Ok so I've decided I don't want a wedding. No, I didn't always think this way ... in fact I had the perfect wedding all planned in my head, what I was going to wear, where it was going to be, the colours, the flowers, and so on.

But after yesterday's wedding at my place, I changed my mind. All I saw were the people involved running around stressed out hoping that things will go according to plan. The guests sat around looking critically at everything. I'm sure some things may have been missed on the part of the people organising it, but no doubt the guests will find something to comment on somehow.

What's the point? What's the point in spending so much money to feed people that will talk behind your back (as is the culture here), spending money on an outfit that you will most likely never wear again in your entire life, go through all that stress ... all when it's supposed to be your big day.

You promising to spend the rest of your life with another person should be something between the two of you and it isn't necessary to invite everyone you know from both sides. I suppose it's a special moment which you want to share with those that are near and dear to you, but how many weddings nowadays actually happen that way? These days, it's a race to have the fanciest that money can afford. All for what? Pretty soon, the birth of one's child will become a similar spectacle where everyone known will be invited to watch ... (shudder).

In terms of introducing the partner to the other side of the family, surely the purpose would be better achieved through an intimate dinner party where the new couple actually have time for proper conversation and get to know everyone much better that way. Same thing really but with less people and less jazz in terms of formalities.

Over here, we have the homecoming as well which allows the groom's side of the family to go through the same stress and strain as the bride's. Again - what's the point?

So I guess unless and until something changes my mind, it's bye bye fairy tale for me.