How do people afford weddings? Online it says that the average cost of a wedding in the US is $26000, but if I were to get married my (parents) budget is $20,000. This is for two events the mehdni and the wedding. I could probably axe the mehndi, but my parents (since they throw it, they invite the guests) will invite 300 people. This is not possible unless I get married in my masjid, which is segregated :( No dance floor, no music, no fun.

My father’s a doctor, so I’m wondering how is it possible that we have a budget that is $20,000 when the average American can afford a more expensive wedding? Do people take out loans for the wedding? Is my (non-negotiable) budget too low? And according to Google, the average South Asian wedding held in US is between $75,000-$100,000!!

Where is this money coming from?