Weddings cost guests dearly

Wedding guests spend almost £300 each on gifts, travelling to the ceremony and toasting the happy couple, according to research published today.

The average cost of a present is £94, with a further £79 being spent on travel and accommodation in addition to the cost of eating and drinking.

People in the east of England were the most generous, spending an average of £174 on a present, compared to just £39 for people in the West Midlands.

A survey of 2,000 people for Morgan Stanley Credit Card found that women spent £135 on their hen night, while grooms spent £238 on their stag party.

Patrick Muir, marketing director of Morgan Stanley's consumer banking group, said: "The British wedding has changed. With this evolution has come added expense - and not just for the bride and groom."