Perio said:
+1 I personally don't understand why would somebody want to spend a lot of money on a wedding. It's just one day, which means nothing for the future life. I've talked about that with my girlfriend a while ago and she said she doesn't want to have any expensive wedding/engagement ring, etc.. But of course that's up to you, it's your money
I'll offer up my wisdom. To my wife and I, it was more than "just one day", as you so offensively put it. It was the happiest day of our lives. On top of the indescribable joy that comes with getting married to the person you care most about in this world, having 200 of you and your wife's closest friends and family there with you on that day is simply wonderful. We laughed and cried all day. Pretty much every moment was almost like a dream, full of happiness I had not experienced. Never again will you have all those people around at the same time. You may hang out with a few friends here, or some other friends there, but to have everyone in one place is amazing. It truly is worth every penny, and ours cost upwards of $50000.
We both have said that we would happily pay that amount again to experience that one day of utter bliss. Of course, it'll never happen, because it's a once in a lifetime event and nothing beats the first time, when you have no expectations or knowledge of how it'll turn out. Perhaps to people who are more materialistic and value money more than other things in this world, then an expensive wedding is out of the question. But neither of us are materialistic, or care that much about money. We paid 50 grand for the happiest day of our lives. You know what we say? How on earth did we get such a bargain?!
I hope this explanation of two people who treasure emotions more than money has helped you to understand why people are willing to spend big bucks for "just one day".
However you do your wedding with your girlfriend, I wish you the best of luck, it's truly a magical day.