The Bridebook UK Wedding Report 2022

Bridebook has published their 6th annual wedding report, based on feedback from over 5500 couples.

Some interesting highlights:

• 92% of couples plan their wedding via their phone.
• Couples read an average of 30.7 reviews before booking their venue.
• Couples spent 52% more on their weddings in 2021.
• 91% of couples hire a professional photographer for their wedding.
• Couples are expecting to be engaged for 26 months; the longest time-frame in 5 years.

Average total wedding cost: £16,529 - wedding spending has rebounded back to pre-pandemic levels after a dip in 2020. Once engagement rings and honeymoons are included in the tally, the total cost rises to £20,254 per wedding in 2021.

The average spend on a wedding photographer in 2021 was £1290, compared to £863 in 2020.

Couples married in 2021 were most likely to hire professionals for photography, hairdressing, floristry, wedding dress and make-up artistry; 91% of couples hired a professional wedding photographer (the remainder using DIY), the highest of all supplier categories (hairdressing was second at 79%, with 17% DIY). They were most likely to use DIY options for decoration & hire, stationery and cake.

Professional videographers were used by 30% of couples with 8% DIY - it goes to show that photography is still the most important medium for couples.

Hamish Shephard, Bridebook CEO and founder, adds

"After a difficult two years in which our industry struggled with COVID restrictions, I’m pleased to say that we’re seeing wedding spending back up, guest counts back up and widespread enthusiasm across all couples. We are in the throes of the biggest wedding boom ever..."

Jessica and TomSt Francis of Assisi Church, South Ascot; Foxhills, Chertsey