How to beat the recession and pay for your wedding day

It seems the lure of love is more powerful than the demands of the recession - at least for one engaged couple.

Like many couples soon to tie the knot, Emily Warr and Stephen Shaw carefully planned every detail of their big day - from the wedding venue to the honeymoon, everything had been thought of.

Having already put down deposits for most things, their plans were thrown into disarray when Stephen's employer cut his hours because of the impact of the financial downturn. The news left them worrying about how they could find the £11,000 they need to pay for everything.

Through a combination of ingenuity and cheek appears to be the answer. The couple have advertised on eBay for people to sponsor their wedding. Anyone generous enough to make a £10 donation to their wedding fund can expect a personal thank you letter and a wedding photo in return.

Emily told Sky News she hoped people would be kind enough to help them out, adding: "We're in a difficult situation but we love each other. Love is what makes the world go round - not money."

The pair's approach is certainly an unusual one - and some people are bound to ask why they feel compelled to spend so much money on one day, when it is what the marriage ceremony represents that really matters.

But, I can't help wishing them good luck and not just because I admire their audacity. The vows may be the most important part of any wedding day, but there's nothing wrong with wanting to share your happiness with your family and friends by following the ceremony with a lavish wedding reception.

Would you ever do anything like this in order to pay for your dream wedding?