Hey YOU!! Yes YOU!! You with the remote control in your hot little hand, and the box of tissues in the other. You're watching a 'Say Yes To The Dress' marathon and you're crying because you can't afford that $$$ gown!!
As much fun as is it to watch that show (?), it sends all kinds of wrong messages to prospective brides, not to mention the general public. Mainly, if you don't spend thousands on a designer gown, your wedding will be awful and, your potential for marital bliss? Bumpkus.
COME. ON.
If we didn't have these programs to stunt our creative growth and turn our brains to jello, we might actually plan a wedding with a style all our own, and that didn't bankrupt us. It would be beautiful, and meaningful. Not some eye popping, bank breaking monstrosity.
The above picture is from the recent wedding of the daughter of a dear friend. Valerie is a nonconformist, but she had a truly lovely wedding. She and her girls picked out their own white sundresses. Each got exactly what they wanted, in a style that flattered their shape, and knew they could wear it again. None of the dresses retailed for over $50. Valerie's only guideline for the shoes was that they be white. Each girl got the style that they favored. No teetering on sky high heels if they preferred flats. No stilettos if they'd rather have a wedge heel.
The cardigans were from Old Navy. Regularly priced at $15, one girl got hers on sale for $12. The bride's lime green cardigan matched the groom's tie and vest. The bridesmaids wore navy.
Simple. Classic. Beautiful. Brad and Valerie were married at an inn on Mackinac Island, Michigan, and the attire matched the easy going but elegant vibe. The guys all wore vests and white shirts with ties.
I was thrilled when I saw the wedding pictures. It warms my heart when someone has the good sense to follow their instincts. I know Brad and Valerie will be very happy looking back on their special day for years to come.
Now, am I against big blow out weddings and wedding dresses with miles of satin and tulle? NO! The message I want to send is LIVE WITHIN YOUR MEANS. Don't have a huge wedding if you have no hope of ever paying it off. In turn, don't have a simple wedding in a field if your heart is set on a big bash. You should know by now that your life is only limited by your creativity, not your checkbook. Plan ahead, do your homework. Surprise yourself and others when you do wonders with far less than they might expect.
Congratulations Brad and Valerie!!
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