While Americans worry about rising gas prices and job losses spreading
across the country, in New York at least, there's one industry that seems to
be standing strong - high end weddings.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK USA REUTERS -

Bank bailouts, home foreclosures and job losses are spreading gloom
through America but in New York t least, there's one business that seems to be
weathering the storm -- high-end weddings.
   Cake makers, florists, wedding planners and dress-makers at a wedding
show this month said brides were still determined to enjoy their big day with
almost no expense spared.
   "The birthday parties are going to be toned down, definitely the
corporate events are going to be toned down, and for sure I'm seeing it in the
corporate market right now in terms of scaling back, but I don't really see it
for weddings," says Jung Lee, the owner of Fete, an event planning and
design company. 
   Couples use Lee's style savvy services for weddings in prices and styles
that range across the board, and go as high as $1 million (USD).
   Jessy Wolvek, owner of Fleurs NYC, creates romantic floral designs for
weddings and companies like Victoria's Secret.  Wolvek says a few women may
cut back on non-essentials, but overall, she thinks the industry will fair
well despite the economic downturn.
   "Women will find a way to make sure they will get the wedding of
their dreams, it's everything they ever wanted." 
  Economist Lakshman Achuthan, of the Economic Cycle Research Institute
explains that people aren't necessarily scaling back, because getting married
is a non-discretionary experience.
   "It doesn't have a lot to do with the economy.  And then there are
certain aspects of that whole experience.  You're going to have a wedding
dress, you're going to have a ring, a diamond, these are things that are going
to occur to some degree or another regardless of what is going on with the
economy."
   Achuthan adds that New York is a prime market for high-end weddings,
with Wall Street types and a social set that can afford extravagance, as well
as international crowds that want the New York experience.
   Diamond dealer Amit Sofer at Beny Sofer Inc. in New York, says he hasn't
seen a dip in sales.  In fact, Sofer says the company had an excellent month
in February, with sales exceeding expectations.
   "It's the way that people relay to their spouses that they want to
get married, so you'll definitely see engagements.  I mean people are not
going to want to propose without a diamond," Sofer told Reuters. 
   Sofer explains that while some couple might buy a smaller diamond, his
bottom line isn't greatly affected because the cost of the stones has
increased in recent months. 
   While many consider diamonds to be synonymous with marriage, it's
debatable whether anybody really needs to spend $10,000 (USD) on a personal
trainer.
   But David Kirsch, who owns David Kirsch Wellness Co., is confident that
his business is "recession proof."  Kirsch offers a 14-day
pre-wedding package that also includes vitamins, appetite suppressants and a
murky green drink that resembles a grass smoothy.
   "Trust me, mom and pop are going to find the money, take a second
mortgage if they need it, whatever, they'll cut on the flowers, they're not
cutting on how their daughter is going to look in the dress."
   Lauren Epstein, a teacher who recently got engaged, said the economy was
not going to change her plans.
  "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity really your wedding, so I
really haven't thought much about it [recession] and am planning it
accordingly as to how I want it."
   A groom to be,  Mr. Naveh, echoed Epstein's sentiments.  The attorney,
who is set to be married next year, says "This is a very important event
for both of us, we expect this to be the only event for both of us so we would
have it no matter what happened to the economy."
  So, as long as couples continue to view tying the knot as a once in a
life time affair, it looks like the wedding industry will stand strong.