[seeker1950]

I have noticed the trend (maybe it's always been a trend and I'm out of touch!) with the spectacularly expensive weddings. What's this about? It seems out of control and ridiculous to me! Two of my coworkers' daughters just got married with 6 or more bridesmaids/ groomsmen, huge receptions, expensive honeymoons. These people are teachers, not millionaires, and also did major remodeling of their homes in the preparations.
Am I an old fuddy duddy? I don't see the need for this! A couple could use the $10,000 or more for such a bash to establish themselves as newlyweds. My sister did the same with her daughter, including string quartet and gala reception, as well as huge wedding in Gatlinburg.
I like the pics Skittles just shared of her sis's wedding...more in tune with realism and sweet!
Patty

I'm right there with ya, Seeker. I don't see the point in spending so much money on a wedding. My brother and his wife were offered $40K NOT to have a wedding but she just HAD to have one. They could have put a nice down payment on a house but instead they lived in an apartment for years. His wife got depressed about not being able to afford a house and blamed everything, including her alcoholism on my brother and they got divorced! At least they have nice pictures of their expensive wedding, I guess!

[Sabrina]

My wedding was simple and unaffected. I did everything myself and it didn't cost a fortune. We had no debt at all from my wedding. So many people have said (and we had a small guest list) how much they enjoyed our wedding.

On the other hand, I don't have a problem with those that want expensive weddings with all the trimmings - I can understand the romance side of it, but it is difficult to understand extravagance when it can't be afforded.

[InACorner]

i have to admit....ever since i was a little girl i always wanted a "nice" wedding....its not so much a mega wedding that costs like million dollars...but ive always loved the idea of a beautiful cake...and four bridesmaids and four groomsmen....and i loved the whole idea of choosing fish or chicken (roflmao) as i got older however, i realized the wedding day is actually not as important as the day after...when you finally live as husband and wife....the day just symbolizes your union...the day after...symbolizes your eternity...and now that i have fallen in love...i try each and ever day to contribute to our relationship...and i realize that the wedding doesnt have to be mega...however its still kinda my dream to walk down an isle of candles and roses with a beaded strapless gown...lol my head has always been in the clouds...

[selfy]

i intend not to get married... it is too much hassle, and i probably wouldnt b able to find someone who liked me enough.
ohwell
tc all
self

[seeker1950]

Here are three varied opinions, but it does really come down to the after-effect. Wow...to be offered $40,000 at the start of a marriage and decline it in favor of a big bash! only then to end in divorce!
When my daughter announced to me that she and Mitch were going to get married and had planned their own wedding at the quaint cigar bar next to Rupp Arena on the Univ. of KY campus, I was perplexed. They came down the aisle of the bar to Frank Sinatra singing some jazzy song (can't remember the name of it right now!). They paid for the wedding themselves and didn't cost either me or my ex husband a cent. It was lovely and unconventional, to say the least! It was a BIG party,and lovely in a funky sort of way!
They are still so happy together with now twin boys, age 5!
Patty

[Sabrina]

Now THAT sounds like a cool wedding!

Has anyone ever seen the MTV show "Sweet Sixteen?"

Yowza. Talk about the money that people are spending on these mega-bashes and at the end of it all, they usually get a Mercedes or a BMW etc.

It is unbelievable. I don't even think my mother baked me a cake.

[Sabrina]

Now that show just blew my socks right off! My sixteenth birthday was one that shouldn't be recalled in this thread - it belongs in the Survivors of Abuse forum - but ok - not to be off topic - some of these kids (the are kids at 16 right?) are wearing grandiose type wedding dresses. I only had 2 or 3 events where I got to dress up in my teens (and beyond) and I totally refused to wear anything remotely resembling a wedding dress.

And I didn't get a cake either!!

[radio_flyer]

My personal opinion is if a family wants to spend thousands of dollars or hundred dollars that should be their choice. If folks want to go in debt for a wedding, that again is their choice. Why worry about what "other" folks spend on weddings? What is important is what "we" or "ones" family feels comfy with...

Again, I think it is a personal choice. To have a small or large wedding. I am as comfy with a large wedding as I am with a quaint, small wedding. Just my humble or not so humble opinion ... I pretty much don't worry what other folks do or spend on weddings.