Despite marriage being more popular than ever, couples are being forced to put a hold on any extravagant wedding ideas, it has been revealed.

An Ipsos Mori survey carried out for thinktank Civitas found that 70 per cent of 20 to 35-year-olds and 79 per cent of cohabiters hope to tie the knot.

However, the report author Anastasia de Waal claimed the main reason for postponing their wedding ideas was due to cost.

Ms de Waal explained that many young couples "idealise" weddings and therefore put it off if they are not in the perfect employment or housing situation.

"This has the effect of lowering the marriage rate, but doesn't mean young people don't want to get married," she said. "Young people have high ideals but also very practical concerns when it comes to marriage."

When the price of the wedding photography, the dress, the reception and all other big day costs are added up, the average newlyweds pay around £19,400, reports Alliance & Leicester.