Notice I said WEDDING, not marraige.

I get that it's a significant moment in a person's life that they want to share with loved ones. But I don't get why that often requires thousands in expenses, months of stressful preparation, changing your appearance or diet, and putting ridiculous expectations on your close friends and family who should feel "honored" that you chose them to sacrifice their wants/needs to make you a princess for a day.

I'm currently watching a friend who is a poor grad student in super debt flip out over planning a 20k affair for 150 people to watch her wed a guy she's known for a few months. I once faced similar pressure to plan something "appropriate" when my ex boyfriend's wealthy family found out I was cool with the courthouse so I understand, but I walked. Anyway, random vent. Am I the only one who just doesn't get it?