Weddings are becoming increasingly expensive, impacting both couples and their guests. Social media's influence and rising inflation are major contributors to this trend, according to Mackenzie Jones, a seasoned wedding attendee who served as a bridesmaid a dozen times in 2022.

Jones, from Arkansas, told Fox News that the pressure to keep up with appearances on social media can lead to financial strain. "People see others enjoying lavish trips and weddings online, but they don't see the financial realities behind those experiences," she explained. This can create a cycle of overspending as individuals attempt to emulate lifestyles they may not be able to afford.

Following a dip in 2020 due to the pandemic, wedding costs have rebounded significantly. The Knot, a wedding planning website, reports that the average wedding cost in 2022 exceeded $30,000. This financial burden extends to guests as well. A LendingTree survey revealed that 40% of wedding guests incurred debt to attend, a figure that rises to 62% for members of the bridal party.

Jones pointed out that the expenses associated with being a bridesmaid have also increased. Beyond the dress, there are now bachelorette parties, multiple showers, and other pre-wedding events, all adding to the financial strain.

Having attended over 50 weddings and been a bridesmaid in five during a 10-month period in 2022, Jones estimates spending around $1,000 per wedding she was in the bridal party for. She acknowledges that these costs were relatively low compared to current trends. She emphasized the changing expectations for bridesmaids, noting that previously, simply buying the dress and attending the wedding was sufficient. Now, the commitment involves significantly more time and financial resources.

According to a BankRate survey, the average wedding guest can expect to spend over $600 in 2023, encompassing travel, gifts, and attire. Jones believes that social media's portrayal of extravagant weddings has contributed to this increase, along with the surge in demand following the pandemic.

A Deloitte survey found that a significant percentage of Gen Z and Millennials feel pressured by social media to make purchases they can't afford. Jones highlighted the heightened social media activity surrounding weddings, leading to a sense of obligation to replicate what others have done.

Despite the wedding industry's growth to $71 billion in 2022, Jones predicts a shift towards smaller, more intimate ceremonies or elopements as a response to escalating costs.