with £8,000 to find. That’s still a heck of a lot of money, but it’s a solid amount, not a figure you’ve plucked from nowhere. Now you know what to ask for.

How you decide to split this is entirely up to you and your parents’ finances. Do you split it 50/50 and ask each set of parents for £4,000? Or would it be fair and more achievable to split it 75/25 and ask for £6,000 from one side and £2,000 from the other?

However you decide to split it is up to you. At least now you have an idea as to what you’re going to ask for, which makes for a far easier conversation.

Step 3: Give your parents a heads-up

Before you drop a major bombshell on your parents, it’s only fair to give them a heads-up. If they don’t know what’s coming, you might catch them off guard, which might not lead to the outcome you hope for.

If possible, it’s a conversation to have in person, not over the phone, and especially not via text. But, you can give them the idea that you want to talk about money any way you can. That way, you can present them with everything you’ve put together and you can explain it all in full, which will prevent anything from being misunderstood or misinterpreted.

Step 4: Time for the big talk

If you’ve followed the above steps, when the time comes to have the big money talk itself, it shouldn’t feel quite as intimidating. You’ll know what you want to say and exactly what you’re asking for, which puts you in the strongest possible position.

Start by setting the scene. Take your parents through your plan, including the whats, wheres, whens, whys and hows. Show them how much you think your wedding will cost and how you got to that amount. Remember, our budget tool is a great way to put an accurate amount together.

When it comes to asking your parents for help paying for your wedding, you have two main ways you could approach it:

  1. Ask them for a set amount, such as £5,000.
  2. Ask them whether they would pay for certain vendors, such as the venue or catering.

Either option is fine, but you may find it easier to ask them to pay for certain vendors. Think about it, which of these questions sounds easier to you: ‘Please could you pay for our wedding reception?’ or ‘Please can we have £6,000?’

When asking for money, it’s important to be gracious, open and honest. Don’t expect anything or assume that just because you’re asking nicely it automatically means you’re going to get it. Everyone’s situation is different. If you’re lucky, your family might have been secretly building a wedding fund since you and your partner first got together. Similarly, your parents’ car might have died recently and they drained their savings when they bought a new one. It’s impossible to guarantee any kind of outcome – so prepare to receive any kind of response.

Step 5: Don’t expect an answer there and then

Asking your parents to help pay for your wedding is a big deal, so they may need time to think about what you discussed before agreeing to anything. They may also need to take a look at their finances to see how much they can afford.

Don’t push or press. You might find you have to do just as much listening as you do talking. Also, try not to make your parents feel guilty by expecting them to contribute the same amount – or more – as your partner’s parents.

Step 6: Make sure you clear everything up early on

It’s also worth clarifying with your parents whether the money they offer you is a gift or a loan. Most families will present the money as a gift; however, it’s always best to check. Equally as important, once you have your final budget with all the parental contributions, make sure you don’t come back asking for more money, which would be more than a little awkward. Instead, come back to them with a beautiful thank-you note, to show how much their help is appreciated.

Step 7: Involve your parents as much as they want to be involved

Hopefully, after talking to your parents they’ve agreed to help you pay for your wedding. That’s amazing news! Now you have everything you need to plan your perfect day.

At this stage, you’ll want to make sure your parents are involved in the planning process as much as they want to be. If they’re generous enough to help you pay for certain services and vendors, then it’s important to ask them to come along if they’d like to. For example, if they’re paying for the venue, ask them to check out some of your favourites. If they’re paying for the cake or your caterers, let them come to a wedding tasting with you. They may even want the final say if they’re dropping thousands on a single vendor.

Your parents likely won’t want to be included in everything, but if they’re stumping up a chunk of change, then the least you can do is let them be a part of it in some capacity. The last thing you want to do is take the money and run, which will make them feel a little crummy.

How to ask your parents for wedding money: visual guide

How to Ask Your Parents for Wedding Money: A Visual Step-By-Step Guide
Follow this visual guide to help you talk budgets with your parents

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Once you have an answer from your parents and you know exactly how much budget you’ll have, you can start to plan your big day in earnest.

Here at Bridebook, we have all the tools and resources you could need to plan a fantastic wedding. Sign up and start your planning journey today!

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Happy Planning!