Expensive wedding = higher divorce rate | Nudge Newsletter 🧠


Money can't buy love.

Expensive weddings = higher divorce rate.

Why?

Well perhaps it's due to the hedonic treadmill.

The hedonic treadmill refers to the constant pursuit of happiness and the belief that material possessions will bring that happiness.

However, as we acquire more material possessions or experiences, the happiness they bring becomes fleeting and short-lived.

The same principle can be applied to expensive weddings.

Many couples believe that an extravagant wedding will bring them happiness and a strong foundation for their marriage.

They invest thousands of dollars into the wedding day, from the venue and catering to the dress and decorations.

However, studies have shown that the more money spent on a wedding, the higher the divorce rate.

Correlation does not = causation, but maybe there's something in this.

Cheers,

Phill Agnew

Nudge Newsletter

I spend 18 hours each week turning marketing psychology into readable newsletters.

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