Study: More Expensive Weddings May Lead To Shorter Marriages

PHILADELPHIA (CBS Philadelphia) — Are you planning a big, extravagant wedding? You may want to scale back a bit if you want your marriage to last, according to a study.

Researchers surveyed over 3,000 people and found that the more couples spent on their wedding, the shorter the marriage. Spending less than $1,000 on a wedding was associated with a decrease in divorce rates.

Researchers say that it could be the financial burden that creates tension in the marriage.

The study held true for couples across all incomes, researchers say.

“Many relationships are destroyed because of overspending and debt problems,” said Bruce McClary, National Foundation for Credit Counseling vice president of public relations and external affairs.

“Starting with a healthy approach to financial management helps create a solid foundation for the long term success of a marriage.”

Researchers suggest making the budget smaller for your “dream wedding.” They recommend planning ahead, finding a low-cost venue that you still love, avoid a Saturday wedding if possible, limit the types of alcohol available to guests and try booking your honeymoon travel in advance to save some cash.