I need to go to rehab.

Wedding magazine rehab, that is. Or Wedding Magazine Buyers Anonymous. WMBA.

The first step is admitting I have a problem, right?

In the past 13 months of being engaged, I have bought over 24 magazines. (I don’t know the exact count, because I know there are some stashed away somewhere). For the purpose of this analysis of my crazy, let’s just say I’ve bought 24.

Let’s break it down, cost-wise.

First, dear Martha Stewart Weddings.

1. Issue 48, Spring 2009: $5.95
2. Issue 49, Summer 2009: $5.95
3. Issue 50, Fall 2009: $5.95
4. Issue 51, Winter 2010: $5.95

Grand total for my Martha spending? $23.80 before tax, $25.70 post 8% Georgia sales tax.

Next, InStyle Weddings, which I am actually sad about their closing. I know so much of it is unattainable, but it’s got some great eye-candy in it. But I digress.

1. Spring 2009: $5.99
2. Summer 2009: $5.99
3. Fall 2009: $5.99
4. Winter 2010, their very last issue: $5.99

Grand total for InStyle Weddings? $23.96 pre-tax, $25.88 post-tax.

Next, Brides.

1. July/August 2009: $5.99
2. September/October 2009: $5.99
3. November/December 2009: $5.99
4. January 2010: $5.99
5. February  2010: $5.99

Grand total for Brides magazine? $29.95 pre-tax, $32.35 post-tax.

Now onto Modern Bride, which I really don’t like. I don’t even know why I buy it, I really don’t. It just calls out to me, and before I know it, I’ve had a bridal-blackout and I’m sitting at home with the magazine in my lap wondering how I got home.

1. April/May 2009: $5.99
2. June/July 2009: $5.99
3. August/September 2009: $5.99

Apparently I haven’t bought as many of these as I’ve thought. I think that I might have some of these hidden. Anyway, the grand total for Modern Bride is $17.97 pre-tax, and $19.41 post-tax.

Next, The Knot. [Insert shudder here.]

1. Georgia Issue, Spring/Summer 2009: $4.99
2. Spring/Summer 2009: $9.99 (Holy shit).
3. Fall 2009/Winter 2010: $9.99

Grand total to the man? $24.97 pre-tax, $26.97 post-tax.

Now, Elegant Bride, which is just… bad, in my opinion. I glaze over. I know for sure I have more of these tiny monsters, but truth be told, I’ve probably trashed them. I have 2 in my possession at present, so we’ll just go with that.

1. Spring 2009: $5.99
2. Summer 2009: $5.99

Grand total? $11.98 pre-tax, $12.94 post-tax.

Next, my dear love, Southern Weddings. True, this magazine mainly has stuff that is already on the website, and it’s mostly just eye-candy, but I still love it. Mr. Scissors ordered its premiere issue immediately for me as a surprise, because he knew that I was chomping at the bit for its release. It came in a lovely package, along with a hand-written note by Lara Casey herself. I have no regret for these magazines, only love.

1. Premiere Issue: $5.95
2. Volume II: $5.95

Grand total? $11.90 pre-tax, $12.85 post-tax.

Lastly, a random magazine that I only bought 1 of. Weddings Unveiled. Pretty, but not useful. I still look at some of the design candy in it however.

1. Spring 2009: $4.95

Grand total? $4.95 (obviously) pre-tax, $5.35 post-tax.

So, to date, I have spent a whopping $161.45 on 24 magazines, including tax. I’m speechless, which rarely happens. I don’t even want to get started on the random books I’ve bought…

Why do I buy them? Why am I drawn like a moth to the flame? Maybe it’s because this is one of the only times in my life when it’s socially acceptable to buy these magazines. There’s a “GOING, GOING, GONE!” sign in my head that won’t go away. Also, and it embarrasses me to admit this, I think there’s probably a little part inside of me that craves the validation that buying these magazines gives. LOOK! I’M BUYING THESE BECAUSE I’M WORTH MARRYING! SEE? SOMEBODY LOVES ME. I’m insecure, what can I say. Anyway, that’s enough delving into my fragile psyche for today.

How much have you spent on wedding magazines? Add it all up if you haven’t already, and please share! Was it worth it? Are these necessary objects, a bride’s prerogative? Or are they just a waste of trees and money? Why do give into buying them, or why not?