Channel 4 were filming at the latest UK Wedding Show at London ExCel, covering a story on how the economic crisis is affecting the UK Wedding Industry.

Although this video shows the negatives, there were a lot of positive comments which ended up on the cutting room floor.

We found that all our wedding shows in the last year have been incredibly popular, with registrations higher than ever.

Here are some other reassuring statistics for those in the business:

• 61% of businesses offering wedding goods and services believe that the industry has been unaffected by the credit crunch; with 31% saying that although it has been affected, people are still spending (source: Hitched.co.uk).
• The bridalwear market has increased by 21 per cent between 2003 and 2008, despite the fact marriage rates are in decline (source: Mintel).
• The cost of the average wedding has grown in the last five years from £14,643 to £20, 273 in 2008. The average of a wedding in 2009 is expected to cost £21,089 (source: Newstartscotland)

See the video here:

The Guardian has a less than optimistic opinion of the UK wedding industry, and suggests that people are putting their lives and wedding plans on hold.

However, there have been a record number of people getting married due to the credit crunch. This seems counter intuitive, but it seems that people are seeking security and stability during a time of financial uncertainty.

We’ve also been seeing ‘credit crunch weddings’ spring up in papers, where couples are getting married for as little as £500, with cut price wedding dresses, second hand rings and help from friends and family.

And more couples are getting married in winter to cut costs as it can be up to 50% cheaper than getting married in the summer.

Another area of growth is the Gay wedding market, which attributed an estimated £70bn last year.

The economy has created a mixed set of result, and the most responsive companies in the wedding industry are likely to prosper.

Further reading:

• The Daily Mail
• The Telegraph
• The Guardian
• The Metro