Is it just me or are wedding’s expensive nowadays?
Weddings cost so much nowadays? That’s why I decided to go for a courthouse wedding instead, so we could save up for a big honeymoon and buy furniture for our brand new house. At the end of the day, I just wanted to start our life together without stressing over debt.
Last year was honestly the biggest year for my husband and me. We bought our first house, got engaged, and we were so in love that we wanted to get married just five months after the proposal. There was no way we could have saved enough for a big, traditional wedding in such a short amount of time. A lot of people told us they opened credit cards to pay for their wedding, or that their parents helped out financially. We couldn’t do either of those things, and honestly, we didn’t even want to.
To me, what’s more important is choosing each other every single day, whether the wedding was big or small. I’d rather have a marriage full of love, memories, and shared goals than one that started with financial stress. The courthouse may not sound glamorous, but for us, it was exactly what we needed, and it let us focus on what truly matters…our future together. #girltalk #girlpov #lemon8contest #AskLemon8 #courthousewedding
It feels like every time I scroll through social media, I see another elaborate, Pinterest-perfect wedding that probably cost a fortune. It makes you wonder, are wedding costs really getting out of control nowadays? For my partner and me, the answer was a resounding yes, and that's exactly why we chose a courthouse wedding. If you're feeling the pressure, whether you've got '1 day to go' or '30 days to wedding' planning stress, let me share why embracing simplicity can lead to so much more joy. Our decision wasn't just about saving money, though that was a huge perk. It was about prioritizing our future together over a single, expensive day. The idea of starting our marriage burdened with debt just didn't sit right with us. Instead, we channeled those funds into what truly mattered: building our life. This meant we could save for an incredible honeymoon (hello, Japan!) and furnish our first home, creating a stable, happy foundation. Many people ask about the "married in courthouse" experience, wondering if it feels less special. Honestly, for us, it was incredibly intimate and meaningful. Wearing a simple white dress and holding a small bouquet, exchanging vows with just a few close witnesses felt profoundly personal. There was no stress about guest lists, seating charts, or catering. The focus was entirely on the commitment we were making to each other. It really emphasized that love and shared life matter more than expensive wedding details. If you're contemplating your own 'wedding thoughts' and feeling overwhelmed by expectations, consider this: what truly defines your union? Is it the grand reception or the genuine connection you share? A courthouse ceremony can be surprisingly beautiful and deeply personal. You can still incorporate elements that are special to you, like a favorite song, personal vows, or a photographer to capture those precious moments – like holding your marriage license as a newly married couple. For those navigating a quick engagement, perhaps with only '30 days to wedding' or even less, a courthouse wedding is a fantastic, stress-free option. The process is typically straightforward: obtain your marriage license, make an appointment, and show up. It cuts through all the noise and allows you to get to the heart of the matter quickly and efficiently. We found immense liberation in not having to plan a massive event on a tight timeline. It allowed us to be fully present and excited about our new chapter. Ultimately, our courthouse wedding wasn't just an alternative; it was the right choice for us. It taught us that true happiness comes from shared goals, financial freedom, and choosing each other every day, not from the size of a party. It's a testament to starting strong, debt-free, and full of anticipation for the many adventures ahead.
Yes, wedding costs have gotten really out of control. Social media and expectations have turned weddings into performances instead of meaningful celebrations.