Couples tighten purse strings on wedding plans

COUPLES are starting to tighten their purse strings when planning for their big day, a survey conducted by a Cork hotel has revealed.

The survey of more than 500 brides and grooms, carried out by the West Cork Hotel in Skibbereen found that 47% of couples are omitting things they had originally planned to have due to the recession and financial constraints.

The top exemptions listed by the couples include wedding cars, traditional wedding bands and favours.

The survey also revealed that 58% of couples are paying for their own weddings, with just 30% of couples planning to borrow money.

A quarter of those surveyed said they will receive financial assistance from their parents, with just 14% of the bride’s parents taking on the traditional role of paying for the big day.

The average cost of a wedding came in at €12,500, with 44% expecting to spend between €5,000 and €10,000 and 11% spending more than €25,000.

The amount a bride will spend on her wedding dress also averaged at €1,400.

In terms of top honeymoon destinations for Irish couples, Ireland ranked third after the US and the Caribbean.

Just 6% of those surveyed thought the church was the most important element of the day, with the hotel or venue and food coming out on top with 81% and the priest was cited by 3% of couples.

December was found to be the most popular month for engagements with 36% going down on bended knee, followed by April at 26%.

Also turning traditions on their head, 78% believed it acceptable for a woman to propose to the man.

According to the West Cork Hotel’s wedding coordinator, Karen Buchanan, the survey has given an interesting insight to wedding couples.

“We celebrate 100 years of hosting weddings this year... it is important to know the needs of our couples for the future.”

As part of the celebrations the West Cork Hotel is offering one couple the chance to win a wedding to the value of €10,000.

Entries are being accepted on www.westcorkhotel.com.

For couples looking for money saving ideas, The Wedding Experience will be held at the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork on October 2-3.