Media-Induced Weddings..

We started discussing the idea of lavish American weddings in my anthropology class, and I really find the idea interesting. I mean, there are countless shows about the "ideal" type of wedding everyone in America should have. Everyone knows what I mean: at a castle, mansion or a beach; an engagement ring with a massive rock; an intricate expensive wedding gown; hundreds of guests; beautiful flowers, catering, live music, professional photographers, and a huge ornate cake at the center of the room... the list goes on and on..
But why is that? This is not tradition as everyone may think. Before the 80's, weddings generally took place in a church or chapel, and the reception took place at home with a small gathering of family and friends who brought homemade food with them.
A defining factor of this phenomenon is Princess Diana's wedding, and the media coverage it was granted. It was broadcast around the world, and it showed a wedding as people had never seen it before: a lavish event, at a castle, with hundreds of people, where the bride was married and became a princess.. it was like a dream. A dream woman since then have tried to replicate.
But the fact is ladies, most of us are not going to become princesses when we get married. We don't live in castles. We really can't afford a 10 thousand dollar dress, or a thirty thousand dollar diamond ring for that matter. It's nothing but an allusion that lasts about 12 hours, and puts us into more debt than we can afford.
The worst thing is that even though most women (and men) know this, the media has created an image of a wedding that we feel we must compete for. That if we deliver anything less at our own weddings we have failed in someway-- that we have not lived up to expectations, and maybe further still, we have "set the tone" for the rest of our marriages. I find this ridiculous.

(This is a clip from Bridezilla. It is hilarious. In every way it shows how ludicrous the entire wedding industry has become)


I would like to think that I am not going to fall into what has become the norm. As of right now I have no desire for a dress that costs thousands, or a huge reception, or a ring that weighs my hand down. Maybe it's because I'm young (and, let's face it, poor) but I'd like to think not. I know I'm in the minority on this issue for the most part-- even my boyfriend has fallen victim to it. He believes that we need to wait to get married until we can afford the "perfect ceremony" and the "perfect cake" and the "perfect ring".
I think most of us need to come to terms with reality. It's not a bad thing!
[sigh]
I guess for now I'll be satisfied being "pre-engaged" (as my boyfriend and I call it. I wear a diamond promise ring...) Until we can afford the "perfect" day...