Average wedding `costs pounds 17,000'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MONEY MAY not buy you love but you will need a lot of it if you are planning on tying the knot in the style to which today's bride has become accustomed.
The average cost of a wedding has risen to pounds 17,249 - 58 per cent more than a decade ago though prices generally have only risen by a third.
New figures published today show that the budget never matches the final bill. While couples generally estimate that their big day will cost pounds 11,000, they spend at least pounds 6,000 more.
Honeymoons take up a large chunk at pounds 2,857 with 19 per cent of brides still expecting it to be a surprise. But receptions eat up the biggest proportion of the bill costing an average of pounds 6,076 including pounds 1,129 on drinks.
Once the venue, catering, drinks, wedding cake, favours and entertainment have all been paid for, each guests costs an average of pounds 57.
In turn, they are expected to fork out an average total of pounds 1,642 on items from wedding gift lists which are still favoured by 66 per cent of bridal couples.
Despite marriages lasting an average of 11 years, Office of National Statistics figures show that the number of weddings was up 4.7 per cent last year.
Many couples still opt for a traditional religious ceremony with 51 per cent choosing a church and a similar number plumping for big receptions with more than 100 guests.
The annual survey in You & Your Wedding, published today during National Marriage Week, revealed that almost half of couples take out wedding insurance.
Engagement and wedding rings now cost an average of pounds 1,954, almost double the pounds 1,009 in 1994. The groom spends just pounds 242 on his outfit compared with pounds 1,530 for the bride's ensemble. More than pounds 100 alone goes on lingerie.
While the bride might not vow to obey her husband, 86 per cent still adopt his name.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments