For one, it was very large. Something like 400-500 people (including the Limbaugh family, Senator Ashcroft and whoever happened to be the Governor of Missouri at the time). Since Cape Girardeau is sort of in the middle of nowhere, they had to have caterers and musicians come in from St. Louis, so that added greatly to the cost.
His mother really went over the top, though, from what I understand. Ice sculptures everywhere, among other things.
Another friend's family spent close to $400K for a wedding.
My wedding cost something like $80K for 125 people. $15,000 of that was to rent out the Museum of Women in the Arts in DC for the reception, though. Thankfully, my father-in-law paid for everything, pretty much. I thought the price tag was over the top, but was outvoted.
I thought the price tag was over the top, but was outvoted.
Like I said above, the groom usually is. ;-)
If someone else paid for my wedding I would never be able to look in the mirror and call myself a Man again.