Because they can

I am slowly starting to think that this wedding is going to bankrupt Chris and I. For two people who wanted a simple toes in the sand kind of beach wedding, we are spending a hell of a lot. I was typing up our budget of what we have spent, what we are expecting to spend, etc and it is not looking good. Even with my mom offering to pay half.

And this is what I realized...weddings cost so much because they can. Weddings and funerals are the two things that people do not want to compromise on. They are willing to spend an insane amount of money because society tells us that these days are of utmost importance. It isn't that they are any more important than any other day, it is just that we are told they are. So people spend thousands, hell, hundreds of thousands of dollars on this single party. And at what point did it turn into this?

I'll be honest in that the only reason we are having a wedding is for our families. No offense to them but we would have been just as happy driving down to the JOP in our Sunday best and getting hitched. But I know that part of what makes a wedding special is that it isn't for the bride and groom so much as their friends and family. Again, its like a funeral. Funerals aren't for the dead guy, they are for the people that are left behind.

I mean, think about it. Most brides and grooms are so stuck in this surreal experience, that they don't remember it. They put on a huge party, a huge expense, for the enjoyment of everyone else. And for that reason, I don't mind doing it. After all, I am the girl that used to throw these HUGE birthday parties, invited my whole class, just had fun with it.

So, does anyone want to buy a kidney? Slightly used by still in good condition. Cost: One wedding and honeymoon. :)

Ministers and Money

I have begun the long and stressful task of trying to find a minister on just four months notice. I really had no idea that men (or women) of God were so damn popular. And so damn expensive.

Our wedding coordinator, Erin, sent me a referral for a Reverend who will remain nameless. I will call him Rev. Moneybags. First off, it would have been nice if Erin sent me a website BEFORE I emailed the guy. If she had, I never would have emailed him in the first place. I had to hit Google to find the guy's website and I was less than happy with what I found.

Sure, his website is very nice and I am sure that he is the most kick ass minister in the entire world, I am not saying anything about the guy because I don't know him. But prices starting at $350 and then an extra $75 for the rehersal? Really?

I get that the wedding industry is out to make money. Out to make a lot of money. But if you are a minister, shouldn't there be some kind of rule that you shouldn't charge that much? What happened to a honoraium and a nice dinner? Hell, the minister was going to cost more than our wedding rings and that is just not right.

And of course, he is booked. Because someone out there is more than willing to fork over piles of cash for this guy. I can just imagine some Bridezilla on her pile of money, using a pitchfork to toss it from her wedding pile right into this guy's pockets.

Thank god that my future Mother-in-Law (MIL) was able to get me a website to find someone else to do the ceremony. At this point, with how close it is, I think we are going to end up with a clown and some confetti. (Speaking of, do you think since it IS in LA, Rip Taylor might be available? Is he ordained? If not, I will pay for his Universal Life Church certificate!)