Wedding Costs

Having been fortunate enough to be a guest at numerous weddings over the years I've witnessed quite a variation in the ceremonies and receptions from one couple to another. The ceremonies have ranged from a minister speaking briefly while standing within a few yards of abandoned chicken shacks to a priest celebrating a formal Mass held in a cathedral.

The differences between the least and most elaborate wedding receptions are notable.

"Couple A" held their reception at a simple log cabin style community center. There was no alcohol served. The meal, for no more than 40 guests, consisted solely of baked chicken and garden salad that was prepared in the community center's basement along with a modest wedding cake that was made by the bride's mother. The entertainment was a a few cassette tapes played on a boom box provided by one of the guests.

"Couple B" held their reception at an elaborate function hall. There was an open bar during the entire event. The meal, for over 200 guests, consisted of appetizers including an incredible buffet of fresh fruits and cheeses, plus your choice of entree and a slice from the huge bakery produced wedding cake. There was a live band to provide musical entertainment.

I feel that most couples really wish to provide a highly enjoyable event for themselves and their guests and are willing to bite the bullet in terms of the costs. Hopefully as the couple ages they will be able to look back and share the fond memories and not be regretting the money they spent. However it does makes good financial sense to reduce spending for insignificant extras since traditionally the bride's parents shoulder much of the costs.

For the majority of couples it takes at least a moderate effort to be able to save enough funds for things that are essential and not put themselves deeply into debt from their wedding at the very start of their marriage. Perhaps there is a reason that some couples decide to avoid all the planning and costs involved and just "shack-up" together!