When I was getting married (at the foolish age of 20), my Dad gave me the option of giving me $2,000 cash or (in those days weddings weren't as lavish or expensive as they are now) a big wedding. I took the money!!! Glad I did too. Paid off my car loan (a Volkswagen bug that cost $2400 in those days) bought furniture and put a little bit of it in the bank.

I can't understand WHY people (couples) would spend thousands of dollars for a couple of hours with people, half of them they don't know cuz they're friends or business associates of their parents!!! Elope and put a down payment on a house, that's what I say.

Kater,

Maybe your Dad was kind of sitting there thinking of the future and decided he needed to talk to you about it. Parents are funny that way. He obviously loves you very much and only wants what's best for you. So, even if you thought it was amusing at the time, stand in his shoes for a minute and you might understand.