The pain of persistent pressure

The deeper we get into planning this wedding the more I wish we’d never started it. The whole industry seems to be set up to pull as much money out of you as possible. It should be the start of a wonderful life together but it’s more likely to be the start of a life of debt. What’s the point of getting married if it pushes you to the brink of bankruptcy? 
Everyone you speak to as part of the planning has another expense you haven’t considered yet, and they usually conveniently ‘know someone’ who can fulfil the task for you, for a price. I’ve started asking the question ‘why?’ as often as possible, and they normally don’t have an answer. They’re just so used having people go along with it and doing what they’re told, whatever the cost, that they don’t know what to do when their little cabal is actually challenged.
In case you’re considering nuptials of your own, here’s a few of the bullshit suggestions that will be thrown at you in the coming months, so be warned. 

“Of course you’ll have to book both rooms at the venue for the evening do.”
“You’ll want to put an announcement in the newspapers.”
“Flowers are a must, but balloons are a wonderful accessory.”
“All the male members of the party will need to see the same tailor.”
“You’ll want personalised presents for all the bridesmaids.”
“I have a friend who can write your speech for you.”
“You could book three dates now so you know the one you want is available.”
“Hair and make-up for a wedding we provide as a stand-alone ‘special package’.”
“You don’t just need a disco - you need a dedicated professional specialist.”

Remember - you don’t have to say ‘YES’ to everything. All these statements can be countered with a simple ‘WHY?’ so feel free to follow my lead (although expect a certain amount of frostiness from your fiancee if you do…)

RC 29-4-15