Research reveals top wedding annoyances in the UK

The top wedding bugbears have been unveiled in new research by high street jewellers Goldsmiths

A wedding should be one of life’s happiest occasions, both for the newlyweds and their guests. However, a new survey by high street jewellers Goldsmiths has revealed some of the UK’s top annoyances with regards to planning and attending a wedding.

More than a third of respondents revealed outrage at the thought of being invited to a hen or stag party abroad when the wedding is also overseas, and almost a fifth of single guests were disappointed at not being allowed a plus one. Furthermore, nearly a fifth of those surveyed were annoyed at being asked to give a monetary gift to the happy couple – while more than half of the brides that responded admitted they would be disappointed if they received a physical gift when money had been politely requested.

Other wedding bugbears included:

1. Being invited to a hen/stag do and wedding abroad (39%)
2. Screaming children (36%)
3. Drunken relatives (34%)
4. Inconvenient location (29%)
5. Long and cringe worthy speeches (29%)
6. Long ceremony (26%)
7. Long waits for food (25%)
8. Not receiving a plus one when invited (22%)
9. Being asked for money for the wedding gift (17%)
10. When a wedding falls on a weekday (13%)

The amount of money spent on attending a wedding is also increasing, with the average guest spending £217 on outfits, gifts, accommodation and travel. In fact, 12% of survey respondents admitted they had spent an enormous £500 on their role as a wedding guest. Meanwhile, the average wedding gift comes in at £74.12.  

Craig Bolton, executive director at Goldsmiths, said: “It’s fascinating to get an insight into the UK’s thoughts around what is right and wrong when it comes to wedding celebrations – especially when it’s so important for things to run smoothly on the big day.”