More inspiration for the "French-Italian Cocktail"

So, I have been looking for more ideas for Heidi's "French-Italian Cocktail". I have a list of food ideas to show her. The list is a combination of french and italian dishes. Here are some of the other ideas I found for Heidi's reception:

• The Wedding Cake Martini: I love this idea, and it contains Amaretto, a favorite liquor of ours. I will suggest that Heidi use this for her "signature drink" at the reception. Here's how to make this martini: Ingredients-- 1/2 ounce Absolut vodka; 3 ounces Amaretto; 1/2 ounce orange juice; 1/2 ounce pineapple juice; 1 tablespoon heavy cream

• I thought it might be fun to have martini cupcakes served, instead of a wedding cake:
  

• Heidi may opt to have a more traditional wedding cake, but I really love the idea of serving a dessert in plastic martini glasses. Here's another option, a fruit dessert:

• Heidi wants to decorate her reception space with lights, I like how the lights look in this picture:

• Heidi's colors are black, white, and silver. I think the black tablecloths and white chairs really make this space very interesting and chic:
  

Glossary Of Wedding Terms And Definitions part - 4

Pages or Page Boys - These are small children (usually boys) who follow the bride down the aisle carrying some of her train. They can also be known as train bearers.

Pillars - These are the supports used to prop up the varying tiers of a multi-tiered wedding cake. They may be made from cardboard, plastic or wood. They are also known as columns.

Piping - This is a way of making shapes like bows, leaves, stars, flowers, or design patterns using icing. A pastry bag is filled with soft icing, then squeezed through a selection of different shaped tips onto the wedding cake, where it hardens. Royal icing is often used for this, as it can easily be colored and is not strongly flavored.

Pomander - This is a round ball completely covered by flower blooms. They are carried by flower girls in the bridal procession who hold them by a ribbon.

Posies - These are the small and roundly shaped flower bouquets that are tightly packed and also will include greenery, which can often be sweet smelling herbs. They are held together by a twine or sometimes a wire. A posy can also be known as a nosegay, as these are similar but generally a proper posy is slightly smaller.

Pouf - This is a piece of netting that is gathered up and attached to a headpiece or comb, to allow for extra height to the veil.

Presentation - This is an elegant bouquet of long stemmed flowers that the bride carries in her arms.

Qazi - This is the title of the cleric who holds a Muslim wedding ceremony.

Ring Bearer - This is a usually a small boy, sometimes a little girl, who walks down the aisle as part of the bridal procession carrying an ornamental cushion that has two rings tied to it. (Not the actual wedding rings).

Rukhsat - A ritual tradition in Muslim weddings where the father of the bride gives her hand in marriage to her groom, on the promise that he will look after her.

Semi-formal - At these weddings; a less restrictive choice of clothing applies, but you still can't get away with much.

Shower - A spray of long stemmed flowers, often mixed with ivies that cascades downwards as the bride holds it in her hands.

Silk - This expensive, lustrous, and fine but strong natural thread is used for the most costly of wedding gowns. Many different weaves are available, which are used for different parts of the gown as they vary in density, suppleness, and sheen. Satin, Organza, Chiffon, Shantung, and Velvet are some examples.

Snood - A snood is an knitted net the bride may wear at the back of her head to enclose her hair.

Stroller Coat - This is a semiformal jacket colored gray or black that resembles a tuxedo, but worn for daytime weddings.

Tails - This is an abbreviation for the tail coat worn for formal evening weddings.

Tiara - One of the headpiece options for the bride, a tiara is a thin jeweled semi-circular coronet with a higher front and sloping sides worn at the top of the head. Or if it is regular in height, then it may be worn at an angle.

Tiers - These are the numerous layers of a wedding cake, usually differing in size, they are supported in place by pillars. (See Pillars).

Topiary - This is the skilled art of clipping or trimming foliage or flower arrangements so that they take on the shapes of animals, lettering, numbers, or various but precise geometric forms.

Tossing Bouquet - A copy of the bride's bouquet which she throws over her shoulder towards bridesmaids and other female guests after the wedding ceremony. Traditionally, whoever catches this bouquet will be the next to wed.

Train - This is a long (or extremely long) extension to a wedding gown or other dress that trails along the floor behind the wearer.

Tulle - This is a fine mesh used for bridal veils, and sometimes in wedding gowns. Tulle is either made from nylon, silk or rayon (artificial silk).

Tux or Tuxedo - This is a formal or semi-formal men's black evening jacket that may be either single-breasted (1-4 buttons) or double-breasted (2-6 buttons).

Vows - At the very heart of the wedding ceremony, the vows exchanged between the bride and groom are promises of future loyalty, love, trust and support. There are many different ways to word these sentiments, some couples prefer to write their own, use traditional vows, or combine the traditional with some extra tweaking of their own. Vows may either be spoken as a statement or in response to the officiant's question, and may be the same said by both or individual to each.

Waistcoat (Vest) - For ultra-formal evening weddings, the gentlemen might wear a white tie and waistcoat.

Wali - These are representatives of the bride at a Muslim wedding.

Walima - This is the Muslim name for a wedding reception.

Wing Collar - This is the most formal type of collar, shirts with this are the standard choice for wearing with a tuxedo.

Wreath - A circle of flowers and / or leaves that is often decorated with ribbons and bows. Wreaths are generally used as a centerpiece of a decorated area, or are seen above doorways. A small wreath may also be worn by the bride atop her head, if she so wishes. It may also be referred to as a garland though there are differences. (See Garlands).

Yichud - This is a period of time in a Jewish wedding which occurs immediately after the ceremony. During this time the bride and groom are allowed to be alone together.

So, that's a collection of wedding terms given a meaning to. If you're having a wedding soon, then good luck for the big day, you're probably nervous, maybe been dieting. And if it is a simple affair, without much pomp and finery, don't let that worry you. All the extra stuff is only a way of showing celebration; people with more money will naturally spend more (Scrooges aside).

But all this doesn't necessarily reflect on the true magic of the occasion, which is the love between a man and a woman, that can shine through any setting, grand or humble. Money can't buy that, and never will.

Glossary Of Wedding Terms And Definitions part -3

Ganache - This is a mixture of chocolate and cream, used either to fill or garnish a wedding cake.

