New Video Can Help With Your Wedding Plans

For those who will take part in one of the 2.5 million American weddings this year, video assistance is at hand.

After the initial excitement of announcing the engagement and setting a date, planning the event begins. This can test many a prenuptial relationship.

A video titled “So … You’re Planning a Wedding,” by Baruch Entertainment, is designed to assist the novice wedding planner, especially the bride-to-be. For $29.95 (plus $5.95 shipping), this tape offers advice through a series of question-and-answer interviews conducted by the program’s host, Kristen Page.

She talks with a wedding planner, caterer, photographer, dress fitter, music booker, florist, beautician, discount registry salesman and videographer as well as a rabbi, priest and minister.

But rather than take only the advice of those who make their living in this business, the video repeatedly cuts to several recent brides who share their insights and suggestions on what to worry about and when to let someone else take over (like one’s mother). These may be the most helpful parts of the tape.

The video also interposes “Quick Tips” after each wedding topic. For example, after a chat with a florist, you are advised to see pictures of a company’s work to make sure the arrangement you order isn’t so big that it blocks the view of dinner companions.

There are budgetary cautions throughout, and host Page always grills the wedding professionals on what they would suggest to a couple who has to work within a tight budget.

To save money on catering, for example, one could offer wine and beer but no hard liquor, or use white wine instead of champagne for the best man’s toast. To save cash on a dress, consignment shops may be the choice for the bride who would rather take an exotic honeymoon than wear a $2,000 gown just once.

Regardless of whether this most-hyped event is designed to be an intimate garden party at home or an extravaganza worthy of Mariah Carey, the bride and groom will need help, money and organizational skills.

“So … You’re Planning a Wedding,” which comes with a handy workbook, is 85 minutes long. It can be ordered by calling (800) 268-8810.