http://www.forbes.com/sites/helaineolen/2012/05/21/mark-zuckerberg-and-priscilla-chan-strike-a-blow-against-the-wedding-industrial-complex/
What do you think about at home weddings? What about the idea that celebrity weddings have a 'trickle down' effect for the rest of us? What part of our emotions does the "wedding as fantasy" play on? Do you think the 'wedding industrial complex' helps contribute to unrealistic thoughts of marriage or contributes to the high divorce rate? What pressure (if any) do you feel/did you feel to push the limits of you budget?
I often think of my grandparents, both sets married in small afternoon weekday ceremonies, one in church, one at the courthouse. Both my grandma's wore smart white suits, had no bridal party, no bouquet and a simple open house reception with family and friends. Both sets joyfully (and I would assume some times not so joyfully) made it 50+ years before death parted them. I wonder what they would think about all the stress brides (and grooms) put themselves through to have a "perfect day". I hope when BF and I are at that stage we can keep them in mind as an example.