Big weddings take a lot of planning and collaboration. Selection of location. Hotel group rates. Negotiations. Transport to and from events for guests. Menus for the rehearsal dinner and reception. Flowers. Table arrangements. Music. Hair-nails-gowns-tux. For a while, I was tempted to whisper, “Elope” or “City hall.” And I was the groom’s mother. What was the bride’s mother going through? Not to mention the bride and groom. . . . And the bride planned it all.
Already, pre-wedding events had been rained out or subjected to the Derecho that blasted the Northeast in late June. For the outdoor wedding on Sept. 7, Google weather showed black clouds and lightning bolts, anything but ideal. Then, the tux did not all fit, and the best man’s flight was delayed 24 hours. Somehow, the couple remained calm. . . .
The tailors worked miracles. The ceremony was delayed 30 minutes to enable the best man to dress. The sun appeared. Stilettos did not sink in the ground. Family and friends arrived from all corners of the world.
In retrospect, this wedding was one of the most meaningful events in terms of joining a couple, renewing friendships and visiting with family.
The bride’s mother has two other daughters. She’s hoping for a two-year reprieve before the next event takes place. And when my daughter decides to get married, I won’t even think “elope.”
So now if anyone asks, I would recommend a big wedding. There are numerous ways to cut costs. After all, memories are priceless, and the times we get together are too rare.
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