It's quite common to be $30,000+ in debt for a wedding where my family is from (Turkey).

I don't know if a lot of people borrow, but ridiculously expensive weddings are common in America, and they are terrible. Many people won't get married if they can't "afford a wedding". Like the parent, our wedding was under $200 when all was said and done, including rings (which neither of us wear).

In Thailand, people borrow money to have a wedding. But guests pay some money (+ gift) at the wedding. So you usually got enough back, if not more, to pay for the debt.

Going into debt for a wedding, in the USA, is very common.

So is divorce. I did the math, and it came up wanting.

My sister bought the deli platter so I didn't count it.

With inflation it would be a bit more today.