GOING TO THE CHAPEL

摘要

Americans still marry in great numbers, with over two million nuptials occurring every year. With the average U.S. wedding costing between $20,000 and $30,000, these celebrations represent a great financial and emotional investment not only for the engaged couple but for their loved ones as well. When I wrote my first roundup on this topic in 2001 ("Here Come the Bridal Books," LJ 4/1/01), lavish, over-the-top weddings were common, and destination affairs were trendy. But such excess has gone out of style in the current economy in favor of more "down-home" weddings, as the New York Times (bit.ly/y9S01) reported in June. Still, couples are under great pressure to entertain guests by upping the surprise factor, typically during the reception (preferably without breaking the bank).