There’s no getting around it: the new economic challenges facing our country are going to impact the fresh crop of brides-to-be that will be experiencing the thrill of opening that once-in-a-lifetime tiny giftbox this holiday season of 2008. With parents’ reserves drying up, possible unemployment somewhere in the family or looming on the horizon, rising costs of everything from food to flowers due to gas prices/increased shipping–and the last article I read placing the cost of an “average” 2008 American wedding at close to $29,000–now would seem to be a ludicrous time to go lavish for your wedding, unless you are blessed with unlimited wealth.
But don’t let the economy rain on your planning parade; imagination and hands-on advance preparation can produce a celebration just as lovely, and probably more unique and “custom” than the last 3 weddings you’ve attended at a 5-star hotel or country-club–and a lot more satisfying on the day it all comes together, not to mention later when you see it in your wedding album from your guests’ point of view. Don’t let your galpals’ past lavish displays dictate your wedding style. You may be surprised to find they’re amazed at what you create. To be sure, it’s a lot of work.
But this is truly a labor of love. Not only the love that brings you to the altar as a couple, but the love of the closest people surrounding you, who would be delighted to be asked to pitch in. How unselfish of you to allow them to share your anticipation and joy. You have moms, dads, aunts, friends, all of whom could fulfill some kind of function. At least a few within this group will have some special gift–arranging flowers, sewing, cooking, setting a beautiful table; the family audiophile might provide your music, while one of the fathers takes on the role of M.C. 11.20.08
