The Friday File: Economists studying marriage find that the more lavish the wedding the shorter the marriage. To be precise, the chances of getting divorced are 60% higher if the wedding cost more than $20,000 compared to less costly nuptials. Similarly, all else equal, the chances of getting divorced rise by 30% if the engagement ring cost between $2,000 and $4,000 compared to rings costing $500 to $2,000.