Garlands - These are flower and / or green leaves twirled into ropes or loops that are often hung from the likes of doorways, stairs and railings. The word can be interchangeable with wreath, but properly this is always circular, and a garland need not be so. A garland may also be worn by the bride as a headpiece. (See Wreath).

Groom's Cake - A smaller, second cake that may or may not be included in the wedding ceremony. If it is, then it is often served at the rehearsal dinner.

Gum Paste - This is a mixture of sugar, starch and gelatin. It's what many of those realistic looking flowers, fruits and ribbons are made of on a wedding cake.

Half Crown - An ornate headpiece for the bride which lies between a crown and tiara in size and weight.

Hattabin - These are the male friends and family of the groom at a Moslem wedding.

Honor Attendants - These are the best man and the maid (or matron or man) of honor.

Hora - A dance at a Jewish wedding where the bride and groom are lifted high on chairs.

Huppah - A flower bedecked canopy that is an essential part of a Jewish wedding.

Ikebana - This is an extremely dramatic and artistic form of flower arranging that originated in Japan, but is now popular all over the world and often seen at weddings.

Imam Zamin - This is a good luck tradition after a Moslem wedding where the mother of the bride ties a coin that is wrapped in silk around her daughter's arm.

Juliet Cap - This is a close fitting cap that is often decorated with precious stones sometimes worn as a bride's headpiece.

Ketubah - In Jewish weddings, this is the wedding contract between the bride and groom. It is usually highly decorated and often framed and put on a wall in the couple's home.

Koumbaro - This is the title of the best man in Eastern Orthodox Christian weddings. (See Crown).

Lace - A decorative mesh of interlaced threadwork which is plaited, knotted, looped and turned to make either simple or complicated patterns and raised work. There are many different styles of lace, which has a long history of romance, and in some form or other it is very often included on a wedding gown. Alencon, Chantilly, Spanish and Venise are just a few of the many lacework types available.

Latticework - An icing adornment on a wedding cake that zigzags.

Maid Of Honor - Known as the chief bridesmaid in some countries, she is the last bridesmaid to walk down the aisle before the bride herself. If the couple are exchanging wedding rings, then it is her duty to hold the ring destined for the groom, and hand it over to the bride at the right time, as the best man does in reverse. She will also hold onto the bouquets during the vows, and see that the bride's dress is properly turned out.

Man Of Honor - Some brides prefer to have a male friend attending to the duties of the maid of honor. If so, this is his title.

Mantilla - This is a Spanish word literally meaning 'little cloak.' It is a lace or tulle shawl that the bride can wear around her head and shoulders.

Marzipan - Made of sugar, egg whites and almonds, this substance can be used as a base for icing, or to mold decorative forms such as flowers from, on the wedding cake.

Matron Of Honor - This is the proper title given where the maid of honor is herself married

Oasis - This is the name of a specialist hard foam used by florists in bouquet holders or vases. Holes are made in it for the flower stems to fit into, as an oasis (as its name suggests) will preserve water for a long time. This will naturally allow for fresher looking flowers at the wedding.

Officiant - This is the cleric or secular official that carries out the ceremony. For non religious weddings, he or she might be a justice of the peace, magistrate or even the Captain of a ship (when onboard).

.

Perfect dress???

Heidi and I have looked through wedding magazines to get an idea of dresses that she likes. There was a dress in particular that we tore from a magazine that had a unique style. I looked up similar dresses online and found that the prices were usually several thousand dollars.

Looking through my latest issue of Brides Magazine, I found another ad for a dress in that style. When I looked over the page, I realized that the dress is by David's Bridal. I immediately jumped online and did a price check. This dress is listed for $700!!!

I hope Heidi likes this dress, it's beautiful.

And here it is...

here's the link to David's Bridal page of this dress: http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridal_gowns_detail.jsp?stid=3747&prodgroup=245

And since Heidi's colors are black, white, and silver I decided to put the image of her ring in black and white:

Dress Shopping

Shopping for a wedding dress is a unique experience; it is the time when a woman can let her inner princess out. And during the process of finding the perfect dress, brides are treated as princesses.
Women usually go to bridal shops to find racks of beautiful gowns on display just for them. The kind women working in the bridal shops inquire about the style of a woman’s ideal dress. Is a stark white preferred? What is the desired material? From the neckline, the skirt style and the embellishment, these women do their best to identify a woman’s style. Once a woman has gathered a selection of dresses fitted to her desires, she is zipped into one dress at a time and escorted to a room of mirrors.
After admiring several dresses in the mirror, brides are invited to accessorize the dresses. As the bride’s mother or close friends watch, tiaras, veils and jewelry are put on to enhance the bride’s regal look.
Choosing that perfect dress for the wedding day may be difficult for some brides. With all the beautiful dresses, how do you choose only one? Other brides know which dress to purchase the moment it is reflected in the mirrors. Either way, shopping for a wedding dress is an exciting, and sometimes emotional, experience. For many women, this is one of the only days she will be treated as royalty.

Glossary Of Wedding Terms And Definitions part -2

Calligraphy - This is an ornate highly stylized form of handwriting seen on expensive wedding invitations and other places.

Candle Lighters - These are children (hopefully responsible ones) who light candles at the altar when the bride's mother (who is the official hostess of the ceremony) takes her seat. Sometimes these candle lighters are uniquely dressed.

Cathedral - The longest of veils, this is three and a half yards in length.

Chapel - This is the name for a length of bridal veil that will reach the floor, extending two and a half yards from the headpiece.

Comb - A bridal headpiece attached to her hair with teeth like a comb. May be as ornate as the bride wishes it to be.

Cornelli - A complicated decorative form of icing which resembles a lacework on the wedding cake.

Corsage - A single flower bloom or a small spray of blooms which are attached to a lace and pinned to either the front of a woman's dress, or at her wrist. Orchids are among the most popular flower choices for corsages, and at weddings they are usually only worn by female relatives of the bride and groom.

Crown - One of the things a bride may choose to wear, it is a fully circular gemstone or bead adorned head piece that is larger than both a half crown and tiara. In Greek Orthodox Christian weddings; both the bride and groom have crowns placed on their head by the Koumbaro, who then swaps the crowns between the couple three times. (See Koumbaro)

Cummerbund - This is a broad sash worn around a man's waist on top of his shirt but under the jacket. They are usually black, but may be any color required.

