Although people often say that love doesn’t come with a price tag, weddings present a different picture. In 2022, couples in the United States spent an average of almost $30,000 on their weddings, as reported by The Knot, a popular wedding website.
However, this wasn’t always the norm. Back in the 1950s, the “Complete Guide to Wedding Etiquette” advised couples to set aside (which is around $38 or $482 when adjusted for inflation) to cover reception costs, including alcohol. Interestingly, it’s even possible to have a more affordable wedding in today’s world.
What’s Included in a $15 Wedding Package
The Chapel of the Flowers, located in Las Vegas, is offering a wedding package for just $15. This package includes:
- An on-site wedding ceremony.
- A quick 10-minute photoshoot with five printed 4×6 photographs.
- A wedding bouquet and boutonniere.
- Live streaming of the ceremony.
Cynthia Sharpe, the venue’s director of storytelling, noted that the current $15 package price matches what couples paid for weddings at the chapel in 1953. Typically, this comprehensive package is priced at $500.
Expressing appreciation for the couples that have contributed to making Las Vegas the famed Wedding Capital of the World, the Chapel of the Flowers wants to give back, as mentioned, alluding to the city’s trademarked title.
Discounted Wedding Package
In celebration of the 70-year anniversary since Las Vegas was designated as the “Wedding Capital of the World,” a promotional campaign has introduced a discounted wedding package. This exclusive offer is available to 70 couples, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s important to note that the package doesn’t cover the $70 minister’s fee. As of now, all these packages are still available.
Nevada had the highest marriage rate in the United States in 2021, as reported by World Report. This enables couples to obtain a marriage license and tie the knot on the same day.
Additional economical options are also emerging in response to the campaign. The Little Neon Chapel offers an Elvis-themed wedding experience for $470 until September 30th. This package involves an ordained minister dressed as Elvis, photography services, and space for up to 10 guests.
For $700, couples can have a unique wedding experience 900 feet above Las Vegas’ iconic Strip at The Strat Hotel, Casino & Tower, the city’s tallest building. This package includes a Champagne toast for the couple and up to 15 guests, and it’s available until December 30th.
A 2019 report from LendingTree, a financial services firm, revealed that around 45% of recently married couples go into debt to cover wedding expenses. Additionally, almost half of those with wedding-related debt mentioned that financial problems led them to contemplate divorce. In contrast, only 9% of debt-free couples had similar thoughts, according to the report’s findings.
The survey also asked participants which wedding expense they considered most valuable. Surprisingly, the top choice was not related to the wedding itself; instead, it was the honeymoon experience.
LendingTree’s survey included 506 Americans aged 18 to 53 who had gotten married within the previous two years.
Conclusion
In the world of weddings, costs tell a different story despite claims that love is price-free. Couples in the US spent almost $30,000 on average in 2022, contrasting the 1950s when weddings were much cheaper. Today, affordable options like a $15 wedding package exist, and Vegas celebrates 70 years as the “Wedding Capital.” Such insights into marriage expenses and priorities emerge from surveys by LendingTree.
