Does a Cheaper Wedding Mean a Longer Marriage? What the Research Says

Last updated October 29, 2026 by the Marriage Bliss Editorial Team.

Research suggests that spending less on a wedding is linked with a lower chance of divorce. In a widely reported study, economists at Emory University found that couples who spent a lot on the wedding and engagement ring were more likely to divorce than couples who spent moderately. That doesn’t mean an expensive wedding causes divorce, but it’s a good reminder that the party matters far less than the marriage.

Quick answers

• What did the study find? Higher spending on the wedding and ring was associated with a higher divorce risk, while lower spending was associated with lower risk.
• Does that prove cause? No. It shows a link, not a cause.
• Takeaway: Don’t start your marriage in debt.

1. What the Emory researchers found

The 2014 Emory University study analyzed survey data from several thousand Americans. It found that, on average, higher wedding costs were associated with greater odds of divorce, and that couples with modest ceremonies, particularly those who had many guests, tended to have lower odds. The researchers noted that the findings were correlations and that other factors, such as income and age, may be involved.

2. Why cost might matter

• Debt and financial stress. Money worries are a top source of marital conflict. See fighting about money in marriage.
• Focus on the event, not the marriage. Spending months on details can crowd out conversations about expectations.
• Support matters. Weddings with more family and friends present may bring more community support.

3. How to have a great wedding for less

1. Set a budget together and stick to it.
2. Pick your priorities. Splurge on two things; save on the rest.
3. Trim the guest list. Guests are often the biggest cost.
4. Choose an off-peak date or weekday. Venues often discount them.
5. Skip what you don’t care about. Favors, extras and fancy stationery rarely matter later.
6. Consider a smaller ring. Sentiment beats price.
7. Keep the honeymoon realistic. A short, affordable trip beats debt.

If it’s a second wedding, see our second wedding etiquette guide.

4. Spend on the marriage instead

Money saved can go toward an emergency fund, a down payment or premarital counseling. Talk through things to discuss before marriage and learn how to manage money as a couple.

5. Correlation isn’t causation

Studies like this show patterns, not proof. Spending less on a wedding won’t save a struggling relationship, and a big wedding doesn’t doom a happy one. What the findings suggest is that money stress, debt and a focus on the event over the relationship can be risk factors worth avoiding.

6. Questions to ask before setting your wedding budget

• Will this wedding put us into debt? How long would it take to pay off?
• Who is paying, and are there expectations attached?
• What three things matter most to each of us about the day?
• What would we rather spend money on in our first years: a home, travel, savings?
• How do we each feel about guest list size?

7. Budget-friendly wedding ideas

• A weekday or off-season date.
• A smaller guest list with close family and friends.
• A brunch or lunch reception instead of a formal dinner.
• A park, backyard or community venue.
• Digital invitations and a simple, seasonal flower plan.
• A friend officiant or a courthouse ceremony followed by a party.

Her side, his side

Her side: “I’ve dreamed about this day forever. I don’t want to cut everything, but I don’t want debt either.”

His side: “I’d be happy with a small party. I’d rather put the money toward a house.”

Prioritize two or three things that matter most to each of you, and go simple on the rest.

The bottom line

The study doesn’t say a big wedding dooms a marriage. It says the size of the party isn’t what holds a marriage together. Plan a day you love without starting married life in debt. This is general information, not financial advice.

Want more on this topic? See our guide to engagement, newlyweds and in-laws and financial stress and marriage.

Frequently asked questions

Does a cheaper wedding mean a longer marriage?

Research has found a link between lower wedding spending and lower divorce risk, but it is a correlation, not proof that spending less causes a longer marriage.

Why might expensive weddings go with higher divorce rates?

Debt, financial stress, and focusing on the event instead of the marriage may play a role, along with other factors like age and income.

How can we have a great wedding on a smaller budget?

Set a budget together, prioritize what matters most to you both, trim the guest list, and put money toward your life together after the wedding.