The nightmare that is arranging a wedding!

Take it from me, I've been there, done that, I just didn't get the t-shirt (or should I say go through with it).  Weddings are a familial nightmare.  If there is a pointless argument to be had, arranging your wedding will surely bring it out.

What is the most common argument I have experienced first, second and third hand?  Who gets a say in the guest list.

Let's break it down for those who haven't had the pleasure of experiencing this particular hell.

You as the son or daughter, are getting married.  You're the Bride/Groom.

Your parents, offer to give you X amount of £'s/$'s/€'s towards paying for your big day.  GREAT!

All is going swimmingly as you as the bride, go on shopping trips with the mother/mother in law and bridesmaids for outfits, stationery, table decorations, flowers, candles, blah blah blah.  The groom goes for beers with his father/father in law, the best man and anyone else who needs an excuse to spend a night in the pub.

Then it happens, normally over a nice relaxing Sunday roast.  The "I think we should invite your second cousin twice removed" conversation.  Oh and this is coming from your parents, not your partner.

Suddenly, everyone has got an opinion and it all boils down to the phase "In our day....", normally being spouted by your mother.  Yes this is hell, and yes I did warn you that this is where you would end up.

The reasoning behind everyone's sides of the argument usually goes as follows:

Bride:  It's my day and if I want/do not want someone there then that should be the way it is.

Groom:  I don't really care but my future wife does.  I don't really want to start married life off with a 6 month dose of the silent treatment and I definitely don't want and ban on sex between now and then.

Mother:  We are paying money towards this wedding.  It is an excuse for us to show off to all our friends, relatives and anyone else we so wish.  We WILL invite who we god damn want and you'll like it.

Father:  Whatever your mother says.

So, that's the long and the short of it.

There is only one way to avoid this conversation (to my knowledge) and that is.....

PAY FOR THE WEDDING YOURSELF!  Something I strongly advise.