Dais - This is a podium or platform raised from the floor. In wedding receptions, it is where the bride and groom are seated. The word is also used to indicate the flower display on the happy couple's table, which often tumbles over the front.

Damask - This is a linen or fabric with raised patterns woven into it. Brocade is similar but of a heavier weight. The word is derived from Damascus, the capitol of Syria.

Dotted Swiss - A method of decorating the wedding cake which involves small random dots of icing.

Double Tier - A two layered veil. Usually, one layer will be longer than the other.

Dragees Round - These are the edible and brightly colored balls of sugar seen on wedding cakes.

Elbow - A length of veil which reaches down to the bride's elbows.

Embellishments - These are extra adornments either sewn or glued onto a bridal gown. The additions may include; embroidery, lace, glass or crystal beads, ribbons, bows, shiny plastic circular pieces called sequins, fringes, pearls, and others.

Euro Tie - Often worn with a spread collar, this is a long tie that is more formal than a regular necktie, but less so than an ascot. (See Ascot).

Father of the Bride - He used to pay for everything at a wedding but nowadays both families often share the costs. What has not changed is his duty of escorting his daughter down the aisle in her last few moments of being single.

Favors - These are small inexpensive gifts that may be given to all guests at a wedding as a thank you for their attendance, and also to serve as a souvenir.

Fiancé - This is the title of the groom or husband-to-be between the engagement and the wedding.

Fiancée - This is the title of the bride between her engagement to her betrothed and the wedding day.

Finger Tip - One of the most popular lengths of veil, which as the name suggests, extends to the fingertips.

Fish Bowl - A centerpiece in floral decorations where flowers are together in a, ornate or otherwise, low and broad glass bowl.

Flower Girls or Flower Children - These are small children (usually girls) that pave the way down the aisle for the bride by holding a pomander or scattering flower petals from a small basket. (See Pomander).

Flyaway - This is a many layered veil that will barely reach to the shoulder.

Fondant - This is a sweet icing made from sugar, syrup and gelatin that has supple qualities which enable a layer to be draped over the wedding cake like a fabric. It is then used as the base for other elaborate decorations and designs.

Formal - At a formal wedding, dress codes come into force, so don't make a mistake guys, or your date will give you hell.

Fountain - This is the name of a veil style, where part is gathered up atop the bride's head and the remainder set loose to fall around her face. A fountain veil will reach to either the shoulder or the elbow, depending on preference.

A French-Italian Cocktail

Heidi decided that her wedding colors will be black, white, and silver. She will be "naming" her reception tables after French and Italian cities to honor her and her fiance's heritage. She loved the martini centerpieces she found online.
So when Heidi asked me for a theme title for her wedding, I came up with "French-Italian Cocktail" she loved it. From this, a few more ideas for her wedding.

• martini centerpieces

• martini stamp for invitations and such

• Heidi wants to serve hors de oeuvres; make them french and italian dishes

Other items for Heidi's wedding:

This was a site I found that had tons of different martini glasses. I might use this site for ideas later. http://www.swankmartini.com/home.htm

Glossary Of Wedding Terms And Definitions

All weddings are different of course, but nevertheless they also have many things in common, so here is a look at some of the terms and definitions that are associated with them.

It can be useful to know in advance what you might expect, whether you will be attending as a guest, a family member (who may be footing some of the bill for these things), or even looking for ideas if you are a prospective bride or groom.

A wedding glossary can also be used as a precautionary measure as well, as if something goes wrong on such an important occasion; then blame will surely have to be placed somewhere, and if you find yourself not knowing what's what - then that somewhere might just be you!

Ascot Tie - This is a wide type of necktie that is reserved for the most formal of daytime weddings and occasions. It is worn with a gray cutaway (morning) coat that is longer in the back than at the front and gray striped trousers.

Backpiece - This is an often highly decorated comb that sits on the back of a bride's head and is used for attaching her veil.

Ballet - Also known as a waltz, this is a veil length that drops below the bride's knees, but above her ankles.

Basket Weave - A type of decorative piping on the wedding cake which features interlinked horizontal and vertical lines of icing.

Best Man - The best man will have numerous duties, the most important of which is to keep the bride's ring safe until it's time for the vows, when he hands it to the groom for putting on her finger. His other duties include announcing speeches at the reception and making his own. He will also sign the marriage license, and make sure the groom gets to the wedding!

Biedermeier - A type of posy where the flowers are arranged in rings according to their color. (See Posies).

Blusher - A short, single layered veil that covers the bride's face before the ceremony.

Bomboniere - This is an Italian word which is sometimes used to refer to wedding favors. (See Favors).

Boutonierre - This is a single flower or flower bud or a small group of flowers or buds; worn by the groom, best man, ushers and the male relatives of the bride and groom, on the left (over the heart) lapel of their jackets.

Bow Tie - The most popular choice of tie to wear with a tuxedo. May also be known as a 'dickey bow.'

Bridal or Bride's Bouquet - The bunch of flowers given by the groom to his bride.

Bridal Procession - Every girl's chance to be a princess. Resplendent in her gown, and on her doting father's arm, the accompanying entourage can be as lengthy as she wishes (venue and cost permitting).

Bridesmaids - These are the gals who are good friends with the bride, supporting her emotionally both before and on her big day. Although they pay for their own gowns, the bride should give them an idea as to what sort of styles and colors she expects them to wear, as some in this group may try to outshine the star of the show.

Buffet - A self service style of meal at a wedding reception, where the food and drinks are presented on a long table, or a series of tables, and the guests collect a plate and help themselves whenever they wish (queues permitting). A buffet is usually the most affordable option as considerably less waiters are needed (if any), but the costs can rise as less control over food portions can be exercised.

Buttercream - A soft and creamy icing that can be colored, flavored and used for decoration or filling for a wedding cake.

