Lovers 'often surprised by cost of nuptials'

Getting married in the UK costs more than engaged couples originally think, new research has found.

According to Alliance & Leicester, the average ceremony sets lovers back £3,500 more than they expected, costing some £19,400.

This 22 per cent difference in reckoning could see newlyweds fall into debt as soon as they tie the knot.

Head of personal loans at the firm Richard Al-Dabbagh states that "love is in the air, but so is inflation".

However, he adds that a personal loan could help out those looking to keep their cash in check on the big day.

"Getting the finances right is probably just as important as the choice of reception venue, entertainment or even the rings," says the official.

The world's most expensive wedding is thought to be the union of Vanisha Mittal and Amit Bhatia in June 2004.

Mittal's father spent $60 million (£30 million) on the ceremony.

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