Oh, by the way, these costs do not include the honeymoon. And today couples must have an exotic week in the Caribbean or somewhere else overseas. That is expected. The wedding would not be complete without an expensive trip.
Now most of my readers would probably call me cheap since I think this extravagance is crazy. If you have that kind of money wouldn't it be better to put it towards a down payment on a house or to pay off the college bills? Sadly, many marriages today even break up before all the wedding bills are finally paid.
Now I know times have changed over the years, but today's peer pressure has forced many couples into having elaborate weddings. They seem to need to top their friends. But let me share with you a different wedding that took place a number of years ago.
In this case the bride had a job earning a modest income. The groom had just completed his junior year in college. They were in love and had been dating over two years so they decided to get married prior to his senior year. She already had a car and with her job they could rent a small apartment and make it until he graduated and found a regular job.
To save money she borrowed a beautiful wedding gown from a cousin. Her mother was able to make the dresses for the girls in the party. The men decided rather than renting expensive tuxes to wear dark suits. Actually the groom wore a wool suit which he had purchased even though it was a June wedding. According to today's prices, they saved over $1,600 by doing this.
The bride and groom had to purchase their own flowers and decorations and they did purchase some modestly priced flowers for the wedding party and family members. Today the average cost for wedding flowers is $1,579.
The groom's previous college roommate was a photographer. As a wedding present he donated his services and he did a very nice job presenting them with an album of 8x10's. Today the average wedding spends $2,778 for pictures and videos.
For the wedding service they used the church where they had been attending and where the groom's grandfather was pastor. The grandfather was thrilled to do the wedding ceremony for his oldest grandchild. This added to the special memories the couple still has today. The entire congregation was invited to attend the service and as a result the church was filled.
For a reception they rented the local YMCA. The food was prepared by ladies from the church and included sandwiches, chips, cake and ice cream. It wasn't elaborate but it was well received and well done. The average couple locally spends an average of $11,784 on a venue, catering and rentals. And this approach and location apparently had no effect on the gift giving as the couple was overwhelmed by the many gifts given to them by those who attended.
Now the couple also didn't take an elaborate honeymoon. In fact the bride's boss would not even give her time off for a honeymoon. But she took Monday off anyway and the couple was able to travel to Watkins Glen for Sunday and Monday. A few years later they were able to take a spectacular summer trip to Florida. There the groom studied computers at Florida State while the family stayed in an apartment complex with families from all over the country who were there on a National Science Foundation grant.
It was not an extravagant wedding by today's standards, but it was beautiful and meaningful, not only for the bride and groom, but for the many who attended. And the young couple did not begin life together burdened with expensive wedding and honeymoon bills which might have taken years to pay. For you see, money and expensive things do not always bring happiness.
And the Lord has continued to bless this couple who have now experienced 54 years of marital bliss. They are more in love now than ever. And on June 2 this bride and groom, Dianne and I, will celebrate another special anniversary celebration. God has been good and has provided all that we have needed!
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