Fall Bridal Affair

As newly engaged women and their close friends entered the Fall Bridal Affair Oct. 12, they were welcomed with the sight and sound of water cascading down a stone waterfall and scents of caterer’s samples wafting from the booths. The Fall Bridal Affair began at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12 and took place at the Janesville Pontiac Convention Center. This event was orchestrated by the Southern Wisconsin Bridal Affair, led by event coordinator Lisa Sheldon.
This is Sheldon’s second year of producing bridal affairs in Janesville, but she has a total of six years experience as the event coordinator of Southern Wisconsin Bridal Affair. “The purpose of bridal shows is to help brides plan their weddings by letting them meet vendors in person. A lot of people search vendors on-line, but you don’t get to meet people face-to-face. This way, you can tell if you would like to work with this person or not, or if their personalities mesh with yours.”
Brides were able to meet with an array of 40 vendors. To prepare for bridal events, Sheldon sends out notices to several vendors in the area informing them of the opportunity to advertise their services. She does not pick which vendors attend; rather, vendors call and reserve booths if they are interested. Sheldon limits the selection of vendors to five for each category of service. Attendees were encouraged to walk around freely to meet with vendors who interested them. Vendors were not placed in any particular order. “The vendors were not arranged. Placement was based on the need for electric outlets and whether vendors needed one or two booths,” Sheldon said.
“The highlight of these shows for women is usually the fashion show.” The fashion show displayed bridal gowns, bridesmaid’s dresses and men’s wedding fashion. Outfits were provided by Sister’s Bridal Boutique, Bride’s Number One, Fair Lady Bridal and Nedrebos. Models were provided with makeovers from Mary Kay Consultant Patti Woodworth. Sheldon expected many of the attendees to rush toward the back of the room where the fashion show took place, even though the fashion show was scheduled toward the end of the event. She said that people usually set down bags or coats to mark a good seat for the show. At this event, attendees seemed more interested in browsing the vendors than marking their seats before the show.
Heidi Chaput was one of about 150 people who attended. Chaput, a bride planning her wedding for July 2010, was more interested in browsing the vendors than saving a seat for the fashion show. Chaput said that the choice of vendors was helpful, but she would have like to see more bridal gown vendors. The limited number of dress providers also affected her opinion of the fashion show. “Styles in the fashion show seemed to be mostly made of strapless gowns. I don’t like that style, so I was a bit disappointed,” Chaput said.
Overall, Chaput said the event was enjoyable and she thought the vendors were helpful and informative. Cakes by Sheila, Buttercups and The Cake Connection all offered delectable cake samples, making it easy for brides to decide what flavors to request for their cakes. They also provided photographs of previously crafted cakes and their prices.
Photographers were eager to share their style and ideas. One photographer in particular made an impression on several younger brides.
Stephanie Natale of Natale Photography impressed many brides with her unique style and outgoing personality. “I take non-traditional pictures,” Natale said. “I never take family pictures inside, if possible, because I want people to have a good time with me and be more relaxed.” Her products are unique; one option that she offers is a “gift box” for your picture package. She is in such high demand that she books at least one year in advance.
Your Jewelry Dreams offered an assortment of costume jewelry meant to match bride’s and bridesmaid’s dresses. Chaput said, “They offered to look at pictures of my dress and my bridesmaids’ dresses to help me choose the perfect accessories.” Pamela Pollak, the owner of Your Jewelry Dreams, said these services are offered to all brides. “We encourage brides to come in with their dress and try on the whole look together, before they purchase their jewelry. If a bride can’t meet with us in person, we want them to still receive help choosing jewelry, so we will help by exchanging pictures over e-mail.”
Pollak also sells personalized chocolate gifts. “We can print your picture of these treats and they are completely edible.” Interested brides observed how some treats, such as the chocolate frame, can be separated to save the piece printed upon. This allows couples to save the chocolate with their picture on it, while being able to eat the chocolate frame. These chocolate treats include personalized CDs, frames, trading cards and more traditional candy bars.
Vendors offered many samples that made them memorable, Chaput said. Juke Box Bandstand DJ provided a CD with samples of their favorite music. They also offer the service of song requests on-line, so that they arrive at weddings fully prepared. Tom Wilbur of Jammin’ Mobile DJ defined the term “Master of Ceremonies” and explained how he and his wife, Sue, play this role at the receptions they serve. Tom described this role as being the host of the reception, someone to inform, guide, direct and involve everyone in the wedding celebration.
The Pontiac Convention Center, the building hosting the bridal event, also serves as a venue for weddings. They offered DVDs containing a tour of the facilities and descriptions of the packages they offer. By hosting the event, the Pontiac Convention Center displayed their spacious layout and comfortable lounge with plush leather couches and warm colors. Brides were able to utilize the lounge for resting their feet after walking among vendors.
Spa At Riverfront, Ltd. offered trials of many of their products. Chaput especially enjoyed the glitter hairspray which they willingly applied to brides’ heads. Hand spa treatments were offered to keep hands ready to display, brides should be prepared to show off their hands adorned with new diamond rings. Pamphlets were readily available to describe all of their services and prices.
Todd A. Olson Photography handed out miniature photograph books. These books are replicas of the large photograph books that the studio offers as an alternative to the traditional wedding album. Chaput said that this studio, and most of the other vendors, was willing to travel, which was very important to her because she lives in the Milwaukee area.
One vendor offered an alternative to the usual gift registry. I Do Island Weddings enables couples to register for their dream honeymoon. Many couples live together before marriage, and often do not need to register for household items. I Do Island Weddings offers the option for couples to list what they would enjoy doing on their honeymoon. Guests are encouraged to purchase portions of the honeymoon as their wedding gifts. The vendor also provided several ideas on the most popular locations to honeymoon at.
Each vendor at the Fall Bridal Affair offered unique services, and showcased new trends of the wedding industry. The purpose of a bridal show is to help brides plan their weddings and allow them to meet personally with vendors. The Fall Bridal Affair succeeded in providing a helpful event for Janesville area brides to plan their weddings.Southern Wisconsin Bridal Affair hosts two bridal shows each year, a fall and a spring show. The next show will take place Feb 15, 2009. Visit http://www.bridalaffair.vpweb.com/ for more details.

Heidi and I before the show.

Shot of the vendors.

Preserve Those Memories

hey say all good things must come to an end. But, there are ways newlyweds can savor the memories from their wedding day. Here's some advice for keeping the wedding gown, bouquet and cake intact for the future.

