At my age (50) most weddings we go to are 2nd time around so not so pretentious as the 1st time weddings. I agree that some weddings can be a royal pain in the arse held in posh overpriced venues with mediocre food and crap cheesy disco. Luckily I come from a small family so not too many family do's to worry about. Also working shifts helps with turning down invites. I've never understood the need to wear top hat and tails when you normally live in tracksuit bottoms and t-shirts, basically people trying to be something they aren't and end up stressing out and not enjoying their day, due to the pressure they have put themselves under. I went to a rugby mates wedding which was held in the chapel of the public school he attended, lots of posh people there, but no-one was putting on airs and graces as morning suits and hats (optional wear) were the norm for them, turned out to be a really good do with all sorts mixing at the reception - professional rugby players, posh titled people, city types and normal working class people. We got married a month ago and done everything the way we wanted and only invited the people we wanted. It was bike orientated, our transport was a Gold Wing outfit (double adult chair) with bike escort from the civil ceremony to the reception. Lovely sit down meal of steak and mushroom pie plenty of wine and 2 very short speeches. Had a cracking band for the evening bash, club prices at the bar and everyone who came had their party heads on and had a superb time including ourselves. One of the best days of my life