I have been feeling the same way. I was excited until reality hit when certain people wouldn’t cooperate, I had to fire two planners, and on top of it all everything just seems to be so expensive. I am excited about marrying my “God-Sent” but everything else is just a show for others.

Once you cover the legalities for your area and any religious requirements you may wish to honor, do you know what a wedding has to include? Absolutely nothing. Do you know what it may include? Nearly anything you like that isn’t actively illegal in your vicinity.

If you understand that, then it frees you to design the celebration you’d like at the price tag you can afford. Hate cake? Don’t have one. Band too expensive? You can hook your iPod up to speakers that will give you all the music you need. Think the traditional big, poofy white gown is wasteful and ridiculous? Wear something else. Would you really prefer to make the day an intimate celebration between you and your beloved? Just make sure you invite the requisite number of witnesses for your area and spread the good news later.

Don’t spend thousands of dollars on a party you won’t enjoy. Either throw the party you’d like to attend, or save your money and don’t bother with all the fuss. Either way, it’s up to you.