Planning on getting hitched but struggling to afford your dream wedding? Maybe you should head over to the UK where a church is offering free weddings that include a dress, a photographer and a flower arrangement.
Barbara Taylor, the wife of Pastor David Taylor, is offering a free wedding service at her husband’s church (St Hild and St Helen’s Church in Dawdon, Seaham) in the hopes that it will encourage more people to waltz up the aisle and swap vows.
We all know that weddings are expensive things, and since Ms Taylor’s “Marriage Matters Scheme” began, it has over seen 39 marriages, with 11 already booked in for 2013.
Marriage Matters was launched in 2009, and on the scheme brides-to-be can avail of a tiara, a wedding dress, flowers, a venue and a suit for their man (amongst other things).
“Marriage is important. For years I have known couples who have lived together for a while then something happened and they wanted to have a nice wedding, but they couldn’t afford it,” said Ms Taylor.
“It’s important to offer the service for them, but also when you get married you commit to each other and that is important. I don’t know about men, but for women I think it is vital to feel that someone is committed to you and will keep you safe, and that you are placing your trust in each other,” she added.
The church is offering free weddings to encourage couples to tie the knot
Ms Taylor also said that marriage is important for the sake of any children born into a relationship.
“As well as that it makes it harder to get out of a relationship. People can’t just walk away and say ‘I’m out,’” she said.
So what do you have to do in order to avail of a free wedding? Well you and your future hubby must attend a four part pre-nuptial counselling course, a wedding rehearsal and one of the Sunday services during the three weeks leading up to the big day.
Freebie wedding – would you consider having one?
