[threebyfate]

If you're going to question the trappings, why not question the institution of marriage? If so, don't bother getting married.

Why do people wear red on Valentine's Day and gift each other? Shouldn't they be happy with the love between them?

Why do people get together with family and all loved ones at Christmas, gifting each other?
Shouldn't they just be happy that they have each other?

All of this traditionalism is meaningless to anyone who doesn't subscribe to it. That's cool if it's who you are. It's also just as cool, if people want to subscribe to traditionalism.

[tigressA]

I don't ever want either an engagement or wedding ring, but that's because I just don't like wearing any sort of jewelry; I think it's a hassle more than anything else. Other than that, I would like to wear a nice--but not outrageously expensive--dress and have a low-key, intimate ceremony. Of course, all this is at the very least 5 years away...

[aerogurl87]

When I get married (whenever that will be) I want a low key, small, and intimate wedding with a pretty white dress and flipflops and a cookout reception afterward. I used to want a big wedding, till I realized that a wedding isn't even really for the bride anymore, it's for your guests. You know the people who come to your wedding just for all the free food and drink they can get at your expense. So screw that! I want hot dogs and cheeseburgers at my wedding with a nice cake (and that's only because I love eating icing, but most people can't/won't eat it straight like I do).