The Wedding Gown

Time is especially important when handling your dress after the wedding. Take the garment to the dry cleaners as soon as possible, no longer than one month after the ceremony, so stains can be removed. If you wait, the stains may adhere permanently to the material.

Inquire how the dress will be handled and packed. The gown should be cleaned individually and turned inside-out to avoid harm to the beading and embroidery. Stains should be treated by hand. Some stains, such as sugar, cannot be dissolved by most dry cleaning fluid, so check into this, if necessary.

The best storage option would be a acid-free box with acid-free tissue paper. The window of the box should be acetate, which is also acid-free, rather than plastic. Glue, metal and rubber parts in the headpiece can produce brown stains on the dress, so request it be stored in a separate box. You can ask to see the gown before it's packed away to inspect it for problems. If you choose to do your own wrapping, remove all padding from the shoulders or bust. Wrap the garment in a clean white sheet or piece of muslin.

All gowns, whether they are prepared professionally or wrapped by you, should be laid flat, not hung, in a dry area with a constant temperature. Attics or basements may not be a good idea, as they can be too hot or too damp. It's also a good idea to check the dress once a year, for any damage or stains.

The Cake

The tradition of eating a piece of wedding cake on the first anniversary can be followed if proper steps have been taken before freezing it. That way you can have your cake and eat it too!

Encase the upper most layer securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Beware of using foil alone as it can leave the cake with a nasty, metallic taste. Store the cake in the back of the freezer where the temperature remains constant so the cake will retain its original flavor.

The Bouquet

Flowers can be dried, turned into potpourri or individually pressed within the pages of a book. To properly preserve a bouquet, don't delay, begin the drying process before leaving on your honeymoon.

Turn the bouquet upside down and hang it in a dry, dark place for about two weeks. By that time it should be completely dried out and ready to decorate a wall or shelf.

To make potpourri, remove fresh petals and place in a bowl out of sunlight, for about 2-3 weeks. After the petals are dry, add a drop or two of floral-scented potpourri oil.

Pressed flowers or just the petals can be used to adorn the pages of a wedding album, placed in a picture frame or used on stationery. Cut fresh flowers close to the base and place them inside a folded piece of wax paper. Then, place it all within the pages of a heavy book. Check back in two weeks.

Weddings and Journalism: They Go Hand-in-Hand

This is the paper I wrote for my print journalism writing requirement at UW-Whitewater. This paper made me consider working in the wedding industry. I loved doing this paper. Yes, I know it's long!

