The Clinton Wedding is Finally Here and We are Still Guessing!

July 30th, 2010 by Elizabeth Beskin | Share Blog

I must say, I’m incredibly impressed with the class and true nobility of all of the Clinton as they prepare for the wedding of the summer.  Jackie Kennedy would have been proud.  With all the reality TV drama surrounding the minute details of the wedding planning, isn’t it nice that the Clintons have kept everything so quiet.

Sure, some of the details have been leaked.  We all know that it will take place at Astor Court, a Beaux-Arts mansion in Rhinebeck, New York, designed by legendary architect Stanford White, with stunning views of the Hudson River.  Some of us have read articles about Bryan Rafanelli, the Boston-based event planner who has worked with the Clintons on previous events.  How lucky for him that he is a trusted advisor and does not need to prove his loyalty on this important event.  How lucky for the Clintons, that they have found vendors that are honoring their privacy.

I’m guessing that she will wear a Vera Wang gown, since the news shows posted a Vera-looking woman opening the door to her salon as Chelsea was gracious to the camera.

I, for one, am excited to see if any of our friends are involved in the wedding. Is Sylvia is doing the cake?  (She has previously made one for Hillary.) Is it true that Jimmy Vale is providing the orchestra?  And which magazine will honor us with the pictures?  Will they sell the images for a charity? And most intriguing for me, who is the photographer???  Anyone have any guesses – besides Dennis Reggie?

My industry colleague, Maya Kalman of Swank Productions, has done some math on the purported three million dollar budget, and she believes it sounds fairly accurate and reasonable.  She says, “While it sounds ridiculously excessive to the everyday person, knowing real costs of what it takes to pull off an event like this….I think they’re actually doing a pretty good job with their budget!”

When you’re spending about $600,000 on tents with air conditioning and flooring, and about $200,000 on lights and generators, you can see how costs would add up quickly.  As Maya said, “This not just any American girl getting married, it’s one of the first daughters!  Security precautions as well as elegance and chic décor all cost money.”

I wish Chelsea and Marc a beautiful life together, and look forward to seeing Hillary and Bill as the proud mother and father of the bride. The Clintons have something they can truly be proud of: they certainly have done a great job as parents, raising a child in the public eye who’s grown to be a poised and self confident woman.  With her family’s support, Chelsea has managed to create her own fairy tale day.  Congratulations to all those involved! And if you need anyone to help you make your wedding albums…..