Reality Check

Recently, this organizer had the pleasure of meeting a charming bridal couple who have big plans and no sense of reality in terms of the effort involved or the funds required to pull off the "wedding weekend" they so desire.

For those of you who want the gala (and, hey, why not!?) but don't want to begin married life deep in debt, may I humbly suggest the following:

Rather than holding the rehearsal dinner party at a $200.00 an hour specialty bowling alley, consider the local Dave & Buster's. True, you won't have the place to yourself, but you will have a great time at less than half the cost.

Rather than providing limos for all of the guests staying at the reception site hotel (to the tune of $75 to $100 an hour) speak with your concierge or hotel liaison - many hotels have shuttle vans they would be happy to provide for a small fee. Not as swanky, to be sure, but far more economical and far more environmentally responsible.

Rather than the $50 per person plated dinner plus an open bar consider the $40 per person plated dinner with limited choices of entree and two or three choices of signature cocktails. Average saving: $30 per guest.

Rather than the private dining room and $30 per guest brunch buffet for your hotel guests the next morning, consider asking the hostess to designate an area of the regular dining room for your party. It's the same food, but only $20 per guest.

Lastly, please, do not expect your vendors and professionals to provide their services for free or next-to-free simply to get your business. The old adage "you get what you pay for" especially applies in this situation. If you want a certain something a certain way, be prepared to pay for that something.