Marriage vs Wedding

"I am a bundle of nerves. My legs are turning into jello and I could feel the whole animal kingdom in my tummy. The dress is too heavy and the corset is practically squeezing my lungs. Just a couple of minutes more and I would be walking down the aisle and off to my long dreamy honeymoon. No random aunt or long distanced cousin who I have to strike a conversation with while wondering how do I know them. Just couple of minutes more.. "

I am not married yet but I am pretty sure every bride has gone through a similar scenario on their wedding day. I have attend a decent amount of weddings and honestly I am beginning to hate the whole idea of wedding.

Wait right there. I can foresee some of you who wants to dig my eyeballs out, I would just like to clarify that I am not against the idea of marriage. I just loath the idea of wedding.

Marriage is an institution that benefits two families, that brings together two people and two families closers. Where as wedding is an enterprise. Wedding is a business that benefits so many different group of people except for the bride and groom.

From the way I see it, it's the florist, the dj, the caterers, designers who exploits two people who are madly in love with each other.

I don't understand why do we need to commercials such a sacred ceremony by going out and beyond. Some even go to an extend of taking up a personal loan for their big day. Why bite more than you can chew?

What is so wrong in having a small ceremony with just the immediate family members  to witness the exchange of vows. Why are we in a competition with others and trying to outdo the rest.

Now don't even get me started on the wedding reception. From the food to the deco everything has to be extravaganza and exclusive. why? Because we need to satisfy everyone else (the neighbours, extended relatives and some not so close family friends). If we don't throw a lavish wedding reception, what would they say about us. How about our reputation in the society?

Just hold it right there. Are you telling me my marriage and union is not legitimate if I don't throw a wedding reception. Come to think of it. I personally feel that a wedding is for the public and not for myself. It's not about what I want but to make sure everyone else is happy.

I can go on and on about this but in a nutshell I am not saying that I am against marriage or the union of two people who are madly in love.

What I don't agree is with the whole idea of wedding which is exploited and commercialised.

When I walk down the aisle into the arms of my loving husband to be, I wouldn't want to be weighed down with debts of a luxurious wedding that I cleary can't afford.