A wedding is one of the most prominent events in a person’s life. Couples often look to the wedding industry in order to help them plan their weddings. The wedding industry is bursting with a variety of different businesses and a variety of journalistic works. The wedding industry often uses journalism and photojournalism to inspire, advertise, and direct couples through the process of planning a wedding.
Past views of matrimony were very different from those of today. As these views changed, the wedding industry expanded to meet the changes with the assistance of journalism.
Notions of marriage were once that the sexes were not equal; women were seen as inferior. According to an excerpt from the 1765 Commentaries of the Laws of England (Gellar, 2001, p. 18):
“By marriage, the husband and wife are one person in the law…the very being or legal existence of the woman is suspended during the marriage, or at least incorporated and consolidated into that of her husband, under whose wing, protection, and cover, she performs everything.”
This notion of women being disproportionate to men began to change as time went by. As women grew more equal to men, their desires to have beautiful weddings customized to their tastes influenced the rise of the wedding industry. Marriage now consists of an equal contract between men and women in the United States. Marriage has also taken on sentimental feelings that previous notions would not have allowed.
Instead of being merely a contract, marriage has bloomed into the pivotal relationship for most men and women. It is such a significant event that, for some, it has come to deserve a costly extravaganza that no mere friendship would justify. (Gellar, 2001, p.26)
Marriage is no longer just “the next step”; it has become an individual choice. Couples attempt to reflect their personalities in their weddings because it is such a personal choice. Therefore, personalizing weddings has become more popular, and the wedding industry needs to accommodate this desire.
Originally, the Victorians fashioned many of the bridal traditions seen in the weddings of today. They produced the gown and veil, bridal procession, throwing of rice and the romantic honeymoon. The British claim to have invented these traditions, but these trends quite obviously reflect Victorian values. “Giving away a bride adorned in virginal white, hosting a family reception, and sending the couple off on an exclusive honeymoon enshrined the Victorian’s romantic notion of female purity, conjugal love, and the nuclear family.” (Gellar, 2001, p. 26)
Another wedding trend is the bride’s family paying for the wedding. It is believed that this is so the bride would not owe the groom or his family anything for the wedding. Before women were permitted to work, the only thing a bride could have given to a man to repay him would have been sex, breaking the ideals of society. (Wallace, 2004, p. 17)
With the changes in marriage and how it is viewed, the wedding industry developed and grows continuously. Journalistic wedding publications began to emerge during the 1930s. Wedding stories became a staple of Life magazine during the 1950s and 1960s. The photojournalism of weddings in these magazines helped to spread the wedding industry’s growth further. In 2004, the average annual revenue for the wedding industry was between $22 billion and $70 billion. The wedding industry has come to include wedding consultants, invitation companies, dressmakers, jewelers and anything else involved with planning and executing a wedding.
Wedding planning begins after the engagement. A man usually proposes to his girlfriend, although it is becoming more acceptable for women to propose. When proposing, it is tradition for a man to give his fiancée an engagement ring. In medieval Italy, precious stones were seen as part of a groom’s payment for the bride. (Ehrenstein, 2000) At least 70 percent of brides now receive a diamond engagement ring.
The first use of an engagement ring was in 1477 in Austria. (Gellar, 2001, p. 96) Before rings were used, cavemen would tie braided grass around their brides’ wrists and ankles. It was thought that this would retain the woman’s soul in her body. (Ehrenstein, 2000, p. 20) Diamond rings became popular only after diamond mines were discovered in South Africa in about 1870. Before this, brides were given rings with other jewels set in them. In modern society the diamond ring provides evidence that a woman is engaged, and in some eyes, has achieved a higher social status by entering a promise of marriage. (Baldrige, 2000, p. 16)
Soon after the proposal, a whirlwind of events sweeps the couple up. Most couples host an engagement party at which they announce to their close friends and family that they are getting married. While the couple is busy planning their wedding, other parties will be hosted in their honor. Friends usually host parties such as the Bridal Shower and Bachelor Party. The night before the wedding, the couple attends another event, normally hosted by the bride’s father. This is the rehearsal dinner, which takes place after the couple and their wedding party performs a run-through of the wedding ceremony.
As couples begin planning their weddings, they realize that creating a budget is of utmost importance. It is the first section in every wedding planner. The average couple spends about $22,000 on their wedding and reception. A mistake many couples make is not sticking to the budget they set. The largest portion of a budget should be spent on the reception, amounting to half of a wedding’s budget. Reception expenses include the site fee, catering costs, bar and beverages, and the wedding cake. Music, flowers, attire and photography each are suggested to take about ten percent of the overall budget. Stationery should consist of about four percent of the budget. Everything else (wedding rings, attendants’ gifts, the marriage license, transportation, church fees and favors) is grouped into six percent of the budget.
Through each phase of planning their wedding, a couple often peruses several journalistic works released by those in the wedding industry. According to McBride-Mellinger, editor of Bride’s magazine:
“The best way to approach your reception [planning] is to think of it as a theatrical production. You’re the director, and it’s up to you to choose the most appropriate props, fit the staging to the script, and cast the event with players who are talented on their own terms and able to improvise with others.”
McBride-Mellinger also suggests that you allot a solid year from engagement to the wedding, as this will give time for all the planning necessary. When couples begin to scan through wedding materials, they will discover that most of wedding planning is a jumble of lists and checklists.
Most people planning a wedding purchase at least a wedding planner (book) and a couple of bridal magazines at the very least. “A wedding planner contains all of the information and logistical details necessary for the planning of a wedding. In addition to checklists and charts, it should provide enough room [for information you insert yourself].” (Baldrige, 2000, p. 32) Wedding planners are written in a way that inspires and encourages creative thought. Many include beautiful works of wedding photojournalism to help keep imaginative thoughts flowing.
The publishers of Bride’s magazine offered some of the first wedding planners in 1948. Planners have become very popular and helpful tools in planning a wedding. They are sold at bookstores, card stores and other locations, making them simple to find.
The average wedding planner includes several chapters filled with helpful tips and guidelines. Forming a budget is often one of the initial things a couple will notice in a wedding planner. Suggestions for finding locations for the ceremony and reception typically follow the budget section. A timeline is always incorporated in a planner, but the arrangement will vary. Pages upon pages are dedicated to a contact list. This list includes the names, addresses and phone numbers for everyone involved in the wedding from the Maid of Honor and the bride’s mother, to the caterer and the florist. Another major list will of course be the guest list. The list tracks who has been invited and who has replied with what number of guests. Frequently, the guest list is followed by a gift list, so that a couple can appropriately thank each guest for their endowment. Sections in a planner go through each vendor that a couple will want to employ for their wedding. Reminders and guidelines flow from the books to help keep a couple on track. Though each wedding planner may differ, all include fundamental information that help guide a couple through putting a beautiful wedding together.
Web sites are also great resources for planning a wedding and finding vendors. A Modern Bride article lists the editor’s favorite 100 web sites. The list includes websites for accessories, cake toppers, charitable giving, favors, and anything else a couple may want to look up while planning a wedding. (Modern Bride, Jan 2008, p. 174)
Brides magazine has its own website, as do many other wedding magazines and businesses. Sites such as davidsbridal.com and brides.com offer planning tools for brides. These include guest lists and budget guides. Magazine websites offer online versions of articles published in their magazine. Dress company web sites display photographs of all dresses and accessories.
