Could An Expensive Wedding Signal Divorce?
Experts say there are many factors that can lead to divorce. Money matters, communication issues, and infidelity tend to top the last, but what about spending too much on your wedding? Could that signal divorce?
We all know that weddings can be expensive. In fact, the average cost of a wedding in the United States is a whopping $22,500. Many couples spend even more, but is this a good idea?
A study from 2014 says no. The study assessed 3,000 marriages and weddings in the country. It showed that couples who spent more than $20,000 on their wedding were 46% more likely to divorce than those who spent $5,000 to $10,000. Those who spent between $10,000 and $20,000 were 29% more likely to get a divorce than those who spent less. And the less money you spend, the better. Couples who spent between $1,000 and $5,000 on their wedding were 19% less likely to get divorced.
So how is money spent on a wedding correlated to divorce? Why do cheaper weddings lead to more stable marriages? There is one theory that couples who voluntarily opt for cheaper weddings are a better match for each other. Another thing to consider is that an inexpensive wedding means less debt, and that means fewer arguments over money. Indeed, starting off a marriage with tens of thousands of dollars of debt from a wedding is hardly ever a good idea, as money issues are a top cause of divorce.
Another interesting fact is that the more people you have at your wedding, the less likely you are to get divorced. This is likely due to the community effect. Having more friends and family members can work to your advantage. These people can give you the support you need in your marriage to deal with the ups and downs. But it could simply be that those with lots of friends and family just don’t divorce that often.
While spending more money on your wedding doesn’t seem to help your marriage, the wedding industry wants you to believe otherwise. The industry associates expensive weddings with long-lasting marriages and fuels societal beliefs that couples need to spend a lot of money on their wedding to show commitment or prepare the marriage for success. However, there is little evidence that connects lavish weddings to positive marital outcomes.
Seek Legal Help
Spending a lot of money on your nuptials may not be the best idea, but there are other factors that can lead to divorce. No matter the reason, if a divorce is imminent, it’s best to get legal help.
Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney Edward J. Jennings, P.A. can help you with all the legal and emotional aspects of a divorce. We have more than 30 years of experience handling family law cases. Schedule a consultation today by calling 954-764-4330 or filling out the online form.
Resource:
businessinsider.com/personal-finance/how-much-does-a-wedding-cost#:~:text=The%20average%20cost%20of%20a%20wedding%20in%20the%20US%20was,are%20the%20next%20largest%20expenses
