Wedding costs are on the rise and are up by more than 3000% since the 1950s. Chancellor Philip Hammond has recently launched a review into the current marriage laws. As a result, weddings could be cheaper in future since they will no longer need to be held in a specific area. Weddings could, therefore, take place outside, in a pub, restaurant or alternative venue in future. We look back at how weddings have changed over the years and what the proposed changes could mean to future brides.
1950s
Weddings in the 1950s were a low-cost affair after the end of World War 2 but became more elaborate towards the end of the decade.
- Average weekly wage – £9.55
- Total wedding cost – £70
- Reception Location – Church
- Food served – Cold buffet
1960s
Receptions were no longer an added bonus to a wedding. Brides experimented styles such as boho and space age.
- Average weekly wage – £18.25
- Total wedding cost – £50
- Reception Location – Local Hall
- Food served – Salad
1970s
Disco music, of course, took over wedding receptions in the 1970s.
- Average weekly wage – £34.64
- Total wedding cost – £100
- Reception Location – Local Pub
- Food served – Chicken and chips
1980s
Lace, shoulder pads, veils and long trains were in after Princess Diana married Prince Charles. Weddings also started being recorded via camcords.
- Average weekly wage – £145.88
- Total wedding cost – £1,150
- Reception Location – Dance Centre
- Food served – Prawn cocktail, chicken kiev and black forest gateaux
1990s
Weddings became non-traditional with destination weddings becoming popular.
- Average weekly wage – £340.18
- Total wedding cost – £340.18
- Reception Location – Countryside Hotel
- Food served – Soup, duck or chicken and cheesecake
2000s
Disposable cameras and cupcakes were popular wedding guest favours.
- Average weekly wage – £532.34
- Total wedding cost – £17,000
- Reception Location – Family Home
- Food served – Hog roast, cupcakes and sweet trolleys
2019
The review into marriage laws recently put forward by Chancellor Philip Hammond, are intended to reduce red tape and modernise wedding venues. Currently, a venue will need to have a specific area for the ceremony to take place in, in order to get a licence. And it also needs to be part of a building rather than in the open air or in a marquee. Licence holders must ensure no food or alcoholic drinks are sold or consumed in the wedding area an hour before or after the ceremony takes place. The expected review will not only allow couples to marry outside, but to also share a drink with their guests immediately after they’ve exchange vows. The average cost of venue hire for a wedding in the UK is £4,500, but the cost of saying ‘I do’ should be significantly slashed in 2019 if the reforms go ahead.
