Happy Friday the 13th!
Last night I spoke with a friend of mine in the States. I haven't talked to her in ... forever, it seems. I wanted to tell her about the wedding over the phone and invite her. Other than my family, she's the only one from the States who I'd love to have at my wedding. Given the horrid economy in the States I'm not sure if she can come, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
And speaking of weddings -- I had no idea how time consuming and expensive it is to have one in the first place. I've been to three wedding venues, and you can't do a banquet for less than $150 / person. It's uber-fancy 4 to 5 course French or French-Japanese fusion cuisine, but holy cow. (BTW -- since this is Japan you get like two bites or so per course.) Of course you also have to pay for the thank-you-for-coming-to-my-wedding presents. Per one of my Japanese friends, you need to prepare three presents totaling $70-100 per person.
Mom is determined to buy ridiculously expensive and 100% impractical gifts for Hero Material's family. I told her it was completely unnecessary, and that it'd only make them uncomfortable. Mom of course insisted that's how you do things back home (meaning her native country), and I had to remind her that the wedding is in Japan, and Hero Material's family is 100% American. Hero Material is flabbergasted since he doesn't think it's necessary, so I'm going to have to contact her again and tell her to hold off on the gift buying spree.
I think the real reason for Mom wanting to give presents to everyone, including yours truly, is because she wants something back in return. The first thing she told me after I announced my engagement was:
Hero Material loves kids. I'm sure he wants two children. Preferably as soon as possible. You know, you guys aren't getting any younger.
BTW -- do you have any tips for wedding planning and dealing with an overzealous (and overly excited) mother?
