MADRID, May 8, 2010 / — Getting married is as fashionable as ever. Although somewhat later in life than several decades ago, and in spite of the current economic climate, the majority of Spaniards are still in favour of saying “I do”.

Nevertheless, today, couples tend to take this step, one of the most decisive events in their lives, at an average age of 32 years. This much is reflected in a report produced by IFEMA with figures furnished by the Spanish National Statistics Office (INE), the web page, consumer.es, and Fundación SM, in order to mark the staging of the eighth edition of MADRID NOVIAS.

According to the latest figures made available by the Spanish National Statistics Office (INE) corresponding to the year 2008, some 196,613 marriages took pace in that year, some 8,159 fewer than the previous year.

In the same year, the number of same-sex marriages came to 3,549, which represents an increase of around 10% compared to the year 2007. The number of civil weddings was similar to the figure recorded in 2007, based on the staging of some 91,072 civil ceremonies. One of the differentiating features with regard to civil weddings and religious ceremonies consists of the fact that civil unions tend to be more intimate and feature fewer guests.

Madrid Novia Spring 2011