I can't believe I am the only one who believes weddings and the receptions following have gotten out of control. From the expensive gowns to the flamboyant receptions, weddings have become elegant side-shows. The spirit of celebration is sometimes overwhelmed by the celebration itself.
Weddings are happy occasions, usually. The event results in the same outcome no matter how simple or elaborate the dress and ceremonies may be. It lasts less than an hour and when it's over the clothing and flowers become history. How much is that hour worth? Those who believe expense is the measure of the success of a wedding are delusional. Weddings should be a gathering of friends and families to celebrate the love of two people for each other. This can be done in an intimate or festive way but in either case respectful of the solemn nature of the event. A roomful of intoxicated people does not represent that sense.
For those for whom the expense of elaborate weddings is not a burden and that is what you want, go for it. But because of the implication that all weddings should mimic that, many who cannot afford it spend money they do not have, money , at any rate, which could have been spent in a better way.
I suppose I sound like an old sourpuss but I grew up in an era when a wedding reception was held in a large hall , the food was sandwiches wrapped in waxed paper from a bushel basket and the drink came from gallons of wine and tubs of soda and beer. The music was lively and the dance floor was littered with children sliding and falling. I have never enjoyed any other wedding reception more than those.
My point is, if there is a point, that too many of us are sucked into believing we must follow the Joneses. When possible, be original, save some money and give it to the kids. After all, it's the ceremony that counts and all the external stuff is soon forgotten.
Weddings are happy occasions, usually. The event results in the same outcome no matter how simple or elaborate the dress and ceremonies may be. It lasts less than an hour and when it's over the clothing and flowers become history. How much is that hour worth? Those who believe expense is the measure of the success of a wedding are delusional. Weddings should be a gathering of friends and families to celebrate the love of two people for each other. This can be done in an intimate or festive way but in either case respectful of the solemn nature of the event. A roomful of intoxicated people does not represent that sense.
For those for whom the expense of elaborate weddings is not a burden and that is what you want, go for it. But because of the implication that all weddings should mimic that, many who cannot afford it spend money they do not have, money , at any rate, which could have been spent in a better way.
I suppose I sound like an old sourpuss but I grew up in an era when a wedding reception was held in a large hall , the food was sandwiches wrapped in waxed paper from a bushel basket and the drink came from gallons of wine and tubs of soda and beer. The music was lively and the dance floor was littered with children sliding and falling. I have never enjoyed any other wedding reception more than those.
My point is, if there is a point, that too many of us are sucked into believing we must follow the Joneses. When possible, be original, save some money and give it to the kids. After all, it's the ceremony that counts and all the external stuff is soon forgotten.
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