ever since we are little girls, we are convinced that we "need" the perfect wedding to prince charming when we grow up. there are movies, tv shows, magazines, books, commercials, and websites devoted solely to all things wedding related. not about getting married, but about the ceremony and reception. endless examples of cakes, decorations, colors, dresses, shoes, tuxes, flowers, etc. i didn't even know there were so many options. it's enough to make anyone's head spin.

but what about after the wedding? when real life sets in? when all your (or your parents') hard earned money is gone? the media doesn't really talk about that. just the happily ever after at the end. sure the planning and drama was fun, but now what?

is that why the divorce rate is so high? because people were so focused on the party, they forgot to think about the year(s) after it was all said and done? once women get that coveted rock, their minds seem to disappear into fantasy land. Not stopping to think about premarital counseling, or other resources to help plan out the rest of their lives together.

would i have liked a nice wedding (at the expense of someone else)? sure! but i knew that wasn't logical to spend all my savings on ONE DAY of my life. memories fade. sure you have the photographs, but even those fade with time. if i had spent $27,800 (the knot) on a wedding, my husband and i would have nothing right now. it was difficult enough in the beginning, but i shudder to imagine how much harder life would have been, had we not had a damn thing to start off with.


edit: this recent article illustrates my point beautifully


HuffPost - Why I Think Weddings Are a Stupid Waste of Money