How are Wedding Budgets Allocated? Approximately 90% Agree with "Choose Wisely, Utilize Funds Effectively for Your Future."

Survey on Saving Wedding Costs and How Married Couples Use the Surplus: Real Voices Revealed

Rings, ceremonies, receptions, and honeymoons. Within a limited budget, many people likely feel, "I wish I had done this differently." If you were to wisely review your wedding expenses and, for example, create a surplus of about 300,000 yen, how would experienced couples want to use that money?

To find out, NEXER Co., Ltd., in collaboration with DIAMOND DOT LAB, conducted a survey on "Usage of Saved Money and Level of Happiness" among 436 married men and women nationwide.

*Note: When quoting the content of this press release, please ensure the following:*
* *State that the source is a "Survey by NEXER Co., Ltd. and DIAMOND DOT LAB."*
* *Provide a link to DIAMOND DOT LAB (https://dotlab-grown.com/).*

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### **Survey Overview: "Usage of Saved Money and Level of Happiness"**
* **Survey Method:** Internet-based survey
* **Survey Period:** March 3 – March 13, 2026
* **Target Participants:** Married men and women nationwide
* **Valid Responses:** 436 samples
* **Questions:**
1. Are there any items related to wedding expenses (rings, ceremony, reception, etc.) that you wish you had saved more on?
2. Please select the items you wish you had saved more on.
3. Please tell us the reason.
4. If you could save 300,000 yen on ring costs, what would you want to use it for?
5. Please tell us the reason.
6. What do you think about the idea of "choosing rings wisely and making effective use of the saved money" for the couple's future?
7. Please tell us the reason.
*Note: Percentages are rounded to the first decimal place, so totals may not equal 100%.*

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### **11.7% Responded "Yes" to Having Items They Wish They Had Saved More On**

First, we asked if there were any wedding-related expenses where participants felt they should have saved more.

The results showed that **11.7% answered "Yes,"** while **88.3% answered "No."**
While nearly 90% have no regrets regarding their spending, about 10% feel they could have been more frugal in certain areas.

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### **The Top Item People Wish They Had Saved On: "Wedding Reception" at 33.3%**

Next, we asked those who answered "Yes" to specify which items they wished they had saved on.

The most common response was **"Wedding Reception (Food, Drinks, Flowers, etc.)" at 33.3%**. This was followed by **"Wedding Ceremony (Venue, Attire, Production, etc.)" at 23.5%** and **"Furniture & Appliances" at 11.8%**.

Receptions offer a wide range of options for entertainment and catering grades, making it an area where costs easily inflate. Additionally, regrets regarding rings were also seen, with **"Engagement Rings" at 9.8%** and **"Wedding Rings" at 7.8%**.

Here are some of the reasons provided by respondents:

**Those who chose "Wedding Reception":**
* "Because I struggled with the payments afterward." (30s, Male)
* "My in-laws helped financially, but they also had a lot to say, which was difficult. I wish we had used only our own money for something smaller." (40s, Female)
* "We held it at a traditional restaurant where the main course wasn't included. Instead of an upgrade, we had to add it as an option. I should have picked a place that included the main course from the start." (40s, Female)

**Those who chose "Wedding Ceremony":**
* "Because the cost was too high." (30s, Male)
* "Looking back, I think a ceremony with just relatives would have been enough. We didn't need to invite friends; just photos would have been fine." (30s, Female)

**Those who chose "Furniture & Appliances":**
* "I want to keep costs down if there are cheaper options available." (40s, Female)
* "We replaced everything at once, but that means the next replacement cycle will also hit us all at the same time." (40s, Female)

**Those who chose "Engagement/Wedding Rings":**
* "Because they were expensive." (40s, Male)
* "Because it has basically been sitting in a drawer since the beginning." (50s, Female)
* "Because I only wore it for a brief moment." (60s, Male)

While people tend to get caught up in the glamour of the ceremony and reception on the day of, many look back and wonder if it was truly necessary. Similar sentiments were shared regarding rings, with some noting they "ended up not using them," highlighting the importance of prioritizing expenses beforehand.

