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FEBRUARY 2006

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cn0206_0148

eware of bridezillas

eware of bridezillas When wedding plans go overboard BY JENNIFER KORAIL These days, more and more couples are trying to set their day apart from others by planning the ultimate wedding. But where should couples draw the line when planning the happiest day of their lives? It is understandable that a bride might want the perfect fairytale wedding. However, it can be easy for a bride and groom to get in over their heads, which can lead to financial problems even before they officially begin their life together. Wedding planner Lawrence Yaldo has seen this happen before. The easiest way to plan for a wedding without going overboard is sitting down together and discussing the limits, Yaldo advised. He and his business partner, Andrew Keina of Amazing Events, agree that every couple should be able to have the beautiful day they envision, but that it is important to first consider their resources. Yaldo says, “Go to an extreme that you can afford yourself. Try not to go above and beyond a budget that is reasonable for you and your wedding.” Recently engaged Areej Merkhael of Sterling Heights agrees. “I have attended many weddings where my girlfriends went unnecessarily overboard,” she said. “They could have spent that money on a number of more practical things that they needed.” It can be easy these days for couples to go overboard. Weddings are everywhere: elaborate and ILLUSTRATION BY SCOTT MICK expensive celebrity weddings headlined all over the news, bridal magazines that show off the most recent trends and designer brands, and especially the weddings that we in the Chaldean community attend ourselves. These images make it difficult for individuals to plan or attend an event without comparing one to another. It seems as though there is an increasing pressure for individuals to out-do each other and consequently go too far. Yaldo knows the pressure well and is adamantly against planning a wedding in competition or comparison with another. “I have never stopped anyone from doing what they want to do with their special day,” he said. “If you have a million dollars to spend, then go for it. But don’t put yourself in debt. Do what is suitable for your budget.” Merkhael put it this way: “Sometimes, something simple can say so much more and be more elegant that something extravagant.” Father Emanuel Shaleta of St. George Church in Shelby Township has married and counseled many couples during his priesthood. He also sees the pressures that couples face when planning a wedding. “Couples should not only think about the preparations for their actual wedding day but also prepare themselves for the life they are creating together,” he said. “When a man and woman make preparations to become husband and wife, they are undertaking an incredible responsibility that is not just religious. It is a lifelong relationship that they must prepare for.” No one argues that a couple’s wedding day should be anything less than what they dream it to be. However, a couple should always keep in mind their unique needs, responsibilities and budget in planning. “There is no doubt that everybody deserves to have a special wedding,” Yaldo said. “But also keep in mind that although this is one of the most important days of your life, you have the rest of your lives ahead of you.” 48 CHALDEAN NEWS FEBRUARY 2006

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