PHOTOS: Downstate town gets ready for Clinton wedding
RHINEBECK -- The secret of Chelsea's wedding is officially over.
Former President Bill Clinton strolled up the main street in Rhinebeck, shortly after noon Friday, the day before his daughter is to marry Marc Mezvinsky at the much-ballyhooed wedding at a private estate.
The former president, looking relaxed in blue jeans and a black knit shirt, walked with security a few blocks north from the picturesque village's main intersection to Gigi Trattoria, whose chef is rumored to be catering tonight's rehearsal dinner.
To questions blurted from the huge crowd he attracted, Clinton fired off easy answers. They're all fine, they love Rhinebeck, Chelsea loves Rhinebeck, too.
Of his future son-in-law, he said he and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton like and admire him.
RHINEBECK -- Wedding experts say Chelsea Clinton's gala this weekend could run upwards of $2 million to $3 million.
That compares to the roughly $24,000 most American newlyweds spend on their special day.
Details have been notoriously difficult to pry loose, but industry insiders have gathered enough intelligence to estimate some of the costs of Saturday's wedding.
Clinton, the daughter of former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, is marrying investment banker Marc Mezvinsky.
The most expensive item? Catering, estimated at $750,000 by Brides magazine deputy editor Sally Kilbridge.
Toilets could run about $15,000 to $20,000.
Wedding Security
Chelsea Clinton's wedding along the Hudson River will be under a no-fly zone.
The Federal Aviation Administration says local airspace will be restricted from 3 p.m. Saturday to 3:30 a.m. Sunday.
Clinton, the daughter of former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, will wed investment banker Marc Mezvinsky on Saturday evening in Rhinebeck.
FAA spokesman Jim Peters said Thursday that decisions to restrict air space are made in consultation with other federal agencies. He could not confirm whether the Secret Service requested this one.
The FAA website says the restriction will be in place for "VIP (Very Important Person) Movement," but did not elaborate.
In Rhinebeck with Chelsea: Rocky Horror, cows
Guests at Chelsea Clinton's wedding can find plenty of entertainment before and after the nuptials.
Rhinebeck is a busy place on summer weekends and isn't shutting down for the much-anticipated wedding between Clinton and Marc Mezvinsky.
There's a cow-judging event at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds.
There's a community theater presentation of "The Rocky Horror Show." And there's an air show complete with $69 rides in a biplane. Wedding guests and gawkers are welcome at all.
Antiques and crafts bring in tourists and day-trippers every weekend to Rhinebeck, a town of 8,000 people. And ballgames, yard sales and Sunday church services are on as usual.
In addition, some roadside vegetable stands will be carrying extra stock for the extra out-of-towners.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
