How Going Into Debt Over a Wedding Can Lead to Divorce

Many couples get overly excited as they get engaged and plan their dream wedding. There are many expenses involved and it can be hard to stay within budget. In fact, the average wedding costs around $30,000.

That’s a large amount of money for a young couple, but many couples want the perfect fairy-tale wedding and spare no expense for their nuptials. After they say “I do” and return from their honeymoon, they realize the reality of their situation when the credit card bill arrives. They are now tens of thousands of dollars in wedding debt.

They have paid the price for this debt, both literally and figuratively. As they figure out how to fit in this debt among their other monthly expenses, nearly half of couples consider divorce. This is compared to just 9% of couples who did not go into debt over their wedding.

Even if the couples do not divorce, having wedding debt makes things less harmonious in the household. Marital arguments were common in 76% of debt-ridden households. Couples without wedding debt were better savers as well. Forty percent saved their cash wedding gifts, while couples with wedding debt were more likely to spend their cash on the honeymoon.

However, couples with wedding debt did still think that some wedding expenses were worth the cost. The money was best spent on the honeymoon, food, alcohol and venue.

Discussing Money Before Marriage

Talking about money still seems to be a taboo topic in marriages. In fact, 45% of recently married couples in America did not discuss finances and debt with their partner before getting engaged. Avoiding these important discussions sets up a marriage for failure.

When a couple gets engaged, the two most exciting things are the ring and the wedding ceremony. However, once the wedding is over, that is when the marriage begins—and marriage is supposed to be a lifelong commitment.

When you are married to someone, you should be willing to be open and honest with them about every aspect of your life, including finances. A person does not want to get married and then find out that their spouse has hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, a past bankruptcy and other financial issues. Once a person is married, they can be responsible for their spouse’s debts, and that can lead to tension in a marriage.

Couples also need to be on the same page when it comes to paying bills and saving money. Will you have separate bank accounts or a joint one? This is something you need to discuss before marriage.

Contact a Maryland Divorce Lawyer Today

The amount of money you spend on your wedding can make divorce more likely. However, spending more does not make your marriage more immune from a divorce.

Money issues can crop up even before you say “I do.” Without proper communication, especially when it comes to finances, you and your spouse may start off married life with money issues.  If your money issues cannot be resolved, the Columbia divorce attorneys at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. can help you understand your options, such as divorce. We have two offices to serve you. Schedule a free consultation by filling out the online form or calling (410) 774-5987.

Resources:

businessinsider.com/couples-go-into-wedding-debt-more-likely-to-consider-divorce-2019-7

moneyunder30.com/how-much-average-wedding-cost

https://www.marylandlawhelp.com/divorcing-due-to-medical-bills/