You’ve probably been to at least one wedding that made you do a double-take at the cost. Maybe it was an opulent display with hundreds of guests, an over-the-top venue, or a star-studded guest list. Or maybe it was more subtle, a wedding that just seemed to have too much money thrown at it. Either way, you might have left wondering: is it ethical to spend so much money on a single day? Let’s explore both sides of the argument.
The Dream Fairytale
On one hand, some people believe that weddings should be a reflection of your social status and be as grandiose as possible. After all, a wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you want it to be perfect. Plus, many brides and grooms come from well-to-do families who can afford to go all out. However, there are several problems with this line of thinking.
For one thing, weddings have become increasingly commercialized, to the point where couples feel like they need to spend enormous amounts of money just to keep up with the Joneses. This puts an incredible amount of pressure on couples who might not be able to afford such an extravagant event. In addition, spending large sums of money on a single day sends the message that material possessions are more important than anything else—something that goes against the values of most couples getting married.
Doing it Your Way!
On the other hand, some people believe that you can have an amazing wedding without spending a fortune. They argue that what’s important is not how much money you spend, but how you spend it. In other words, it’s more important to focus on creating meaningful experiences for your guests than impressing them with expensive displays.
This is definitely a more ethically sound approach to wedding planning. Not only does it take the pressure off couples who can’t afford an extravagant affair, but it also forces them to get creative and think outside the box. It also means that there’s much less waste. Choosing to have a more sustainable wedding and thinking about it as more than just a five-figure day can also do better for the planet too.
What’s more, this approach results in weddings that are unique and personal—exactly what you want your big day to be.
Making the Choice…
There’s no easy answer when it comes to the ethics of spending money on your wedding. It really depends on your personal values and what you believe is important for your big day. However, if you do choose to spend a lot of money on your wedding, make sure that you’re doing so for the right reasons—not just because you feel like you have to keep up with the Joneses. And if you’re worried about being able to afford an extravagant affair, remember that there are plenty of ways to have an amazing wedding without breaking the bank. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you and your spouse are happy and married!