This week BBC Newsline have been running a series of documentaries on marriage ‘For better, for worse’

Last night the series focused on how the euro exchange rate is affecting the wedding industry on both sides of the border.

Featured was a couple from Derry who had initially considered getting married south of the border, however, due to the Euro exchange rate they decided to hold their reception at the City Hotel Derry.

Speaking from her wedding day, Shauna said getting married in the south was of no benefit to them, they liked the idea of getting married locally and it meant that guests did not have to pay for overnight accommodation and they could get a taxi home when they wanted, also they saved on not having to provide a bus to transport the guests to the reception.

Ciaran O’Neill of the City Hotel said that as a result of the euro exchange rate they have received approximately 5-6 direct bookings from couples who changed from having their wedding reception in Donegal to having it in the north.  On average brides were finding they were saving an average of £3000 - £5000. He claimed that over the last 3-4 weeks Donegal Hotels were starting to fight back and have had to concede discount to hold onto the 2009 weddings booked with them.

Speaking from the Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel, Donegal, Cecil Doherty said that as a result of loosing two weddings they have had to become more competitive in their food prices.  He stated that in this current climate, money is the obstacle and couples getting married are also looking to buy a house. They are now offering more extras to couples who book with them and this year and next they are giving away a wedding valued at £10,000.

So will Donegals natural beauty enable the hotels to continue to service the somewhat 350 wedding receptions they hold each year.

With the wedding reception representing the biggest expense for most couples, we would be keen to hear your comments. 

Have you decided to move your wedding reception as a result of the euro/sterling differential, or have you been able to agree a great deal with your southern hotel?

For more on this story and other wedding related series visit
http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsline/marriage_index.shtml

Editor@Bookourwedding.com