Are Big Weddings Really Worth It?

Whether big weddings are worthwhile depends largely on individual preferences, values, and specific circumstances. Here, we explore some factors to consider when deciding on the size of your wedding.

Pros of Big Weddings

Celebration: A larger wedding can feel more festive and celebratory, allowing you to share the joy with many friends and family members. There’s a sense of grandeur and excitement when surrounded by a sea of loved ones.

Memorable Experience: A big event can create lasting memories for both the couple and their guests. It’s a moment that is likely to be cherished and talked about for years to come.

Tradition: For some cultures, a larger wedding serves as a tradition that holds significant meaning. It’s a way to honor cultural heritage and pass on important family customs.

Networking: A big wedding can serve as an opportunity to connect with more people. These connections could potentially strengthen relationships and open doors to new opportunities in both personal and professional spheres.

Cons of Big Weddings

Cost: Larger weddings can be significantly more expensive, leading to financial strain or debt. It's important to consider the financial impact on your future and ensure that you’re prepared for the costs.

Stress: Planning a big event can be overwhelming and stressful. With many details to manage, it’s easy for one small issue to become overwhelming. The stress of the preparations can take a toll on your mental and emotional health.

Less Intimacy: With many guests, it can be challenging to have meaningful interactions with everyone. The big crowd can sometimes make it hard to connect deeply with each individual, reducing the quality of your interactions.

Logistical Challenges: Managing a larger guest list can complicate logistics, such as seating arrangements, catering, and accommodations. These logistical challenges can add to the stress and financial burden of the wedding.

Financial Considerations

Ultimately, whether a big wedding is worth it often depends on your personal choice towards finance. If you have the money and can easily afford the costs, then a big wedding can be a celebration of your financial comfort and freedom. However, if you can't afford it and are considering taking on debt, it might be wise to reconsider. The day of the ceremony is the most beautiful moment, and even a simple celebration can be meaningful, no matter the lavishness or simplicity of the surroundings.

Examples of Extravagant Weddings

Back in the day, my family attended a Manhattan wedding where the bride's midwestern working-class parents contributed a modest $20,000. The groom's stepfather, an industrial tycoon, added $450,000 (more than a million in today's dollars) to make the event truly top-drawer. The aim was to impress and to pay themselves back in increased business opportunities.

The bride's designer daughter-in-law took a couple of years to construct massive floral arrangements for wedding impresario Preston Bailey, who caters to luminous American celebrities and young oil sheiks from Arab countries. These elaborate floral sculptures cost millions of dollars, with some paying over $20 million just for Bailey's services.

Here are some examples:

A midwestern working-class family contributed $20,000, while an industrial tycoon added $450,000. The designer daughter-in-law spent years and millions of dollars on architectural-scale flower sculptures for Preston Bailey.

These examples illustrate the range of financial investments people make to ensure their weddings are memorable and grand, even if they come with significant costs and logistical challenges.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the worth of a big wedding is subjective. Some couples will find great joy and value in a large celebration, while others may prefer a more intimate, personalized gathering. It’s essential to consider your priorities, budget, and what will make you happiest on your special day. What matters most is that you celebrate your love and partnership in a way that brings joy and contentment to both you and your guests.