Cash-strapped Brits 'cut back on weddings'

27/08/2009

Almost half (48 per cent) of couples are planning to spend less on their wedding than they would like to as the recession puts the squeeze on household finances, according to a new survey.

A recent poll by Weddingplan found the average cost of the big day currently stands at an eye-watering £21,000 - but new findings from AA Savings suggest many couples are planning cutbacks in the face of the economic downturn.

It found that 36 per cent are planning on inviting fewer guests than originally planned, while 19 per cent will opt for a buffet over a sit-down meal and 18 per cent are doing away with balloons.

Furthermore, only 16 per cent of couples are planning to go with tradition and let the bride's parents pay for everything, with 21 per cent saying both sets of mums and dads will chip in to meet the costs.

AA Savings director Mark Huggins said: "Your wedding day marks a promise made for a lifetime and many couples seem to agree that this is far more important than frills that last only a day."

According to the last available figures from the Office for National Statistics, there were 270,000 weddings in the UK in 2007, down 2.7 per cent on the previous year.

Tags; Budgeting Advice, Young Family Finances, Credit Card Lifestyle,

• Share
• 
• 
• Store
• 
• Follow
•