"Weddings cost around 30,000 today, double what they did 10 years ago, " said Colette O'Loughlin, managing director of simplyweddings. com. "Back then, weddings weren't as flamboyant or showy but now they're more like celebrity weddings.

Little favours like expensive stationery drives costs through the roof. So does spending thousands on flowers. Couples need to shop around, check out prices and realise they don't have to pay through the nose."

O'Loughlin suggests couples borrow a friend's car for the big day, make their own wedding invitations, and go to their local florist with their budget to see if they can arrange the flowers.

Marrying abroad is also a cheaper option, she says, "but most Irish brides are traditionalists at heart and want to marry at home".

When wedding coordinator Kate Deegan started her business, Co-Ordination Made Easy, in 2002, there were only four wedding coordinators in Ireland. But now, she says, "there are about 60 because couples want less stress and don't mind paying extra to ensure the wedding day runs smoothly".

Deegan was the first wedding coordinator to introduce edible menus and chocolate fountains to the Irish wedding scene. Edible menus come in three flavours, with a biscuitbased menu costing 12.50. A Callebaut Belgian chocolate fountain, with dark, milk, and white chocolate, costs 600 plus delivery. It runs for two hours and offers a different selection of dips for your chocolate skewer.

Instead of a guest book, a signature platter is available for 120. Guests can sign the plate, which features a handpainted picture of the couple.

This plate is then put in an oven and dried, ready to hang on the wall.

Claire Hanley Caterers, who catered for model Andrea Roche's recent wedding, will provide a candy-floss machine and menus running throughout the night.

A Luxe Collection handmade Vera Wang dress will set you back up to 24,000, while you could spend 8,500 on a wedding album from Priory Studios.