Much ado about weddings...

For a bride to be, her wedding day is something she does not want to forget. When preparing for this big day, the dress, trousseau and the reception have all got to be simply perfect and those special events will never leave the mind as long as one lives. Come the time for the wedding and one realises that everything that comes with it is not too easy to attain. Weddings are indeed an expensive affair for the bride and groom as well as for the parents.

Although one may not forget the wedding for it splendour and glamour, it will also not be forgotten the wedding for all the money spent on it.

This is not to say that people should be extremely tight fisted when they are planning a wedding but they should certainly think twice on what they spend especially when it is something extra.

Pre planning

The bridal, veil, bouquet and trousseau are certainly important and they come at a price. So spending money on extra stuff such as the cake, flower arrangements and even the music should be pre planned and not extravagant. If one can afford spending a lot of money on a wedding and its frills, it ought to be done as the wedding is said to be something that happens once in a lifetime. It is always prudent to spend your money with a clear mind. But one ought to look for 'reasonable' prices.

The Sunday Leader contacted many hotels and found out that the cost per head ranges from Rs. 1000 to Rs.3000.

Hotel charges

The Galle Face Hotel noted that they already have bookings for 49 receptions at the hotel. The hotel charges would depend on what couple offer their guests said an official adding that there is the bronze, silver, gold and platinum packages available.

However, there has to be a minimum of a 100 guests and the hotel even takes over the flower arrangements if the party so requires.

Meanwhile, a representative from the Mount Lavinia Hotel told The Sunday Leader that their lowest price menu is Rs.1086 and this includes the price of the hall as well. Also the hotel has contacts for people who make flower arrangements and cake if the guest requires assistance.

Bouquets and arrangements

With regard to flower arrangements and the bouquets The Sunday Leader found out that these too come at a high price. A bridal bouquet would cost at least Rs. 5000 and this would include only a handful of roses.

An official of Supreme Flowers told The Sunday Leader that a bridal bouquet would cost a standard price of Rs. 8000. "If a person wants a bigger bouquet or a different design the cost may change accordingly. She said that Supreme Flowers does flower arrangements for church functions, Poruwa ceremonies etc.

Lassana Florists Pvt Ltd too have a minimum price for their bridal bouquets - Rs. 6500. For anything bigger or unusual than the usual the price would vary.

Outfit

Not only will someone have to spend a lot of money for the floral d‚cor and reception but also the outfit, another essential item.

Finding out from several sari shops such as Rangana's and Sari Kingdom to name a few, they noted that a bridal ensemble would cost a minimum of Rs. 6500, while the more expensive saris go up to Rs.15,000. Also there are wedding saris that even cost around Rs. 20,000 and Rs.30,000.

At present they pointed out that the net saris are in fashion with spring work on them.

- SS