The Bachelorette's $1M Wedding Gift
The Bachelorette's Trista Rehn and her chosen one, Ryan Sutter, are being paid $1 million by ABC for the TV rights to their wedding.
The happy couple has agreed to have their wedding filmed in exchange for $1 million. There are, however, some strings attached. The reality show's producers will have the final say on everything - including Rehn's gown, the cake, flowers, etc. The contract, which Rehn and Sutter signed in mid-May, states that the nuptials will be a "first-class, high-end affair." Rehn and Sutter will have "meaningful consultation" for all aspects of their wedding, but if there is a disagreement, the program's producer "shall make all final decisions."
The powers that be at ABC decided to ride the train of success of the TV dating game and plan to turn the actual saying of "I Do's" into a four-hour prime time spectacular. It makes sense since the Bachelorette was second only to Monday Night Football as ABC's golden child. It was the most watched show last season with roughly 20.4 million viewers tuning in with bated breath as love worked its magic. Another catch to the arranged million-dollar wedding is that the couple was paid $100,000 upon signing the contract. They will be paid $500,000 after they say, "I do." The ceremony must take place no later than February 2004. The rest of the "dowry" is to be paid in equal installments during the production of the show. There is also a "cold feet" clause that states if they decide not to go through with the marriage they are required to return the $100,000. No pressure here.
The fact that the show's producers have the final say in everything is a little scary! I mean, how over-dramatized can one wedding possibly be? We'll soon find out. The question of tacky, however, lands at Trista and Ryan's feet. When does their love become more important than the money associated with it? Are they so concerned with the spotlight or was it just too good a deal to pass up? Hopefully, they really did find love in front of 20 million viewers and this is not a publicity ploy.
The powers that be at ABC decided to ride the train of success of the TV dating game and plan to turn the actual saying of "I Do's" into a four-hour prime time spectacular. It makes sense since the Bachelorette was second only to Monday Night Football as ABC's golden child. It was the most watched show last season with roughly 20.4 million viewers tuning in with bated breath as love worked its magic. Another catch to the arranged million-dollar wedding is that the couple was paid $100,000 upon signing the contract. They will be paid $500,000 after they say, "I do." The ceremony must take place no later than February 2004. The rest of the "dowry" is to be paid in equal installments during the production of the show. There is also a "cold feet" clause that states if they decide not to go through with the marriage they are required to return the $100,000. No pressure here.
The fact that the show's producers have the final say in everything is a little scary! I mean, how over-dramatized can one wedding possibly be? We'll soon find out. The question of tacky, however, lands at Trista and Ryan's feet. When does their love become more important than the money associated with it? Are they so concerned with the spotlight or was it just too good a deal to pass up? Hopefully, they really did find love in front of 20 million viewers and this is not a publicity ploy.
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