The Big Wedding Debate: Extravagant Expression Or Extravagant Excess?

A big wedding is an opportunity to celebrate a couple's love and commitment to each other, often in the presence of family and friends. It is a chance to gather loved ones and create memories, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the couple's life together.

For some, a big wedding is also about showcasing the bride and celebrating with a large group of friends and extended family. It can be a time for fun and unique experiences, such as mixing and matching wedding party attire or enjoying delicious food and drinks.

However, a big wedding is not necessary for all couples. Some may prefer a smaller, more intimate celebration or opt for a simple ceremony to exchange their vows. Ultimately, the decision to have a big wedding depends on personal preferences, cultural traditions, and financial considerations.

To celebrate the marriage

A wedding is a ceremony where two people are united in marriage, and a big wedding is often chosen to celebrate this union with family and friends.

Celebrating the marriage is a way to honour the couple's decision to spend the rest of their lives together and to thank those who have supported them throughout their lives. It is also a chance to gather all loved ones in one place and ask them to bear witness to the couple's vows.

A large wedding is a way to ensure that no one is left out and that everyone who has played a part in the couple's lives is included in the celebration. It is an opportunity for the couple to express their gratitude and love for those around them and to share their happiness with those who have supported them.

Celebrating with a large group of people can also act as a form of support for the couple's marriage. By inviting all their loved ones, the couple is essentially asking for their support and blessing, and this can help strengthen their relationship and provide a solid foundation for their future together.

A big wedding is also a chance for the couple to express their personalities and add unique touches to their special day. With a larger guest list, there is an opportunity to be more creative and have fun with the wedding attire, decor, food, and entertainment.

Lastly, a big wedding is simply a great excuse to throw a party and create lasting memories with friends and family. It is a chance for the couple to let loose, have fun, and celebrate the beginning of their new life together.

To showcase the bride

A big wedding is a great way to showcase the bride and celebrate her special day. Here are some ideas to make the bride feel extra special:

Bridal Expos and Shows:

Attending bridal expos or shows can offer a fun and immersive experience for the bride-to-be. These events allow her to connect with various vendors, from photographers to cake bakers, and even honeymoon travel agents. It's a chance for her to explore different options, gather inspiration, and make informed decisions about her big day.

Themed Events:

If the bride has a particular theme or style in mind, incorporating it into the wedding can make her feel like the centre of attention. Whether it's a vintage-themed celebration or a rustic outdoor wedding, every detail, from the decor to the bride's attire, can be tailored to her unique vision.

Pre-Wedding Events:

The lead-up to the wedding can be just as exciting as the main event. Hosting events like a bridal shower, bachelorette party, or rehearsal dinner provides opportunities for the bride to be celebrated and pampered by her closest friends and family. These events also offer a more intimate setting for the bride to bond with her bridal party and create lasting memories.

Unique Entertainment:

Surprising the bride with unique entertainment options can make her feel extra special. This could include hiring a live band or DJ who can perform her favourite songs, organising fun lawn games or activities for guests, or even arranging for a special dance performance or fireworks display to mark the occasion.

Sentimental Touches:

Adding personal and sentimental touches to the wedding can make the bride feel truly valued. This could be in the form of a personalised gift, a slideshow or video tribute, or even incorporating family traditions or heirlooms into the ceremony. For example, the bride could wear a piece of jewellery passed down from her grandmother or include a family recipe in the wedding menu.

Bride's Choice:

Ultimately, the bride's preferences should be prioritised whenever possible. Whether it's her favourite flowers for the bouquet, a special song for the first dance, or a unique flavour for the wedding cake, incorporating her choices into the wedding planning will make her feel loved and appreciated.

A big wedding offers countless opportunities to showcase the bride and make her feel like a queen. By incorporating these ideas and tailoring the celebration to her interests and personality, the happy couple and their guests are sure to have an unforgettable experience.

To make promises to each other

A wedding is a chance for a couple to declare their commitment to each other and celebrate their love in front of their community. It is a rite of passage, marking the transition from one life stage to another. It is also a chance for the couple to make promises to each other about how they will act and love, and grow in the future.

