We’re entering “wedding season.” The period between May and October is the time of year when most couples set their date to say “I do.”
Weddings are a popular goal when I build financial plans for clients. Sometimes it’s for themselves, others it’s for their children. I’m fascinated by the vast range of budgets from client to client. They seldom refrain from explaining their reasoning behind the number they choose, and I’m always eager to hear that as well.
For whatever reason, having a big wedding never appealed to me. The idea of it felt like a stressful, expensive production for just one day. When Michael and I got married on June 9, 2003, I reached out to my friend Suzie, whose husband was a notary. I asked her if Al would marry us on the front porch of their historic home in Bartow. It was just a random Monday when everyone was available. They agreed, and we even used their pastor’s remarks and vows they had used at their wedding ceremony decades before. It was nice, simple and free. All of that appealed to us.
A common theme I hear among my married friends when weddings are discussed is the frivolous things they spent money on and regretted.
As we enter this season of weddings, I thought I’d share some of my favorites from those conversations.
Southerners Monogram Everything
Melanie told me she purchased monogrammed napkins and a custom guest book that few people signed. Although she regrets the guestbook, Mel is unapologetic about her napkins.
“I would do it again tomorrow. They were cute!” she said.
A Wedding without Fanfare
Cathy splurged on silk fans that were meant to be passed out to guests of her outdoor wedding. The fans never made it out of the truck.
Roll Out the Red Carpet
Lisa rented a long, red carpet to walk in on at the reception. She loved it until she had to help roll it up and return it.
Who’s that Girl?
Heidi regretted spending so much money on makeup because the makeup artist made her daughter look nearly unrecognizable and mature beyond her years.
All He Wanted was a Limo
Without consulting her, Kimberly’s husband rented a limousine for the ride from the church to the reception.
“I had wanted the time for photos during the magic sunlight hour,” she said. “And then he insisted we stop at the liquor store for champagne. We are divorced now.”
Fore!
Sandy splurged on white pantyhose and white brocade shoes, which she had to remove when her husband Craig “surprised” her with a closest-to-the-bride contest on the practice putting green.
“So I bought shoes to wear one day in my life and had to take them off, and my stockings were grass-stained,” she said.
Turn Down the Lights
From Suzie, whose porch we got married on:
“Candles. While talking with the florist, he casually asked if we wanted him to provide the candles, and we agreed. There were maybe 30 in the altar candelabras. Those damn candles were pricier than my bouquet (orchids and lily of the valley) and the flowers for the four bridesmaids combined! But they were dripless, so there’s that. If I’d known how expensive they were going to be, I’d have taken them with us.”
Here’s hoping that if you play an integral role in any weddings this season, you’re able to avoid expenses that you’ll look back on and regret.
May 2025
