Last week, Ann Althouse came out a little harsh on wedding extravaganzas, particularly for people who are already living together.  I take it she received some interesting emails on the subject, which pointed out the self-indulgence of large weddings.  Of course, one could say the same thing about modern bachelor/ette parties, baby showers, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, and children's birthday parties.  With weddings, I hypothesize that one's interest in large weddings depends on how close you are to age 20 1/2.  Interest picks up at age 12 or 13, then starts to wane about age 28 or 29.  But, as a junior in college, large weddings are the best things ever!

Unfortunately, we need a new rite of passage.  Weddings at one time marked a passage from a parent's home to a bride's new home, so you needed a lot of stuff and a big send-off.  Now, if you marry at 30, you may already have dishes and a punch bowl.  In addition, many fiancees may sooth their valid matrimonial fears by poring over wedding magazines and their Williams-Sonoma registry.  So, I propose that we begin celebrations of true rites of passage.

I am going to tell my children that when each of them receives a terminal degree in any discipline, be it J.D., M.D., Ph.D., whatever, that child can have a huge party.  My child can pick out the food and the music and invite 150 people.  He or she can pick out a $1500 outfit to wear and can register at Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, or REI.  I don't care.  The next day, island vacation for the whole family!  Then, if you meet your soulmate and want to spend the rest of your lives together, we'll go to church or have a few people over in the backyard.

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