A couple on the Dr. Phil show argued over the amount that would be spent on their wedding. The husband-to-be wanted an elaborate wedding which would cost well over $10,000. The bride refused, wanting a much more modest celebration. I dont remember anything being said about the income the couple had or what financial help, if any, would come from parents. However, the final analysis by Dr. Phil was the couple should plan on spending at least $3,000. I sat in shock as I agreed with the woman: The money could be used toward a down payment on a house, a saving account for emergencies, or other needs for setting up house. Many couples now-a-days are going into debt to have expensive weddings, starting out on the negative side of a balance sheet. A wedding should provide memories of a loving couple becoming one, not the first step toward bankruptcy. The first step toward deciding what to spend on a wedding should be how much money the couple has, including any amount provided by family. The funds should be those not required for other necessities or expenses for living. Going into debt should not be an option. Once the amount is known, then a list of what each person wants without change. For example, one bride I knew wanted her own wedding dress. Everything else was negotiable. The couple borrowed the arches and candle holders from a friends friend. They used silk flowers, and with the help of family members, made all flower arrangements. Another friend created the veil. Family and friends made items for the reception and served food they provided. The final cost of the wedding was less than $500, yet it was beautiful. The guests never knew what was created or donated. Memories of the wedding included some rather ridiculous ones, such as the member of the wedding party that exposed everyone to a very violent stomach upset, but the wedding and reception were lovely and memorable for the right reasons. A granddaughters wedding cost about $600, but family members all chipped in and covered the expenses so that the young couple wouldnt have to start their life together in a financial hole. A mother covered the cost of a limited number of flowers. A grandmother provided the cake, punch, and other eats for the reception. Everyone provided copies of pictures taken during the ceremony and reception, many of professional quality. Perhaps if the couple has money to spare, or a parent does, spending thousands of dollars on a wedding may be understandable. But people of limited means can still have a wedding to remember for considerably less than $10,000, or even $3,000, without bankruptcy looming on the horizon. |
