UK Wedding News
24/02/2012
According to the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker four million consumers expected to propose, or be proposed to, over the holiday. Additionally, 14 million expect a proposal at some point in 2012.
That's a whole lot more romantic than the actual experience of recent years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, just over 2 million couples tied the knot in 2008. Many of those proposing on Valentine's Day won't get married until next year or later, but the survey results suggest a lot of cold feet when it comes time to actually ask the question.
But for those who went ahead with their proposal plans, the trend of "engagementcations" continues, with 30% of consumers naming a weekend getaway or vacation as the best setting to pop the question, while a romantic proposal at home took second place (19%).
The True Cost of Bling
Dreaming of a star-worthy bling? Not so fast. Despite the publicity surrounding celebrities dropping millions on engagement rings, everyday consumers are more modest when it comes to the actual amount they intend to spend. Forty-eight percent of single consumers feel between $1,000 and $5,000 is appropriate amount for couples to spend on an engagement ring this year. Others feel the price range should be even lower, with 22% citing $1,000 to $1,999 as appropriate, and 21% citing less than $500. Five percent felt shelling out $10,000 or more for the ring was most suitable.
From First Dates to Marriage
When unmarried consumers were asked who pays for a date, 58% of unmarried men overwhelmingly identified themselves, while only 39% of women expect men to foot the bill. In fact, many women will break out their own wallets despite tradition: 39% believe whoever asked for the date should pay, and 14% would split the bill.
How long into dating before finances are disclosed? Fifty percent report that they waited at least six months before discussing their finances. Among married couples, 20% waited until after saying ‘I Do' and 26% broached the subject during their engagement.
The majority of married couples surveyed maintain joint checking (66%) and/or saving (51%) accounts, and many discuss their finances on a regular basis. More than half (56%) of couples say they speak about money once a week or more with their spouse, while 25% opt to discuss finances once or twice a month.
"Whether people planned to get engaged, or just celebrate the holiday with flowers and a night out, consumers are telling us they opened their wallets a little wider for Valentine's day," said Sonali Chakravorti, Vice President at American Express.
(GK)
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Valentines Surge In Engagements Revealed
Four million people had engagement plans for Valentines Day, a survey has shown.According to the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker four million consumers expected to propose, or be proposed to, over the holiday. Additionally, 14 million expect a proposal at some point in 2012.
That's a whole lot more romantic than the actual experience of recent years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, just over 2 million couples tied the knot in 2008. Many of those proposing on Valentine's Day won't get married until next year or later, but the survey results suggest a lot of cold feet when it comes time to actually ask the question.
But for those who went ahead with their proposal plans, the trend of "engagementcations" continues, with 30% of consumers naming a weekend getaway or vacation as the best setting to pop the question, while a romantic proposal at home took second place (19%).
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The True Cost of Bling
Dreaming of a star-worthy bling? Not so fast. Despite the publicity surrounding celebrities dropping millions on engagement rings, everyday consumers are more modest when it comes to the actual amount they intend to spend. Forty-eight percent of single consumers feel between $1,000 and $5,000 is appropriate amount for couples to spend on an engagement ring this year. Others feel the price range should be even lower, with 22% citing $1,000 to $1,999 as appropriate, and 21% citing less than $500. Five percent felt shelling out $10,000 or more for the ring was most suitable.
From First Dates to Marriage
When unmarried consumers were asked who pays for a date, 58% of unmarried men overwhelmingly identified themselves, while only 39% of women expect men to foot the bill. In fact, many women will break out their own wallets despite tradition: 39% believe whoever asked for the date should pay, and 14% would split the bill.
How long into dating before finances are disclosed? Fifty percent report that they waited at least six months before discussing their finances. Among married couples, 20% waited until after saying ‘I Do' and 26% broached the subject during their engagement.
The majority of married couples surveyed maintain joint checking (66%) and/or saving (51%) accounts, and many discuss their finances on a regular basis. More than half (56%) of couples say they speak about money once a week or more with their spouse, while 25% opt to discuss finances once or twice a month.
"Whether people planned to get engaged, or just celebrate the holiday with flowers and a night out, consumers are telling us they opened their wallets a little wider for Valentine's day," said Sonali Chakravorti, Vice President at American Express.
(GK)
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