SURVEY: How Many Weddings We’re Attending Every Year – And What We’re Spending

I do. You do. She does. He does.  According to new research, it seems that over two thirds (69 per cent) of us will attend up to four weddings this year while a very popular 7 per cent claim that they will be going to more than five weddings. The research, carried out by Newbridge Silverware, found that 40 per cent of us spend between €100 and €150 on a wedding present while a third (32 per cent) spend €150 - €200. It seems that Irish wedding guests are a generous bunch with over half (54 per cent) of those polled saying they usually buy the happy couple a gift even if they don’t attend the wedding.   However, for those having their nuptials abroad, you can expect a cheaper gift as 41 per cent say they spend less on the present if they’re required to leave the country for the big day. While cash is the most popular gift to give (37 per cent), 30 per cent feel that it’s impersonal. Just over a third (34 per cent) get around this issue by giving some sort of keepsake along with cash to the happy couple. While we’re happy to splash out on a wedding present, when it comes to engagement gifts we’re more reluctant. Almost half (48 per cent) say they don’t buy engagement presents with 23 per cent saying they believe that simply giving a card is sufficient. Of those that buy engagement presents, 43 per cent say they spend under €50 while 26 per cent say they spend €50-€100. It's certainly the case that blood is thicker than water, as a whopping 87 per cent say they would spend more on a gift if it’s a family member getting married.