Why do Americans turn every life event into such a big, expensive production?

[Anonymous]

I moved to America around 2 years ago and something i really struggle to get a hold of as a brit is how formal everything is and but every life events needs to be this big expensive show.

My next door neighbour daughter had prom i think recently and they had fireworks, photographer, all the family down to cheer her on, expensive dress and car etc... I didn't even go my prom in the uk because I thought id rather spend the money on travelling then one night with a bunch of people I couldn't stand 🤣.

Halloween in the uk is extremely basic too but in the US its crazy which i do actually like because it seems like a lot of fun for the children and everyone makes an effort.

But its so expensive im going to a hen do (bachelorette party) this month and a wedding. A hen do in uk pretty much consists of going down the pub and getting drunk and wearing some tacky outfit with a couple close friends. In the US it seems to consist of a weeks luxury holiday with 30 other girls and a different theme night everyday plus extremely expensive gifts.

I've also been asked to be a bridesmaid to my shock and she made a bridesmaid proposal box which had like really expensive stuff in. I told her out of politeness but it was too generous of her and she didn't need to spend that kind of money on me. All the othe bridesmaids looked at me like I was being odd but its just not the done thing in the uk.

Yes its becoming more and more popular in the uk but its not nearly as common. Surly their all in debt or im just living with the rich Americans.

I even went on a date with a guy and he bought me flowers and wore a suite 🤣. I dont know if thats normal or not but I respect the effort but felt a little to much for me personally.

[Orion84]

As an American, I wish I could tell you, as I feel it's all pretty ridiculous, too.

Especially in the case of weddings. I'll never understand the appeal of dpending $20,000-$50,000 on a wedding. I mean, that's a car, or a down payment on a house, but sure, let's begin our marriage in debt because of a single event. 🤷‍♂️

Granted, I'm kind of frugal when it comes to spending on myself, although I'm pretty generous when it comes to relationships. I'll never understand the lavish spending on certain events, though. It just doesn't make sense to throw away that kind of money on a single day, when it could be better spent on something that lasts for years, or a lifetime.

Some people prefer the memories associated with life events, though, I guess, and they must feel it's worth it to spend the kind of money that will make it an event worth remembering. I can get the same memories without spending that kind of money, but maybe that's just me.

[Asker]

In the uk its starting to get silly too but its because they see these influencers having that life in America and as you know everyone loves to copy America.

I've stated seeing gender reveal and baby showers as a big thing now in the uk and im just thinking having a baby is expensive enough why would you want to spend loads on lavish parties as well surly that money could be spent on the babies future.

I hope im not coming off disrespectful to this country but its just all so expensive and seems like a big way just so businesses can make money out of people

[Orion84]

I don't find it disrespectful, in the slightest. I think it's just as weird as you do, and I've lived in the US all my life.

[DryGermanGuy]

In the United States, everything is a big show. So, of course (some) people try to emulate TV and/or outdo each other. I was stunned here, hearing of an acquaintance’s wedding costing 10.000€+ a few years ago, apparently it had to be a "dream wedding". But the cherry on top of the story was, that the marriage held only for a year. :-(

[SaoirseS]

You must run in different circles than I do or ever did. I’ve seen a few over the top productions on YouTube, but that is certainly not mainstream.

[Asker]

I see these young people... I know im 28. Do boo baskets and stuff and there so expensive were are they getting the money

[Nikki1989]

That is the American way. They offer a lot but in reality deliver very little. I should know; I was born and raised there.

[exitseven]

Americans just do everything on much larger scale. it is hardwired into out DNA. We drive big cars, build skyscrapers, create an interstate highway system and other things.

[abc3643]

LOL... White people problems...
Americans with MONEY do this shit.
The rest of us are a bit smarter.

[Anonymous]

Move back and get out of here if you don’t like it.

[Asker]

Its not but I don't like it. Just very different to me. Sorry is it came off disrespectful

[Anonymous]

The world's most indebted country achieves this with worthless banknotes. There will inevitably be a price to pay for this ostentatious lifestyle that isn't her own.

[jahaims]

People are brainwashed into unnecessary spending

[beefcakebradybatson]

Most are drama queens/kings !!!