Study Suggests a Flashy Wedding Could Increase Divorce Risk

 Posted on May 11, 2018 in Divorce

Your wedding day is supposed to be the happiest day of your life. On that day, you and your new spouse will be legally joined so that you can begin building the rest of your lives together. Most people spend their wedding day surrounded by family, friends, and other well-wishers, and the costs associated with the event can be astronomical. A new study suggests, however, that the those who spend a great deal of money on their wedding may be more likely to get divorced than those who spend relatively less.

A Look at the Numbers

According to the Wedding Report, a market research firm, American couples spent $56.2 billion on their weddings last year. That amount is more than the gross domestic product (GDP) of about half of the countries in the world. When averaged over the 2.2 million marriages that took place in 2017, the numbers show that the average American wedding costs about $26,000.

For most couples, the largest expense is food, at an average cost of about $4,700. Renting a location and the engagement ring are the next largest, on average, at $3,600 and $3,400 respectively. Add in the costs of photography, drinks, flowers, dresses, tuxedos, invitations, and gifts for guests and the total bill can be staggering.

The Hidden Cost of Spending Too Much

A separate market research company called Splendid Insights recently conducted a global survey which found that couples who spent more than $30,000 on their weddings were more likely to be concerned about looking great and impressing their friends and families than those who spent less than $10,000. Such concern suggests a focus on the spectacle of the wedding rather than on the health of the marriage. The money itself may also cause issues, as the large expenditure can lead to financial stress very early in the relationship.

These findings coincide with an academic study conducted in 2014 by professors at Atlanta’s Emory University. That study found that heterosexual couples who spent more than $20,000 on their weddings were 46 percent more likely than average to get divorced. The risk was 29 percent greater than average for those who spent between $10,000 and $20,000. Those who spent less than $1,000 were found to be 53 percent less likely than average to get divorced.

We Can Help

It is understandable to want a fairy tale wedding and all of the accessories that go along with it, but spending more than you can afford for your wedding could be a recipe for disaster in your marriage. If you are engaged to be married, an experienced DuPage County family law attorney can help you explore your options for protecting yourself and your future. Call 630-352-2240 for a free consultation at Pesce Law Group, P.C. today.

Sources:

https://www.1843magazine.com/data-graphic/what-the-numbers-say/the-price-of-love

https://nypost.com/2014/10/15/the-pricier-the-ring-the-likelier-the-divorce/