Thing is, you don’t know where she got that Gucci bag or why that woman is cholishing for $500 Manolo shoes. They could be gifts. They could have an uncle in “the biz.” Hullo: thrift shops?
Instead of focusing on designer “items” the bigger picture is how we conduct our simchas. Any way to cut down on the ostentatiousness and costs there? Who is competing with whom? Why the need for the “lavishness”?
It seems that each NY wedding I’ve been to is the equivalent of 2 weddings out of town where you come to a wedding, have a cookie and soda at the bedeken then eat the meal after the chuppah.
The shmorg. People come famished from work and swoop down on the food like vultures. Why does anyone expect a full dinner… before a dinner?
The music. Why do you need a 4 piece band that plays so loudly that your eardrums bleed? Because all the other weddings have the 4 piece band?
The service. White glove service, table service. Buffet is good enough.
And Chinese auctions: what’s the need for that? Each one more over the top than the other? Just give the money to tzedakah outright!!! Why rent the hall? Why be “lavish”? Why have all the glitz and glamor? These charity events have turned into shop-a-holic vacations!
Me? I’m not wasting an extra penny on a logo. If it gives superior quality, I’m all for it. That includes aftercare and service in the event it needs repair or replacement. Otherwise, I’ll meet you in Aisle 9 at K-mart.