By M. V. LEE BADGETT, professor of economics, director of the Centre for Public Policy and Administration, University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
FANCY clothes, emotional rituals and the presence of loved ones all show that weddings are an important day in the life of couples.
Their significance, personally and culturally, is also reflected in another prominent aspect of weddings – spending on the ceremony, reception and other related events.
When same-sex couples are allowed to marry and to celebrate their commitment in that same special way, their weddings also generate a boost to the economy.