Wedding Cost Outrageous

[dsosnowski06]

My daughter got engaged right before Christmas and has been planning her wedding for January 2021.  It is amazing what the end cost will be for approximately 200 people.  Of course she doesn’t want the typical banquet hall or restaurant but instead went with a old warehouse loft.  This means that everything has to be brought in except the tables and chairs.  Many of the vendors that she has been looking at fortunately offer a discount if you get married between January and March which is why the January wedding.  I never thought about this before but she is saving half on her venue. Bar bill and catering both offered a 15% discount. But still have to look at décor, flowers, DJ, photographer etc.  Of course after you add up everything it is wonder that anyone that gets married now days doesn’t have some debt after getting married.  So glad I got married 37 years ago.

[gaylasue]

I have always said weddings and funerals are a waste of money.

[NRAJOE]

Next door neighbors grandkid got married....kind of a princess....everything had to be just right...Bridezilla…$13,000 wedding plus gifted a trip a to the Bahamas...…...

[JaniceSW]

Myself, I would set what I thought was a reasonable budget based on my finances and simply inform the couple that is what they have to spend.  If they go over that, someone else will have to foot the remainder! Even though about 8 years ago, I gave my youngest daughter $5000 and informed them that was the best I could do.  Her father gave some, his parents contributed some, and then they, themselves, paid for some.  Luckily, they both had good jobs!

[mrsmere]

My niece paid $250,000 and the marriage lasted 6 months.  Put us up at the Four Seasons in DC, ice carvings, bands and a lot more  just really over the top.  I have never seen anything like it.  She knew it wouldn't last  but said after putting all that money out she wanted to do it anyway.  I told her she could make more money and she agreed.  What a waste but it was her money.

[braggin]

Yes, wedding costs are something close to obscene these days. So I was super delighted when my daughter decided to hold her wedding at a farm in eastern Massachusetts where they have miniature golf and baseball batting cages and other fun events like that. It was an outdoor wedding and the food served was hot dogs and hamburgers with homemade ice cream for dessert. It was the most fun wedding I've ever attended.

[plennis]

When my son got married a couple of years ago, we knew because of how large both families were the rehearsal dinner was going to be expensive. Nothing fancy but good food at a local (chain ) Mexican restaurant.  I talked to the owners of the restaurant and they let me start paying a money into an account for almost a year.  The night of the dinner I had to only pay around $350.00, which made it so much easier and there was no panic it was ALL paid for.    In Colorado I have been to some weddings that were out in the middle of nowhere.  Every one that came brought an assigned dish, sides, salads etc.  They were all beautiful and the costs were minimal.

[tjshorty]

For many reason, including price I wish that I would have just went to the justice of the peace.  Maybe had a reception after wards.   Ridiculous to spend that much money of a dress you will only wear once. I do wish I would have become a weeing planner.  My cousin is making a killing with her business.

[heypeg]

It is hard to believe what people are paying for weddings these days.

[UGetPaid]

My daughter is getting married in October. I have no idea what the final cost is going to be, but they are paying for most of it themselves. We are helping where we can, but are not able to give her the traditional wedding paid for by the bride's family.


I don't believe it is a waste of money at all - depending on budgets and staying reasonable. My thinking = if you have it and can afford to spend it, go all out. If you can't afford to splurge on top notch facilities or arrangements, there are ways to cut corners and save.  My wife and I did a budget when we got married. We stayed within it and we did just fine.


Theoretically this only happens once in your life. I know in reality that is often not the case, unfortunately. But if you truly believe and intend that marriage is for a lifetime - why not celebrate to the extent of your means? It's the biggest party you will probably ever have for yourself. I say don't go into debt over it, but don't deny something you would really like (and can afford) just to be frugal.  (That's a very fine line, though!)

[alice44]

I agree - I almost think weddings are a racket!  Where are the simple ceremonies with cake and punch afterwards.

[nannycoe1]

big weddings are such a waste of money that could be used to start a home

[elvisdo]

The costs are truly outrageous these days.

[rghvac69]

I would get married at the courthouse and save a lot of money.

[Nancy5]

I honestly don’t remember what my wedding cost (too many years ago).  My oldest daughter got married 3 years ago.  Her and her husband both have good jobs and had money to pay for a wedding.  We told them we will give you $10,000 towards your wedding to do as you please.  His parents did the same.  What they did was have a nice, not over the top wedding but a beautiful one, her gown was only $1000 if you haven’t priced wedding gowns lately that’s not expensive, and I work with a woman who’s family owns a condo in hawaii and she gave it to them for a week free!  They took our money and his parents money with some of their money and put a down payment on a house, which I think is a smart move.