Why the [censored] are weddings so [censored] expensive?!

[Blarg]

Because they have so much to do with showing your social status, whether anyone wants to admit it or not.

A justice of the peace will do it practically for free in comparison, and you'll still be just as married. But your wife won't get to show off. Like not getting a big fat ring, this is intolerable to many.

Personally, I'd rather put all that money into the downpayment for a house, if you don't already have one. Having your own home to live in and maybe raise children in, to me that's romantic.