Weddings in Scotland cost an average of £35,674 and are now more likely to take place in autumn than summer, according to a survey.
The price of tying the knot rose £4,507 – up 15 per cent compared with last year – and the total has almost doubled since the survey by magazine Scottish Wedding Directory began in 2013.
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Last year, only 34% of Scottish weddings took place in summer – traditionally the busiest season – against 37% in autumn.
The annual survey reveals couples now prefer to get hitched in September, October and November and it’s believed the rising cost of weddings is behind the trend.
Planners suggest better weather in autumn over the past few years has also encouraged more couples to choose autumnal ceremonies.
Natasha Radmehr, editor of the Scottish Wedding Directory, said: “We’ve definitely noticed an increase in the number of autumn weddings being sent to us by readers and photographers.
“I think there are a few reasons at play here: our autumns have been milder in recent years; it can also be a little cheaper to get married at this time; and you can’t bank on sunshine at a summer wedding anyway.
“And, in fact, your wedding photos can look even better in the low light of autumn - there’s something very romantic about Scotland’s landscapes on an overcast day, which fits with the current trend for slightly dark, under-saturated images.
“The colours associated with autumn weddings are really fashionable just now, too. Pastels have been replaced in recent years with richer tones, so we’re seeing bridesmaids wearing forest green instead of mint green, and bouquets packed with red and burgundy flowers, which are in season at that time of year.”
Ms Radmehr added that spiralling costs are another factor in the move to September, October and November ceremonies and would-be-brides and grooms could save “anything between £1,000 and £4,000” by opting for a wedding date in autumn months.
Ms Radmehr added: “It can be cheaper to get married in autumn, with some venues lowering prices from October onwards.
“The majority of venues will offer their most competitively priced packages between November and March. The discounts vary, but you could be looking at saving anything between £1,000 and £4,000.”
But the taste for more extravagant weddings is also driving up prices - as is a desire to have a perfect Instagram-worthy day.
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“This is something I’ve seen over the past couple of years,” said Jordana Patrick, of wedding designer Jordana Events. “Couples are now keen to wow their guests with increasingly opulent arrangements.
“Floral walls and floral ceilings have become especially popular over the past couple of years.
“Social media has played a huge part in this - couples know their ceremonies are going to be appearing on Instagram for thousands of people to see.”
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