...And what’s not?
Planning a wedding can be overwhelming—so much to choose from, so many trends popping up and endless Pinterest boards filled with "must-have" accessories. When you're deep in wedding planning, it's easy to get lost and feel like you need everything. And while it’s true that “you only do it once,” this mantra can quickly become a slippery slope to overspending. We’re here to help you separate the essentials from the "nice-to-haves" and the "don’t-bothers."
We’ve spoken to wedding industry experts to get their opinion on where your money is best spent. Here's a breakdown of what truly matters, what’s fun but optional, and what you can skip without a second thought.

The staples: What you really need
These are the core components of most weddings—the things you’ll definitely want to budget for, because they set the tone for your day and ensure the event runs smoothly:
Celebrant/Registrar: Can’t get married without someone to marry you!
Venue: Whether it’s a beach, a barn, or a marquee, your venue is one of the most important choices you’ll make.
Catering: People remember two things about weddings: how they felt and the food they ate.
Music: Good vibes, happy guests. From live bands to DJs, music is essential.
Photography: Capturing the memories is crucial and great photographers ensure you’ll have moments to look back on for years.
Wedding party apparel: Whether it’s traditional or modern, what you and your wedding party wear matters.
Flowers: Flowers are more than décor—they add mood and beauty.
Rings: Symbolic, traditional and worn forever.
Cake: Cake cutting is a fun wedding tradition that many still love.
Wedding car: It’s your grand arrival moment; some love to go big here!
The extras: Fun but optional
These items are nice if you have room in the budget, but they won’t make or break your wedding day.
Favours: Cute, but not essential (and often left behind).
Photo-booth: Fun for guests but unnecessary.
Late-night food: If your reception goes late, offering snacks could be a hit.
Engagement photos: They’re lovely, but not mandatory.
Invitations: Go digital or simple if you want to save.
Videographer: Priceless for some, but others may feel photos are enough.
Open bar: Always a crowd-pleaser, but pricey...and messy!
Wedding party gifts: Sweet, but not a must.
On-the-day stationery: Menus and place cards can add a personal touch but signage for every darn thing is not necessary.
Guest book: Fun to look back on, but not crucial.
Live event painter: Definitely unique but more of a luxury.
Dancing shoes: Cute for the photos, but how essential?
Professional hair and makeup: A confidence booster, but depends on your budget.
Rehearsal dinner: Great for some extra bonding with close family and friends.
Cocktail hour: A good way to keep guests entertained between events.
Toasting drinks: There's always plenty of table wine to top up and chink with
Décor: Of course, you’ll want some, but how much is up to you!
The Things You Can Skip Without FOMO
Here are the things you can pass on without any guilt. Trust us, no one will miss them!
Fortune tellers: Could go horribly wrong!
Tattoo artists: Just no.
Groom's cake: The Americans pinched the idea from the Victorians and they can keep it as far as we're concerned.
Welcome baskets: You're already giving them a love story, delicious food and an epic party, do your guests really need a gift basket as well to know you appreciate them?
Macaron pyramid: Instaworthy, but could go to waste, especially if you've laid on a three course wedding breakfast and late night snack.
Bathroom baskets: Guests who would otherwise be caught short will thank you but most will have all the supplies they need.
Wedding day content creators: Reel-ly?
Reception dress: Practical for busting out the moves if your ceremony dress is a bit cumbersome.
After party: I speak for the millennials, let us go home!
What the Experts Say
We asked wedding pros what’s really worth the investment and what’s a bit of a waste of money. Here’s what they had to say:
Becky Griemink, Founder of Becky G Catering
Splurge on: Music and entertainment. Keep guests happy and the dance floor packed! Consider a DJ like Girls That Mix to set the vibe.
Skip: Wedding favours—they often end up in the bin. Swap champagne for a high-quality English sparkling wine, and remember: simplicity, seasonality, and local sourcing are key.
Claire Gould, Founder of EnglishWedding.com
Splurge on: Tailoring! A well-fitted dress or suit can transform how you look and feel. Even on a budget, consider a seamstress to make sure everything fits perfectly. If tailoring is out of budget, get creative with your outfit choices—think colour, flowy fabrics, or chic mini dresses.
Skip: Cheap wedding outfits that don’t fit well—they can ruin your comfort and confidence by the end of the day.
Lucie Reed, Founder and Creative Director, Coco in the Country
Splurge on:Photography and videography. These are the moments you’ll want to treasure forever. Photos and films capture the memories that will last a lifetime.
Skip: Table favours. They’re often forgotten or wasted, and a beautifully designed dining space can stand alone.

Katharine's bouquet by Coco in the Country
James Douglas, James Douglas Films
James warns couples about falling into the “fear of missing out” trap. He emphasises that going into debt or overspending isn’t worth it. “Budget realistically and prioritise,” he says. “The marriage itself is the most important part. Everything else is personal preference.”
Conclusion: Cut what doesn’t matter to you, invest in what does
At the end of the day, your wedding is about celebrating love and commitment. Don’t get caught up in the pressure to have every trending detail. Focus on what makes you and your partner happy, cut the things that don’t matter to you, and invest in the elements that will make your day special. It’s all about balance—and having the best day of your life, without the stress!
If a quintessentially english, traditional pole and canvas marquee is on your 'must have' list, contact Peacock and Bow today, it's an investment you definitely won't regret.
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