Extravagance in Weddings

I was flipping through the channels the other day and came across this TLC show "Say Yes to the Dress." Being a woman, I stopped to watch it. Within about 30 seconds of me being on this channel the bridal consultant asked the bride what her budget was. "Less than 10% of the wedding budget, so $6000 or less." Call me a math wiz, but that is a $60,000 wedding!! All I wanted to do was scream at the tv "DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU COULD BUY FOR $60,000?" Knowing the professional cheerleader on the show wouldn't hear me, I just kept thinking to myself what I would rather spend $60,000 on instead of some completely exaggerated wedding full of people I barely know.

Here's a very brief list of the things that ran through my head: an entire college tuition, a house (or at least a down payment), a solid two and a half cars that would last a long time, SAVINGS, groceries for 12.5 years (with an average spending of $400 a month), or utility bills for over 15 years. 

Surely to goodness, people aren't really spending more than I make in a YEAR on a two-maybe-three hour wedding and reception?! Seriously? In this economy, people are starving, the unemployment rate is as high as it has ever been, businesses are closing, stock market falling any given day, and people are spending $60,000+ on A WEDDING??

There are websites devoted to planning the entire event for less than what this girl is spending on her dress. I really don't think this is just me either, folks, American savings accounts are the highest they've been in over 40 years. The possibility of a double dip recession is very possible, people are conserving their money more, being more responsible with everyday spending, but apparently, this only applies to those of us who look more than 6 weeks into the future.

I do love weddings. Please don't think I am a total wedding pessimist. There have been some gorgeous weddings and I am a hopeless romantic, but I cannot justify taking out debt to pay for a ceremony that most say goes by so quickly you hardly remember it. Find ways to cut costs!

No one there is going to ask what designer made your dress. There are knockoffs that are a tenth of the cost that look just as beautiful.

Flowers: unless you're getting married where exotic flowers are readily available, don't buy them. Most people when looking at an arrangement can make the distinction between the flowers. If you want to have one expensive flower, do it in the bridal arrangement only. Stick with the colors you want but be flexible with the actual flowers. This will save you more than 60% off the cost of your flowers.

Location: If you are flexible, shop around for the venue that has the most to offer at the lowest cost. If you aren't flexible on WHERE, be flexible on WHEN. Often if you get married in a different season or different day of the week the discounts can be huge.

Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Gone are the days when they have to match exactly. And that is a welcomed change because if someone asked me to wear pale yellow I'd be completely washed out. Plus, you don't want people absolutely hating what their wearing. Your best pictures come when everyone is comfortable.

Speaking of comfortable: Sweat is not cute. Don't take pictures outside when it's 100+ degrees with men in suits and think it will turn out good. Obviously.

Finally, unless you're a millionaire, don't blow money on a wedding that is out of your realistic means. You aren't getting married to impress anyone. Don't invite people you don't know just because they'll give you a gift. With what you will spend on the extra heads at the table, you could probably buy three of the gift they will give you.