Extraneous Protocol? *UPDATED*

So as usual, I'm on FB, stalking newly engaged people and counting the years I've known my beau...

sadistic? masochistic? both?

anyway, what I've noticed is a big thing is the engagement party. Since when was that the thing to do? To me, it seems like an awesome idea; I love a reason to have a party but then again, when you're planning a wedding, budget is a big deal and where does an extraneous party fit in? So, on the other side of that coin, the engagement party seems superfluous.

But it is a party. I like parties.


Another seemingly extraneous expense; STDs.

I was wary of STDs. I remember the first one we got in the mail. It was a postcard with a picture of my godsis and her fiancee. I was so confused. "Is this what wedding invitations are now? We're extra casual with the invites?" I mean, I saw the words, "Save the Date" but it didn't register. That was back in '06. Then as college classmates got engaged, they started flooding in, months in advance, warning us to 'Save the Date'. Magnets, postcards, mini movie posters (my fave) "starring" the couple. But now, like Jameil, I was swayed and amazed by Soon to be Mrs. Patti's approach.

But... that's an added paper expense!! Even if you're gansta with it like Miss Patti!! and I know I won't be!

Lastly, engagement pics.

Normally, I wouldn't have a problem with pictures. Well, I don't have a problem with pictures I take. I just keep thinking back to senior year when i was working my lil part time job and had to spend all my money on my senior AND cap and gown pictures. Professional pics/photogs scare me. I look at graduation albums of friends and wonder why I didn't have cap and gown pics shot all over Tally but then I remember, I didn't have a job. Professional pictures cost MONEY! So why is it the thing to have photo albums of you and yours? Jam and I went a wedding site today and were AMAZED with all the albums!!! Christmas, Just Cause, etc!!! Really?? All that??

I'm not going to front, I will probably do all the aforementioned. I think the e-pics are some of the best professional pictures i've seen. They are sooooo adorable!
With my friends split up between two colleges and sprinkled all over the place, STDs will be mandatory and I think and e-party is a wonderful way to kick off the wedding season for a couple.

Damn peer pressure.

*ADDED*
I think there is one more thing to add... if you have the money for it. The PRE-Honeymoon trip. Yep, I've seen it. The album was awesome and I want one. NOW.