The True Cost of Relationship Milestones in 2025, Revealed

Embarking on a life together is one of the most thrilling adventures you can share. From the joy of bringing home your first furry friend to the unforgettable moment you say "I do," each milestone marks a new chapter filled with love, and expenses.

But have you ever wondered what these relationship milestones really cost in today’s world? In this post, we’ve dived deep into the financial side of modern relationships, uncovering the true price tags behind the moments that matter most.

Plus, we take a fascinating look back five years to see how costs have changed-and whether couples today are getting a better deal. Whether you’re planning your next big step or just curious, this guide will help you navigate the journey with your eyes wide open and your wallet prepared.

Relationship milestones cost couples more than £100,000 in 2025

Building a life together is about more than just romance; it’s a serious investment.

Our in-depth analysis has uncovered that, in 2025,  couples in the UK can expect to spend a staggering £107,305.77 on key relationship milestones, averaging around £53,000 per person. Here’s how those costs break down:

To put it in perspective, that six-figure sum could instead buy you five round-the-world cruises, enough for a year and a half at sea, with all the trimmings. Or, for the more practically minded, it could cover a hefty house deposit with enough left over for a new kitchen, bathroom, and even an extension

The lion’s share of these costs comes from buying a house together, with the average joint deposit now at £61,090. This makes home ownership the biggest milestone, and often the first major financial hurdle for modern couples, as the trend of “mortgage before marriage” continues to grow.

With wedding costs alone averaging over £23,000 and rising for those seeking premium venues or larger celebrations, it’s clear that financial planning is more important than ever for couples looking to secure their future together.

Proposing is the most affordable relationship milestone - just 2% of the total cost!

When it comes to relationship milestones, popping the question is undeniably one of the most magical moments. But here’s a surprising twist: it’s also the cheapest! On average, an engagement ring costs just £2,000 - less than 2% of the total expenses tied to building a life together.

In 2025, couples are gravitating toward classic solitaire rings, yellow gold settings, and lab-grown diamonds for a blend of timeless style and smart spending. However, if you would like to save money even further, here are six savvy ways to stretch your budget:

1. Focus on cut quality, not just carat - A diamond’s cut has the biggest impact on its brilliance. A smaller, well-cut diamond will outshine a larger, poorly cut one, so prioritise cut over sheer size for maximum sparkle.
2. Explore alternative diamond shapes - Shapes such as oval, pear, or marquise are often less expensive than round brilliants, yet they look distinctive and can appear larger for the same carat weight.
3. Choose a halo or cluster setting - Surrounding a modest centre stone with a halo or cluster of smaller stones can make the ring look much larger and more impressive, without the price tag of a single large diamond.
4. Opt for a simple or minimalist band - Intricate settings and extra detailing add to the cost. A classic, elegant band not only saves money but also never goes out of style.
5.  Buy a lab-grown diamond - Lab-grown stones are virtually identical to mined diamonds and can cost up to 40% less. They’re also a more ethical and sustainable choice.
6. Consider interest-free payment plans - Many jewellers, including ourselves, offer interest-free finance, letting you spread the cost over several months without paying extra.

Buying a dog is the second-cheapest relationship milestone

Adding a furry friend to your family is a joyful milestone-and thankfully, it won’t drain your wallet. Our research reveals that getting a dog together ranks as the second most affordable milestone, with an average cost of £2,266.33.

Breaking it down, preparing your home for your new companion-think bedding, toys, and vaccinations-comes to around £466.33. The cost of the dog itself varies depending on breed and whether you choose a pedigree or rescue, but on average, owning a dog in 2025 will set you back about £1,800.

So, while your new pup brings endless love and companionship, the financial commitment remains manageable, making this milestone a heartwarming and budget-friendly step in your shared journey.

Saying ‘I do’ costs an average of £23,000 in 2025

Of all the milestones, getting married is one of the most significant financial commitments. With the average wedding now costing £23,250, it’s no surprise that tying the knot makes up over a fifth of a couple’s total milestone spend.

Of all the milestones, getting married is one of the most significant financial commitments. With the average wedding now costing £23,250, it’s no surprise that tying the knot makes up over a fifth of a couple’s total milestone spend.

