Newly engaged couples shouldn’t have to dig too deep into their pockets when planning their special day if they make the most of a series of do-it-yourself wedding workshops in the south London borough of Merton on Saturday, 21 February.

The workshops are part of an official wedding event organised by Merton Adult Education for couples that would like to learn how to plan their wedding on a budget.

Workshops include jewellery making, table dressing, wedding photography, speech writing and wedding stationary.

Councillor Maurice Groves, cabinet member for community services at Merton Council says: “Valentines Day is typically a popular time for couples to pop the big question. But once the reality of costs sinks in, planning a wedding can quickly become an expensive uphill struggle.

The average cost of a UK wedding now sits at around £15,925 according to the latest figures from You & Your Wedding magazine.

Councillor Groves says: “We understand that in this current financial climate, couples need all the help they can get to save money when embarking on their new life together.

“The purpose of this event is to give them an opportunity to learn where they can shave off unnecessary expenses so they can still make their special day memorable, affordable and within budget. The credit crunch doesn’t have to mean the end of the glorious white wedding, just one with a few less frills and a lot less debt.”

The Merton Adult Education wedding event takes place on Saturday, 21 February 2009 and is open to anyone wanting to learn the tricks of the wedding trade.

Bookings are essential and more information is available by phoning 020 8543 9292.

Notes to editors:
· Merton Adult Education offers a wide range of courses, including a number of new workshops for people who would like to learn more about how to survive the credit crunch.
· A new spring prospectus is available by visiting http://www.merton.gov.uk/adulteducation

-Ends-