The Weight of Money

This “simple” wedding seems to be trying to take on a life of it’s own — without my permission. Our invitations listed an invitation for to a “summer picnic celebration” because that was the primary goal with a wedding secondary. As we’re reaching the final two weeks of preparations — and honestly some of the only preparations — the wedding seems to be attempting to take center stage.

The reason I didn’t want a wedding focused day is because I’m not fond of all the traditional ceremonial and custom activities that happen at weddings. I didn’t want this to be one of those days. Yet, suddenly I was trying to come up with wedding decorations, wedding favors (gack — I really dislike useless trinkets that just bring clutter to people’s lives), and fancy flower arrangements. What happened to my summer picnic?

So, I’ve kicked myself and am moving back to the basics. Of course, this is after spending a bit on wedding decoration supplies. Honestly, though, many of the decoration supplies I purchased were long desired items for later crafting that I justified irresponsibly. Oh well, spilt milk. So, back to basics:

For the ceremony, we need a Joe Shmoe, something to wear (maybe I’ll actually finish my dress), rings (if chris finishes making them), and a few words to say.

For the picnic, we need basic food stuffs, somewhere for people to sit, tables to set food and plates on, and some casual entertainment for the kids.

What we don’t need: petty favors just because some people will expect them, elaborate table decorations (the orchard setting should be enough), food to excess, excess games and activities beyond what we already own, extensive shelter decorations (maybe just enough to add some visual softness).

I’m going to get better at making sure we bring what we already own and don’t spend money on extras just because we’re worried that we’re not doing enough for people. I want to constantly remind myself that this is an outdoor picnic, not some ridiculous gala affair and that it is my gift to make the food and the space inviting but not over the top.

The food palate is also getting a slight overhaul. I had some things in mind that sounded simple and affordable at the time, but it looks like I’ll need to switch to something 1. easier for us to make and 2. a little more cost effective. Our $2,000 cap on the wedding budget is getting a little too close for comfort and I want to be sure that I don’t try to outdo myself in terms of money, stress, effort, and time.

Darn weddings and their tendency to make people go over board just for a single day of their life. Yes, it is a very special day but what I want is time with friends and family, not time and money spent on things that are superficial and useless beyond that day.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 20th, 2006 at 9:49 am and is filed under general, wedding. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.