The 2025 Irish Wedding Survey Report: Budgets Reach New Heights as Quality Remains Key

weddingsonline, the country’s most popular wedding website, has just announced the findings of its latest comprehensive Irish wedding survey. Based on the insights of 1,014 participants in December 2025, the results offer a definitive look at the evolving landscape of Irish weddings as we head into 2026.

The headline finding reveals that the average spend for a wedding in Ireland has risen to €36,641, representing a 6.5% increase on the previous year. This figure, which excludes the honeymoon, highlights a continued investment in the "big day" despite broader economic shifts.

Value Over Volume

While costs are rising, Irish couples are proving that quality and reputation matter more than the bottom line. 54% of couples made their booking decisions based on reviews and recommendations, with only 12% stating that the lowest price was their deciding factor.

"The 2025 findings capture a fascinating moment in Irish weddings," says the team at weddingsonline. "Couples are more informed than ever, relying heavily on peer feedback to ensure their day is perfect."

Key Findings at a Glance

• The Budget: The average budget (excluding honeymoon) is €36,641. 45% of couples went over budget, with 21% exceeding their original plan by more than €5,000.
• Funding the Day: To cover costs, 31% received help from their parents, while 29% opted for a wedding loan.
• The Timeline: Long engagements remain the norm, with 38% of couples waiting over two years to wed. December is no longer the sole king of proposals; while 16% got engaged in December, 21% said "Yes" during the late summer months of August and September.
• Peak Season: Summer remains the most coveted time to tie the knot, with 37% of weddings occurring between July and September.

The Wedding Day Experience

• The Venue: The hotel venue remains the top choice at 55%, followed by country houses (19%) and castles (12%). The average spend at the venue (excluding accommodation) is €15,087.
• The Guest List: Couples are inviting an average of 141 guests, with the average meal price now sitting at €107 per person.
• Ceremony Styles: Church weddings account for 41%, while Civil (23%) and Humanist (15%) ceremonies continue to grow in popularity.
• The Party: Most couples (73%) still prefer a Friday or Saturday wedding, but Thursday (16%) remains a strong alternative.

Honeymoons & Destinations

• Going Abroad: 88% of couples will honeymoon abroad, though 73% prefer to delay the trip rather than head off immediately. The average honeymoon spend is €5,393.
• Top Spots: The Maldives, Italy, and Greece top the list of dream destinations. Closer to home, 54% will enjoy a "minimoon" in Ireland following the festivities.

The Complete 2025 Wedding Category Spend

Irish Wedding Category Spend: 2024 vs. 2025

Irish Wedding Trends: 2024 vs. 2025

The data shows a clear trend: while guest lists are shrinking slightly, the investment per guest is rising significantly as couples prioritize a premium experience.

For further information please contact:

Jonathan Bryans

jonathan@weddingsonline.ie

A big thank you to all our respondents and a huge congratulations to our voucher winner, Alison Ross

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