Economic effects on weddings - not very romantic

It is a very unromantic thought but one that demands serious consideration - how is the economy going to effect your wedding planning?

Following news that demand for platinum rings in China is going to go through the roof this year because the metal's value has dropped significantly compared to gold, I got to thinking that making important and life-long decisions based on the state of the markets is not something I would be very keen on.

Yes, I accept that in desperate financial times it is important to tighten the purse strings and cut down on spending, but when it comes to something like deciding on a wedding ring, a bride and groom should settle for nothing less than their dream design.

I for one would not like to have a platinum ring just because it was cheap - if it meant postponing the wedding date until money was more abundant then so be it.

Granted, the Chinese are in somewhat of a predicament at the moment, in that 2009 is believed to be an auspicious year for tying the knot. Indeed, according to Reuters, wedding venues are already booked up around the country. 

However, here in the UK, where we are less superstitious, there is nothing forcing couples into getting married when finances are low.

Marriages are all about compromise, so shouldn't weddings be the same?