In today’s world, it can be very expensive to launch the perfect wedding. If you are set on a church ceremony followed by a large reception, then the end bill will run into many thousands of pounds – even before thinking about the price of the wedding ring!

For some people, such a big wedding is really not for them, whether it be for financial or a variety of other reasons.  After all, buying the wedding dress, hiring the church and the reception venue can be expensive, but what you are left with afterwards, is the engagement ring, the wedding ring and the wedding photos.
One of the growing trends is for couples to be married at a local registry office and then to have close family and friends at a meal immediately afterwards. Then it is common to have a larger scale celebration at a local venue where all their family and friends attend and party the night away.

This can be a cost effective way of getting married, and one which is becoming more and more common, especially in light of the recent credit crunch.

This method does certainly hold some advantages over the traditional ways to get married, however, one of the downsides is the fact that there is quite a bit of travelling involved for the bride and the groom. Firstly they have to get to the registry office, then to the meal, and then to the venue of the evening celebrations. However, this can make for a very special and original wedding which will be enjoyed by everyone.