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### **Top Use for 300,000 Yen Saved by Choosing Rings Wisely: "Savings" at 32.8%**

We then asked how participants would use a surplus of approximately 300,000 yen if they were to choose their engagement and wedding rings wisely.

The most popular choice was **"Savings" at 32.8%**, followed by **"Honeymoon Upgrade" at 17.0%** and **"Purchase of Furniture & Appliances" at 12.4%**.

**Reasons for "Savings":**
* "I want to save for the future while I can." (30s, Female)
* "Because raising children is expensive." (30s, Male)
* "You can never have too much money; I want to keep it for when it's needed." (40s, Female)

**Reasons for "Honeymoon Upgrade":**
* "I want to make those memories even more special." (30s, Female)
* "Because it only happens once in a lifetime." (30s, Male)

**Reasons for "Purchase of Furniture & Appliances":**
* "Because I want to make daily life more convenient." (30s, Female)
* "Because I'm still using furniture from when I lived alone." (40s, Female)

Those who chose "Savings" cited child-rearing and future preparation, while those who chose the honeymoon showed a preference for "enriching experiences." The common thread is the desire to use limited funds in a way that provides higher overall satisfaction.

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### **88.3% Are Positive About "Choosing Rings Wisely and Using the Surplus Effectively"**

Finally, we asked for their thoughts on the idea of "choosing rings wisely and making effective use of the saved money" for the couple's future.

The results showed that **48.6% said "It’s a very good idea"** and **39.7% said "It’s a somewhat good idea,"** totaling **88.3% in favor**. Conversely, only 8.5% said "Not a very good idea" and 3.2% said "Not a good idea at all."

**Reasons from those who think it is a "Good Idea":**
* "Life after the wedding is more important." (30s, Female)
* "There’s no need to spend a lot on something that isn't used frequently." (30s, Male)
* "I think rings don't look that different once they reach a certain price point." (40s, Male)
* "You won't have trouble in life even if your ring isn't that expensive." (30s, Female)
* "Values regarding rings vary by person, so I think it's fine. Either way, it's a mindset that benefits the couple." (30s, Female)

**Reasons from those who "Do Not Think It Is a Good Idea":**
* "I think it's better to buy the ring you truly love." (30s, Female)
* "It might be hard to get the partner's understanding." (40s, Male)

The majority focused on practicality, emphasizing that "life after marriage is what matters" or that "rings aren't worn often." Those who disagreed tended to feel that "it's a once-in-a-lifetime memento and shouldn't be compromised." Values regarding rings are personal, and both perspectives have their merits.

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### **Summary**

This survey revealed that "Savings" was the most popular way to use the surplus created by choosing engagement and wedding rings wisely, showing a strong trend toward prioritizing future preparation.

While nearly 90% are positive about the idea of "choosing rings wisely and using the money effectively," this does not necessarily mean compromising on the ring itself. Rather, it reflects the fact that in today's world, there are options to reduce costs without sacrificing quality.

For example, **"Lab-Grown Diamonds,"** which have the same appearance and brilliance as natural diamonds but at a lower cost, are gaining significant attention.

Both the quality of the ring and the future of the couple—why not consider a "wise choice" that satisfies both?

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**[Usage in Articles, etc.]**
* State that the source is a "Survey by NEXER Co., Ltd. and DIAMOND DOT LAB."
* Provide a link to DIAMOND DOT LAB (https://dotlab-grown.com/).

**[About DIAMOND DOT LAB]**
* Address: 1-38-7 Gakuen-no-mori, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0816
* Phone: 029-875-8864
* URL: https://dotlab-grown.com/

**[About NEXER Co., Ltd.]**
* Headquarters: 11F Rise Arena Building, 4-5-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013
* Representative Director: Yuya Miyata
* URL: https://www.nexer.co.jp
* Business: Internet Research, SEO, Web Branding, Review Content, Real Shop Support, Website Production