Bridezillas, Groomzillas, and the Working Wedding Party

Since weddings are happening when people are in their late 20's and early 30's, I think someone should point out the obvious...

You're a young professional who dedicates themselves whole-heartedly to work. At times you feel that your 10 hour work days, professional development and budding personal life can be overwhelming. Congratulations, you're normal!

So, have you ever felt that your friends who are entering the bold, new world of marriage have turned into seriously demanding assholes? Have you wondered, "who is this person shrieking about wedding duties and where is my college roommate who crammed for a final at 2:00am with a can of Red Bull?" Yep, you're still normal!

Weddings have a way of turning normal people into total selfish monsters. Not just the bride, either. In fact, the grooms can get pretty demanding. Lets take the wedding of an acquaintance of mine and the demands they made of their wedding party. Keep in mind, their wedding was "low budget".

- Bride demanded the wedding colors be hot pink and violet. Her groom and groomsmen all got to look like they worked in Vegas for the sacred event.

- Groom asked full-time college student and administrative assistant best man to plan and pay for a bachelor party that included liquor, strippers, and racing. All this on top of the $200 tuxedo rental. Ahem, thanks for the concern on rising college costs.

- Bride was confronted with unrealistic budget, asked already married friends to renew vows at the same time so they could split the cost of the wedding that was already planned and decorated to the bride's tastes. Seriously. I shit you not, this ACTUALLY happened.

- Groom demands that the best man be reachable at "all times" so they can plan.

- Same couple registers at a retail establishment too expensive for wedding guests to afford.

As young professionals struggle to keep up with rising costs of living, put off life decisions, and pay down student debt, WHY are we seeing outrageous weddings? Shouldn't this trend have been stomped out during the recession? According to an article from Reuters in March, the average cost of weddings has surged past $27,000.

My advise for people feeling the pinch of friends' marriages? First of all, say no. If you don't have the time or money to even afford a dress or tuxedo rental, say so. Real friends shouldn't expect you to fork over money you have for their event. If you can swing the rental, but the additional events are adding up, be clear about your financial position as much as possible and offer to sit out when possible. There isn't shame in it. If your career doesn't allow you the time off to go cake testing or additional tuxedo fittings, say so! Don't risk your blossoming career for your friend's wedding duties and don't allow them to burden you with obligation. They are getting married, not you.

You know what is shameful? Asking your financially strapped friends to pay and arm and a leg to attend your wedding. My advise to brides and grooms that have unrealistic expectations is to expect to have less friends.