I agree Keandha, times have certainly changed, as have the costs of staging a wedding. I think that these days it is a matter of negotiation between the parents and the bride/groom. You can get married at a park or waterfront and have the reception at someones home and get out of it for several thousand. On the other hand, you can go the "whole nine yards" and spend $20K - $30K or more. Thats the deposit on a home.

Its a sad fact that divorce rates seem to be climbing, so what a shame to spend a small fortune on a wedding only to see a crying bride (or groom) tearing up all the photo's a few years down the track. Just one opinion from a dad with two married daughters.

I am not in favour of these BIG fancy weddings (my opinion)--never wanted one so never had one --less fuss the better-for me--I have seen so many BIG weddings these days and I think that half the time they put more thought into THE WEDDING than the marriage--and all too often a few years down the track it is all over.----

Weddings are the biggest con-job!!! The industry has blown it out of all proportion, it has become so tacky. All the ridiculous bits and bobs that apparently you just have to have and without which your wedding is not THE GREATEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE - as if!!!!! I loathe weddings with a passion. I got married when backpacking in the UK in the 70's, we went to the registry office, I wore the only dress I owned, the ceremony took about ten minutes and we went with a few friends to a nearby pub, then on to a burger'n'beans caf. I am divorced now as are two-thirds of married couples I think so why waste your money? I would never, ever, ever get married again.

As for the parents paying for it - in this day and age, I can't believe they still fall for that. If the couple are working they should save up and pay fof it them selves, and keep it as cheap as possible. Money is better spent on a house deposit or at least a good bit of travelling, something young people don't do enough of these days.