RECEPTION Garden Party 8698 views

’DIY weddings’ soar as the credit crunch hits the wedding industry and couples look for penny-saving ideas. B&Q reports a rise in the number of ‘garden weddings’ and shares a few store secrets with WP.

With the cost of the average UK wedding reaching £15,925◊, Brits feeling the pinch of the credit crunch simply can’t afford to get married the traditional way and increasingly grooms are leading their brides down the garden path rather than up the aisle.

August, traditionally the busiest month for nuptials, saw couples across the UK making the most of the limited good weather this year. According to B&Q, this summer saw more brides turning their backs on celebrity-style weddings to hold more intimate gatherings in their back gardens. Lucy Noonan, founder of The Event Dressers says: “In 2008 we have seen a big rise in the number of garden and gazebo weddings. Couples appear to be cutting costs on venue hire, choosing instead to invest in long-lasting and cost effective products for the garden which can then be styled to create a luxury look for less for their big day.”

A DIY wedding doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style though. B&Q sells a number of affordable ‘garden wedding’ products to help ensure the big day is one to remember. Caroline Slavin Category Manager for Garden Leisure at B&Q says: “Following the increase in more intimate, personal and lower budget garden weddings, we’ve introduced some new pergolas and arbours. Our range of gazebos – essential for the British weather – offer affordable solutions for weddings and celebrations that will last for years to come.” The Grange Flower Walk (£479) will create a beautiful aisle in any garden and the Jac Flower Domed Pergola (£649) provides the perfect setting to make your vows. Entertain your guests in style with the grand Sundowner Bar (£3299) - made from 100% FSC certified wood it offers a permanent longterm solution for al-fresco summer entertaining.

To find your nearest B&Q store, call 0845 850 0175 or go to diy.com.

◊Source: You & Your Wedding Magazine, June 2008
Image © iStockphoto

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