National Savings: Credit cards fund one in four honeymoons

One in four couples would get into credit card debt to pay for their dream honeymoon, according to National Savings and Investments.

09:28 24 November 2004

One in four couples would get into credit card debt to pay for their dream honeymoon, according to National Savings and Investments.

With most Britons seeing their dream honeymoon taking place on tropical beaches and costing between 1,500 and 2,500, credit cards and loans are used by many to fund their romantic getaway.

In total 35 per cent of people plan to get into debt to pay for the trips, but National Savings and Investments urges people to take another route.

"Coming back from the holiday of a lifetime to bills or diminished savings may rob you of your holiday glow," warns John Prout, sales director at National Savings and Investments.

"If you are lucky enough to receive a proposal or are planning to propose in the next few months, make a smart decision and start a separate saving pot. Debts shouldn't be one of the reminders of your big day," he added.

While just 27 per cent of people plan to pay for their honeymoon with their salary, the survey also found that resourceful couples used every means at their disposal to pay for their celebrations.

According to Your Wedding Magazine the average ceremony now costs 15,764, with one in six people planning to spend a further 5,000 on their honeymoon.

A lucky ten per cent of people will have their parents pay for their ideal getaway, while 65 per cent of newlyweds dip into their savings to fund the trip.

Nineteen per cent put their honeymoon on their wedding lists - getting friends and family to trade in the traditional toaster for travel vouchers.