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Weddings can be definitively expensive events. They are expensive because particular vendors know how much emotion is wrapped up in the event. For many people, the wedding is a "one-time" event that will be remembered for the rest of one's life. Therefore, plenty of people can justify some amount of splurging because they will, in theory, never do this event again. Here are a few thoughts on the biggest wedding splurges that hit the credit card.

The reception

As a whole, the reception can be a major splurge. The ceremony is a key part of the process, but the reception is the "party" and people often want to make it memorable. Therefore, brides and grooms often look for a unique location that will be both classy and breathtaking. This is why particular restaurants, "exotic" locations, or places with great views can be rented at a premium. The standard hotel ballroom just isn't going to cut it for some people, even though this location can be expensive as well.

The dress

Many women grow up dreaming about the moment when the doors open and they start their walk down the aisle. For some people, this is their time to "shine" and they want to make sure they are dressed for the moment. The wedding dress in many ways is the most tangible symbol of the wedding ceremony. Therefore, some people are more than happy to splurge on the dress. Chances are they may never wear it again, but despite the high cost, it is worth it to many buyers.

The food and drink

The menu is similar to the reception place in that many people want the food and drink to be remembered by everyone in attendance. Sometimes people get tired of the same old chicken, so they go with more expensive meat, seafood, or something exotic. In addition, couples may splurge and include expensive appetizers in order to add fun to the menu. There is also the issue of the bar tab, which for many ceremonies will easily double the cost. For some people, an open bar can be a budget breaker, so it can easily be viewed as a splurge expense.

The honeymoon

There are vacations, which people take all the time. Then there is the "honeymoon", which is a particular type of vacation that has a special social status in the overall wedding experience. This can be a major splurge for some people because individuals want the honeymoon to be a monumental event that is remembered for the rest of the marriage. The location, airfare, food, and amenities can be very expensive but people justify this high expense on a regular basis because of the special nature of the trip.

The gift

Finally, there are the gifts that are given. Sometimes brides and grooms give gifts to each other and sometimes parents will give their children a gift when they get married. This, for some people, is the final splurge because it may be the largest gift that they ever give, particularly if it is parent to child. Granted, not everyone can afford to give a generous gift, but those that can may go beyond the normal registry. Some people give down payments on a house, a car, or a large cash gift.

Again, the wedding budget can be a stressful thing for some people because the people involved want to make the event special but don't always want to "break the bank." While some people will stick to their planned expenses, other people may be tempted to splurge with one-time purchases that make a more lasting impact. Ultimately, everyone must live with the decisions that they make, and wedding expenses are no exception.

Learn more about this author, Todd Pheifer.
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