New Partyoffers Search:
Proposal frenzy expected this leap year
An estimated 703,000 women will propose to their partners on 29th February, the only day the fairer sex is traditionally allowed to pop the question.
This is according to an estimate by the internet bank Cahoot, which reveals that ladies proposing this leap day have been in their relationship for an average of four and a half years.
Complementary research by the high street lender Alliance & Leicester (A&L) shows that the average wedding costs £11,000 to stage, which can be a prohibitive factor in proposing marriage.
Though the bride's father would traditionally foot this bill, a recent poll has revealed that just three per cent cover the full cost these days.
A&L figures also suggest that 80 per cent of couples now pay for their own nuptials, a fact attributed to the rising average age for wedlock in the 21st century.
The typical bride is 30 years and seven months old when she ties the knot.
The financial advice site Moneyextra.com recommends saving conscientiously over a reasonable period of time before committing to plans, or taking on burdensome debts.
Turning to parents and prospective in-laws is a tried and tested method, but going alone will necessitate prudent saving with a high-return bank account, or a tax free ISA.
Though the interest rate is the same as it was 12 months ago - at 5.25 per cent - husbands and wives-to-be can still find savings accounts with rates above six per cent.
