Got a wedding invite yesterday for a wedding in mid-August. Invite is very elaborate; I'm guessing each invitation cost at least $10-$15. The reception is at one of the most expensive venues in the area. Seriously over the top. The RSVP date is the end of June (about when invites should be mailed in the 1st place, IMHO) I suppose I should be flattered that we "made the cut" but the timing just screams "B list" to me.
The bridal shower was over the top. It was larger (60 people) & more costly than I suspect many weddings. It was pretty obnoxious -- bride's friends gave salt & pepper shakers (gifts < $30) while mom's friends gave BBQ grills, service for 8, a 72" plasma TV , , , , seriuos loot. What made it obnoxious was that the bride didn't seem to know many of her benefactors. This was all about the mom.
The whole thing is starting to leave a bad taste in my mouth; I almost feel sorry for my friend, the groom.