Wedding costs climb in the UK and US as couples turn to cheaper options

A survey of 2,000 British adults found that rising living costs are prompting couples to shrink wedding sizes and cut expenses. About 25% said they would choose a micro‑wedding, 14% would consider eloping, and many plan DIY elements such as hair, makeup, and bring‑your‑own‑drinks receptions. Couples also favour cheaper attire, coloured gowns and lab‑grown diamonds, while still valuing traditional moments like exchanging rings.

In the United States, data from The Knot shows the average Minnesota wedding cost reached a record $34,200 in 2026, up from $28,000 in 2019, despite fewer guests. The cost per guest rose to $292, and overall U.S. wedding spending topped $100 billion in 2025. Both regions illustrate a broader trend of rising wedding expenses and a shift toward more budget‑conscious celebrations.