Some ballpark figures to get you started...

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So you're engaged and you're starting to plan your wedding! From venues to photographers, and veils to shoes, the options seem endless. Until you start thinking about your wedding budget. For a first time bride or groom, it's hard to get a gauge on how much a wedding costs - how long is a piece of string, right? Obviously, you can spend as much or as little as you want on your big day - and remember, there are choices out there for every budget - but it is helpful to have a guideline of what you can expect to pay for certain elements of a wedding. We're all about taking the mystery out of wedding planning, so we've put together a sample cost breakdown to help you figure out how much does a wedding cost in the UK.

What a typical couple spends can be of course adapted to meet your own requirements and priorities for your big day. It's worth keeping in mind that wedding costs can vary wildly from London to Wales, or Somerset to Scotland, (which is why we've given you such broad price ranges), but for couples who opt for 'the works' on their wedding day, it's expected to come in at just over £30,000.

Now what's a 'typical wedding'? One couple might have 50 guests, another will have 200, you might choose a country manor venue and your mate could have a pub reception, one bride will be set on a Vera Wang wedding dress, while another will be perfectly chuffed with something vintage. Every wedding is different, and the costs associated will be different too.

Photo by Kristian Leven Photography via One Fab Day

It can be frustrating when wedding vendors don't post prices on their website, but that's because the service they offer is bespoke for each couple. Most suppliers can work within most budgets, so whether you've got £500 or £5,000 to spend on flowers, most florists will be able to put together a quote for your day.

So, we've assembled a list of what the 'average' couple spends on each element of a wedding. But this calls for a heavy disclaimer: these numbers are not what you must or need to spend, and they don't mean that if your supplier has given you a higher quote, they are taking advantage (read more about why wedding pros charge what they do here).

The only amount any couple absolutely has to spend on their wedding is the £46 fee to make it legal. After that, it's entirely up to you; where you want to have it, who you want to invite, and what vendors you choose to use. Is it off to a restaurant after the registry office or is it a three-day weekender in a castle? Maybe it's something in-between.

Photo by Georgia Rachael Photography via One Fab Day

What Are Typical Wedding Costs in the UK?

Our price list is based around using good quality suppliers delivering excellent service. To be clear, this is not a definite price range we're quoting, it's simply a ballpark to give you a realistic idea of costs. For every element of weddings there are more expensive options, and cheaper options. It is up to you how you choose to splurge or save.

The numbers below are a starting point to work off, but the actual cost of any item or service will depend on your wedding, and your requirements. Please be aware that suppliers set their rates based on various factors, so these price ranges are not to be taken as figures to negotiate between, they should however, help you work out what you want to spend on and what you'd prefer to cut.

Venue Rental: £2000 - £7000

Food & Drink: £7000 - £10,000

Entertainment: £2000 - £4000

Wedding Dress and Accessories: £2500 - £5000 (read our wedding dress price guide)

Photography: £2000 - £3000

Videography: £2000 - £4000

Flowers: £1500 - £3000 - check out our wedding flowers price guide

Wedding Rings: £500 - £2000

Ceremony Music: £500 - £800

Groom's Suit: £300 - £2000

Wedding Cake: £400 - £800

Stationery: £500 - £1200

Decor & Rentals: £1000 - £3000

Bridesmaids: £300 - £1000

Groomsmen: £500 - £2000

Hair & Makeup: £500 - £1200 - get our bridal beauty price guide

Transport: £500 - £2000

Fees: £50

Contingency: £3600 Always factor in at least 12% of whatever your wedding budget is for unexpected expenses

Photo by Remain in Light via One Fab Day

Hopefully our price ranges will give you good idea of what you might expect to spend on your wedding. Of course if you're having a marquee wedding, there will be a whole other set of costs, get our breakdown here. And get our tips on how to work out your wedding budget and our guide to saving money on your wedding.

But for now, remember it's about deciding what your priorities are and working out your budget from there. If style is important to you, swap out some decor to spend more on shoes, if a big party is what you're after, spend less on the dress and focus on drinks and entertainment, or maybe you want a really cosy romantic atmosphere, then it's all about the ceremony, the venue - and the candle budget!

Further reading for couples who are newly engaged: