['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by twospirits

Seeing the Nicole getting married thread, made me think about weddings, especially those that get out of hand (expense wise).

Therefore I ask, does it make sense (especially in this day and age) to have a wedding that costs so much.
TS

No it doesn't. Why not take that money and use it to pay down bills, ( heaven knows most people are eyeballs in debt before they say "I Do". The money could also be used as a downpayment for a house, or to get a 'jumpstart' at their new lives together. I cringe when I see these shows on tv where the bride is spoiled and the wedding is approaching $100,000. How long are we going to be paying that off, ( and given the divorce rate today too)?
I got married 12 years ago, and right from the start my wife and I talked it over and agreed not to go overboard. We did a lot of things ourselves, and both families pitched in. We didn't spend a lot of money but we had a great time and the memories that followed are worth more.
We had a church wedding, with a reception at a local Masonic Hall. The catering was done by a friend of the family, and the invitations were bought through a friend who worked at a print shop. The dress was bought from a bridal shop off the rack at a huge discount, and family members pitched in and did the decorations, favors, and floral arrangements. Our local Public TV station has an annual auction to raise funds and I bid an and won a package to outfit myself and the groomsmen, and also won DJ service for the entertainment at the reception. And the photographer was a friend of the family and did excellent work as it was his hobby. If you tap into family and friends and trade services you can save a lot of money on your wedding, and most people are glad to help out.