Some couples are fortunate enough to be able to hire a wedding consultant. A wedding consultant is in charge of helping couples plan their wedding and putting things together for the event. There are five major things that a wedding consultant can do: mediate between a couple and vendors; organize and procure the necessary permits and other paperwork; supervise and oversee the coordination of vendors on the wedding day; orchestrate and lead everyone through the wedding day; and they can help inspire.
With so many people claiming to be superb wedding consultants, a couple is advised to choose carefully. At least three different wedding consultants should be interviewed. A consultant should fit the personalities of the couple. A couple ought to ask how many weddings the potential consultant has organized; ten or more is adequate. If a couple is trying to save money, a less-experienced consultant will charge less. It is imperative that the consultant do only one wedding on a given date. Orchestrating two weddings on the same day will result in one of the weddings not receiving the consideration it needs. Couples should ask if the consultant will periodically provide timetables and updates. It should also be clarified if the consultant will be dealing with all vendors or if the couple does most of the meeting and the consultant merely organizes at the end. Consultants offer a variety of services. Some meet with couples at the beginning of wedding planning to assist with brainstorming, or at other periods throughout the planning process when a couple feels they need assistance. Consultants offering this service will charge by the hour. Others will plan a couples whole wedding, and charger either a flat fee or a percentage of the entire wedding budget (usually 10-15 percent). A consultant will play a vital role in the success of a wedding if chosen appropriately. (Modern Bride, Nov 2007, p. 208)
Wedding consultants usually encourage getting more than what is actually necessary. In this way, consultants help other vendors in the wedding industry profit more. The journalistic articles and photojournalistic works in wedding magazines help to inspire and represent wedding ideas and supplies, also advertising services in the wedding industry.
“Bride’s promoted its mission as serving the thousands of young women who married each year, but its business agenda was to sell ads.” (Wallace, 2004, p. 144)
Bride’s started as So You’re Going to be Married in 1934. This appears to be the first wedding/bridal magazine published. In 1935, the publication changed its name to Bride’s. Bride’s House, Inc. is the publisher Bride’s magazine. They have expanded to now publish Modern Bride, Elegant Bride, a website, books and planners to help a couple plan their wedding. Bride’s originally started out as four issues each year, and only by subscription. The magazine first sold on newsstands in 1949. Now, six issues are released each year and are sold by subscription and on newsstands.
The average bridal magazine has about 700 advertisement pages per issue, the majority of these pertaining to dresses. Wedding magazines interview people in the wedding industry to give advice and to advertise the services and products offered in the industry. Real weddings are documented and given as examples of how to plan a wedding. The magazines cover nearly every aspect of planning a wedding.
An extremely important skill for couples planning a wedding is communication with vendors. This is where a wedding consultant becomes helpful. When a couple enters a meeting with a vendor, they should bring samples of fabric, stationery, flowers and pictures to help stimulate a vision for the wedding. Once a couple and a vendor agree on the specifics of service, everything must be documented in a contract. A contract with a vendor should include services provided, dates, deliveries, payment and signatures of all parties involved. When speaking with vendors, a couple can ask for suggestions for other vendors to use.
“Location affects every decision: the number of musicians you can accommodate, the need for valet service, etc. Depending on the amenities offered by a site, couples may have to rent not only flatware and the linens, but also the tables themselves. For an outdoor reception, it may even become your responsibility to provide bathrooms.” (McBride-Mellinger, 2001, p. 15)
There are also several questions to ponder when evaluating sites for the ceremony and reception sites. Prices can vary dramatically and should be taken into consideration when looking at the whole picture of the wedding budget. Some churches mandate classes and other requirements in order to marry in their house of worship. A couple may have to spend more to provide furnishing if they are not provided. Some locations will have decorations provided; others may not. If a location does not have the desired decorations, it must be inquired if rules allow for extra decorating.
After the location for the ceremony and reception is set, stationery helps to set the tone for the wedding being planned. Stationery can provide guests with a peek at what is yet to come at the wedding and reception. Invitation companies are similar to other businesses in the wedding industry. They use journalism in their brochures and in the wording of their stationery. Invitation companies also compare with other businesses in that they usually offer more products than just invitations.
The American Wedding is one of theses invitation companies. They invite couples to consider buying more from them. “We understand that your wedding is more than just an invitation, so The American Wedding makes it easy to create a picture-perfect wedding with coordinating accessories. From ceremony to reception, carry your theme and colors through to every event with items like matching napkins, glasses, matchbooks, and favor boxes,” the brochure says.
Flipping through the pages of wedding magazines reveals an assortment of invitation company advertisements. Invitation companies are merely another business in the wedding industry ready to tempt couples into buying their supplies and services, all for the sake of enhancing the appearance of a wedding.
Invitations are “functional document[s] that beckon friends to a gathering, providing information as to the time, place, and location of the event while suggesting the standards of taste and decorum to which guests will adhere; what wedding consultants frequently refer to as the wedding ‘theme’.” (Gellar, 2001, p. 131)
Save-the-dates can be important to announce the day of a couple’s wedding. This is especially true of out-of-town weddings and weddings scheduled to occur around a holiday. These announcements should be sent out four to six months before the wedding. When ordering these, the same font, paper, etc. should be used as for the invitations.
Invitations are sent out later than save-the-dates, they should be sent out six to eight weeks prior to the wedding. Along with the invitations, response cards should be sent. This enables the couple to plan accordingly and serve everyone who will be attending. (Shaw, 2001, p. 93)
Another piece of stationery that may be ordered from the same invitation company is programs. This is a pamphlet distributed at the wedding ceremony detailing the order of service, songs to accompany, readings and a list of the wedding party. Other items may be added such as poems or pictures to further personalize the programs. Again, the theme of the wedding should be reflected in the programs. (Shaw, 2001, p. 258)
Ordering stationery can be confusing. There are many choices to make and many options to consider. A vital piece of information is the number of save-the-dates, invitations and programs you will need. Consultants generally recommend that a couple order 25 extra. If the company chosen will print addresses for the couple, they need to have a complete list of names and addresses of all guests. The date of the wedding can be written out, or typed as a numeral. Paper comes in many different textures and colors. An array of designs is offered by most invitation companies, examples displayed in their brochures, making this easy to identify and order. (Blum and Kaiser, 2000, p. 61)
Before a couple orders their stationery, they should choose the members of their wedding party. “Since the Middle Ages, the church (and later the state) has required that weddings be witnessed by at least two people.” (Wallace, 2004, p. 106) This tradition is likely the reason for having bridesmaids and groomsmen. Other members of the wedding party may include ushers, a flower girl and a ring bearer.
Many couples choose to purchase gifts for their attendants. The groom’s attendants may be given a variety of things. Common gifts include a watch, a shaving kit or any item that recognizes an interest the groom and his attendants have in common. The bride’s attendants are usually given jewelry, make-up or other small trinkets. Many invitation companies offer gift ideas, and some offer package deals for placing a large order.
