The high cost of living has pushed many Irish people to rethink their wedding budget. One may expect to spend €2,354 per month on energy, food and transport!  Alternatively, the cost of booking a venue, catering and energy has risen. According to current projections, the average wedding costs in Ireland are between €38000 and €43000, astonishingly!

Thus, most individuals are prioritising cuts in their wedding budget. Some want to compensate by cutting the guest lists, choosing off-peak dates, prioritising DIY and shifting expenses towards photography.

How are wedding budgets changing in Ireland?

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), “CPI Consumer Price Index in Ireland have risen by 25% in 6 years!” However, wages have also increased by 29% on average. State pensions have been reduced, burdening finances. Moreover, the average cost of a wedding has increased by 3.9% since 2025, according to the annual survey of Irish weddings.

Couples are now expected to spend over €34,392 on a wedding, excluding honeymoon costs. Moreover, the average price per guest has increased by €93. It reinforces how catering costs may impact the overall costs.

Shockingly, only 51% customers rely heavily on reviews and recommendations. 28% base their choices on the favourable vendor, and only 11% say cost is the primary factor for deciding the wedding budget.

However, you must keep some buffer for the unexpected wedding costs. What if the wedding arrangement falls short of chairs? You may need new ones immediately.  Thus, having a buffer may help you here. If you don't, you need not worry. Check same-day emergency loans in Ireland for help. It may help you get instant cash for your personal requirements. You may get one without detailed documentation and processing.

I want to plan a destination wedding in 2026. How much will it cost?

Every individual has a different budget for destination weddings. Below is the basic split of the destination wedding costs. It depends on the basic packages:

All prices are in US dollars, taxes and gratuity included.

How can one plan a wedding on a budget, given the high expenses?

Yes, a wedding in Ireland may drain your basic savings. It may impact important expenses like rent payments. However, certain tips might help you plan a budget-friendly wedding. These are:

1)     Step 1- Understand your wedding priorities

Determine how much you plan to spend on the wedding expenses.  Consider and prioritise the most important expenses first. It could be a wedding venue, catering, accommodations, and a wedding dress.  Analyse the aspects that you can DIY. It could be planning the gifts, invitations and decorations.

2)     Step 2- Trim the guest list

It could be the hardest part of the wedding. However, if planning a low-budget wedding, you must do it.  It may help you save per person on catering costs.  It eventually will bring down the catering and overall wedding budget. Check and include the names of the individuals close to your heart. Prioritise them and then move to the unavoidable guests you cannot deny. It may help you sort the guest list and invite only a few people.

3)     Step 3- Choose peak off dates or weekdays

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), 76% couples choose Friday or Saturday for their wedding ceremony.  Thus, you can choose a weekday, a non-holiday or a non-summer day to plan an economic wedding. However, planning one on Friday could prove cheaper as supplier rates may be lower. 

Identify a day that could be cheaper for your wedding and align with your budget. You may expect more people to attend weddings on weekends than on weekdays. Thus, the latter one may help you save money.  You may spot cheaper venues and catering, also.

4)     Step 4- Negotiate a venue or buy a package

Paying separately for the venue and related costs like decoration, catering, seating arrangements, cakes, etc., may prove costly. Instead, compare the best wedding packages that may meet your requirements.

 It may prove cheaper than paying separately for everything. You can try to negotiate the package. The person may agree if the venue is available for some days. It could be possible if you marry out of season.  If the costs still seem unaffordable due to low savings, don't worry. You don't need to miss out on the negotiated gain. Instead, check wedding loans.

It may help you counter any marriage needs quickly without depending on savings alone. You may get wedding loans in Ireland at low interest rates with a consistent income, better affordability, and good credit management. It may help you bridge the requirements quickly.      

5)     Step 5- Plan the food consciously

Check whether you can swap a former 3-course dinner meal for a brunch, buffet or a platter or cocktail reception. It could be a memorable thing and may prove cheaper per head. Check whether you can buy good wine in bulk. It may prove to be the best combination that may help you save money.

6)     Step 6- Use digital invitations

Aspects like digital invitations may help you avoid the cost of printed cards. You can instead design digital invitations using graphic design tools and share them via social media applications. It requires zero investment. However, you still need to invest time in creating the best one.

Bottom line

Planning a budget-friendly wedding is challenging, given the high living costs. Energy consumption and rent are rising in Ireland. It may thus affect the wedding budget. However, one may still plan a wedding without exceeding one's affordability.