Last night, one of Sarah’s many cousins was wed in an gala affair that can best be described as The Oppositest Wedding Possible. Black ties, shiny dresses, five-foot orchid centerpieces and ten-piece Contemporary Favorites cover bands are perfect for some folks, but I think we’ll be taking a different tack. We’ll probably also pass on the three-part officiating, highlighted by ten minutes of rabbinical intonation and a operatic performance by the cantor.

Weddings like this, let’s be honest, make me a bit anxious. But it’s a good experience, I guess, to be reminded of all those options which we’ve forgone. Keeps us honest with ourselves. And once in while, there’s the odd seed of a good idea from which can germinate something more our style.

For instance, I still haven’t decided about the manned mashed potato bar: over-the-top flashiness or sheer genius?