Chelsea Clinton’s wedding on 31st July 2010 in Rhinebeck N.Y. to Marc Mezvinsky has attracted much attention over the Internet. In particular, the cost of the wedding has generated a high degree of interest. There is much speculation about the costs. But, how can the press know the breakdown of the costs? The answer is they cannot. The best a curious public can hope for are reasonable estimates.
The Clinton Wedding is Private
Chelsea Clinton is the daughter of former US President Bill Clinton and current United States Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. The Clintons have decided not to discuss details about the wedding. Why should they? It is a private family affair. It is of course difficult to keep it private but nevertheless that is what it is. Chelsea’s mother Hillary says her lips are sealed when it comes to giving details about the wedding.
It is reasonable that the Clintons want to keep the wedding details private. They have nothing to prove financially. It is common knowledge that both have had and continue to have highly successful careers. What they spend on their daughter’s wedding is their own private business.
Speculation About the Clinton Wedding Costs
Nevertheless, consideration of the estimated costs of the wedding is interesting. The other half (perhaps the other 99%) are always interested on how much money the rich and famous have and how they spend it.
The NYDailyNews, on 27 July 2010 speculated online that the wedding would cost about $3 million with some breakdown costs as follows (the site has detailed and interesting motivation for the estimates):
- Tents $600,000
- Flowers $500,000
- Photographer/Videographer $40,000
- Security $200,000
- Music $40,000
- Toilets $15,000
- Wedding Planner $200,000
- Booze $30,000
- Food $125,000
- Wedding dress $25,000
The Boston Herald online, on July 28 2010 carried a shorter report. The report estimated the cost of the wedding to be between $2 million and $5 million. There was little speculation about the costs breakdown but plenty of other background information about the wedding and the guests.
Giving His Daughter Away - A tough time For the Former Commander in Chief
Lastly, spare a thought for Bill Clinton's emotions as he gives his daughter away. Although he has been Commander in Chief of the most powerful nation on earth he is going to find it difficult walking down the aisle.
According to the online Boston Herald, on 19 July 2010, wife and mother Hillary said it should be assumed that if he (Bill Clinton) makes it down the aisle in one piece it will be a “major accomplishment”. She also commented, "(H)e is going to be so emotional, as am I”. To see why Hillary Clinton is right, look at these delightful pictures of father Bill with daughter Chelsea on the NYDaily News website.
At the end of the day, Saturday 31 July 2010 is Chelsea Clinton’s big day. All parents, especially those who have gone through the stress and strain of a daughter’s wedding, will hope that the day will go off happily and be the start of a long and happy marriage. After all, this is what all parents want for their children.
Sources:
All embedded links accessed 28th July 2010
John Bartels - John is a Lawyer (retired). A qualified Attorney, Notary Public and Conveyancer John has a BA,LLB from the University of Cape Town, South ...
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