Member-only story
When I Get Married, I Won’t Have a Wedding
In a culture that drives us to desire luxurious and expensive weddings, the logical option is to elope
I’ve been to a surprisingly large number of weddings in my life. Some of them, like my brother’s, have been very traditional. I watched my sister-in-law march down the aisle of a church in virginal white to Here Comes the Bride, and recite traditional protestant wedding vows with teary eyes.
I have also watched my older sister stride down the corridor of an old art museum in crimson red with an acapella gospel choir singing behind her. Just last week, I observed a close friend getting hitched in an old farmhouse under flickering fluorescent lights and shag carpet.
Although I have enjoyed every single one of these weddings, they’ve also made me think about just how much pressure our culture puts on couples to tie the knot in a lavish and exorbitant way.
Although it varies depending on location, religion, ethnic background and personal preference, a 2017 study found that the average couple dishes out $33,391 on their wedding.
This doesn’t even account for the cost of the engagement ring (which will run you at least another $500) or the travel expenses of the honeymoon. With that kind of money, you could…
