The Hindu : International : Newly-weds in U.K. want cash

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Apr 06, 2005

International

International

Newly-weds in U.K. want cash

London: Couples in the U.K. preparing for marriage, who once might have requested a range of nest-building homewares as gifts on their big day, now unashamedly ask their guests for cash, according to a survey published on Tuesday. Money has overtaken old favourites kitchen equipment and bed linen as the most ``in demand'' wedding present for modern Britons — though couples are almost as ready to accept vouchers as hard cash. Toast racks and gravy boats have also been trounced by requests for contributions towards holidays (presumably aimed at funding the honeymoon in Fiji), or even ``adventure experiences'' such as hot-air ballooning for those who do not regard marriage as adventure enough. The one million-plus Britons of more modest backgrounds marrying this year will receive, on average, £2,059 worth of gifts per couple, according to the study by the polling firm YouGov. Nearly two-thirds of modern partners ask for cash or vouchers, another 16 per cent holidays and 10 per cent adventure experiences. A mere 3 per cent request kitchen equipment, reflecting a trend towards later marriage.

- Guardian Newspapers Limited 2005

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