Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have some handy advice for couples who are getting married. Think twice before a big ceremony.
© GettyThe moment came on their most recent episode of "Live with Kelly and Mark," where they were sharing some news clippings with their audience members. “Weddings are having a micro trend in 2026,” Ripa said. “Tiny. A quirky cake. No big ceremony. Candles over flowers. Cost-effectiveness. This is the year of the cost-effective wedding. Ceremonies are out, parties are in.”
Ripa explained that couples are hosting small ceremonies and big parties for cost-effective reasons. "Brides are opting on buying secondhand wedding dresses. Because let’s face it: nothing’s been worn less than a wedding dress. Unless it’s my wedding dress, which now doubles as a beach cover-up," she quipped.
© Getty"And they’re saying they’re getting rid of the wedding ring slash engagement ring. You know how a man would propose? Now just one ring, one nice ceremony ring.”
Consuelos agreed with this reasoning. The money spent on these parties and flowers and rings and dresses, it just doesn’t make sense to me,” he said. “It never made sense to me, which is why we eloped."
Ripa shared that her wedding was incredibly cost-effective and suggested a business proposition for Consuelos. “Our wedding was great. $179, including airfare, thank you!" she said. “We should start a wedding service.”
Mark had some doubts: “I’m not sure the margin’s big enough for us to make money on that.”
© Bruce GlikasMore details on Ripa and Consuelos' wedding
Ripa and Consuelos got married in 1996, after dating for around a year after meeting and falling in love on the set of "All of My Children." While their family was upset with them, the two were happy with their decision.
“None of our parents like the fact that we eloped. They [hated] that,” Ripa said in one of their shows in 2024. “Spoiler alert: if you're planning on eloping, your parents will hate that.”
Ripa has one regret, though. “I'm still sorry we didn't spring for flowers, because I always think my hands look awkward,” she said in an episode that aired in June. “Flowers are extra. And, you know… somebody didn't want to spring for flowers,” she added, pointing towards Consuelos.
© Getty