Interestingly, while weddings themselves can be lavish affairs, the wedding rings - symbols of lifelong commitment - represent just a small fraction of that cost. Investing in quality wedding and engagement rings ensures you have something meaningful and lasting to show for your special day, long after the confetti has settled.

Welcoming a child costs £14,000 in its first year

Dreaming of starting a family? It’s a joyful milestone, but it comes with a significant financial commitment. In 2025, welcoming your first child means budgeting approximately £14,444 for that crucial first year. This figure covers essentials like nappies, baby clothes, feeding equipment, and even some childcare to give you both a well-deserved break.

While the initial costs can feel daunting, keep in mind that this is just the beginning. As your little one grows, expenses will increase with education, activities, healthcare, and more. Childcare alone can cost thousands annually, though recent government initiatives in England are helping reduce nursery fees for working parents.

Being financially prepared and planning ahead can make the journey into parenthood smoother, allowing you to focus on the priceless moments with your new bundle of joy rather than unexpected bills.

Today’s couples would need to save for 15 years to pay for their milestones

So, how long does it really take to save for all of these relationship milestones? If you're following the 20% savings rule (based on the average UK household's disposable income of £34,500 per year), saving £105,505.77 would take about 15 years, or 184 months. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

Let’s be real: saving for a house deposit alone can take nearly a decade, making it the single biggest hurdle for most couples. The costs of a wedding or welcoming your first child? Each can take longer to save for than your entire engagement.

But there’s a bright side: some milestones are much more attainable. Popping the question could be within reach after just four months of saving, and bringing home a new dog is possible in just five. With careful planning and a realistic timeline, today’s couples can still achieve their relationship dreams-even if it takes a little longer than they might hope.

The cost of a couple’s milestones has increased by 28% in 5 years

Our research has revealed that relationship milestones have become significantly more expensive in just half a decade.

In 2020, the same set of milestones cost couples a total of £84,224. By 2025, that figure has soared to £107,305.77-an increase of more than £23,000, or 28%. This jump comes despite average disposable income being nearly £5,000 lower in 2020 (£29,900) compared to 2025 (£34,500).

The most dramatic rise is in wedding costs, which have jumped by £14,150 since 2020. This is partly due to the impact of Covid-19 in 2020, when restrictions led to smaller, more affordable ceremonies, averaging just £9,100-a massive 155% cheaper than today. Many couples in 2020 redirected their savings into more expensive engagement rings, reflecting a shift in spending priorities during the pandemic.

Other milestones have also become more costly: having a child, buying a house, and even getting a dog were all between 7% and 70% less expensive five years ago. Interestingly, engagement rings and honeymoons are among the few items that have become slightly cheaper in 2025.

If you were saving for these milestones in 2020, it would have taken 19 months less to reach your goal-almost 14 years compared to over 15 years today. While milestones may feel further out of reach, understanding these changes can help couples plan more realistically for their future together.

Neil Dutta, Managing Director at Angelic Diamonds, said, "While these milestones come with clear costs, it’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all path or timeline when it comes to a relationship. Everyone moves at their own pace and embraces the milestones that feel meaningful to them. This guide is simply here to support those who want to understand the financial side of their journey, so they can plan with confidence and focus on what truly matters to them.”

Methodology

Hitched.co.uk was used as the source for the cost of an engagement ring, honeymoon and wedding. The initial costs of getting a dog are from the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), as an average of small, medium and large breeds, and the average house deposit from Lloyds Banking Group.

The initial data on the cost of having a child was taken from CPAG’s ‘Cost of a Child 2024’ report. This covered the estimated cost of raising a child to 18, which we divided down to estimate the first-year costs.

For 2020 costs, the same sources were used – either using earlier reports or earlier versions of the source URLs.

To calculate the time required to save for those costs, the average disposable income per UK household, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), was applied to the 20% savings rule (putting 20% of disposable income into savings). Disposable income figures used are £34,500 according to the latest available data, or £29,900 for 2020.

The number of round-the-world cruises is calculated from the cost of P&O Cruises’ Epic World Explorer package (totalling 106 nights at a cost of £20,998 per couple).

Home improvements costs are taken from the HomeOwners Alliance rundown of typical renovation costs.