Wedding Extravaganza

The extravagance of weddings is a popular topic. We blame it on modern commercialism. But then, what excuse could President Ulysses S Grant have for the money he spent on his daughter's wedding?

For the occasion the East Room which was chosen for the wedding ceremony, was resplendent and aromatic with flowers and greenery. From the ceiling, suspended on floral ropes, dominated a giant wedding bell composed completely of flowers. Never before, in the history of White House entertainment, were the decorations so lavish, and the atmosphere so laden with perfume.

200 guests sat in the State Dining Room at the White House, their hunger assuaged by a seven-course wedding breakfast. The savoury part of the fare included chicken, woodcock, snipe and crab. For the dessert there was the ever popular strawberry and cream and cake. Punch was laid on, of course, possibly based on Mrs Grant's favourite recipe.

When food was eaten, wine was drunk, and good wishes were exhausted, Nellie and Algernon slipped into a Pullman carriage groaning under the decorative weight of flowers and flags.

Nellie, of course, stole the show. She was attended by eight bridesmaids dressed in white, four carrying pink bouquets, the other four blue. Algernon, showing himself a sensitive guy at a time when men were men and women had babies, chose also to carry a bouquet. His was pink and white.

The wedding dress chosen by Nellie was of white satin, fashionably bustled in the back, and trimmed with lace, orange blossoms and miniature oranges. Yes, I did say miniature oranges. What I'm not sure about is whether they came from grafted miniature orange trees, or bonsai trees.

Suffice it to say, that the dress alone cost $5,000. And that was in the year 1874. President Ulysses S Grant had decided, like so many other people, that spending money on a wedding was as a good an excuse as any. Especially if you have the money.

Vlady, an Australian Civil Marriage Celebrant, is an author of "The Complete Book of Australian Weddings", "The Small Organsiation Handbook" and an ebook "Honeymoon! A Sizzle or a Fizzle?" which you can see on her website http://www.vlady-celebrant.com

non-toxic cleaning company Northbrook ..

In The News:

Massive password leak reveals cybersecurity flaws. Learn how to protect your accounts with strong passwords, two-factor authentication and data removal services.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Discover how Wandercraft's AI-driven exoskeleton, inspired by personal stories, is transforming mobility for millions, offering independence and a brighter future.

Discover the basics of artificial intelligence, including neural networks and machine learning, to navigate the AI-powered world with confidence and curiosity.

AI technology in NYC subways aims to improve safety by monitoring behavior patterns, led by MTA's Michael Kemper, while ensuring rider privacy is protected.

NASA's Voyager 1, launched in 1977, explores interstellar space. Antenna upgrades in Australia will enhance communication for future lunar missions.

Meta's platforms are under scrutiny for allowing scam ads, with reports of fraud linked to Zelle transactions. Critics question Meta's commitment to user safety.

Discover the Lynx M20 by Deep Robotics, a durable robot with AI intelligence capable of navigating harsh terrains and supporting industrial operations.

Discover effective strategies for removing your data from people-search sites and explore the role of privacy laws in safeguarding your information.

Chevrolet's 2025 Blazer EV SS made history as the first electric pace car at the Daytona 500, showcasing performance with 615 horsepower and 303-mile range.

A new study reveals nearly half of parents are unaware that data services like Apple's iCloud analyze their kids' images, raising privacy concerns over AI deepfakes.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reports that healthcare information of more than 430,000 Ascension patients was exposed in a data breach.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how the Hero PRO, a wireless, waterproof bionic arm with fast control and full 360-degree wrist rotation, transforms prosthetics.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says SuperCard X Android malware steals card data and lets attackers use your card remotely.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reports on China’s Zhiyuan unveiling world’s first tri-ducted wearable eVTOL with hands-free control.

Discover how check washing fraud has evolved with new digital tools, leading to a surge in incidents. Find out how to safeguard your finances effectively.

Atmos Space Cargo's Phoenix 1 mission marks Europe's entry into space return technology, with rapid prototyping and multinational collaboration leading the way.

Is your old PC a security risk? Find out how to protect it or give it a new life with Linux, turning it into a media server or backup station.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Epic Games' new voice-interactive Fortnite character uses Google's Gemini AI to recreate James Earl Jones' iconic voice for the first time in-game.

Robots like Chery's Mornine are transforming car dealerships, offering multilingual support, showroom tours and a glimpse into the future of retail.

Discover how to reclaim valuable space on your PC by deleting unnecessary files, using cloud storage and enabling Windows Storage Sense.

Learn how to troubleshoot disappearing emails on iPhone and Android devices. Find out the reasons behind this issue and how to prevent it from happening again.

Kurt the CyberGuy explores how hackers exploit data broker files to access personal information and explains services available to protect your privacy.

Slate Truck, which is backed by Jeff Bezos, is priced at $20,000 after federal EV incentives, a concept some would consider radical and even inconceivable.

Wedding Extravaganza

Marriage & Wedding