The increasing value of the traditional wedding dress market means the dream of a fairytale wedding is a constant in Britain even though the number of marriages is falling, according to a report yesterday.

The market for traditional wedding dresses has grown by 18 percent since 2000 to reach 112 million pounds, said Mintel market research group. The non-traditional market – brides wearing outfits not specifically designed for their wedding day – remains constant at 3 million pounds, it added.

The report said the average price of a traditional gown has risen 32 percent since 2000 and is now 826 pounds, five times more expensive than a non-traditional dress. “While there has been a general decline in the number of people choosing to get married, Britain’s brides are clearly happy to splash out ever more cash on what for many will be the focal point of any fairytale wedding,” said Mintel’s Claire Birks.