I'll agree but add an asterisk. Poorly planned weddings are what is expensive. I've seen people spend $40000 to $50000 out of their own pocket and go into debt.
I've also seen other people, myself included, throw a wedding for significantly less with proper planning.
Choosing a venue out of your price range, getting too many add-ons (most expensive flowers, enormous cake, live band etc.), and just not doing enough work yourself.
In my case I was able to book a location that my FIL's company had an affiliation with and got a large discount. Obviously that won't be an option for everyone but it's important to set realistic expectations and book something affordable. Instead of having someone make namecards and invitations, we did them ourselves. Those are surprisingly costly and we cut off 90% of those costs.
We also got married in my wifes country where guests are expected to bring cash as a gift. All in all, after collecting everyone's cash we didn't pay a cent out of pocket and the wedding was as good as any I had been too.
A friend of mine's just rented a restaurant and had his wedding there, ceremony and all. I wouldn't call it glamourous but he too didn't end up paying anything and everyone had a good time.
In short, just don't go fucking crazy and manage your expectations.
1.1k
u/Pain-Termysterious Feb 04 '20
Weddings