Weddings are quickly becoming more expensive than ever. Many couples and their wedding guests feel pressured to spend a significant amount of money to celebrate. This approach to celebrating love introduces the question: have we gone too far?
The Price of Love
Weddings are a special celebration, but they often can come with a hefty price tag. Costs can add up quickly, putting a strain on couples and their guests.
Average Cost of a Wedding
On average, weddings in the United States cost around $30,000. This number varies depending on location, guest count, and additional features added, but for many Americans, this is equal to their yearly salary.
The Biggest Expenses
The biggest expenses of weddings are usually the venue, wedding dress, and engagement ring. While the ring theoretically will last at least a lifetime, the other expenses are typically only for the big day.
Forgotten Prices
Hiring a photographer, choosing flower arrangements, sending out invitations, and feeding the guests are all expenses that add up quickly. The prices for these continue to rise as wedding culture becomes more prominent.
Hidden Costs
Even transportation, wedding favors, and gifts for the wedding party are now more expected during weddings. These costs add up quickly.
Don’t Say ‘Wedding’
You’ll often hear couples complaining that businesses charge more for the same product once they hear the word ‘wedding.’ Even just telling a baker that your cake is for a wedding could cost you more.
Societal Pressures
Many couples feel pressured to host extravagant weddings because of societal expectations. Movies and reality shows often portray weddings as grand events, which can create unrealistic standards.
The Pre-Wedding Costs
Weddings aren’t just one day – they often include parties leading up to the big day. Engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and even couples parties are becoming more popular and expensive.
Costs for Guests
Attending a wedding isn’t cheap. Guests often spend money on travel, accommodation, clothing, and gifts, which can be a huge burden, especially if you find yourself attending multiple weddings in a year.
Turning Down the Invite
While one solution for guests may be to turn down wedding invitations, this can often be seen as rude. Expectations now tend to align strong friendship with wedding attendance.
The Price of Loyalty
Being part of the wedding party can add even more costs. Bridesmaids and groomsmen usually have to cover the cost of their attire, travel, and sometimes even hair and makeup, along with gifts and sometimes pre-wedding parties.
Saying Yes to the Dress
There’s a lot of hype around choosing the perfect dress and wedding dresses can range in cost from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Many brides have high expectations and end up splurging on dresses that are over their budgets.
Groom’s Attire
While often less expensive than dresses, the groom’s attire can still be a huge cost. Custom suits or rentals can send the prices even higher.
Have We Gone Too Far?
Among all of these costs and expectations, some Americans are starting to question: have we gone too far? There are many who believe we need to transition from the grandiose ceremonies to simpler ordeals that focus more on the love than the event.
Budgeting for the Big Day
While tradition in heterosexual couples used to be that the bride’s parents would pay, times are changing. Many couples now must budget for years to afford their ideal weddings.
DIY Projects
DIY projects can be one great way to save money and add a personal touch to weddings. From decorations to wedding favors, there are plenty of ways to get creative.
A Smaller Guest List
Some couples are opting for a smaller guest list. These celebrations can reduce costs and offer a more intimate experience.
The Off-Season Advantage
Choosing an off-peak season or a weekday for your wedding can result in substantial savings. Venues and vendors usually offer discounts for these times.
Reconsidering the Traditional
Parks, community centers, and even backyards can be beautiful and budget-friendly locations. Sometimes thinking outside the box can make weddings more affordable and less stressful for couples.
Divorce Rates
Divorce rates are still substantial in the U.S. with around 40-50% of marriages ending in divorce. This is a reminder that while a wedding is a joyful event, the true focus is on building a strong, healthy marriage.
Your Wedding, Your Way
Weddings should reflect you and your partner’s personalities and values, rather than the expectations of society. With planning and creativity, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding without breaking the bank.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wedding and lifestyle.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.
