[MineralMan]

Ridiculous. I like the garden wedding at the bride's parents' home. Close friends and relatives, followed by a potluck.

That's what my wife and I did, and it's a great memory for us. There's no evidence that a big, fancy wedding does any more to solemnize the occasion than a simple garden wedding.

[freedumb2003]

There's no evidence that a big, fancy wedding does any more to solemnize the occasion than a simple garden wedding.

I would go as far as to say that people who spend more than they can comfortably afford put themselves in a HUGE bind to start the marriage out.

Sex and money are the 2 biggest reasons for divorce. Why exacerbate either?

[SF Republican]

you got that right; a girl in our San Francisco office took her extended family on a cruise to the Caribbean to get married; another's daughter is flying families to Waikiki later this summer. My little bride and I had 5-6 friends down to city hall, a nice lunch, a limo ride and dinner; we were just reveling in that wonderful day 8 years ago Monday.

[Caipirabob]

Ridiculous. I like the garden wedding at the bride's parents' home. Close friends and relatives, followed by a potluck.

I completely agree. The 5-digit $ wedding may be suitable when you have money to burn, but I hardly think that's a hole most newly weds want to dig. They could just as easily put the money into their home or heck, why not the honeymoon? Whatever. It's just silly, unless you can either carry the cost without further financial concern or you are committed unto death to invite 200 people to your wedding.