Anonymous wrote:An alternative view: you do not HAVE to have an event that costs thousands and thousands of dollars. You really, really don't. I know weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs are special but I do not think it's the price tag that makes them so.
Anonymous wrote:...as we've tried to save, I still feel like I need to pull money from my investments and/or savings accounts (not retirement accounts) to fund the event ...
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Why is this gross? It’s not my culture (and I paid for my own wedding) but I don’t understand what the problem is.
It’s vulgar and ostentatious. Something many people on this board with defend to their last breath.
It’s gross for adults to expect their parents to pay for a big party.
One of the weddings I went to, there were over 200 guests- and the bride and groom only had about 24 of their friend’s there- everyone else was the dad’s partners in business, friends from church, etc. it really is a way to impress your friends.
DH is going to a wedding Memorial Day weekend (ugh already) and the bride and groom are 35 and her parents are paying for 100% of the cost. It’s ridiculous!
Anonymous wrote:http://luluandlattes.com/2016/09/11/updated-mitzvah-gift-giving-guide/
Always cash at Bar Mitz. And there are recommended amounts to give.
I $500 when invited as my wife and kids invited.
$1,000 gifts from closer family members.
Thing cost $35,000. And yes the Mom usually kvetches with cost and details for the year leading up. So most folks know cost and if don't pay just send kids. A kid can get away with as little $36.
My brother and wife gave $1,000 he got invited to EVP in his company kids party.
WTF. No. The most our wedding was $180, from aunts, uncles, etc. We are not raising our kids religious, don’t belong to a temple, will not do mitzvahs, etc. But for upcoming nieces and nephews we’ll give $360 and even that I feel is absurd. Even the parents of the child want to call us cheap behind our back, I don’t GAF. It would be different if these people were religious but it’s totally social for them. What a charade!
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Why is this gross? It’s not my culture (and I paid for my own wedding) but I don’t understand what the problem is.
It’s vulgar and ostentatious. Something many people on this board with defend to their last breath.
Anonymous wrote:Why is this gross? It’s not my culture (and I paid for my own wedding) but I don’t understand what the problem is.
Anonymous wrote:My parents saved for my wedding like it was part of my college (meaning of same importance.). We are Italian/catholic and from NJ and your daughters wedding is the biggest affair you will ever throw. Things like first communion, graduation, and confirmation are all parties that can be done for a couple thousand and not something you need to save for. My one sister never married and when my parents die she will get her wedding fund...its up to about 110k. She's 47 but my dad is still a little hopeful. LOL
Anonymous wrote:As long as people cover their plate it is break even. Those parties are cash gifts only and traditionally a much larger gift than a communion or confirmation or baptism.
One kid I went to school with bought a condo cash in Manhattan at 30 with his money. Parents threw it in stocks and bonds and hit a good streak