As a guy in his mid-20’s the past couple years have been packed full of weddings. They’re supposed to be fun, joyous occasions but they can be quite an expensive proposition for guests to undertake. Gifts, travel & hotel expenses and a dress/tux if you are in the wedding itself. And forget it if there’s a cash bar.
I’ll be going to my fifth wedding in the past 2 years this weekend (I was invited to a sixth but couldn’t make it) and I have 2 more scheduled for next year. I am exhausted and my wallet is barren but it’s simply not something that can be missed. Of the 8 weddings I’ve been invited to recently have been 3 family members, 3 college friends, 1 high school friend and 1 work colleague. Unless there is a legitimate scheduling conflict, how can you say no?
They’re all the same, more or less, which I think is what’s most annoying. Every girl has her “dream wedding” with the perfect flowers and cake and whatever else but they all follow the same ritualistic pattern. The actual ceremony is what it is (as expected) but the reception should be a game changer and yet the only things that seem to vary are the party favors. The entrance, the first dance, the parent-bride/groom dance, mediocre food, cake/dessert, bouquet throw, dancing. Did I miss anything?
I’m not ignorant to the fact that it’s an important event in 2 people’s lives. Receiving an invite is special and it’s nice to be thought of that way. But I think it will be even more fascinating to look back at the wedding album in 20 years and see which people you’ve stayed close with over the years.
My gifts, money and presence are an investment in their relationship; a sign that I care about them and believe in them. Congratulations.
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