As wedding celebrations grow increasingly extravagant, more couples are voicing concerns about the financial strain that follows the festivities. Moreover, a new 2025 survey by LendingTree an American financial services marketplace shows that many newlyweds overspend to impress their guests or meet social expectations. Consequently, this pressure pushes couples beyond their financial limits. As a result, significant numbers begin their marriages in debt. Ultimately, many say the regret lasts far longer than the wedding day itself.
Findings from the 2025 LendingTree survey
LendingTree regularly examines consumer borrowing and spending habits. In their 2025 survey, the company revealed worrying patterns in how recently married Americans finance their weddings. Additionally, the findings show that couples often underestimate the real cost of a ceremony and are influenced heavily by external expectations.
Key statistics shows that, 67% of newlyweds took on debt to cover their wedding, 34% felt pressured to overspend to impress guests, 32% said they completely exceeded their budget, 52% regretted how much they spent, among those who borrowed, 24% are still paying off their wedding debt, Payment methods: 46% used savings, 24% relied on credit cards, 16% received help from relatives, and 11% took personal loans.
Together, these numbers illustrate how quickly wedding expenses can spiral when couples feel pressured by trends, family expectations, or social media standards.
Rwandan Perspective: Lawmaker Warns About Excessive Wedding Costs
The issue is not limited to the United States. In Rwanda, concerns about the rising cost of weddings and bride-price practices were highlighted during a parliamentary session on 16 November 2022. According to The New Times Rwanda, MP Leonard Ndagijimana criticized the financial strain placed on couples, arguing that such expectations weaken families from the start.
He stressed that some couples spend up to six million Rwandan franc on ceremonies, leaving them financially vulnerable immediately afterward.
As he stated:
“You find that a newly married couple is already in debt. Some couples spend Rwf 6 million on the wedding ceremony, and they don’t have what to eat after the festivities.”
His remarks underscore the growing debate around affordability and social pressure in contemporary Rwandan weddings.
Personal testimony: A bride who regrets overspending
The concerns voiced by leaders also appear in personal accounts. In a 2018 feature published by The New Times titled “Are wedding ceremonies in Rwanda exaggerated?”, Meable Akamanzi shared how her lavish ceremony left her and her husband with significant debt. Although she enjoyed the beauty of the celebration, the financial aftermath became overwhelming.
She admitted:
“All I cared about at the time was to please my friends and family. We were still left in debt.”
Looking back, she said she would choose a far more affordable ceremony.
Expert guidance: Budgeting advice from pinnacle gardens Kigali
Event professionals have also joined the conversation. Pinnacle Gardens Kigali, a popular venue that offers planning support, encourages couples to adopt realistic budgets before signing contracts. Their blog guide, “Budgeting for a Rwandan Wedding,” outlines essential cost categories and recommends careful spending from the start.
They advise couples to consider the following areas: Venue and rentals, catering and drinks, attire and grooming, decoration, photography and videography, music and entertainment, transport, dowry, miscellaneous or emergency costs.
Furthermore, the venue emphasizes that early planning helps prevent last-minute overspending and unnecessary stress.
Wedding trends continue to evolve, and the expectations placed on couples grow with them. However, the consequences of financial overreach can last for years. This is why planners, policymakers, and newlyweds themselves increasingly argue that prioritizing financial stability over extravagance is essential.
By choosing realistic budgets, resisting external pressure, and seeking professional guidance when necessary, couples can begin their marriages with confidence instead of debt.