SSIA windfall fuels increase in wedding spending

The SSIA windfall is fuelling increased spending on weddings in Ireland, according to the Weddings Online website.

The site's management says it has seen a surge in business since the special savings accounts started to mature.

Irish couples are now splashing out an average of €25,000 on their wedding day, including an average of around €1,500 on the bride's dress.

Fireworks, ice-sculptures and chocolate fountains are among the latest popular accessories.

Weddings Online also says Irish people spend an average of around €150 on their wedding gift, compared to €386 in Britain.