Monday, August 25, 2008

Some Final Words from Audra

This is my last blog post! It's hard to believe August is almost over! It's been a fun month. And we've enjoyed hearing from those of you who have read my story.



A few final words on finances and weddings.



When collecting information for these blogs, we also questioned a few couples who had been married for five or more years.



We asked...If you had it all to do over again what would you change?



Most of the men said they would save the money spent on the big wedding and put it toward a down payment on a house. LOL



Most of the women said they'd try to be more present on their special day. It's easy to get so swept up in hoping every goes well that you forget to enjoy yourself.



One couple wished they'd had a more personal ceremony. More private. Because a few years after their wedding they hit a rough patch and learned what those vows they said were really all about. They were sacred words that truly mean something when life doesn't quite turn out the way you think it should. They should be said in a sacred special way. Not tossed off haphazardly.



One couple wished they'd taken all the money they spent on their reception and gone to Vegas and had one final rousing good time before their kids began arriving.



After reading the answers to the questions about cakes that went to waste and flowers that cost a bundle and were dead the next morning or trampled on the reception hall floor (I would have liked to have been at that reception!), only one thread stood out.



It's YOUR wedding and you're going to be spending lots of money. Make sure you really do get what you want...have the party YOU want ... or the getaway you want. I'm not saying become a Bridezilla...I'm saying, think about what you really want.



Then have that. If you want to run away, run away romantically. If Vegas really is your dream town, get married there. (I saw many, many brides -- white dress, veil and all -- playing the slots the year I was there!) If a house is your number one priority, go small on the wedding and save the money for a house.



But most of all...When you say your vows, choose the words that really are in your heart. Then live what you've said. Keep the promises you make to each other.



Audra

posted by Susan @ 12:01 AM