There's also a popular month to pop the question! Irish couples are forking out more and more money for their wedding days and honeymoons according to a new survey. The research, carried out by wedding site Mrs2Be.ie revealed that couples are paying almost €24,000 for their big day. The results were compiled after a survey of almost 2,500 brides and grooms and showed that more money is being spent by Irish couples on things such as the photographer, hair and make-up and the cake. However, the results also show that couples are spending less on other things such as the dress, jewellery and the venue. Elsewhere, couples are reportedly spending in the region of €41 to €60 per guest, with the average number of guests ranging between 101 and 150. As for those wedding speeches, 38.4 per cent of couples are now holding them before the meal. The survey also showed that Irish engagements are getting shorter. A previous study found the average engagement to be about two years, while this year, it has dropped to 13 to 18 months. Just 8.8 per cent of couples are not living together before the big day, with a further 73.8 per cent tying the knot in a church. And the most popular month to get down on one knee in Ireland? December, the month of good will and tidings.