by Cinti

Created on: June 24, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Simple, tasteful, traditional weddings are the norm in my family. We recently celebrated three poofy dress, three tiered cake marriages. Theme and destination extravaganzas are for people who have money to burn. Any average middle class family does not have the resources to consider excessive luxury in this economy.

One right after the other we shared three big, inclusive weddings. The first marriage took place on a front lawn, with the reception under a tent in the backyard where a local disc jockey rocked the house. The second wedding was to be on the beach, but mother nature cried that morning so, vows were exchanged at home with the reception at a banquet hall. The third wedding took place at a country club. They were equally lovely, the same minister performed each ceremony. The brides were all beautiful in their traditional gowns with cathedral trains and every generation was represented to witness these marriages. Only the banquet hall reception excluded small children. No one tried to outdo the other. It's all about the union and the happiness of the couples. No one went into debt to pay for excessive beyond their means. We are practical people.

We are also an extremely large family. The biggest wedding took place on the lawn. The bride wore white, children of every age were in attendance, so no on had to hire a babysitter and neighbors I had not seen since childhood turned up. The favors were lavender heart shaped candles in line with the wedding party colors with monogrammed ribbon. There was no pressure about gifting as the bride and groom did not register for gifts; but graciously accepted whatever people wanted to give. No pressure. They must have received six punch bowls. In this economy we are mindful that many people are trying hard to resist foreclosure. Reality!

The second couple registered at Target and I thought, "They must be kidding, they don't want any gifts." The gifts were not pricey but practical. They had been living together for more than a year and really didn't need anything. If you weren't first out of the door to buy from the register you missed the opportunity as there was little on it. While the wedding was not themed, the bridal shower had been a pool party with magnetic slippers as favors. All good fun! The truth be told, they had eloped some months earlier but the celebration was for both sides of the family to share their union before God and Man, and the bride wore white.

The third wedding was at the country club, so some

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