[Zimahl]

Weddings became a market to manipulate just like any other. From the rings to the honeymoon, everything has been commoditized, including an entire industry that perpetuates the 'ideal' (magazines, pinterest, etc.).

What used to be private, family-only affairs has now morphed into a 'need' to invite 200 or so people you don't know and feed them so they give you gifts.

[tonyedgecombe]

From https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2501480

"we find evidence that marriage duration is inversely associated with spending on the engagement ring and wedding ceremony"

[yters]

My theory is large expense is a sign of lack of family and social network involvement. Without a strong support network, marriages will run into problems.