Will I regret not having a big wedding?

Question

My boyfriend just asked me to marry him, which is great I'm so happy, but he wants to get married in a month, our friends and family want us to have a big wedding but we just want to go to Vegas and do it. What should I do?

Answer 1

Why not opt for a smaller wedding here at home?

It won't be hard to pull it together.

Despite the fact that it is "your day", your parents have pictured this day since they held you in their arms.  If you want to keep the relationship, don't cheat them out of this.

Answer 2

I think that nobody should rush you just do what your heart tells you because if you end up doing what other people say including your fiance them your going to end up regretting not doing what you realy wanted to do in the first place, Good Luck

Answer 3

Go with your heart. We started off with small plans and now every one is coming. It is our big day and I am so excited to be able to share it with our friends and family.

I cannot wait.

You only get one chance.  

Answer 4

Do the small thing you and him... then save and have a big reception later with everyone

Answer 5

If you are questioning whether you will regret it or not, then you'll regret it. There are no do-overs, so if you have the slightest feelings right now that you'll miss never having a big wedding, then have the wedding.

If you would just be doing it to please family and friends, but that's not what would make you happy, then by all means elope!

Congratulations!  

Answer 6

I had a small and inexpensive but I didn't travel to do it. Invite immediate family and close friends and have the reception and ceremony at the same location. Don't have a DJ and have family or friends take video/photography for you. Have just cake and punch instead of lavish catering.

Answer 7

First of all, congratulations on your engagement!

I think you should do what *you* want to do and not what everyone else wants you to do. If you don't want a huge wedding why not just have a small, intimate one (or go to Vegas) and then have a big reception later where everyone is invited?  

Answer 8

I had a fairly small wedding anyway – roughly 75 guests – and while it was a great night, I would gladly go back and elope. I’m not a patient person so to spend a year of my life planning one day wasn’t the most fun I’ve ever had. There are just so many decisions to make with a “regular” wedding, and at least for me, it became tedious.

I’ve always been found of the Vegas wedding concept. Every time I go, I see couples running around the casinos in their wedding garb and it looks like so much fun!  I tried so hard to get my husband on board, but he just wouldn’t go for it.

You could elope and then have a reception at home later. Just make sure you’re both ok with whatever you decide.  

Answer 9

My wife and I decided to have a big wedding.  It didn't start that way.  Initially, we wanted something small and intimate.  Like you, we even contemplated Vegas.  Pressure came from both sides of the family.  It only escalated from there.  Lets just say that at the end of the night we both wished we had done what we initially wanted.  

Do what your heart tells you to do.  Don't shortchange yourself if truly want a big wedding.  But don't have a big wedding to please others.  Looking back now, we should have kept all that money and put it down towards a new home.  Good luck!

Answer 10

Think about what it is that you really want.  You need to do what you want! It is your day and it needs to be what you want and something special that you will look back on in a few years and remember when you committed yourself to this man.  Its especially nice to remember that when you have a bad day!

Answer 11

Having a big wedding does not keep a marriage together, and neither does having money. But starting out your marriage 20,000 dollars in debt doesn't help your stress when your just starting out as husband and wife

Answer 12

I opted for a JP and have not regretted it.  After a few weeks of being married we threw an informal get together with friends and family to celebrate.  It was so less stressful and much more fun.

Those that were pushing me to have the big wedding admitted this was a much better idea.

Answer 13

Have a small intimate wedding with your closest family and friends.

Vegas? eh. That kind of sounds sad. And eloping then expecting a big reception sounds kind of selfish.

Answer 14

It's up to you. It's a lot of money to have a wedding now days but to me it was worth it. It really depends on your priorities (money wise) and your choice together as a couple.

~MLF~

Answer 15

What do YOU want? You said your fiance wants to get married in a month, but you want to go to Vegas. Does that mean you want to get married in Vegas, but not in a month? It will depend on what's important to you both, and your financial stability at this point in time.

I'm not having a HUGE wedding (75 guests), but it was important that all our close friends and family were there to celebrate with us. It was something we both wanted, and both knew we would regret it if we didn't.

However, many couples prefer eloping and doing it right away without the fuss of planning. Just think about how you could celebrate after you get married to include your family. Host a family party (BBQ style) and display pictures from your trip and allow family and friends to make toasts so they feel included.

But if you have any inkling that you'll regret eloping down the line, I would slow down and really think about it. Just remember, you only get married once:) But you need to do what's right for you.

Answer 16

Have the kind of wedding that's really in your heart. I don't think people regret having the kind of wedding they really want (whatever that may be), I think people regret doing something just for other people, while neglecting what it is they really want for themselves.  

Answer 17

you do what you are happy with but it you are wondering now if you will regret it then some were in the back of your mind you want a big wedding so do it once and have a nice wedding. bring Vegas to you.  

Answer 18

My wedding was the end of June.  We had a "small" family wedding on Friday night.  Basically it was like having a rehearsal dinner only instead of rehearsing, we got married.  Then on Saturday night we had a big party.  I was so grateful we did it this way.  I felt that I was able to spend quality time with everyone on Friday night.  My head was spinning on Saturday night trying to get from guest to guest.  I vote for the bigger reception later.  The pressure will be off and you will be able to enjoy it more and it will fill the void for your family and friends.  Good luck!

Answer 19

You stated we just want to go to vegas?? are you sure that's what YOU want??? i sence a bet of doubt.. but if that is what YOU want then do it!

your friends and family want a free meal ticket and want to take part in planning ect... so have them help you with your at home reception!  and sence the wedding is overwith you can just let them do what they want and just go with it!

if you into pleaseing them!

but please yourself first!

k

!!!

or you will regret not doing what you want!

Answer 20

You'll regret it.