With all the concerns about the credit crunch you may wonder, how are people’s wedding plans holding up against the current economic climate?

Brides to be are still focussed on their special day. The wedding is still the most important date in her life. She has been thinking of this day since she was a little girl. The UK Wedding Shows are seeing little change in demand where Exhibitions are concerned. With our last three shows completely full, and demand for tickets enormously strong. We’re expecting in future to help make quite a few very special days.

Are couples more thrifty or are they still treating themselves to those luxury wedding items?

There are certain things a bride will not compromise on and that depends on the individual. Its more a question of transfer of funds into areas that are most important to them. If they have dreamt of getting married at a particular venue or in a particular dress, that’s what they will do. Brides would rather cut back on their social life or day to day expenses to afford those extra luxuries.

How much roughly is the average wedding these days?

I think it is very important to set a budget whether there is a credit crunch or not. The average budget is between £15,000 to £20,000. This is of course just an average and I believe it doesn’t matter if you are spending £2000 or £100,000. What’s important is for the bride and groom to have a fabulous day.

What about your dear parents, are couples are asking parents to help with the
expenses?

It used be the parents of the bride that traditionally met the cost. I would say, if anything, couples are contributing more, and there is more lending of skills and talents amongst friends. This is only a part of the overall picture.

Is there more of a trend for couples asking for money as a wedding gift?

It seems quite new here but has been traditional in many other European Countries.

Brides have more choice then ever before, where to place their wedding gift list. Whether they favour tradition, eco friendly or charity based companies again it is up to the individual couple.

So what are some of the essential items and fashions for weddings and Brides this year?

It doesn’t matter what trends are out there. More than ever a bride can source hundreds of suppliers to create whatever style or theme that she has always dreamt of.