Next Friday is the Royal Wedding. Sure, it’s nerdy and hokey to want to see it, but we all do, right? Watching a prince & princess get married, it’s as close as we get to a real fairy tale. Will & Kate are supposedly having their bash in a much less ostentatious fashion than Will’s parents did and have requested that all their gifts be charity donations. That’s very sweet. But let’s face it, even trimming back, this wedding is going to cost much, much more than most of us make in several years.

I was only 11 when Diana got married and I remember people talking about getting up before dawn to watch it on tv, due to the time change. I don’t know that I’ll do that but I certainly want to see parts of it. And I’m really glad that I have a free subscription to People magazine because I’m sure there will be great pictures in it.

Anyway, here are some cheaper ways to celebrate along with Kate & Will next week and involve your kids if you want.

The cheapest fascinator hat I could find on Amazon is about $10. I bet Kate pays much more than that. But if you order yours today, you’ll have it in time for the wedding.

The best scones in our area are definitely at Talula’s in Kennett Square. In all seriousness, if you want some for Friday I would order ahead of time. There’s also the tea shop on Union Street so you can get some fine British tea to go with your scones. It’s just around the corner from Talula’s.

Perhaps treat the family to some bangers & mash, or fish & chips. Don’t feel like cooking? Go to The Whip.

Want to do a pretend wedding? Marry your pets or your kids’ dolls. Hey, they’re your kids, so you can add in as many editorials on marriage as you want. Personally, I think Barbie should be able to marry Ken and marry Strawberry Shortcake if she wants. And I don’t think if you let Ken marry Ken, it will then spiral downwards into Ken wanting to marry My Little Pony. That’s just insulting.

For the men in your life who are going to hem & haw and roll their eyes at the thought of watching the Royal wedding, go get them some Newcastle or Belhaven to keep them quiet.

Looking forward to it, are you?