5th April 2005
Money not toasters top wedding wish lists
More than a million Britons1 (2 per cent) plan to marry in 2005 and can expect to receive £2.2 billion worth of wedding gifts, according to new research from Direct Line Home Insurance.
But it's cash not crockery that newlyweds are demanding – couples can expect to receive an average of £20593 worth of presents, yet six in 10 (62 per cent) would rather have money or vouchers to deck out their homes or treat themselves to goods they really want.
This contrasts sharply with 20 years ago when kitchen equipment (35 per cent) was the most 'in demand' present, and bedding (42 per cent), which topped the gift wish list 30 years ago.
In fact, the Direct Line research reveals that only three percent of today's brides and grooms request kitchen equipment, in line with the trend to get hitched later in life following years of domesticity.
After cash, today's newlyweds want holidays (16 per cent) and adventure experiences (10 per cent) such as hot-air ballooning over traditional gifts.
Worryingly, more than half (55 per cent) of newlyweds fail to protect their new possessions with adequate cover.
Young couples in particular are at risk as over three-quarters (76 per cent) fail to re-assess the value of the home contents sum insured following marriage.
Simon Ziviani from Direct Line Home Insurance comments:
"It is understandable that insurance will not be a priority for most newlyweds directly after marriage, yet the reality is that most will suddenly have thousands of extra pounds worth of valuables in the home, which may mean that additional insurance is needed.
To ensure the 'honeymoon period' doesn't come to an abrupt end, re-evaluating home contents cover should be up there with writing the thank you cards and showing off the wedding photos."
Special Events cover, which is offered as standard with Direct Line Home Insurance, provides an automatic, additional 10% contents cover leading up to and following special events such as weddings, Christmas etc.
Wedding Gift Wish List
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2005
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20 years ago
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30 years ago
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1
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Money (34%)
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Kitchen equipment (35%)
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Bed Linen (42%)
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2
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Vouchers (28%)
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Money (29%)
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Kitchen equipment (38%)
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3
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Holiday (16%)
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Dinner service (27%)
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Dinner service (32%)
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4
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Adventure experience (10%)
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Bed Linen (25%)
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Towels (23%)
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5
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Kitchen equipment (3%)
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Towels (22%)
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Cutlery sets (19%)
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For a competitive quote on home and contents insurance, telephone 0845 246 0355 or buy online at www.directline.com
-ends-
For further information please contact:
Simon Ziviani
Direct Line Press Office
Tel: 0845 878 2270
Email: simon.ziviani@directline.com
Notes to editor
The research was carried out online between 25th and 28th February 2005. YouGov interviewed a total of 2,028 UK adults aged 18 and above. Results were weighted to be representative of the UK population.
1. Those getting married in next 12 months (weighted base 38) divided by total weighted base 2082 x 100 = 1.8 per cent x 58,789,194 (Total UK population according to the Census 2001) = 1,073,001.61
2. 1,073,001 will marry and receive on average £2059 (see point 4). The total value of presents they can expect to receive is £2.2bn (2059 x 1,073,001)
3. On average guests receive 29 wedding gifts and the average value of a wedding gift is £70.87, therefore the total value of gifts received by each bride and groom is £2059.
Direct Line Insurance plc, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Calls may be recorded. Conditions apply.
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