British couples cut wedding costs with micro weddings and DIY celebrations amid cost of living crisis

Micro weddings, DIY styling and budget-friendly receptions are becoming increasingly popular amid financial pressures

The traditional big white wedding is becoming less common as more British couples look for ways to reduce the cost of getting married, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 UK adults by jewellery retailer F. Hinds found many couples are opting for smaller, lower‑cost celebrations as they rethink how they tie the knot.

A quarter of respondents said they would choose a micro wedding with a reduced guest list, while 14 per cent said they would consider eloping to avoid the expense of a traditional ceremony.

Couples are also making savings across several parts of their wedding day.

Around 14 per cent said they would host a bring‑your‑own‑drinks reception, and 22 per cent said they would replace a formal sit‑down meal with a buffet or grazing table.

Another 15 per cent plan to do their own hair and makeup rather than hire professionals.

Wedding attire is changing too, with 12 per cent of brides said they would choose a coloured gown instead of a traditional white dress, while nine per cent said they would opt for a shorter dress.

Despite shifting spending habits, many traditional elements remain important.

Two‑thirds of respondents said exchanging wedding rings was the most important part of the ceremony.

Around 45 per cent identified exchanging vows as the key tradition, and 41 per cent said walking down the aisle remained essential.

The findings suggest couples are prioritising the parts of their wedding that hold the greatest emotional significance.

Preferences are also changing when it comes to engagement rings.

While 21 per cent said they would choose a traditional diamond, 17 per cent preferred a coloured gemstone, and 13 per cent said they would consider a lab‑grown diamond.

Social media is playing a growing role in wedding planning, particularly among younger couples.

Over half of people aged 25 to 34 use TikTok for inspiration, compared with 25 per cent on Instagram and 20 per cent on Pinterest.

Jeremy Hinds, jewellery expert at F. Hinds, said: “What we’re seeing is a clear shift in priorities.

"Couples are becoming more thoughtful about where they spend their money, focusing on the elements that hold the most emotional value.”

He added that lab‑grown diamonds, bespoke designs and coloured gemstones are becoming increasingly popular as people look to balance style, sentiment and affordability.