Is there some book somewhere stashed in a cave, or wooden stove that holds all the rules and menus that people have had for the past 100 years? Who writes these rules and why do people feel they have to stick to it, vs. making suggestions and making it more about being about enjoying and revelling in a special time of year with family and friends.
Whether it is Easter, Christmas, a wedding or bridal shower….there’s some book somewhere that holds a slew of ridiculous rules. Don’t get me wrong, some traditions are great….but as time goes by and people’s philosophies and mentalities change, so should tradition and here are some of my favourites to rant on!
Over a family supper the other night, the conversation went to an upcoming bridal shower of a 3rd cousin. I had already called and said that I wasn’t going, as it would be a typical Italian shower held in a reception hall, about 100 women with a dull MC with a really big ego who plays a bunch of stupid games to get the party going.
The cover charge for each person was $60 and at the bottom of the invitation was where the bride was registered. So, if you want to go, it would cost you well over $200!
I hadn’t seen this young woman in over 3 years; her wedding would be the month after so another $150 per person is required to give as a gift…. Yes, it’s that expensive to go to a wedding today. You’re wondering who made up that rule “the per person” gift of money. Well, it’s been around for as long as I can remember, so at the end of the night, there’s well over 50 grand in cash and cheques in a box waiting to be counted so the party, band and whoever else can be paid from it.
How did I come up with that figure, well it’s the wedding list. It starts off with family and friends and then all the extended people from that and you end up with 300 people. 90% of whom the bride and groom don’t even know, but to make their parents happy they go along with it.
Another tradition of the bride being in white…even if it’s her 2nd or 3rd wedding, mmmmmmmm, what does white represent again? Right! So how can you walk down the aisle again, in white, as the first time already was a stretch! Ok, my cynicism is showing…..How about this as a new rule, your 1st time around I can see that…but after that, make it a sexy cocktail dress!
Stay tuned for Part II
Posted by Rue at 02:35 PM. Filed under: Lunedì with Luna •
