There’s no denying it - weddings are expensive. And now we are in a cost-of-living crisis, many couples are looking for as many ways as possible to avoid blowing their budget.
According to the Hitched National Wedding Survey, the average cost of a wedding in 2021, excluding honeymoon and engagement ring, was £17,300. It also revealed nearly half (48 per cent) of brides and grooms went over their budget, and the couple's parents paid for 61 per cent of the costs.
Now that the cost of living is spiralling, many people are looking for ways to reduce their wedding expenses.
A study from SmileDirectClub, published in Bride Magazine, revealed that almost half of Brits had lowered their wedding budget as a direct consequence of the economic crisis.
The most common way to do this is to reduce the number of people invited, with more than a third happy to cut their guest list. Its survey also found that 27 per cent are cancelling or delaying their honeymoon; 19 per cent intend to offer a buffet, rather than a three-course meal; and one-tenth are asking their guests to bring a bottle to the reception.
Vice president of international at SmileDirectClub David Cran said: It's great to see that marriages are still on the rise given the current cost-of-living crisis, and it's interesting how British couples are adapting their wedding day plans.
Something that couples do not seem to be cut from their budget is their wedding photography, with people still appreciating the importance of beautiful photos to remember their special day.