Recession Wedding

Every morning, I get dressed while listening to NPR's market report. As I pick what sweater to wear and apply mascara and foundation, I hear about the job losses and auto industry bailout and sacrifices people are making in these difficult economic times. When I think about our wedding in the context of this global recession, it puts the choices about cakes and bands into better perspective. Sometimes I feel guilty having a nice wedding when people nationwide are worried where their next paycheck is coming from. It's somewhat illogical--if I cut back on the dessert or music, our nation's fiscal problems won't be solved and everyone's 401Ks won't reverse their steep downward spiral. But I keep coming back to a thought I've had over the last few months--having a beautiful wedding is a gift, something to be grateful for, something to appreciate and not take for granted. Sometimes when I talk to potential vendors, I get annoyed. They all make me feel like I NEED to buy this or have that--otherwise my wedding won't be complete. I feel cheap if I don't succomb to their suggestions, and a spend thrift if I do. But then I think again--these vendors, too, are a product of our economic slump and are also hoping to get a few extra bucks through my business.