“I said yes!” The three little words that seem to be flooding social media networks as of late.Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for love and happiness and starting a life with someone, but is it just me ordoes it feel like the newest craze? It seems that with each new announcement of a couple hopping onthe engagement band wagon comes the virtual competition for more “likes” than the previous.Unfortunately for the “chosen ones” that are called forth to be a part of the wedding party, it is puttingimmense financial pressures on those of us who are trying to establish ourselves while struggling to stayafloat in a sinking economy.For the first time in my adult, wedding-going life, I have been selectively chosen to be my best friends’(of twelve plus years) bridesmaid. Although I am overjoyed with honour, what the bride and groom failto realize is the panic and anxiety that ensues with the responsibility of being in a wedding party. Notonly does it affect us financially (factoring in cost of dress, shoes, bridal shower gift, wedding gift, etc.) itcan literally ruin lifelong friendships; even the simplest of weddings have some level of stress involved.My outlook on the subject is one that perhaps many others share and that is weddings are supposed tobe a celebration, not a burden. Running yourself into debt financially to fit your great, great aunt Bettywhom you haven’t spoken with in years is not my idea of fun. I understand people who share largefamilies and want to incorporate everyone and their plus ones, but when it comes down to the day ofthe actual wedding, I imagine most of us just want to spend time around people we are closest to.Personally, the concept of the large traditional wedding of over two hundred guests is so unappealing.My girlfriend (who shall remain nameless for the sake of this article) has been engaged for less than afull month and has already gotten into screaming matches with her side of the family, ending in tearsand storm outs. We are lucky that we live in a time where uniqueness and individuality is important andI want that to shine through when I eventually get hitched. When the time comes I know that what willbe important to me is having my close circle of friends and family sharing in celebrating the love of twopeople who have chosen to spend the rest of their lives together. Everyone is different and I understandsome people are bound to familial obligations, but when a wedding turns into a business where thebride and groom are struggling to fill empty seats to make ends meet, well I feel that, that truly takesthe romance out of it.