Is A Lavish Wedding Setting You Up For Divorce? New Study Says Yes

A lavish wedding is often seen as the ultimate expression of love and commitment, with couples spending exorbitant amounts on engagement rings, designer outfits, extravagant venues, and luxurious banquets. However, a recent study challenges the notion that high wedding expenses contribute to stronger marriages. Instead, findings suggest that couples who opt for simpler, budget-friendly celebrations may have a higher likelihood of long-lasting relationships.

The Link Between Wedding Costs and Divorce

In a society where wedding costs can soar into lakhs and crores of rupees, this study asks us to rethink this traditional wedding expenditure. While many associate luxurious weddings with romantic success, the research indicates that frugality might be a more reliable predictor of marital stability.

Conducted by economists Andrew Francis-Tan and Hugo M. Mialon, the study analyzed data from over 3,000 individuals in the United States, revealing a striking correlation between wedding spending and divorce rates. Their research found that -

Men who spent between $2,000 and $4,000 on an engagement ring faced a 1.3 times higher risk of divorce compared to those who spent between $500 and $2,000. Weddings costing over $20,000 were linked to a 1.6-fold increase in divorce risk among women, whereas marriages with wedding budgets under $1,000 had significantly lower divorce rates.

These findings suggest that extravagant weddings might create financial strain or unrealistic expectations, potentially weakening the foundation of the marriage over time.

Why Extravagance Might Be a Red Flag

Spending beyond one’s means for a wedding could lead to long-term financial stress, a well-documented cause of marital distress. The study aligns with previous research by Rhoades and Stanley (2014) and Francis-Tan and Mialon (2015), confirming the idea that high wedding costs often do not translate into marital happiness.

Furthermore, the researchers found that prioritizing a partner’s physical appearance in the decision to marry was associated with shorter marriage durations. This suggests that relationships built on superficial qualities rather than emotional compatibility may struggle to withstand the challenges of long-term commitment.

Investing in Memories: The Honeymoon Effect

While extravagant weddings might not guarantee lasting love, the study highlights the positive impact of investing in a honeymoon. Unlike a costly wedding, which may contribute to financial pressure, a well-planned honeymoon offers couples quality time to bond and create shared experiences, potentially reducing the risk of divorce.

According to a report by Independent.co.uk, couples who prioritized a honeymoon—regardless of the wedding budget—experienced greater marital satisfaction and lower divorce rates. This suggests that experiences and emotional connections, rather than material excess, play a crucial role in sustaining a relationship.

Should You Rethink Your Wedding Plans?

Given these insights, couples planning their wedding may want to reconsider traditional expectations. Instead of allocating large sums to an elaborate ceremony, they might benefit from a more modest, homely wedding followed by a meaningful honeymoon. With rising costs and shifting societal values, the emphasis may need to shift from one-time grandeur to long-term relationship success.

Ultimately, the study presents a thought-provoking perspective: love isn’t measured by the size of the wedding or the oney spent on it, but rather by the strength of the bond that follows.