These days engaged couples are going all out to create a wedding that is an Event with a capital “E.” Perhaps one reason is the increasing number of brides who chose to hire a wedding planner. And once these entrepreneurs show prospective clients all the luxury accoutrements available, is it any surprise that they go for the “deluxe” package?

An advantage to hiring a wedding planner is that she (or he or an entire team) will handle every detail. If you’re wanting Hummer limos, your planner will take care of the limo hire. If you’re getting married abroad - and many couples are opting to do that - your planner will either do online research on, say, “limo hire Surrey” if that’s where the event will be held, or they will subcontract part of the overseas operation.

I “get” the allure of all this first class attention, but it saddens me. An entire village could be fed for months on the cost of a luxury wedding.