Newly-married couples have been opting for lowkey weddings to mark their special day to save money
Couples are opting for micro nuptials or even bring your own booze (BYOB) weddings – as Brits ditch big-day traditions to save on cash. Brits are rewriting the wedding rulebook as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, with data revealing a sharp shift towards smaller, cheaper and more practical celebrations.
A new survey of 2,000 UK adults ran by engagement ring specialist F. Hinds has found that one in four couples (25%) are now opting for ‘micro weddings’ with smaller guest lists. Meanwhile 14% are even considering ditching guests altogether and eloping to keep costs down.
From DIY beauty to bring-your-own-drinks receptions, couples are cutting back across every part of their big day as they look to make their budgets go further. The data reveals that 14% of couples are open to hosting BYOB (bring your own drinks) receptions, while 22% are choosing grazing tables and buffet-style catering over formal sit-down meals, a strategic move that can significantly reduce venue and catering costs.
Meanwhile, 15% plan to do their own hair and makeup, swapping professional services for DIY alternatives to save money. Even bridal fashion is shifting, with 12% opting for non-traditional coloured dresses and 9% choosing shorter styles, often seen as more affordable and easier to re-wear after the big day.
Despite the move towards more affordable celebrations, some traditions are standing the test of time. The research found that two-thirds of Brits (66%) still see exchanging wedding rings as the most important part of the ceremony, making it the nation’s top wedding tradition.
Similarly, 45% say exchanging vows is essential, and 41% still value walking down the aisle, showing that meaningful, symbolic moments remain a priority, even as budgets tighten. Couples are simply becoming more selective, choosing to invest in the elements that matter most while scaling back on those that feel less essential.
Whilst many Brits finances are being squeezed, it is also reshaping how couples approach engagement and wedding jewellery. While 21% still favour traditional diamond engagement rings, there is growing interest in more affordable alternatives.
The study found that 17% would choose coloured gemstone rings, while 13% are open to lab-grown diamonds, rising sharply to 33% among younger adults aged 18-24.
This reflects a broader shift towards balancing cost, sustainability and personal style, with couples increasingly seeking options that deliver both value and individuality.
Today’s couples are also turning to social media for inspiration and increasingly, for budget-friendly ideas . More than half (52%) of 25-34-year-olds use TikTok for wedding planning, alongside platforms like Instagram (25%) and Pinterest (20%).
But instead of aspirational luxury, many are now seeking practical hacks – from affordable décor ideas to DIY styling tips, helping them create a wedding that looks great without the hefty price tag. You can view the full study here.
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.
“The exchange of rings remains a cornerstone of the ceremony for two-thirds of couples, which shows that symbolic, meaningful traditions are still incredibly important – even during a cost-of-living crisis. At the same time, there’s a growing openness to alternative options, particularly among younger couples.
“Lab-grown diamonds, bespoke designs and coloured gemstones are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to balance style, sentiment and affordability.” Ultimately, the findings highlight a major cultural shift in how Brits approach weddings in 2026.
Whether that’s trimming guest lists, cutting back on catering costs or choosing more affordable jewellery, today’s couples are proving that a meaningful wedding doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag.
