mony and reception to complete plan-
ning packages where they take care of
priced between $1,000-55,000 typically
everything from invitations to reserva-
book dates at least one year in advance.
tions.
And don't forget about after the big
One distinct advantage coordinators
day. A vacation is never cheap, but many
enjoy over family members who plan
bridal couples want to splurge on the
weddings is neutrality. Solomon is free
best for their honeymoon. Make sure to
to move things along in a clinical fash-
budget in a hefty chunk for that first
ion without being cowed by relatives
romantic getaway as husband and wife.
who might unintentionally hold things
Mark Rubenstein, manager of
up or let feelings get in the way.
Gateway Travel in Southfield, has
Sometimes, coordinators can be
planned honeymoons as inexpensively as
money-savers, says Solomon. Having
$700 per person to upwards of $10,000
done this kind of thing before, they
for the entire voyage. It all depends on
know all the tricks — such as reducing
timing, says Rubenstein. Depending on
the dessert table to a fruit display,
the season, an average European package
designing programs on home computers
goes for $2,500 per person.
and allocating more resources to deco-
Rising wedding costs have led to a
rating the reception room instead of the
new era of cooperation with its own tra-
ceremony room.
ditions. Instead of assuming that the
Regardless of budget, wedding
bride's family will cover all expenses, as
experts agree that planning is critical.
per the old dowry system, many families
Veteran wedding photographer Ron
now work together to pay the tab.
Lieberman in West Bloomfield does his
Typically the bride's clan still assumes
best work when he has time to prepare
many basic expenses while the bride-
in advance. His wedding packages begin
groom's family pays for liquor, the band
around $4,000.
and the rehearsal dinner. Yet some of the
Thankfully, Elissa Lorfel, 24, has
old axioms still apply. "He who pays still
plenty of time to plan for her wedding.
has the say," cautions Solomon.
A full-time student at Eastern Michigan
Like the idea of a wedding planner?
University completing a teaching certifi-
Hiring one has its benefits and its disad-
cate, the young bride has to accommo-
vantages. Ensuring calm and a smooth
date 300 people at her nuptials next
walk down the aisle is one pro, but a
June.
con could be the cost. Solomon and
"Flowers, music, caterers," she says,
other coordinators offer a variety of ser-
eyes rolled upward, head gently shaking
vices, ranging from supervising the cere-
from side to side like
ametronome. The
subject of cost just
brings a gentle smile t.
her lips. "Weddings
cost a lot of money,
what can I say?" she
Friday Dec. 18
says as she shakes her
Young Adult Shabbat Service, egalitarian, tradi-
head.
tional, interactive. 7:30 p.m., Adat Shalom
Her mother, Jackie
Synagogue, Farmington Hills. For information, call
Lorfel,
gladly plays wed-
(248) 353-0307.
ding coordinator. She
has already invested
Sunday, Dec 20
more than 100 hours
Join Hillel of Metro Detroit to deliver toys to
consulting vendors
Mira,
eAll
underprivileged children. For information,
while planning her
(248) 399-5894 or HMD, (313) 577-3459•
daughter's ceremony.
Elissa Lorfel tries
Chart your course, baking and cooking, with
to keep things in
Jewish Professional Singles. 1:30 p.m., home of Joel
perspective: "This
Dorf, 25560 York, Huntington Woods. Cost: $5.
is really all still
(248) 398-3987.
about a religious
ceremony. It's
Thursday, Dec. 24
just one day in
Jewish Professional Singles' Christmas Eve Dance at
our lives." ❑

PLANS from page 112

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