Hosted by: Lorrie Delk Walker

In this episode, our host welcomes longtime friend and professional wedding guest, Melanie Powell. With firsthand experience attending countless weddings and bridal showers, Melanie brings humor and insight to a conversation about the rising costs of tying the knot. We dig into the average cost of a wedding—now between $33,000 and $36,000—and explore how this one-day event can (and should) fit into a broader financial plan. From practical spending to downright extravagant choices, this episode is a lively look at love, money, and priorities.

In this episode we cover:

• Lorrie’s wedding day story 22 years ago (3:17)
• Weddings are sometimes a goal in a financial plan (4:35)
• The average cost of a wedding today is between $33,000 and $36,000, but it depends on where you live (10:37)
• The largest expenses of a wedding according to our guest (12:45)
• Where Melanie cut costs from her wedding (16:00)
• Ways to save on a wedding (17:30)
• The unusual and frivolous things people spend money on for their wedding (20:30)
• Lorrie asks her friends what some expensive items from their wedding were and whether they would do them again (25:03)
• Bachelorette parties are not destination events that cost a lot of money (30:55)
• Melanie shared a story of the most beautiful wedding she attended (32:45)
• Brides usually remove their fancy shoes at a reception (35:21)
• A wedding regret can be expensive candles (38:35)
• How to plan financially for weddings (40:05)

Links From the Show:

Allen & Company
Weddings: Do They Have to Break the Budget?
The Knot
Nashville

Connect with:

Lorrie Delk Walker – Financial Advisor at Allen & Company
Allen & Company – Lorrie Delk Walker
LinkedIn – Lorrie Delk Walker

The opinions voiced in this program are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult an appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision.