Take aways from Chelsea Clinton's wedding
The American media went crazy with former first daughter Chelsea Clinton's wedding even when next to no details were divulged to the paparazzi.
The New York Times reported that brides-to-be are already asking for "weddings like Chelsea's" and gluten-free pastries were flying off the shelves when people found out that she ordered a gluten-free chocolate cake sprinkled with 1,000 white sugar flowers.
The daughter of former US president Bill Clinton, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wed investment banker Marc Mezvinsky on July 25 at Astor Courts. The century-old mansion in Rhinebeck, New York was listed for sale at US$12 million.
With about 500 guests, it was small for a society wedding, and only personal friends were invited to the private event (yes, they didn't even invite Hillary's boss, Obama).
It was reportedly a beautiful and intimate wedding, and while not all of us can have our weddings at mansions from the turn of the century, here are some tips we can take away.
3 Embrace the local
Chelsea Clinton used local produce for their gift baskets which included Saturn peaches (the doughnut-like kind) from a local orchard and chocolate cookies from a local organic bakery.
There was also a tote bag from the Rhinebeck Farmers’ Market and a bottle of Seyval Blanc from nearby Clinton Vineyards.
Their gift basket has inspired many bride-to-be's to place similar orders, the Rhinebeck boutique that produced the baskets told the New York Times, but really the baskets were meaningful because they came from the region and welcomed guests to it.
With the popularity of destination weddings today, think about how you can incorporate the culture and products of the area into your wedding. Even if you're having it at home, rather than go with chocolates or salt shakers provided by the hotel, try something that has special meaning to you and your husband, or friends.
2 Invite who you like
So what if who you don't invite is going to make the international papers, or in your case, be fodder for gossip among friends and family for a while?
The Ms Clinton wedding was noted for its lack of flamboyant personalities and stars. Of course, there were the rich and famous, but the line was drawn at people the family knew personally.
You have only this one day, and you should celebrate it with people you like, not people who sit through the dinner bitching about your dress, or wondering why they were there in the first place.
1 Less is more
The plain white aisle that Chelsea Clinton walked down on the arm of her father Bill Clinton has also captured the imaginations of American brides.
The bride was clad in a sleeveless Vera Wang gown of laser-cut silk organza with a jewelled belt and pristine, white roses. Not a fashion statement, but pretty and very flattering.
Sure, the wedding has been lavish in many ways, but when it came to the colour scheme and set up, plain white and understatement was the theme of the day.
Sometimes, too much detail only detracts from what is important - which is the people you care about.