One In Ten UK Couples Opt for Destination Weddings in 2012 and 2013

A report from Confetti.co.uk has revealed that destination weddings continue to be on the rise for UK couples. The Wedding Report states that one in ten British couples are looking to head to foreign destinations for their nuptials during 2012 and 2013.

Over 5,000 UK brides were asked about their wedding preferences in the comprehensive study and the report revealed that Europe is the leading destination for British couples planning weddings abroad.

Europe attracts four times the number of destination weddings for British brides and grooms than the Caribbean and America.

The top five wedding destinations for Brits were Europe, the Caribbean, the USA/ Canada, Indian Ocean and Africa.

Two thirds of the couples choosing a wedding abroad said that they will be having a ceremony in the United Kingdom to celebrate their nuptials with a larger group of family and friends.

The Wedding Report also unveiled that for 62 per cent of couples, the average wedding budget is £10,000 which is half of the average cost of UK weddings before the recession hit in 2008.

Joanne Diggle, an expert from Confetti.co.uk, explained: "The past few years have held many challenges for people financially, and so it comes as no surprise that today’s couples have had to reduce their wedding budgets accordingly.

"For many, hosting their big day abroad means that they can have the beautiful and romantic wedding of their dreams, but on a much smaller scale, which is a big help towards saving costs."

Greece, Italy, France and Cyprus are popular destinations for weddings in Europe and couples can choose from beach weddings, ceremonies on the top of rugged cliffs, and nuptials in ancient churches.

Caribbean weddings continue to be a popular location for couples from all over the world thanks to the large selection of idyllic islands, tropical weather and all inclusive hotels and resorts. The islands boast stunning scenery comprising white sand palm-fringed beaches, turquoise oceans, rolling green hills, tropical forests and majestic mountain peaks.

Many couples who opt for getting married abroad choose to extend the special event so they can enjoy a romantic honeymoon abroad once the guests have gone home.