Could spending big on your wedding set your marriage back years? In this episode of The Real Estate Podcast, hosts Adrian Trott, Ariel Kormendy, and Jennifer Goncalves take a blunt, honest look at the true cost of weddings and why starting a marriage in debt can create long-term financial and relationship strain. From gift myths and cultural expectations to alternative ways to use wedding money—like buying a home or paying off debt—this conversation challenges the idea that a lavish wedding equals a strong marriage. If you’re engaged, planning a wedding, or thinking about your financial future, this episode may completely change how you approach “the big day.”

VIDEO SECTIONS & TIMESTAMPS

0:00 Intro

1:59 Why this wedding conversation matters right now

3:46 “Weddings are a waste” — breaking down the costs

5:45 Divorce stats, glamorization & financial stress

7:29 Simple weddings vs destination weddings

9:33 Waiting for the “perfect time” to get married

11:59 Who’s paying for the wedding—and why it matters

17:38 How much guests really spend per wedding

20:17 Why big weddings pressure friends and family

23:45 Destination wedding guilt & guest expectations

26:17 You shouldn't start off your marriage in debt

27:34 Would parents rather fund a wedding—or a future?

30:26 What to do with the money instead

32:41 Paying off debt, and financial & transparency honesty

34:44 Outro/recap

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The Kormendy Trott Team was formed in 2011 by Ariel Kormendy and Adrian Trott. Originally a team of two in Milton, Ontario, KT has grown into a full-service real estate group serving Halton Region, Peel Region, and the Greater Toronto Area.