ISSUE FW’26
In our new FW’26 issue, we take you to the south of France and to Renée and Jan’s wedding, which was a celebration of love, friendship and style. We also sit down with Louis Abel founder Jimmy Loutfi for an in-depth interview about how his own wedding rings marked the start of a new chapter in fine jewellery, and look ahead to New York Bridal Fashion Week for the silhouettes, details and ideas that will set the tone for the coming season.
Planning
Wedding budget: Plan the costs of your wedding
Planning a wedding budget is one of the first and most important steps in wedding planning. By keeping track of your finances from the outset, you’ll reduce stress and be able to focus instead on the fun part – creating your dream day. But how much does a wedding actually cost, and what should you prioritise?
How much does a wedding cost?
There’s no standard answer to how much a wedding costs, as it depends entirely on your preferences. In Sweden, many couples spend between 50,000 and 200,000 Swedish kronor on their big day, but it is, of course, possible to celebrate both more budget-friendly and more lavishly. The biggest items in a wedding budget are usually:
- Venue and catering: Food, drink and venue hire often account for around 50 per cent of the total budget.
- Attire and rings: Wedding dress, suit, jewellery and wedding rings.
- Photography and videography: A professional wedding photographer or videographer.
How to draw up a sustainable wedding budget
Start by deciding on a total amount that you feel comfortable with. A good tip is to create your own spreadsheet where you list all possible items. Transparency is key – talk openly about how much you can save together and whether you’ll receive any financial support from your families.
Prioritise what matters most to you
Before you start booking suppliers, you should pick out three things that are absolutely most important to you specifically. Is it the dining experience, a specific photographer, or having a big party with all your friends? By prioritising these, you can cut back on other items that feel less important.
Don’t forget the hidden costs
Many couples overlook the small expenses that, when added together, can amount to a significant sum. Remember to factor in:
- Postage and printed materials: Invitation cards, thank-you cards and programmes.
- Transport: Hiring a wedding car or transport for guests.
- Extra expenses: Dry-cleaning of clothes afterwards, shoes, underwear and late-night snacks for the reception.
Expert tip: How to keep wedding costs down
There are plenty of ways to have a fantastic wedding without breaking the bank. Consider getting married during the off-season (November–March) or on a weekday, when many venues offer lower prices. You can also save money by choosing seasonal flowers and making some of the decorations yourselves.
Do you need help finding quotes from professionals? Visit our supplier directory to contact photographers, venues and caterers directly.
Related articles
-
DecorGarden weddings – where nature sets the tone
Saying ‘I do’ amidst the greenery has taken on a whole new meaning. These days, a garden wedding is all about creating a setting where…
-
PlanningChildren at weddings – a question of style, sentiment and boundaries
It may well be one of the most contentious issues in modern wedding planning: should children be part of the day, or not?
-
PlanningMorning Calm: finding peace in the moment – for both the bride and groom
There’s a little while before it all gets underway. Before timetables, guests and expectations take over.
-
PlanningModern Wedding Rules: The traditions we keep, break and reinvent
A new era of ‘I do’. Modern weddings are no longer about doing things by the book; they’re about making them personal.
-
DecorDesign-led Wedding Styling – When the Details Set the Tone
A modern wedding isn’t just about flowers and table settings. It’s about the atmosphere in the room.