Wedding costs - How to plan your budget for the best day of your life

Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting but also most challenging tasks in life. In addition to choosing the perfect location, the perfect wedding dress, the wedding decorations and the DJ for the evening, many couples are faced with one key question: how much does a wedding cost? And more importantly, how can the wedding budget be calculated sensibly without sacrificing your heart's desires? We at Pukka Berlin not only provide you with stylish pieces of jewellery for your big day, but also help you to realistically estimate all the important costs for the wedding, including practical tips for saving money and advice on hidden costs.

Average cost of a wedding

Depending on the size, location and requirements, the average cost of a wedding in Germany is between 5,000 and 20,000 euros. Small weddings start at around 1,000 to 3,000 euros, while large weddings with over 100 guests can cost 30,000 euros or more. The budget depends on many factors:

- Region (urban or rural)

- Number of guests

- Type of wedding ceremony (civil, free, church)

- Wishes in terms of style, decoration, menu and more

Especially helpful: Plan on 100 to 150 euros per person to have a realistic framework.

The biggest cost items at a glance

1st wedding location

The choice of wedding location influences many other factors - from the style of the celebration to the budget for other service providers. For a classic manor house, a modern loft or a romantic location in the countryside, you can expect to pay between 1,000 and 5,000 euros. Many venues offer different packages that can include catering, seating or technical equipment. If you are flexible, you can save money by celebrating during the week or in the off-season. A wedding in your own garden with rented tents or pavilions can also be a charming and inexpensive alternative where you can have a lot of personal influence.

2. catering and menu

The menu is one of the most important parts of your day, because good food is memorable. A simple buffet costs an average of 80 euros per guest, a multi-course dinner with service staff up to 150 euros per person. Also include drinks in your budget, as these are often charged at a flat rate or according to consumption. Special requests such as vegan, vegetarian, halal or gluten-free catering can affect the price, but also offer the opportunity to cater to guests' individual needs. A midnight snack or an ice cream van are also popular extras that should be factored in well in advance.

3. wedding photographer / videographer

A professional wedding photographer usually accompanies you throughout the day, from getting ready in the morning to the last dance in the evening. The costs are between 500 and 2,000 euros, depending on how long the photographer is on site and which services are included. Photos keep memories alive, so this point should not be underestimated in the budget. If you want to save money, you can book the photographer only for the civil ceremony or the couple shoot. In any case, pay attention to the photographer's style and arrange a trial meeting to make sure you feel comfortable. Instead of a wedding photographer, you can also book a videographer to capture more detailed footage of the best day of your lives. The price range for this could be between 1,000 and 3,000 euros.

4. wedding dress and suit

An elegant wedding dress costs on average 1,000 to 3,000 euros, a high-quality suit for the groom around 400 to 1,000 euros. Depending on the designer, fabric quality and customization, prices can also be higher. Accessories such as bridal shoes, a veil, jewelry or a matching clutch must also be added. Alterations by a dressmaker often have to be paid for additionally. Delicate necklaces or classic earrings, for example our Lily Tennis necklace or the elegant Lily Round Danglers with Lab diamonds, which create a stylish and modern look, are particularly popular with our customers. These pieces of jewelry can also be worn in everyday life after the wedding and thus remain a valuable memento.

5. music: DJ or live band

A DJ from 400 euros or a live band from 1,000 euros will ensure the right atmosphere at your wedding reception. The choice of music has a significant influence on the atmosphere, whether at the wedding ceremony, the champagne reception or on the dance floor. In the case of live music, GEMA fees, travel costs and technical flat rates are often added. DJs often offer packages including lighting equipment and microphones, which are particularly helpful for speeches and moderation. A playlist for the breaks or background music during the meal can also be included. Also make sure to discuss your taste in music in advance and possibly provide a no-go playlist.

6. decoration and flowers

The wedding lives from loving details: flower arrangements, table decorations, welcome signs, candles, wedding arches or hanging decorations. Here you should expect to pay around 500 to 2,000 euros, depending on the size, complexity and season of the flowers used. Particularly popular flower varieties such as peonies or eucalyptus can be more expensive depending on the season. DIY enthusiasts can also design many elements themselves, such as place cards, vases or guest favors. A florist often not only takes care of the delivery, but also the assembly on site, which incurs additional costs but ensures a harmonious look. Dried flowers are also a long-lasting alternative with a trend factor.

7. wedding cake

The wedding lives from loving details: flower arrangements, table decorations, welcome signs, candles, wedding arches or hanging decorations. Here you should expect to pay around 500 to 2,000 euros, depending on the size, complexity and season of the flowers used. Particularly popular flower varieties such as peonies or eucalyptus can be more expensive depending on the season. DIY enthusiasts can also design many elements themselves, such as place cards, vases or guest favors. A florist often not only takes care of the delivery, but also the assembly on site, which incurs additional costs but ensures a harmonious look. Dried flowers are also a long-lasting alternative with a trend factor.

8th civil wedding ceremony

Registration for a civil wedding usually costs between 50 and 150 euros. Depending on the municipality and scope, additional fees may apply, for example for special wedding venues, Saturday appointments or translations of documents. You should also factor in the cost of a register book, certificates or witness certificates. If you would like musical accompaniment, decorations or a champagne reception afterwards, you should also include this in your budget. A special look is also worthwhile for a simple civil wedding, a filigree engagement ring or a matching bracelet from Pukka Berlin will make the moment stylish and unforgettable.

Calculate and plan - this is how you proceed

We recommend calculating the costs per guest and then extrapolating them based on your final guest list. This is particularly helpful if you are planning a wedding with 50 people or 100 guests. Make sure you budget at least 100 euros per person if you want a classic party with all the trimmings.

Hidden costs at the wedding - what you should look out for

Many couples underestimate the hidden costs, for example:

- Fees at the registry office

- Fees for music licenses

- Printing costs for stationery

- Engagement rings or jewelry for the bridesmaids

- Honeymoon, if planned immediately afterwards

Plan for these costs right from the start and use our overview as a checklist to avoid any surprises later on.

Plan your wedding cheaper - save cleverly without sacrificing anything

Not every wedding has to be expensive to be special. Here are a few tips to save costs:

- Celebrate in a small circle, e.g. with 50 people

- Celebrate during the week (many venues offer discounts)

- Use digital invitations

- Decorate yourself or with friends

- Book young photographers or DJs who are still building up portfolios

Conclusion: Planning wedding costs with an overview

The cost of a wedding is as individual as the bride and groom themselves. There is no one-size-fits-all answer as to how much a wedding costs, but there is a way that suits you. It is important that you know your priorities: do you want everything to be particularly pompous or do you prefer minimalist and intimate? Would you rather invest in good music or exclusive wedding rings? If you're wondering what you should plan for your wedding, from the ring to the necklace, then take a look around our store or ask our team for advice.