"What's the number one mistake that people make before they get married? I'm talking about just before they get married, they plan a huge wedding. What a waste of money. Be very selective on who you invite. They got to be meaningful to you, and forget the big extravaganza."
"The average cost of an American wedding stood at $36,000 as of 2026, according to wedding planning platform Zola. This price tag includes renting a venue, the wedding dress, as well as flowers and photography. A separate Zola study of 11,500 couples from January found 84% also believe their wedding will cost more this year compared to two years ago because of the economy or tariffs."
"When couples are dropping so much money on their weddings, and often going over budget, the strain has jumped not just for couples and their families-but also wedding guests, who are increasingly being asked to comply with demanding expectations related to the dress code and the gifts they receive."
Kevin O'Leary, investor and Shark Tank personality, recommends that couples avoid spending excessively on weddings, calling it a waste of money. He suggests opting for a civil ceremony with a small, selective gathering of meaningful friends instead of elaborate celebrations. This advice comes as average U.S. wedding costs have reached $36,000, with 84% of couples expecting higher expenses due to economic factors. While wedding platforms report that most couples believe their celebrations justify the cost, the financial strain extends to families and guests facing demanding expectations. O'Leary advocates redirecting wedding funds toward long-term financial goals and future security.
Read at Fortune
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