Planning a Pakistani wedding in the UK is exciting, emotional, and let’s be honest expensive. With multiple events, hundreds of guests, and endless details, the costs can feel overwhelming if you’re not careful.
This guide is here to take the guesswork out of your budgeting. We’ll cover:
- The real cost breakdown of a Pakistani wedding in the UK
- Hidden fees most couples don’t see coming
- 7 smart ways to save money without losing style
- A planning timeline and a free budget checklist
- Sample budgets, expert tips, and real couple insights
Whether you’re planning a traditional three-day celebration or a more intimate gathering, this article will help you plan with confidence.
The Big Picture: How Much Does a Pakistani Wedding Cost?
A typical three day Pakistani wedding (mehndi, baraat, and walima) for 250 to 300 guests in the UK costs between £30,000 and £70,000+.
Average Breakdown for 2025
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Venue (3 events) | £10,000 to £25,000 |
| Catering | £9,000 to £15,000 |
| Bridal Outfits | £3,000 to £6,000 |
| Groom’s Outfits | £500 to £1,500 |
| Decor & Stage Setup | £3,000 to £7,000 |
| Photography & Videography | £2,000 to £5,000 |
| Makeup & Mehndi | £700 to £2,000 |
| Entertainment (DJ, Dhol) | £500 to £2,000 |
| Wedding Planner (optional) | £1,500 to £4,000 |
| Cards & Favours | £300 to £1,000 |
| Nikah Ceremony | £500 to £1,500 |
| Civil Ceremony | £200 to £500 (if separate from main events) |
| Total Estimate | £30,000 to £70,000+ |
💡 Did you know? London weddings are often 20 to 30% more expensive than weddings in Birmingham, Bradford, or Manchester due to higher venue and supplier costs.
Cost Breakdown by City
| City | Typical 3-Day Wedding Cost |
|---|---|
| London | £50,000 to £80,000 |
| Birmingham | £35,000 to £55,000 |
| Manchester | £35,000 to £60,000 |
| Bradford/Leeds | £30,000 to £50,000 |
“We thought we’d spend £25K… but the extra guests and last minute decor pushed us closer to £40K. My advice? Finalise your guest list early and don’t feel guilty about it.” Zainab, 2023 bride in London
Deeper Dive: Where Does the Money Go?
Venue (£10,000 to £25,000)
The venue is your biggest expense. Large halls, hotels, or banqueting suites can cost £5K to£8K per event in London, while smaller towns may be half that price.
Extra fees to check for: parking, cleaning, and late finish charges.
Catering (£9,000 to £15,000)
Pakistani weddings are known for amazing food, but feeding 300 guests isn’t cheap. At £25 to £40 per head, catering quickly adds up.
Pro Tip: Get clarity on service charges and per plate pricing (some caterers round up to the nearest 10 guests).
Bridal Outfits (£3,000 to £6,000)
Many brides opt for a custom bridal lehenga, gharara, or sharara for the baraat, plus a second designer outfit for the walima. Imported designer outfits from Pakistan or India can push this cost even higher.
Groom’s Outfits (£500 to £1,500)
Sherwanis or tailored suits are standard. Some grooms choose multiple outfits for each day, though this isn’t always necessary.
Decor & Stage Setup (£3,000 to £7,000)
Stage backdrops, floral arrangements, lighting, and table decor can make or break the look. Many decorators offer packages that cover all events (a great way to save).
Photography & Videography (£2,000 to£5,000)
Most couples hire one main photographer and videographer per event. Drone footage, cinematic highlights, or same day edits cost extra.
“Don’t forget to ask if editing, albums, and travel are included in the price.”
Makeup & Mehndi (£700 to £2,000)
Bridal makeup for three days can cost £700 to £1,500. Add mehndi application for both hands and feet, and you’re easily hitting £2,000.
Entertainment (£500 to £2,000)
From dhol players to DJs, entertainment prices vary. Ask about packages that include sound systems and lighting.
