There’s a strange by-product of the current credit crunch happening in the wedding industry – couples are choosing the country they wish to get married in by its currency rate. More and more couples are deciding that they get more for their money abroad, especially due to the strength of the pound which makes it even cheaper than before to get married in certain countries, especially the USA where the US dollar is almost $2 to a pound.

Carol Campanella of New York wedding firm Fab NYC Wedding says that she’s seen an increase in business from the UK lately, and they’re all saying it’s because of the cost.
“Business has doubled in the past year and all my couples are from the UK and all come to NYC because it’s a fantastic city but also because they get excellent value for money. Since our dollar hit rock bottom it’s so much cheaper for them. They get married here and even hold large receptions to celebrate after and it’s still much cheaper then if they married at home. ”

Likewise Amy Claassen from Green Route Weddings in Cape Town, South Africa, is finding the same.
“70% of our foreign weddings are from the UK. With the Rand / Pound exchange rate this is becoming an ever-increasing popular and affordable destination. Direct flights and no jet-lag also help. “

With house prices tumbling and the cost of everyday produce soaring, couples don’t want to feel the pinch on their wedding day. The wealth of wedding websites available make it easier than ever to know what the market is offering, and couples are making the most of the growth in broadband to gain plenty of advice and information before deciding where to marry.

Specialist wedding abroad website www.marryabroad.co.uk has seen an increase in wedding enquiries for non-Eurozone countries over the past year, especially for those places which allow couples to benefit from the fluctuating exchange rates.

So, as far as the international wedding industry is concerned, the credit crunch may be a blessing in disguise, with the world economy inadvertently causing a boom in low cost, high quality overseas weddings.


Tags: receptions, wedding day, wedding industry, house prices, rock bottom, fab, exchange rates, direct flights, credit crunch