Devastated brides and grooms may have to delay weddings by YEARS due to virus

Chelsie, who works for a cruise travel agent in Chorley, Lancs, said: “We were a bit heartbroken.

“My husband-to-be feels like he’s worked and worked for a higher budget wedding — which is costing us £25,000 — but we are getting a lower budget wedding and won’t get a refund on the difference.

“If we had booked in March originally, we would have paid around £3,000 less for the venue. But we know that we’ve been a lot luckier than others — some haven’t been able to postpone.”

Another couple Sun Money spoke to were being charged an extra £1,500 for their venue and £2,000 more for their catering costs — in spite of rearranging for the same time next year.

Helen Pye, deputy editor of wedding plan­ning site hitched.co.uk, said most venues and suppliers are being flexible and helpful about rearranging.

She said: “The majority are honouring like-for-like dates next year or rescheduling without any charges.

“However, if their weekend dates are already booked up for the remainder of this year and into next, a midweek date may be the only alternative.

“That’s a big change for couples to get their heads round. Equally, it may mean some guests are no longer able to attend.”

Katie Watts of money savingexpert.com added: “If you end up accepting a date or price you aren’t happy with, you can always try to haggle, and politely ask them to throw in extras.

“Whether it’s champagne, lighting or chair covers, if you need an add-on, try seeing if they’ll give it to you for free as a goodwill gesture.