In the United States, no one is under the illusion that the disruption of a friend's household is not an imposition. In most cases, I would rather pay for a room than impose. Expecting an invitation, except in limited cases, would be considered rude. Even if an invitation were extended, most people would hesitate, wondering if the person were realistic about how able she is to accommodate guests. Thus, for many people, accepting such an invitation is, in fact, tied up in the expense of travel.
Cheap rings are, of course, a selling point, not to the prospective bride, but to the groom. The idea is to get the best you can afford, not to save money per se. It is very likely true that brides here would not appreciate advertizing cheapness, either, and would be depressed at going to one of those bargain shops. However, if they get something that would be priced beyond their reach at Tiffany's, it is hard to complain <g>.
Few people in the State's would care to admit that they are short of money, although you are probably right, they are less inhibited about such an admission........ |
