By Aaliyah Rugg,Chiara Fiorillo
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The new season of Married at First Sight UK returned over the weekend with 18 singletons ready to tie the knot with a total stranger on the popular E4 show.
Known for its dramatic twists and turns, the programme has been a hit with viewers in previous seasons. The first trailer for the brand new series was released last week hinting at plenty of drama to come as this year’s episodes will air from Sunday to Wednesday each week at 9pm on E4.
But ahead of the new series, some fans may be wondering how the couples are matched and how the wedding days are planned. Here’s everything you need to know as the tenth series of MAFS UK returns, reports the Mirror.
How are the MAFS UK pairs matched?
Participants on MAFs are matched by a team of relationship experts who use comprehensive questionnaires and interviews to understand each individual’s personality, core values, life goals and preferences. Initially, the producers select the participants through a stringent application and vetting process, which includes medical and mental fitness checks.
Experts such as Paul Brunson, Charlene Douglas and Mel Schilling then pair individuals based on their psychological profiles, lifestyles and beliefs to create compatible couples. The matched couples meet for the very first time on their wedding day – and sparks don’t always fly between them.
How are the MAFS UK weddings planned?
Participants have input regarding their desired wedding day appearance, but ultimately it’s the programme’s production crew that organises all arrangements including the location, catering, flower displays and additional logistics.
The paired couples can choose their engagement rings and wedding outfits and can indicate their preferences for various wedding aspects through a provided booklet.
The production crew then evaluates the matched couple’s preferences and attempts to discover compromises that suit both partners’ preferences.
The reality that producers handle the organisation means numerous elements frequently come as surprises for the couple – including crucial decisions such as their honeymoon location.
Expenses, encompassing everything required to arrange the ceremony, stag and hen parties, plus the honeymoon, are funded by the production.
MAFS UK couples while filming
Throughout filming, the brides and grooms face restricted freedoms – and may only exit the property a specific number of times weekly, former participant Luke Worley disclosed.
Stars additionally have their mobile phones seized and receive a device from production which limits their communication with the external world.
Participants in the programme are also forbidden from consuming excessive alcohol, according to Erica Roberts, who was paired with Jordan Gayle. She previously revealed: “If [the crew] could see someone was having too much, or it was getting a bit out of hand, the alcohol would stop.”
Are the marriages legally binding?
Despite the show’s title, Married at First Sight, the couples don’t legally marry on their big day. A representative for the programme previously explained: “Following the Australian format, rather than legal marriages, the couples will make a lifelong commitment to one another at a glamorous ceremony, overseen by a wedding celebrant, that includes guests, bridal gowns, dancing, speeches and cake.
“After the ceremony and celebrations are over, true love is well and truly put to the test, as they embark on a luxurious honeymoon, before moving in with each other AND their fellow couples. Relationships will be put under the microscope, by fellow brides and grooms at weekly dinner parties – as well as by the experts, at recurring commitment ceremonies, where couples choose whether they want to stay in or leave the process.”
MAFS UK returns to E4 tonight at 9pm.