Show offers makings of high-end weddings

NEW YORK, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Brides-to-be planning super upscale nuptials gathered in New York to check out orchid centerpieces, designer dresses and ceiling-high wedding cakes.

The Wedding Salon is held once a year for "the top 1 percent of spenders," the New York Post reported. The women who came to the Prince George Ballroom in Manhattan on Wednesday were planning to spend way above the average $28,000 for a wedding.

"It's a one-time thing," said Jenny Park, 24. "It doesn't matter how the economy is doing as long as I can afford it. Who cares how Lehman Brothers are doing? It's one day of my life."

Park expects to have 800 guests at her wedding, although she has not decided yet whether the big day will be in New York or South Korea.

Marc Wilson, an event designer, showed off plans for a plexiglass-covered pool that would allow guests to dance over floating orchids.

But Tatiana Byron, whose company organized the show, said she has seen some signs of hard times. While many rich brides-to-be still want to make a splash, they are typically inviting fewer people and sticking to budgets.