Is it that serious?

I went to a wedding yesterday. I went to one last month, and I am going to one next month.I was saying to myself damn everybody going OD on this wedding stuff, huh? Which made me wonder if I was cheap or something.

I don't classify myself as cheap, so I was feeling some kind of way when my niece's sister said that. The wedding I went to in April, you can tell money was spent. The wedding I went to yesterday, same thing, just way more lavish. We shall see what happens next month. My whole point is I am married and we did it in city/town hall. Why? Because that made sense. Not saying that the spending of money for them didn't make sense BUT if priorities get put on the back burner so that you can have a lavish wedding, people need to do some thinking.

Right now, my husband and I are both wearing PLAIN gold wedding bands. Will we upgrade? Of course, but right now that is not important. WE KNOW WE ARE MARRIED. In 7-10 years, and my husband and I are still married, he do intend on having a lavish wedding. I say he because I don't see the point in a wedding. NOBODY IS EATING MY MONEY EXCEPT FOR ME AND MINE! POINT. BLANK. PERIOD. The wedding would basically be to renew our vows, but also because then we will have the money to do it AND our priorities will be taken care of.

What I'm basically asking is does it prove something when you have a lavish wedding, and a BIG rock on your finger or is it a fantasy fulfillment? Do these things prove that you are married? When did the ceremony move beyond "before God" to before the family and friends? When did the ring become move from JUST a visual reminder to others and yourself of the SPIRITUAL commitment made, to a status symbol? Either way is it that serious?