The Wedding Tax Myth: Why You Shouldn’t Lie to Wedding Suppliers to Save Money

Call me naive, but I was genuinely shocked to see that 69% of nearlyweds said they’d lie to save money on their weddings*. 

I’ve spent more than a decade talking about the value vendors bring to weddings. I explain over and over again that this industry is powered by small, independent businesses (more often than not, female-led). These pros are talented and skilled, and craft completely unforgettable experiences. 

So why lie to them? I get that many people still think that businesses add a zero on to the price when they hear the word wedding, because it’s true that weddings are often more expensive. 

It might be tempting to tell a cake maker that your cake is for a birthday party, or that you need a venue space for a ‘family gathering’, but this isn’t just a small white lie, and it can backfire on you. 

Not only are you causing yourself extra stress (what if you’re found out? What happens when it’s obvious you’ve lied?), but you’re also undermining the work of small businesses, who pour their heart and soul into the work they do.

Where Couples Are Cutting Corners

According to our latest research at Hitched, the most common area where couples lie when booking wedding services is when ordering the cake.

One respondent told us: “Asking for a plain heart-shaped cake is hundreds cheaper than a wedding one.”

But that’s kind of the point, isn’t it? A plain, simple cake that serves 30 is always going to be cheaper than a tiered, decorated cake that serves 100. It takes less time and fewer ingredients. If you want to save money, don’t lie, but instead scale down. 

It’s not just cakes though - I’ve heard of couples trying to downplay their wedding as an anniversary party when booking a venue, and asking photographers to quote for a ‘party’, rather than a full wedding day.

Again - many photographers offer packages that cover just a few hours and save you money. A full day of wedding photography will cost more as it’s usually around 12 hours of on-the-day work, plus days of editing afterwards. 

The Truth About the “Wedding Tax”

Let’s go back to the cake example. 

A birthday cake is often a single-tier bake that needs to last an hour or two before it’s sliced and served to a handful of guests.

A wedding cake, however, is on display all day, needs to look pristine, and serve around 100 people. And that’s before you factor in the extra service - consultations, tastings, delivery, assembly and the customisation. 

It’s not a like for like comparison.

The same applies across the board:

• Venues: A birthday party in a village hall doesn’t require the same level of planning, staffing, insurance, catering and logistics as a wedding for 120 people.
• Florists: “Event flowers” may be centrepieces for a few tables. “Wedding flowers” could mean bouquets, buttonholes, arches, and arrangements that have to last all day in varying conditions. Florists have to over-order to allow for damage or un-opened buds too, which costs more.
• Photography: A casual event photographer may stay for a couple of hours. A wedding photographer could be with you for 12+ hours, documenting everything from morning prep to the last dance, plus editing hundreds of images afterwards.

It’s not a “wedding tax” - it’s a reflection of the scale, pressure and detail that comes with this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

Why Lying About Your Wedding Hurts You & the Industry

So what happens when you lie about the services you require?

You might not get what you need. A “birthday cake” might not be built to last through hours of photographs and dancing, or serve all your guests. A “party photographer” might leave before the first dance (or as soon as they turn up and see you in wedding attire).

You risk voiding contracts. If a supplier hasn’t agreed to provide a full wedding service, you can’t expect them to deliver those standards.

You could end up more stressed. The last thing you want is to be worrying about whether your corner-cutting will collapse (literally) on the day.

And beyond that, there’s a wider impact. The wedding industry is so special as it’s so unique. It is the only industry we have that is still made up of a majority of independent businesses, and so many of them are female-owned and operated. 

Suggesting these businesses are out to fleece you doesn’t just undermine them - it’s actually the biggest lie of them all. 

How to Save Without Lying

I can’t say that weddings don’t cost more - they do, but that’s because they require more work, and those working in the industry need to be able to earn a living. 

Here are some ways to save if you need to, without having to be dishonest:

• Prioritise what matters most. Spend on the things that make your heart soar and cut back on what doesn’t excite you.
• Shop around. There are always deals to be found if you’re flexible. Weekday weddings, off-peak seasons, or choosing a smaller supplier who’s building their portfolio can save you hundreds.
• Remember the workload. Reflect on what goes into the service you’re paying for - the meetings, the preparation, the delivery, the overheads. If it doesn’t feel worth it, rethink your plan rather than fibbing to your supplier.
• Get creative, not sneaky. DIY some elements if you enjoy it, or look for hire options instead of buying everything new.

I’ve seen amazing weddings that cost a few thousand pounds, because the couples have been thoughtful, intentional and focused on what means most to them. 

Why Honesty & Respect Matters

At the end of the day, the goal of your wedding shouldn’t be to save a few quid. It’s about celebrating your love and having a wonderful time with your family and friends. 

Be upfront and honest with your vendors, and understand their responses. This way you save unnecessary stress, and support the hardworking people who make weddings possible.

Remember, just because you can’t afford something, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be at that price.

Skip the lies, trust the pros and focus spending your money on what means the most to you. You’ll feel far more confident on your wedding day knowing that everything around you is built on a foundation of honesty and respect - which, if you ask me, is the best way to start a marriage. 

*Hitched poll of 264 Instagram users in August 2025