Aug 29, 2007
A veteran of the marriage scene passes on her explanation for why people choose Las Vegas for weddings
In response to my question of some weeks ago, "Why do people get married in Las Vegas", one reader answered so cogently that her essay deserves to be repeated here:
"I agree with the responses so far -- weddings are becoming prohibitively expensive in my opinion, and I've been to some wedding ceremonies and receptions where (and this doesn't apply to everyone) the effort to "outdo" and produce awe in the attendees has actually created the opposite effect of what was originally intended: to create a memorable event to all who were present. On the contrary, each ceremony and reception has begun to blur into each other in my mind.Write and read comments about this post.
"The most memorable weddings I've been to were either very simple, yet gorgeous affairs, or fun, unusual shindigs where the couple had made an effort to put their guests at ease.
"To that effect, a Las Vegas wedding -- at least for now -- not only makes sense to me on a monetary level, but on a "memorable" level as well. Our circle of friends see the stereotypical "shotgun" Las Vegas wedding (even if not technically shotgun) as something funny (and fun), kitschy (in a self-mocking and ironic way) and something guaranteed to give everyone a ridiculous good time ... if planned well. Although I'm not a fan of Las Vegas the city, I can still defend the concept of the Las Vegas wedding just for these reasons.
"In this era of the 'Bridezilla,' it's a refreshing change of pace to attend or have a wedding where the original concept OF a wedding -- to celebrate the love and union of two people -- stands true. No unrealistic effort for perfection, no one-upmanship, no subjecting others to enormous whims... but a true and simple love celebration. And if a couple wants to throw some fun and campiness into the mix, who are we to argue against it?"
Fifty years ago, 
Arthur Frommer is generally acknowledged to be the nation's foremost travel authority. He is the founder of the
