The Bridal Beat

Once again the New York Times offers another insightful look into that ten-headed hydra beastie - the bridal budget. Knowing that the average wedding price tag hovers in the realm of a 3 series BMW is old news, they've happily trotted out some hair-raisers from the types of weddings more likely to be featured in their own weddings and celebrations column:

“We once had a bride who was so obsessed with butterflies that she wanted to release live butterflies at her reception,” said Ms. Seccuro, creative director of Dolce Parties in Greenwich, Conn., and Manhattan. “When we freed them from their nets, they flew towards the massive light installations we had ordered, burned to a crisp and fell, in hundreds, to the dance floor.”

She added: “Price of butterflies: $10,000. Dead butterflies in your guests’ hair and cleavage: priceless.”

Uh, wow.

The article also examines the creative solutions that some couples -determined not to go batshit crazy with the spending - have devised for their ceremonies and receptions. Truly - I thought this one just rocked and I'm sad i didn't think of this myself:

The tables will have crossword puzzles and other word games instead of favors. “The questions and answers are about us: our middle names, number of bones Kevin has broken, city of engagement,” she said. “No one guest will know all the answers; they’ll just have to talk to each other.”

Cheap, brilliant ice breaker.