‘Save The Date’ invitations were yet to be sent out. Sally’s family was beginning to worry, and by family, she meant her mother. “You know we have to invite even the Mutuas and the chairman of the church. They really helped us with your education,” she told Sally. It felt like her mother remembered a few more people who would be excited to see her walk down the aisle every time they talked.
Joe’s family was also on their case. His family was affluent and liked things done in a certain way. The delays in the arrangements were not amusing his parents and siblings either. Yet despite the pressure, Sally and Joe couldn’t seem to agree on most things.
“A garden wedding is better because we can pick one venue for both the vows and the reception,” said Joe. Sally could hear his sister’s influence on the matter, but didn’t bring it up.
“You know how my mother feels about church weddings. She hasn’t asked for anything else. I want a church wedding,” Sally said.
“What about the reception?” Joe asked.
“I don’t think a hotel is the best option given the cost and the expected number of guests,” Sally told him.
“My family will not be too happy about that. A hotel gives you more control,” Joe said.
“Our budget can’t handle that,” Sally reminded him.
“Then let’s reduce the guest list,” Joe told her.
“How would you like me to explain to my family that I’m not inviting some of them because the wedding needs to be luxurious and we can’t afford to feed all of them?” Sally asked him.
“The wedding invites aren’t printed yet, so it’s not like you would have to uninvite anybody,” Joe replied.
It was supposed to be an exciting moment, picking out venues, dresses, cakes, and outfits, but it seemed like all they did was argue over everything. The traditional wedding hadn’t been that hectic. Since both sides knew what their traditions dictate, the biggest issue was the food budget. Joe’s family insisted on a large feast and used their preferred caterer. Sally’s family didn’t quite understand why the caterers had to come from far, yet there were good local caterers, but they let it slide.
Joe’s mother called him two days later. He put the phone on loudspeaker because he was doing something else. Sally was taking a nap.
“Joe, are you guys still getting married?” She asked.
“Why?” Joe asked.
“Then why are you trivialising the arrangements? If you wait for the last-minute rush, things will not be up to par,” said Joe’s mother.
“I know, mother. We’re working on it. We’re going to look for a church venue tomorrow,” he said, hoping that would calm his mother down.
“I thought you were having a garden wedding? Anyway, where’s this church?”
“It’s where Sally occasionally attends service,” Joe said.
“I’m not comfortable with that, but first, tell me about the reception. Which hotels are you eyeing?”
“We’re thinking of having it in a garden set-up because the number of guests is high,” Joe said.
“Why do you need many guests if that’s affecting your plans?” The mother asked.
“Sally’s family is large and close-knit, plus the mother wants to invite people who helped Sally along the way,” Joe explained.
“Aah! This family. Don’t even remind me how long the dowry negotiations took because there was another auntie or uncle with another demand. You need to be firm on your decisions. We have a family image to preserve,” she said.
Sally walked in on the last part of the conversation. Joe didn’t hear her walk into the room. He hung up immediately when he realised that she’d heard his mother.
“My family isn’t good enough for yours, huh?” Sally asked.
“You know how my mother can be at times,” Joe argued.
He tried to make her feel better, but Sally couldn’t ignore the contempt in his mother’s voice. She’d always felt like Joe’s mother acted like Joe should have picked someone else-someone from their social circles, but this was the first time she’d heard her say it openly.
She thought about her future in that family and couldn’t imagine joining a family that thought poorly of hers and expected them to do things according to their wishes. Sally broke up with Joe.
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