31 March 2011

Cost of Weddings Abroad Set to Rise

The cost to family and friends is increasing as engaged couples are not making a contribution to travelling costs or accommodation.

Couples are opting to get married abroad new research shows, although 80 percent of guests expect a contribution towards their travel costs.

The study by Post Office International Payments revealed 78 percent of people would have their dream wedding abroad rather than in their local town.

Those planning a wedding abroad however may not realise that the costs may be more than they had anticipated, as four fifths of guests expect financial help with the holiday costs.

A further one in ten also thinks the marrying couple should let guests stay for the honeymoon.

"With more people deciding to marry overseas, the cost to friends and family is increasing, and for over a third the costs have become too high, without a contribution from the marrying couple,” said Sarah Munro, spokesperson, Post Office International Payments.

"When planning a wedding overseas, costs can easily spiral out of control, whether it's the venue and ceremony or the catering for guests.”

The overseas wedding destination of choice is the Caribbean, with 23 percent of couples citing that as their favourite romantic place, followed by Mauritius, Australia, and New Zealand.

37 percent of people who would be guests would be less willing to attend if there was no contribution towards the cost of food, travel, or accommodation.

A beach wedding is the most popular choice for those who would like to get married somewhere other than the UK, while 10 percent would prefer a fairytale castle. 12 percent of 55-64 year olds would opt for a cruise.

Comparing Wedding Insurance

If you are in the process of planning a wedding abroad, it is even more important that you have relevant wedding insurance in place. This can be even more complicated to obtain, when you have to factor in the travel costs and an overseas venue.

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