Two weddings

alisonmorche

My fiance and I want to get married relatively soon for personal reasons.  The thing is, we really want to have a big, nice wedding but we don't see ourselves having the money for that any time soon. 

We were thinking of just getting married at the courthouse and a few years later (two or three?) on our anniversary having a "real" wedding with all our friends and family...sort of a "renewal of vows" but we'd do the whole deal...the bridesmaids, a wedding dress, first dance, etc.

I was just wondering if this was way off base or kind of tacky in anyone's opinion, or if anyone had done this or been to something like this.

Opinion would really help me out.  Thanks!

MegieM

I have been horrified how some women were treated after posting this question on other areas of the knot, so I am really glad everyone here is so supportive.  It's interesting to look at traditions from other parts of the world where this type of thing is very common.  The legal union and the religious/traditional "marriage" are considered two different things in many cultures.  In fact there are cultures where you are supposed to do them a few days, weeks, or even months apart.  What's important is that you do what is right for you, and that you explain the situation to everyone involved.