Read from LinkedIn:

As we approach Valentine's Day, the pandemic is taking a toll on romance — particularly weddings — forcing more couples to downsize and go virtual. The Washington Post, citing bridal consultancy data, reports that 80% of weddings were postponed or canceled when the U.S. outbreak started almost a year ago, upending much of the $73 billion wedding industry. Many businesses that depend on weddings, including photographers and bridal boutiques, have leaned into live-streaming or virtual showrooms. Couples, meanwhile, are redirecting money that would have gone to lavish receptions toward bigger rings and honeymoons.

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My commentary:

For years I have lamented the growing materialism of the modern wedding industry. As weddings become more secular, they are also becoming more expensive and focused on extravagance rather than upon transcendence only found in Jesus. Money can buy beautiful things for a wedding, but money cannot buy a beautiful wedding.

What makes a Christian wedding beautiful? The holiness of God! Christians are better equipped than others to see the beauty of the Gospel manifest in the wedding ceremony. The groom who redeems his bride is a reflection of the Gospel message. In marriage, we realize the failure of the first man, Adam, in being the leader of his family. We also see glorious Christ who was sinless and died on the cross to redeem his bride, the church. Sanctifying his church, Jesus will come for her one day.

Christian marriages are to reflect this holy and mystical union between Christ and His Church. When you abandon the transcendent Gospel of the church but still desire beauty, you may spend more, but you get far less.