Yet as the Wilson sisters and friends Tonya Blue and Keshawn Golson studied the elaborate, multicolored rose arrangements from florist Ann's Garden, they seemed to agree that this would have to be an exception.
'We'll have to splurge'
"We'll have to splurge for this one," Crystal Wilson said.
For vendors, clients have ranged from seeking the usual nuptial extravagance to a more cost-conscious planning that they attributed to the faltering economy.
More brides are comparing prices before settling on a company to rent items such as place settings, tents, tables and chairs, said Karen Abrams, an event and tent consultant with Taylor Rental/Party Plus.
"Everyone is shopping much more this year," Abrams said.
Nicki Gonzalez, a vocalist with Elan Artists, which provides live music, said she has noticed people are not "indulging in the extravagance" as much.
"Music ends up being one of those things where, if they can downsize to a DJ, they will," Gonzalez said.
Downsizing has been a factor in the kitchen, too, with more orders of cakes for shorter guest lists, or bakers offering to make a smaller version of a multi-tiered showpiece, along with a less expensive sheet cake on the side, to accommodate larger weddings.
"We get a lot of people who aren't willing to pay what they used to," said Jordan Fewell, whose mother owns SugarBakers in Catonsville.
Some people are simply planning much further in advance, so costs don't overwhelm them, said Christopher J. Sikora, general manager of Sweet, an Ellicott City-based bakery and cafe.
Before the groom
"Most of these brides planned their weddings even before they met the groom," said Sikora, as one prospective customer after another snatched samples of almond, chocolate-chip and vanilla cake at his booth. "They're not going to be willing to compromise on a lot."
The price tag did not seem to be an immediate concern for Tara Lacidonia, 21, who is planning an April wedding.
"My dad said there's no budget," she said - although, her mother added, that might change once he starts seeing the bills.
Still, Lacidonia said, if she sees something she likes, she'll go for it.
After all, it is her wedding day.
arin.gencer@baltsun.com
