Debenhams Reveals That Brides are Opting for Cheaper Winter Weddings

LONDON, November 19, 2010 - Debenhams has revealed that even though Prince William and Kate Middleton
are opting for a summer wedding, research from high street retailer shows
that other couples are watching the pennies and opting for a cheaper winter
wedding instead.

Winter weddings are up 28 per cent with the week of Sunday 26th December,
which includes Boxing Day and New Year's Eve, now as popular as the first
week in July, previously known as the peak wedding week.

The change was noted when the Debenhams wedding list (
www.debenhamsweddings.com/weddings_fld/wedding_home.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=614851&bmUID=1289990228148)
service experienced a record number of
couples registering lists in September and October for weddings taking place
from November through to February.

Ruth Attridge, Debenhams' spokesperson said: "These days, a white wedding
could easily mean the appearance of snow on the big day as much as the
bride's dress.

"By marrying in the colder winter months, a couple can save a
considerable amount of money without losing any of the romance.

"In addition, unlike the expensive and wedding-heavy summer months,
winter wedding guests are likely to be more generous when splashing out on
wedding gifts.

"We'd like to pass on our congratulations to Prince William and Kate
Middleton and will be watching to see if their upcoming summer nuptials will
reverse the trend with couples rushing to mirror their celebrations."

Debenhams research shows that booking a wedding on a Friday or Sunday,
rather than the standard Saturday, has also increased in popularity with
brides and grooms looking to cut costs.

Jetting off to sunnier climes for a wedding abroad is up 34 per cent,
proving popular during the winter months for guaranteed blue skies for the
wedding photos.

Ruth Attridge added: "The growing trend of winter weddings is reflected
in the items featuring on wedding lists. As well as 15 tog duvets, we're
seeing hot water bottles, blankets, casserole dishes and chunky knitwear
(www.debenhams.com/women/knitwear) being snapped up by friends and
family.

"Couples have also told us that they are saving even more money by using
artificial Christmas trees and Christmas decorations (
www.debenhams.com/christmas/christmas-decorations-cards-wrap/christmas-decorations)
to dress their venues."

Celebrity winter weddings include Katy Perry and Russell Brand, Sophie
Dahl and Jamie Cullum, Billie Piper and Laurence Fox, Salma Hayek and
Francois-Henri Pinault and Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley.

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About Debenhams:

Debenhams is a leading department stores group with a strong presence in
key product categories including women's fashion, wedding dresses
(www.debenhams.com/women/dresses/wedding-dresses), bridesmaid dresses
(www.debenhams.com/women/dresses/bridesmaid-dresses), men's wear,
kid's clothing, home, perfume gifts and health and beauty.

Debenhams is the second largest department store chain in the UK.

Debenhams operates 167 stores in the UK, Republic of Ireland and Denmark,
comprising 154 full department stores and 13 Desire by Debenhams stores,
which is a small store concept featuring an edited product range. Debenhams
also has 60 international franchise stores in 23 countries. Debenhams online
store can be found at Debenhams.com, where shoppers can find out all about
the latest products to reach Debenhams's via Debenhams TV.

    PR Contact:

    Ruth Attridge
    PR Manager - Menswear, Beauty, International & Retail Services
    Debenhams
    33 Wigmore Street
    London
    W1U 1QX
    +44(0)207-529-0172

www.debenhams.com

To download free high res images visit prshots.com/debenhams

PR Contact: Ruth Attridge, PR Manager - Menswear, Beauty, International & Retail Services, Debenhams, 33 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 1QX, +44(0)207-529-0172