Nikah Ceremony
Whether held at a mosque, venue, or home, costs may include the imam’s fee, travel, seating, and separate decor if required.
Civil Ceremony
Some couples choose to register their marriage at a registry office or bring in a registrar to their venue. Costs vary depending on council, day, and location.
Hidden Costs No One Tells You About
Even the best-planned weddings get hit by extra charges. Watch out for:
- Late finish fees – £200 to £400/hour if your event runs over.
- Corkage charges – £3 to £5 per bottle if you bring your own drinks.
- Supplier travel costs – Especially for MUAs and photographers from out of town.
- Overtime for photographers or DJs – They won’t stay late for free.
- Catering staff overtime – If dinner runs late, you pay extra.
- Damage deposits – £200 to £500, sometimes non-refundable if carpets get stained or decor is left behind.
7 Smart Ways to Save Money Without Losing Style
Book a Weekday Wedding
Venues and suppliers often offer discounts for Monday to Thursday events.
Combine Events & Host at home
Instead of hiring a separate venue for the mehndi, consider hosting it at home. Garden setups or marquee tents can still look stunning with the right decor and lighting. You can also save significantly by having family and friends cook traditional food instead of hiring a full caterer.
“Combining saved us nearly £7,000.” Adil, groom from Birmingham
Go Digital With Invites
WhatsApp or email invitations save on printing and postage.
Use Local Vendors
Avoid travel fees by booking makeup artists, DJs, and photographers in your area.
Repurpose Décor
Use the same floral arrangements or backdrops across events just refresh them with lighting changes.
Trim the Guest List
Less food, fewer tables, smaller venue and massive savings.
Borrow or Rent Jewellery
Designer sets can be rented for a fraction of the price.
Cultural Considerations: Modesty & Gender Separation
Some Pakistani weddings prefer modest setups or gender-separated seating. This can increase costs (e.g., separate photographers or partitions).
✅ Discuss this with your venue early to avoid last-minute challenges.
Planning Timeline (12 Month Snapshot)
| Months Before | Key Tasks |
|---|---|
| 12 months | Book venue and top suppliers |
| 9 to 10 months | Finalise outfits and MUA |
| 6 months | Confirm guest list & send invites |
| 3 months | Lock in catering and decor |
| 1 month | Confirm schedule & supplier times |
Common Budgeting Mistakes Couples Make
- Forgetting VAT in supplier quotes
- Overcommitting to guest lists out of guilt
- Booking suppliers without checking reviews
- Leaving bookings too late (especially venues)
- Spending big on favours no one uses
What Most Couples Regret Spending On
Some things just don’t turn out worth the hype. Here’s what brides & grooms tell us:
- ✉️ Fancy printed invites that end up in the bin
- 💐 £6k floral backdrops no one noticed
- 📹 Live stream packages that barely worked
- 🎁 Expensive favours guests forgot to take home
- 🎤 Hosts or singers who didn’t lift the energy
What’s Actually Worth Spending On
Not everything is fluff. These are the areas most couples said were totally worth it:
- 📸 A good photographer (memories last forever)
- 🍛 Great food (because that’s what people remember!)
- 💄 Professional hair & makeup (especially for long days)
- 🎧 Reliable DJ or host (makes or breaks the vibe)
- 👩💼 On-the-day coordinator (your future self will thank you)
Example: A £40k Pakistani Wedding Budget
- Venue (3 events): £12,000
- Catering (300 guests): £10,500
- Decor & flowers: £4,000
- Photography & videography: £3,000
- Outfits & jewellery: £5,000
- MUA & Mehndi: £1,200
- DJ & dhol: £1,000
- Miscellaneous: £3,300
Download Your Free Budget Checklist
Final Thoughts
Pakistani weddings are vibrant, soulful, and full of tradition. Yes, they can be expensive but with a realistic plan and smart savings, you can have a wedding that’s beautiful and stress free.
Remember: it’s not about spending the most, but about creating memories that last a lifetime.
