[qam1]

I have found throughout the years that there is an inverse correlation between the amount of $ spend on the wedding and how long the marriage last.

All my friends/family that had these lavish weddings are all now divorced, where as the cheapos are still together after many years.

[Starboard]

Anecdotal, but probably quite accurate. That’s what happens to those who value show over substance.

[PapaBear3625]

I have found throughout the years that there is an inverse correlation between the amount of $ spend on the wedding and how long the marriage last.

There has actually been research on the subject:

‘A Diamond is Forever’ and Other Fairy Tales: The Relationship between Wedding Expenses and Marriage Duration

Abstract

In this paper, we evaluate the association between wedding spending and marriage duration using data from a survey of over 3,000 ever-married persons in the United States. Controlling for a number of demographic and relationship characteristics, we find evidence that marriage duration is inversely associated with spending on the engagement ring and wedding ceremony.

In my case, we had a frugal wedding, and are still together after over 30 years.

In my daughter's case, I gave her a check. I told her "Use this money on your wedding, on your honeymoon, as a down payment on your house, however you see fit". Suddenly, then, once it became HER money she would be spending, she became very energetic in figuring out how to have a nice wedding without spending a ridiculous amount.