Technology helps couples trim their budgets

New research from electrical specialist Comet found over half of couples are taking a DIY approach to their nuptials, using their own technology to cut costs.

One in ten couples ditched the organist or DJ in favour of an iPod playlist and 62 per cent of the newlyweds dispensed with the traditional photo album in favour of photo sharing sites like Flickr and Facebook.

Over a quarter of couples getting married this year will use a friend or family member to take the official wedding shots and a third will send e-vites to guests to cut down on the cost of printing.

Furthermore, social media has become an integral part of the wedding day with one in ten brides and grooms updating their Facebook status during the ceremony or 'checking in' to church.

Guests are also saving on the cost of getting to the venue with 2 per cent attending via a live Skype feed.

With the average UK wedding estimated at a whopping £18,605 in 2011, it’s little wonder that brides and grooms are looking for innovate ways to make savings.

Siobhan Craven-Robins, wedding planning expert said: “Weddings are so important to people that they often think that they need to spend a lot to get the perfect day and it’s just not the case.

“Due to the recession, I’ve worked with lots of couples recently who are looking to cut costs where possible, yet still have their dream day. With the advances in technology, there's no reason why you cannot have a D-I-Y wedding.”