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Strict dress codes, never-ending speeches and formal sit-down dinners are officially out, according to new research revealing what guests really want at weddings. The study, commissioned by multi-store gift card, One4all Gift Cards, found that more than half (54%) of guests would scrap strict dress codes, while almost a third (31%) would cut the speeches altogether.
Instead, guests are prioritising good vibes, great food and plenty of dancing – with 53% saying catching up with friends and family is the best part of attending weddings, followed closely by the food (52%) and music (38%). When asked about their dream wedding food set up, guests steered away from tradition as nearly half (46%) prefer a buffet or grazing table over a formal three-course meal (43%), while one in ten (10%) prefer street food or food trucks. As for what to wear, more than one in three (37%) said they'd rather choose an outfit they're comfortable in as 10% admit to finding dress codes confusing or stressful. And just 14% chose speeches as a favourite moment, while more than half (55%) say one or two short speeches are enough.
When it comes to cost, celebrating love doesn't come cheaply, as Brits say they spend an average of £219.65 per wedding. In fact, only a quarter (25%) say they spend less than £100. As a result, more than one in five (22%) admit they've had to decline an invite for financial reasons. Top of guests' wish lists? A wedding that puts people first. Almost half (49%) said making guests feel welcome and relaxed is the most important part of any wedding, far ahead of food (16%), music (17%) or even the schedule (18%).
Lou Hickey, EMEA Marketing Director at One4all Gift Cards, commented: "Wedding traditions may be changing, but celebrating love and catching up with family remains the most important part. While the couple want a day to remember, our research shows guests care less about the formalities and more about genuine connections and good company. Whether it's swapping speeches for a longer drinks reception or ditching the dress code, this shows there's a real shift towards more relaxed, people-first celebrations."
Wedding guests' top 10 favourite aspects of weddings:
The One4all Gift Card is a perfect wedding gift for the happy couple. As a multi-store gift card, it lets them choose something they truly love. Whether it's a treat for themselves or something useful, they can spend it directly in-store or online with 100s of retailers on 1000s of brands – so there's something to suit every couple's taste. Ranging in value from £10-£120, you can pick up a One4all Gift Card at your local Post Office, Tesco, selected Morrisons and Morrisons Daily, Sainsbury's, John Lewis, Waitrose, Co-op, Aldi, Poundland, Payzone, Iceland, The Food Warehouse, Argos, Currys or Farmfoods stores, or buy online at Amazon or one4all.com.
