There seems to be a lot of backlash against weddings due to cost. This is especially evident online, but I've also noticed it in person at a few weddings recently. I agree weddings cost a lot of money, but haven't they always? Even backyard weddings require some expense. But should wedding guests express their opinions on what a bride and groom spent/plan to spend on their wedding? I always thought discussions on finances were private, like religion and politics. So if a wedding venue seems "over-the-top" or "swanky" to some guests, are the bride and groom "wrong" for their choice of venue?
To me, and I don't have all the answers, weddings are at their best when the bride and groom are warm and welcoming to each guest. It doesn't matter if it's a backyard barbeque or an exclusive hotel, as long as the hosts are welcoming and happy to be married. If a bride and groom cooked for hours in their home for their perfect backyard wedding, that's wonderful! But it's also wonderful if a bride and groom worked hard to pay for a catered wedding at a fancy venue-- both couples cared enough about their guests to try and show them a good time. But I'm sure guests will have complaints at each wedding without even congratulating the bride and groom--something I've seen too often as well.
When it comes to weddings, it seems like there is a war between showing off frugality vs. showing off expense...WHY is a backyard wedding with a thrift-store bridal gown "better" than an expensive venue where the bride spent $5K on her gown? I agree there are many social and financial injustices in this world, but why should that come into play with weddings? Is it not one of the only things that can be happy?
Please enlighten me!