Why More Couples Are Choosing Intimate Weddings
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
As a bridal boutique owner, I spend my days talking to brides about their wedding plans, and one trend is becoming impossible to ignore: more couples are choosing smaller, more intimate celebrations.
According to Bridebook's 2026 UK Wedding Report, the average UK wedding now costs around £20,600 and hosts around 80 guests. For many couples, that's a significant financial commitment, particularly when they're also thinking about buying a home, starting a family, or simply making their money go further.
But from my experience at Holmes and Co Bridal, this shift isn't just about budget.
Many of our brides tell us they want a wedding that feels personal rather than performative. Instead of worrying about seating plans for distant relatives or entertaining a room full of guests, they're choosing to focus on the people who matter most.
We're seeing this trend across all age groups. While younger couples are embracing micro weddings and elopements, we're also helping brides in their thirties, forties and beyond who want a celebration that reflects who they are today, rather than following traditions simply because that's what's always been done.
What's interesting is that these couples aren't necessarily spending less. Instead, they're spending differently. They might choose a designer wedding dress they've fallen in love with, invest in incredible photography, or plan an unforgettable honeymoon, rather than stretching their budget across a larger guest list.
The traditional wedding isn’t disappearing, and many couples still dream of celebrating with all their family and friends. “We’re seeing couples choose less tradition for tradition’s sake, and more intention behind every decision,” says Amanda Holmes.
Amanda Holmes believes this shift is ultimately a positive one. “Your wedding day should feel like your story, not somebody else’s expectation.”
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