Wedding Mathematics

So, the girls and I decided to go for some sushi this past weekend. Yummy. I have yet to find a better deal than Hosu down on Queen St.

Anyway, as we were chowing down on our respective sashimi and bento boxes, we got to discussing weddings and all the money that goes into them. Maybe it's because it seems like everyone is getting married right now, and here we are, taking our sweet time, enjoying the single life.

We talked about things like engagement rings, bridal gown, rental halls, catering, cakes, decorations, bands, photographers, etc etc. Then, there is the honey moon. That's a lot of money.

Now, I've always thought of myself as a hopeless romantic, but I would much rather use the money on the honey moon and as a down payment on a house. We're not talking about a little bit of money here, usually weddings are really expensive. I'm talking upwards of $10, 000 - $30 000. I guess I have a problem when I don't "see" the result of my money, whether it be in an object (like a house) or an experience (honey moon).

In fact, I think of all the stress that comes with organizing a wedding. I guess it's supposed to be the "perfect" day. All I can think about is stress when I think of "big, perfect" weddings.

That's not to say that I don't like weddings. My bff from high school is getting married this September. Trust me, I am super duper excited for her. She's of an Indian background, so I guess it's almost a given that she has a big wedding. I know that it will be gorgeous, and perfect for her. I just can't imagine myself going through something like that. I would definitely be too stressed out.

As an engineer, I am supposed to figure out if project is worth undertaking. And, no matter how I think about it, I can't seem to understand how one day can gobble up so much money -- and be worth it. I know it's supposed to be the most important day of your life. But isn't a marriage about two people who love each other working together? I'm not sure where the expensive wedding comes in and how it is justified. Unless, of course, someone else is paying for it. lol.

And the engagement ring. I think they are absolutely gorgeous. Don't get me wrong, I love jewelery. I remember feeling super special when I got this diamond necklace from my ex one Christmas. (He even got his friends to go with him to pick out the perfect cut. He said it was really embarrassing, but I thought it was adorable!) But back to the point. Engagement rings cost a lot of money. Is it really fair to expect the guy to fork over the money for it? Or maybe it is better used as part of the down payment for a house?

This is really my point of view. And it's not because I am single (and fabulous ;] ), I had the same views even when I was in long term relationship. The math just doesn't make any sense.