In Gay Marriage, Calif. Sees Economic Love Match

Lifting the ban on same-sex marriages could prove a boon to California’s economy, as couples waiting for years to tie the knot spend big on lavish nuptials, the Los Angeles Times reports. Wedding planners, bakers, and other related business have seen increasing activity since the May 15 ruling; one economist estimates gay weddings could mean a $370 million boost.

Surveys suggest same-sex couples are also spending much more than altar-bound heterosexuals made frugal by the depressed economic climate: "These weddings will be much more lavish," one event planner says. "Everybody's been waiting for it to be legal to throw the big party." (More California stories.)