The great outdoors

With the average cost of a wedding in the UK now reaching the dizzying heights of £30,355, the government has announced plans to lift restrictions on tying the knot outside in an effort to bring this figure down. The venue is the biggest expense of an average big day. The Treasury has said that by giving people more choice, it could lower the amount spent while giving the hospitality industry a boost.

As it stands, couples must wed in a register office, approved licensed premises or in a religious building. However, with al fresco celebrations on the rise, it could be that couples will soon be able to legally marry outside – bringing England and Wales in line with Scotland, where brides- and grooms-to-be have enjoyed more freedom of choice for years.