The Cost Of Weddings

[jeffrey]

According to a new article on money.cnn.com, the price of the average wedding has passed $25,000 to $26,327. This is a 73% increase in cost over the past 15 years according to the study quoted. The survey also found that almost half the couples end up paying more for their wedding than they budgeted.

For many people, that's an entire year's salary spent in one weekend. While I have nothing against having an event to be remembered, is it really worth starting your new life off together in debt from day one? The survey seems to suggest that this how couples want to begin their life together.

The article makes one key point that I think all couples planning a wedding should carefully consider:




...customizing a wedding to meet individual tastes doesn't always mean breaking the bank, the survey found.

For example, about 9 percent of couples will hold a "destination wedding," which involves the entire party traveling to a special location for the celebration. These couples spend on average 41 percent less on their receptions than those who have an average wedding, according to the survey...

There are ways to make a wedding special and memorable without going into debt in the process.

[BillsGirl]

My wedding cost me $350.. I'll break it down for you $100 the cost of my dress, $200 the cost of my recpetion (which my sister paid as a gift to us) family only event, then $50 which my husband tipped the pastor since he didn't wan tot be paid... we used a chapel for free! It was the most lovely and wonderfuly night of my life, I enjoyed every minute of it!

[Fern]

Don't understand who so many women feel they must make this one 24-hour period the biggest party ever, and spend as if it's the last day of thier life. In fact, it's just the first day of a new beginning as a married person.

The propensity to spend big at weddings is something that marketing people in a wide range of businesses push to make money off couples' desire to be happy. I think people should look to their significant other for that happiness instead of breaking the bank to impress family and friends.

Since so many marriages end in divorce, why not plan a modest wedding, with plans for a big splash on that 10-year anniversary (if you make it).

[Bluezy]

I believe it shows an unrealistic view of the marriage contract. However, to each their own...and I shall now head off to begin a wedding planner service. USD $25,000+ for a ceremony?!?!?!?!??!?! I see potential for a business there.