Will the Recession Affect Your Dream Wedding?

Today’s economy forces people to make concessions at every turn — and weddings are no exception. The countdown is on to “wedding season,” but the landscape of the wedding receptions in 2009 will probably look a lot different than it has in years past.

Over-the-top fairytale weddings are quickly becoming another casualty of a weakened economy. Bubbling brides-to-be all over America have to put their dreams of wedding-day grandeur aside in the face of cold, hard numbers.

CNN.com recently profiled a number of brides from across the country who ditched their dream wedding plans on account of the economy. Whether due to unexpected layoffs, or just reined-in budgeting, all of the couples had to cut back, and in some cases completely cut out, aspects of their weddings they previously thought were a given — like guest lists exceeding 250 people. Some couples chose one big item over another: an expensive photographer instead of a fancy reception hall, or cute cupcakes to replace an overpriced wedding cake.

While the thought of skimping on their “big day” might seem heartbreaking, all of the brides CNN talked to agreed that the main point of the day is to celebrate the marriage — not the wedding. If this is the “back to basics” America everyone’s talking about, I say, “cheers… to the bride and groom.”

Has the recession changed your wedding plans? Are you keeping all of the frills but fewer guests? All of the guests but fewer frills? Or are you sticking to your original big blowout plan?

Tags: economy and weddings, getting married recession, recession and weddings

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