Re: Why do brides...

Ulla,

Trust me, only those who were born to money or feel they have something to prove (at least in my opinion) spend tons of money on their wedding. When hubby and I got married, I believe the total (fabric for bridesmaids dresses, my dress, custom veil made from 3 different bits that I picked up, reception, favors) all came to a total of about $5000....which, even 9 years ago, was extremely inexpensive. We had exactly what we wanted - "country" foods - baked ham, fried chicken, all the go-withs, a cash bar that was actually limited to only beer and wine, the wedding cake was my wedding present from my aunt, the dresses fit the girls (with the exception of the one who refused to wear the proper bra...or any bra at all!!) beautifully, hubby and I were able to mingle with our friends and family, we personalized the ceremony with the Blessing of the Hands and the unity candle, another friend did the music (he does it professionally, and because he was a friend of hubby, wee received a discount), the rehearsal dinner wassimple and filled with lots of laughter, jokes and silly pranks.....even if we had access to the amount of money that we were told was "average" for a wedding back then, I don't think we would have done anything differently.

Larisa, control-freak by nature: made all favors (terra cotta flower pots, painted ivory with jordan almonds tied in tulle and topped with silk flowers, arranged the seating chart so that people of same ages and interests were at least near each other instead of across the room from each other, made bridesmaid dresses, did last-minute alteration of my dress (lost weight from stress!!!).....with all of that, we probably saved a few thousand dollars

Ursula Noeker wrote:

Hey all,

haven't finished the entire thread about the horrors of wedding garments yet, but what I've read so far had me on the floor, wetting my pants with laughter. Got round to reading it since - quite unexpectedly - the option of getting married myself has turned up. Never dreamed of that, but hey, stranger things have happened, I guess. Anyway, since I'm from Germany I'm totally amazed at the amount of time and money average anglo folks spend on that special day. Bridesmaides ect. in matching colours - dear me! Round here, only very posh people have things that way. Still, I couldn't resist the temptation of scrawling down some sketches for my dress. No white, NEVER! I'm pale as milk and my hair has a lovely firey shade of red, thanks to the art of my hairdresser and a plant called Henna. A bright mossy green might do... OK, stop me, before I get carried away. ;-)

Ulla


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