SHOPPING around for a competitive loan before getting married could save couples thousands in interest repayments and mean they can pay off the debt much earlier, according to a survey for Sainsbury's Bank.

This year there will be about 280,000 weddings in the UK, costing £4 billion.

More than 61,000 11 per cent of those getting married will borrow money to fund the day. On average, it will take them 2.2 years to pay off the debt.

However, more than 28,000 people will still be paying for their weddings in five years' time.

According to the survey, which consisted of people who have been married in the last three years or who are getting married over the coming months, 60 per cent said they had saved money to help finance their big day.

One in four said they had received financial help from their parents and one in ten had to borrow money.

Eight per cent used or will use their credit cards and five per cent admitted to working overtime or taking on an extra job.