It shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that weddings in Ireland can be expensive. From the engagement ring and the dress to the venue and the decor, there are many elements to take into consideration when planning, and budgeting for, a wedding.
If you’re newly engaged and the thought of budgeting seems daunting, we’ve created this guide to take you through the average cost of a wedding in Ireland and how you can calculate your wedding budget, so you and your partner can plan the perfect event within your limits.
How Much Does a Typical Wedding Cost in Ireland?
While there’s no such thing as an average wedding since every wedding is so different and unique to the couple, typically, couples in Ireland spend between €25,000 - €36,000 – and that’s not including the average engagement ring cost of €2,890.60. Of course, it’s important to remember that you can pull off a wedding on almost any budget. For example, the only amount a couple has to spend on a wedding is €200 for their notification fees. Anything after that is up to you!
This average figure depends on a lot of variables, but, if you’re wondering where the money goes, we’ve broken down the costs for you to give you a realistic idea of what you can expect to spend on your Irish wedding.
1. Venue
Arguably, one of the most important parts of planning a wedding which should be organised first is the venue. Choosing the perfect backdrop for your big day may take a lot of time and effort but we promise it’ll be all worth it. The venue will, undoubtedly, be the biggest expense, with the average cost around €15,400 (including catering, drinks and exclusivity too).
2. Flowers
From the bride and bridesmaid bouquets to corsages, ceremony and table decorations, flowers can play a big role in a wedding and transform the look of your venue. Depending on the type of flowers used and how big or small you want them to be, they can cost around €1,500.
3. DJ/Band
For the party portion of the evening, a DJ or a band is a must. A band will be more expensive, costing, on average, €2,182, whereas a DJ can cost €500. You may also want to think about hiring a musician or band for the ceremony too that can play a song of choice as the bride walks down the aisle and the couple leaves together.
4. Wedding Rings
Choosing the right wedding rings is highly important, as the band of marriage and the ultimate symbol of everlasting love and commitment. The price of wedding rings can vary dramatically depending on the metal used and whether or not diamonds are included. On average, the cost of wedding rings in Ireland is €800 - €2,000.
5. Photographer
To document the day you’ll need to hire a professional photographer to capture all the best moments, from getting ready to the first dance. A photographer will cost anywhere between €2,000 - €4,000.
6. Videographer
You may decide you also want a video of the ceremony and wedding party to watch back over the years. A videographer, if separated from the photographer, will cost, on average, €1,500.
7. Wedding Dress
Choosing a wedding dress is a monumental occasion for any bride and it can take months to finally say yes to the dress. With so many different styles, features and designers to choose from, it can cost anywhere between €1,500 - €2,000+ including any alterations needed.
8. Wedding Cake
While there are many alternatives to a traditional wedding cake, if you want the classic, elegant tiered cake for people to enjoy and admire, it will cost you around €700.
9. Stationery
Save the dates, wedding invitations and thank you cards are all essential if you want guests at your wedding! While you can go down the modern route and send E-vites to everyone, the traditional, paper invites can cost, on average, €750.
10. Bridesmaids
Buying the dresses and shoes for bridesmaids is entirely optional depending on your situation, but, if you are planning on paying for them, it’ll cost you around €750.
11. Decor
Flowers aren’t the only way to decorate the venue for your dream wedding. Candles and candle holders, streamers, balloons, neon signs and even a photo booth are all things to consider planning. Generally, additional pieces of decor will cost €650.
12. Gifts and Favours
To say thank you for all of their help planning, gifts and favours are appropriate to give to bridesmaids, parents, groomsmen and anyone else you feel is necessary. These don’t have to be extravagant gifts and more a token of appreciation. Wedding favours to have on the tables for guests are also a fun option to include. Gifts and favours can cost up to €600.
13. Hair and Makeup
Of course, you want to look your best on your wedding day and many choose to hire hair and makeup professionals to achieve this and take the stress out of doing it yourself. Hiring people to do your hair and makeup on the big day will approximately cost €550.
14. Transport
If your venue is far from where you live, you’ll need to hire transport for you and potentially for guests too. Depending on what type of transport you choose, this can cost around €500.
Hidden and unexpected costs
To be on the safe side, we’d recommend putting aside an extra €2,000 - €5,000, if you can, for any hidden or unexpected costs.
How to Calculate your Wedding Budget
If you’re trying to figure out your budget for your wedding and don’t know where to begin, follow our tips below to get started.
1. Calculate what you can realistically spend and be honest with yourself
If you overestimate it can create a lot of stress and anxiety further down the line. Start by estimating how much you can save every month. If you want a bigger wedding, give yourself more time than usual to save.
2. Think about the guest list
The more people invited, the more expensive the wedding will be as nearly all wedding packages are calculated on guest numbers. You won’t need to know the exact guest number at the start, but a rough idea can go a long way in calculating your overall budget.
3. Find out if anyone else is contributing
More often than not, parents and other family members want to get involved and help with the costs. Have a chat with anyone who's mentioned contributing to see how much they can pay for and include it in your budget.
Want to learn more about Irish wedding traditions and customs? Read our guide to find out everything you need to know.
How Much Does a Typical Wedding Cost in Ireland?
1. Venue
2. Flowers
3. DJ/Band
4. Wedding Rings
5. Photographer
6. Videographer
7. Wedding Dress
8. Wedding Cake
9. Stationery
10. Bridesmaids
11. Decor
12. Gifts and Favours
13. Hair and Makeup
14. Transport
Hidden and unexpected costs
How to Calculate your Wedding Budget
1. Calculate what you can realistically spend and be honest with yourself
2. Think about the guest list
3. Find out if anyone else is contributing