How weddings got (even more) expensive
vox.com • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Weddings historically were simpler, community-focused events relying on local resources, but post-World War II weddings evolved into displays of prosperity and consumerism in America, according to historian Karen Dunak.
- Modern weddings can vary widely in cost, with average expenses around $100,000 in New York City and $30,000 to $40,000 in the Midwest, influenced heavily by vendor choices and scale.
- Vogue’s wedding features highlight that expensive weddings are not necessarily better; intentionality and emotional resonance often matter more than budget size when selecting weddings to showcase.
- Social media accelerates wedding trend cycles, with younger couples seeking originality but also timelessness, creating tension between wanting to follow trends and avoiding overly trendy or artificial elements.
- While extravagant weddings are more common, experts emphasize authenticity and personal choice, encouraging couples to balance celebration with reasonable budgets and meaningful experiences.
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