68% of couples spend more than €20,000 on wedding

MORE than two-thirds of couples are spending more than €20,000 on their weddings, with big-day stress also on the increase.

But romance is not dead — with 80% of newlyweds believing in love at first sight.

According to a survey of more than 200 brides and grooms-to-be, weddings are becoming more lavish, with heavy amounts of planning going into the occasion.

However, the survey, carried out by the Radisson SAS Hotel & Spa in Cork, also found that the stress and strain of preparing for the wedding day is not turning them cynical — 83% believe in love at first sight.

However, some romantic traditions are fading.

Just 56% of marriage proposals are made on bended, knee while 43% of would-be grooms ask their prospective father-in-law for his daughter’s hand in marriage.

A total of 66% of respondents to the poll said that they would be inviting more than 100 guests to their wedding, with 68% spending more than €20,000 on their big day.

More elaborate they may be, but weddings are also described as “incredibly stressful” for both bride and groom as they plan, organise and try to look fantastic at the same time.

Other survey results include:

* Almost 40% of respondents got engaged abroad while 30% did so in the comfort of their own homes.

* 39% were brought to tears by the proposal and 7% reacted with silence.

* Although it was traditionally the men who selected the ring, it seems women now want part of the action with 63% of couples surveyed selecting the engagement ring together.

The wedding survey was published to coincide with the 129-bedroom Radisson’s new wedding package for 2008.

Hotel general manager Ruairi O’Connor said their aim was to take the “ever-increasing pressure” off the couple and provide them with a stress-free day.