Extreme Wedding Planning

6. Power Flowers. A few vases and bouquets can seem skimpy to some couples. Now brides are having walls built of woven flowers as backdrops for the ceremony. If the florist uses expensive flowers like roses and orchids, the cost can rise to $50,000.

7. Double Dressing. Some brides don't just take off that detachable train for the reception, they change into another lavish gown. "More frequently than not brides are buying two dresses for their wedding," says Mara Urshel, owner of Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City. "The price of the larger dress can be more than the second dress, but many times they are about the same." The second dress is usually a sheath, short or tea-length gown or any A-line for the reception and dancing.

8. The Dog's Day. Couples are paying the big bucks to have their dog dressed in the latest wedding couture—and that means tuxes and tiny dresses. "I have clothing for all events for dogs, but by far the most people buy clothing for their dogs to go to or be in weddings," says Linda Beckemeyer founder of Doggie Clothesline last year. "Dog lovers consider their pets a part of the family, so it makes sense that they should look great for the big day, too," she says.

While Beckemeyer's off-the-rack dog outfits cost $40 or under, pet owners can order up custom-made canine formal wear. Using the extra yard of the fabric, some brides are having local tailors create a replica of a bridesmaid outfit or groomsman's suit. This option is about $500 or more.

9. Fetch! It'd be a shame if a dog in a custom-made tux didn't walk down the aisle too. And if Fido is the groom's best friend, why not let him be the ring bearer? It's the in thing. According to People magazine, when singer Ashlee Simpson married Pete Wentz in May, the groom's English bulldog, Hemingway, served as the ringbearer. Wentz's hound may have been a natural, but if you're thinking of giving your dog an official function, you'll probably need some help. And yes, there are dog trainers that specialize in weddings. Joe Orsino Jr. founded Wedding Dogs of Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania about four years ago after he included his own dogs in his wedding. "I started to realize that a lot of people wanted their dogs in their wedding, but weren't sure how to get their dogs ready for it. That's where I come in," he says. "A dog can easily be trained to pose for pictures, be a ring bearer or flower girl, or whatever the bride and groom wants the dog to do." The entire process, which usually takes about week, costs $1500 per dog and includes a video of the wedding.

Even for the less lavishly inclined bride and groom, getting married has a hefty price tag. The average cost of a wedding in the United States is more than $28,000, according to TheWeddingReport.com. And so far, wedding expenditures haven't suffered despite the country's economic troubles. "Nothing is recession proof, but weddings are recession resistant," says Marcy Blum, who's been a Manhattan wedding planner for more than 20 years. "People lately are definitely more conscious when they come to me, but in the final analysis they aren't spending less."

© 2008