Wedding vows are a deeply personal aspect of the nuptials. They are a look into the couple's love story, what they hold dear, and what they will value in their marriage. They are a declaration of the couple's commitment to each other and often include romantic, meaningful, and fun promises.

Romantic vows might include promises such as:

• "I promise to love, respect, protect and trust you, and give you the best of myself."
• "I vow to keep our relationship a safe haven of love, support and peace—even and especially during hard times."
• "I promise to always pursue you, to fight for you and to love you unconditionally and wholeheartedly for the rest of my life."
• "I promise to love you through the good times and bad. To choose our love every single day."

Deep and meaningful vows might include:

• "I vow to always keep fighting for us, because I know we can overcome any uphill battles we might face."
• "I promise to stand by your side while you face the world, to listen to you when you speak."
• "I vow to honour, respect and cherish you in sickness and health, through sorrows and success, for all the days of my life."
• "I promise to walk with you, hand in hand through life, as your biggest fan, your shoulder to lean on and your best friend."

Fun and lighthearted vows might include:

• "I promise to always make sure I bring a snack for you on long car trips."
• "I vow to never stop kissing you every time we stop at a red light."
• "I promise to laugh with you every day, to dance with you in the kitchen and to not rub it in when I beat you in horse."
• "I vow to split my cuddle time equally between you and our dog."

A wedding is a chance for a couple to declare their commitment to each other and celebrate their love and future together. It is a time to make promises to one another and share these promises with their community, marking the start of their married life.

To avoid hurt feelings

One of the main benefits of a big wedding is that it can help to avoid hurt feelings. When a couple has a large social circle, a big wedding can be a way to include everyone and prevent people from feeling left out. This can be especially important when it comes to family members and close friends.

However, it's important to keep in mind that a big wedding can also come with its own set of challenges. A larger wedding party means more personalities, opinions, and potential for drama. It can be difficult to coordinate schedules, budgets, and preferences, and there may be more opportunities for conflict or misunderstandings.

To minimise the potential for hurt feelings in a big wedding, it's crucial to choose your wedding party members wisely. Consider selecting an inner circle of your closest family members and friends who can help you with important decisions and provide support throughout the planning process.

Additionally, clear and honest communication is key. Be upfront about your expectations and priorities from the start, and give your family and wedding party members parameters to follow. This can help to set clear boundaries and manage everyone's expectations.

Another way to avoid hurt feelings is to find ways to include people in your celebration beyond just the wedding party. For example, you could invite them to pre-wedding events, ask them to contribute in other ways, or simply make sure they know how much you value their presence at your wedding.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to have a big wedding or a small, intimate affair is a personal one. It's important to consider the potential benefits and challenges of each option and decide what feels right for you and your partner.

To have a big party

There are many reasons why people opt for a big wedding. Here are some reasons centred around the idea of "having a big party":

Firstly, a large wedding can be a great opportunity to celebrate with all your loved ones. It can be a chance to get everyone together in one place, which may be especially meaningful if you have a large family or a lot of friends. It can also be a chance to reconnect with people you may not have seen in a while and create new memories with them.

Secondly, a big wedding can be a fun and unique experience for the couple. With a large wedding, you can have a boisterous group of people to help you get ready and keep your mind focused on the celebration. You can also get creative with your wedding party's attire, mixing and matching styles and colours to create a visually interesting look.

Thirdly, a big wedding can be a way to honour and include the people who are important to you. By inviting a large number of guests, you can ensure that everyone feels included and valued, avoiding any hurt feelings. It can also be a way to thank the people who have supported you throughout your life and celebrate with them.

Lastly, a large wedding can provide practical benefits as well. With more wedding attendants, you'll have more helping hands to assist with tasks and last-minute requests. A big wedding can also mean more exciting pre-wedding events, like bachelor and bachelorette parties, as there will be more people planning and attending.

While there are many advantages to having a big wedding, it's important to consider potential challenges as well, such as coordinating schedules and opinions, and the potential for more drama or personality clashes. Ultimately, the decision on the size of the wedding should be based on what the couple feels comfortable with and what aligns with their vision for their special day.

Frequently asked questions