The link to the Newsweek story doesn't work.

Thanks R -- the link is fixed now. :)

I just think that there is soooo much more you can do with the money you would spend on a big wedding.

In addition, I think it adds a huge stress on the relationship that just isn't necessary. Most of the time, it's the girl doing all of the planning, and the guy could care less as long as there's alcohol at the reception and his friends are there. Soon after the planning begins, he starts to wonder exactly how he got himself in that situation and wonders where is once normal gf went.

Most women lose sight of the actual reason for the day because they get so caught up in the tiniest of details. I think the reason for all of this is the stereotype that is thrown on little girls that one day they will be a princess in their own fairytale wedding. What is not explained is that the road to the alter and after is often less-than-fairytale.

And I hate to tell brides-to-be this, but nobody actually likes being a bridesmaid. It's expensive, there is no such thing as a bridesmaid's dress you can "wear again", and quite frankly it's just not fun. And while we're at it, showers are even less fun.

IF (big on the if) I ever got married:

It would be on an island somewhere, open invite, pay your own way. Whoever makes it great, if not see you when I get back.

I'd buy a simple white dress in a catalog or off the rack in a regular store. I wouldn't wear shoes and my hair would be just like it always is.

My close gf's would wear whatever they felt like. Preferably something white to take the attention off of me.

I'd throw big cookout for family and friends when I got back.

This sounds so pessimistic, but I just can't see spending all that money on one day when the marriage could end in divorce.

I haven't been scrapbooking a wedding all my life, and I'm far from wanting a princessy-type day, but I like weddings. And I want to have a big, fun one some day. (Half of it is, my family's so damn big, you're already looking at 100 people.)

The other sad thing is $10K isn't even going to get you that much.

Carey, will you marry me? You have just described my ideal wedding. :)

It's also outrageous just to be a bridesmaid. I served that duty earlier this month and am doing it again in September. The costs are RIDICULOUS. Including airfare, the dress and various gifts I had to buy, it cost me about $1,000 to be a bridesmaid in the June wedding. I love my friend, but maaaan.

One day, when I get married, my bridesmaids will have a simpler choice. Just buy a certain color dress in a certain length (my choice, but haven't chosen yet)...no $200 dress that strains your pocketbook.

Hooray for the Anti-Bride. I really don't see spending a bunch of money on a wedding or funeral...unless it's a mob wedding and people are going to give us envelopes full of money. Other then that...how about keeping money for after the wedding...y'know...the part where we live and pay bills.

If and when we ever get married, we are going to call our big day a party, not a wedding.

Cakes for parties cost less than half of what wedding cakes cost. Same for photos, flower and other sundry items. The wedding industry is driving much of the bridezilla culture. More people need to just say no.