Wedding Day (Budget) Economics

Have you seen that show called Platinum Weddings? The premise is that the most over the top, expensive weddings are showcased so all the world can know that your wedding cost upwards of $300,000. Ice luges are so low budget, but what makes a wedding really special (and "platinum," apparently) is the $75,000 you spring for the orchids to decorate just one of four different rooms with four different themes for the thing you're calling the reception.

Back on earth, there's been a leaning toward scaling back — way back — for the big event by trading caterers for homemade cupcakes and backyard barbecues in place of palatial reception halls. Makes sense, especially in leaner times. Wish I could say the same for that whole let's embarrass the bride while the groom removes that garter thing while the hired band plays some really cheesy music.

Read the New York Times piece on this trend here.

Get blinded by bling and "glamour" here.

Photo courtesy of Dani Simmonds@sxc.hu