When planning party ideas, there are two areas where it is vital to pay out a little extra, it has been claimed.

Following the news from Halifax that 69 per cent of British men spend around £2,811 on the engagement ring alone, many might be tempted to cut corners when it comes to the celebration itself.

However, according to the Canadian Press, whereas things such as invitations, dresses and a lavish drinks menu can be adapted in order to save money, photos and music cannot.

Particularly with wedding photography, a professional is required to produce pictures worthy of wedding albums, it added.

However, by finding a photographer who will put all the images on a CD which can then be sent to party guests and made into an online photo album, the cost is kept to a minimum, the news source advised.

Sharon Naylor, author of 1,000 Best Wedding Bargains, explained that when it comes to party music, hiring a DJ is a wise move.

"They know what kind of music to play," she said. "You might not get as great a party if you don't hire an expert."