Wedding Costs vs. The Recession

Am I the only one having "moments" where I feel guilty about spending all this money in the midst of a recession? There has been such a convergence of critical financial events lately and while my intent is to not bring everyone's mood down, I worry about the future and think this is money I could put away towards a rainy day/cushion. Do I need my head examined or do I need to chillax and enjoy what should be the most beautiful day of my life!!!! Just venting.....

I feel your pain - although I felt bad for all the people attending so I have charged everyone $1,000 for a $1900 trip - paying the balance out of my pocket. It's added up

I feel really bad about spending money on things for the wedding when people have so little at this time. I'm also sad that this is going on at a time when my guests are booking their trip for my wedding. I know its probably a financial strain for some people.

It is difficult not to think about the financial strain... but my friend, who is becoming a florist, said, people are always going to be getting married, and always have funerals, and always have Bar Mitzvah's, etc... so, don't feel too guilty... you still want to enjoy your day and your life.... it does make it difficult though when every time you turn on the TV they are talking about the stock market plummeting again...

I feel your pain...my FI and I can't agree on helping out our guests. I know it's expensive so I want to help pay, but he doesn't want to spend the money...it would definitely add up quick...

I wish this all wasn't happening when I'm planning and people are supposed to be booking.

I agree, but I worry more about what we're asking people to pay to be there with us. That being said, we've made it 110% clear that we do understand if people can't make it. I actually just had a friend tell me last week that she doesn't think she'll be able to make it, she's one of my BM, but her BF just lost his job and before that, they were having a hard time making the mortgage. I'm bummed she won't be there on a personal level, but I know she'd do anything she can to be there and I don't want to be another stress (I've known about all her issues - there are others) and keep telling her it's ok if she can't make it.

On another note, with the recession thing, it makes me more glad we decided to go to Mexico. A wedding that would have cost us upwards of $30k eaily here (JUST for the reception), is going to cost between $10-20k there for EVERYTHING including our trip, flight, reception, OOT bags, etc. I think its a smart move

I did feel bad in the beginning but the more family members I talk to the only response I get is "woo hoo we get to the Riviera Maya for a week".

These past couple years have been crazy for both sides of our family and everyone is looking for forward to spending a week together and relaxing. They keep asking if we will move the date up. LOL Carla

I feel super guilty. I am actually thinking about either pushing my wedding back or canceling and doing the city hall thing depending on how bad it gets. I don't think we've seen even close to the worst of the economic crisis yet, unfortunately. This recession is the worst since the great depression and will probably last months to years. It's going to get worse before it gets better.

I to felt guilty and it was even worse for me because I was marrying the same man a second time and asking people to spend money to come. Granted our wedding was in Florida and I paid for the cruise portion for our children as well as using all of my timeshare points for rooms, most people only had to pay airfare. I spent about 6,000 for everything including the cruise for 4 people. It made it even worse when I returned from the cruise only to find out I was losing my job because of outsourcing. I now feel, maybe they were right, I should not have spent the money. But I loved it and it was one of the best days in my life. Everyone is still talking about how much fun they had and that makes it worth it.

Wow Syl

That is so sad and unortunate. I do hope everything works out on the job front for you.