Buffet weddings are much better than the big expensive ones.

[traveller]

I saw another thread titled "what's the point of the big weddings" a few minutes ago and thought I'd share an opinion of something related.

In certain areas of the nation and the world, people who get married would have what is known as a buffet wedding. Referred to as a "peanut" wedding in some parts of America, they are the cheap counterpart to the tremendously pricey banquet style weddings. In case you didn't know, buffet weddings are where people help themselves to the food just like at a buffet. I have in fact even been to at least a couple buffet weddings before in Wisconsin. If I ever do get married, I have allready decided that my wedding will most certainly be a buffet wedding.

Speaking of weddings, it's weird, but not very surprising that, when Northern Illinois couples get married, especially Chicagoland couples, they always have the big expensive banquet weddings. The types of weddings that easily cost 5 and sometimes even 6 figures in total prices. I mean, your talking literally, $150 to $200 per plate, an unknown amount per table, plus all the silverware, cotton napkins, and all else, not to mention the huge expense of renting the banquet facility! And there are a lot of luxury facilities in Chicagoland that the cost of renting them will lay a tremendous beating on your bank account! It is no wonder that, with those expensive banquet weddings, only the innermost one or two circles of family actually get to go to the wedding. Basically, for instance, first or second cousins, uncles, and such, but no children or spouses of nieces or children/spouses of nephews, and such. Apparently, Chicagoland couples turn their noses up at buffet weddings.

[Jester]

I like it. A wedding should be fun. And happy, long married life should be the focus, not a one-time expensive event

To add my 2 cents, I hate it when the bride has to go around acting as the hostess. Some female relative or relatives, or if necessary male relatives, should do that for her. She should be having fun with her friends, caring for the groom, relaxing and enjoying. Foreplay, not tension and stress.

[Renata]

The best kind of weddings are the intimate ones you do at home in th garden, or at a family residence. Decorate it yourselves, cook the food yourselves, We had one of those, it was lovely and you feel all the love when all your family and friends roll up thier sleaves and gets everything done, then you celebrate the day together. The process is lots of fun and memorable.

[DDuana]

Wedding are basically expensive parties that cater to the vanities of women. If it was up to men, we would probably just hold a bbq in our backyard and get the entire neighborhood fed for a fraction of the cost. And while we are at it, we might as well do it on a super bowl weekend, so that all our boys can come and have all sorts of fun. But that would defeat the purpose, which is to make the WOMAN FEEL SPECIAL.