A close friend of mine is getting married next year. She booked the reception venue and the church almost a year ago. Consequently, this wedding is taking more than two years to prepare. This seems to be the trend amongst Spanish nuptial ceremonies. The bigger the better, and the earlier you begin the preparations, the sooner guests can commence saving up. And I do not mean gathering money to pay for their elegant dresses or expensive suits. I am not talking about booking hotels if the wedding is far from one’s home. And I am certainly not alluding to money that will be spent on hairdressers and expensive waterproof make-up. I am referring to the notes included in a white, discreet envelope. A considerable amount of money for both bride and groom. Because here, in the South of Spain, gifts wrapped in shiny paper, with big ribbons, are a no-no. Cash in hand, please, is the new way to go.
Today my friend was debating with the rest of us (unmarried, some still single) which dress she should purchase, adding that the designer-one she liked was very expensive and a good reason for feeling guilty on her big day. One of my other Spanish girlfriends, as blunt as always (will tell you more about her soon), basically said “Just choose the one you like, I am going to pay for it anyway”. The bride-to-be giggled, and after commenting on the lack of tact of the friend, accepted such excuse and will most likely bag the pricey dress.
This is how it is now. My terribly honest friend warned me months ago how a recent bride had confided to her yet another common practice: writing down what each friend or relative gives to you. This you do, so at their wedding, they can receive that exact amount from you: “It’s a loan, really”. Weddings are businesses, she added. Not only for caterers, make-up artists and photographers, but for the bride and groom. After all, Jessie, how do you expect to pay for the honeymoon?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Great work.
Post a Comment