Survey Says Guests Now Spend More on Weddings

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. bachelorette [bach-uh-luh-RET] (n.) – a young woman who is not yet married

Example: The bride’s sister arranged a bachelorette party a week before the wedding.

2. hesitant [HEZ-i-tuh nt] (adj.) – not so sure; undecided

Example: Jerome feels hesitant to attend his friend’s wedding due to the coming storm.

3. accommodation [uh-kom-uh-DEY-shuh n] (n.) – anything that provides comfort or convenience

Example: Before our family trip, my dad already booked the travel and hotel accommodations.

4. affluent [AF-loo-uh nt, or, often, uh-FLOO-] (adj.) – having plenty of money and valuable possessions

Example: John can buy expensive things because he came from an affluent family.

5. shell out [shel-OUT](v. phrase) – to pay or to contribute

Example: The groom shelled out $30,000 for his wedding.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A recent survey done by the American Express says that guests are more willing to spend money for weddings nowadays than last year. The survey involved 1,500 people who have already attended weddings. According to the American Express survey, wedding guests often spend on gifts, dresses, bachelorette parties, travel expenses, and hotel accommodations. This year, a wedding guest spends an average of $539, which is $200 higher than last year’s estimate. Moreover, affluent guests with a household income of more than $100,000 tend to spend more. These guests shell out about $960 per wedding this year, a noticeable increase from last year’s average spending of $545. American Express also found that the results of its survey parallels the results of the researches conducted by the Knot.com and WeddingChannel.com about the couple’s total wedding costs in the past five years. The results of these surveys revealed that wedding couples also spent less money in the past year. Thus, the results of the three surveys may suggest that the recession in the country have affected both wedding couples and guests. Nonetheless, David Rabkin, a senior vice president at American Express, claimed that financial optimism is now rising. The increasing financial optimism thus implies that people are now less hesitant to spend money. Rabkin also said that the increase in spending shows that the economy is improving, although spending is not yet on its peak. However, if the spending continues to rise, the country may then recover from the recession that started in 2008.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         In your opinion, is it necessary to spend so much money when attending a wedding? Please explain your answer.

·         How do you think guests can avoid spending too much money on weddings?

Discussion B

·         Is it important to attend the wedding of a friend, family member, or colleague? Why or why not?

·         How much do you think people in your country value the ceremonies related to wedding?

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