Favors for guests are another gift that the couple may choose to provide. “Every guest appreciates being presented with a token to remember a couple’s wedding day.” (Baldrige, 2000, p. 54) In lieu of favors, some couples make a donation to a charity whose cause is important to them, and then give guests a card or bookmark explaining the donation made in their honor. If a couple chooses to provide favors, they have many options. Treats in boxes, candles or small frames can all serve as favors. These too, are items that many invitation companies offer.
Besides purchasing others gifts, the couple will receive gifts for their wedding. Originally, registering for gifts was looked down upon by brides. It was seen as inappropriate to ask for specific gifts. Now it is more widely accepted, and many stores offer gift registries. The purpose of registering for gifts is to ensure that the couple has everything needed to start a home together. Registries are also a means for retailers to profit. Travel agencies now offer the option for couples to register for honeymoon activities. Since many couples now live together before marriage, registering for household items may not be helpful.
“An enduring symbol of female redemption in wedlock and a means by which women announce their adherence to tradition marriage ideals, the white dress is the most salient visual object of the modern wedding.” (Gellar, 2001, p. 214) The wedding dress is often the most exciting part of the whole wedding for the bride, and it has become a focal point of the wedding, a piece that all guests turn their attention to. Advertisements for wedding gowns consume most of wedding magazines, varying drastically from dress to dress. The wedding gown is the only garment that a woman is encouraged to wear for only one day. “Brides are urged to fall in love with their gowns, to choose a dress that expresses their inner character, to live out their childhood dreams.” (Wallace, 2004, p. 198)
Brides will want to also purchase shoes, undergarments and possibly a headpiece. The couple is responsible for paying for the bride’s entire ensemble and for the groom’s outfit. Attendants are expected to pay for their own outfits, but in some circumstances couples may choose to help. Bridesmaids wear striking outfits, often the same or unified, to differentiate themselves as participants of the wedding, not just as guests. Groomsmen wear tuxes similar to the groom’s ensemble.
“In the beginning there were gatherings of herbs, potent combinations of garlic, chives, rosemary, and dill, whose aromas were meant to drive off evil spirits.” (Stewart, 1987, p. 101) This is most likely how the tradition of the bride’s bouquet began. Flowers usually add up to about ten percent of a wedding’s budget. This averages out to be about $967. Most couples have at least a bride’s bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets and boutonnieres. Flowers can also serve as grand decorations, such as table centerpieces for the reception. “Flowers, in spectacular or simple arrangements, have always played a major role in ceremony and reception decoration.” As with other vendors, couples should find a florist who will work to fill their needs and work with their taste. (Baldrige, 2000, p. 72)
“The ‘feast’ [at the reception] honors those gathered, draws them together, provides the setting for the celebration and substance to set spirits soaring.” (Stewart, 1987, p. 217) Catering has become a significant part of the reception, and many guests see this as one of, if not the, most important part of the whole wedding. The time of the wedding reception can affect the type of menu offered at the reception. For a late afternoon reception, the menu may consist of light hors d’oeuvres. A reception scheduled closer to dinner time should contain heavier hors d’oeuvres, usually a mix of hot and cold offerings. A reception starting at six in the evening or later should entail a full dinner, either a formal sit-down, served dinner or a buffet meal.
Choosing a caterer that meets a couples needs is very crucial. A couple will want to guarantee that this significant part of the wedding satisfies their guests. When interviewing caterers, a couple should ask if the caterer for recommendations based on the reception site. References and sample menus of the caterer should be checked. If a tasting is offered, the couple should take advantage of it, but be aware of any fees involved. Staff is often available, but they come with a price that should be discussed up front. If the caterer handles liquor, the couple should discuss how much this will cost them and how the caterer serves it. Occasionally, a caterer will also bake the wedding cake. Again, all details should be written into a contract. (Blum and Kaiser, 2000, p. 141)
“More than any other visual element, the cake has come to symbolize the wedding.” (Baldrige, 2000, p. 48) The wedding cake usually continues the theme of the wedding through its flavor and embellishment. “The ritual in which bride and groom together cut the cake and feed each other slices is a favorite of photographers and guests alike—a moment of public intimacy intended to symbolize the sustenance that each partner has found in marriage.” (Gellar, 2001, p. 326) Bakers, like caterers, usually offer tastings and photographs of previously made cakes.
Entertainment at the reception often comes in the form of music. Music can be provided by a D.J., a band or an orchestra. “For many weddings, the music proves to be the single most important ingredient.” (Stewart, 1987, 158) This is because music gets the guests to mingle, move and get excited. Looking back, most couples wish they had considered their entertainment more. A song list should be compiled for the D.J., band or orchestra to give an idea of what a couple enjoys. If the couple does not want certain songs or genres of music played, they should also make a list of these.
Photographs and videos of a wedding help to immortalize the wedding and create permanent memories. (Wallace, 2004, p. 118) Wedding photography has also become a significant means of advertising in the wedding industry. Photography is important to the couple because the pictures forever remind them of the special day. A couple should choose their photographer carefully. The photographer should fit the couple’s taste. Some photographers prefer traditional, posed situations; others prefer less rehearsed photographs. It is important to find out what sort of lighting the photographer will use; this could cause problems for certain wedding sites. Expenses add up, so the couple should be very clear about what they will need to pay for. Will they have to pay if the photographer uses an assistant? Proofs may also cost extra.
Transportation is a small part of the wedding, but this can affect the mood of a couple’s wedding party. A limousine ride that takes the whole wedding party from ceremony and reception site can help keep spirits high.
The wedding itself consists of two key elements: the ceremony and the reception. “Historically, a wedding ceremony has always been a public event, announcing a new relationship between two persons in whom society has interest.” (Stewart, 1987, p. 134) This event of exchanging vows and committing to each other has become more personal. During the 1970s, personalizing the vows became popular. Vows are at the heart of the wedding. Written and spoken words greatly express the feelings that two people have for each other. Couples can include special memories in their vows to make them more meaningful.
The reception is often seen as a large party. Wedding planners often describe it as an elegant post-ceremony party at which friends and relatives of the couple celebrate. Because the event is so special, a lot of money and effort is put into the reception. The reception is a combination of the efforts of several people, especially the vendors.
After the ceremony and reception is over, many couples embark on a romantic honeymoon. Magazines and travel agencies advertise luxurious getaways for the newlywed couple. This is a huge expense that is often not included in the wedding budget.
The wedding industry uses journalism and photojournalism to advertise and expand its industry. Throughout each phase of the wedding planning, couples refer to the publications put out by the wedding industry to help them idealize their perfect wedding day. With all the books, planners, photographs, web sites and magazines available on the subject of weddings, couples can be well armed with tools to successfully plan a beautiful wedding.

Bibliography


Baldrige, Letitia. Legendary Brides. New York; HarperCollins Publishers Inc, 2000.
Blum, Marcy, and Laura Fisher Kaiser. Wedding Kit for Dummies. Foster City, CA;
IDG Books Worldwide, Inc, 2000.
Geller, Jaclyn. Here Comes the Bride: Women, Weddings, and the Marriage Mystique.
New York; Four Walls Eight Windows, 2001.
McBride-Mellinger, Maria. The Perfect Wedding Reception. New York; HarperCollins
Publishers Inc, 2001.
Shaw, Kim. The New Book of Wedding Etiquette. Roseville, CA; Prima
Publishing, 2001.
Stewart, Martha and Elizabeth Hawes. Weddings. New York; Crown Publishing, 1987.
Wallace, Carol McD.. All Dressed in White: The Irresistible Rise of the American
Wedding. New York; Penguin Group, 2004.
Modern Bride Magazine Issues of 2007 and 2008
“100 Best Websites” December 2007/January 2008. Modern Bride p 174.
“5 Things a Consultant Can Do” October/November 2007. Modern Bride. p 208.

Changing Your Name After Marriage

Are you planning on changing your name once you finally tie the knot? If you decide to do so, there are so many options. Do you hyphenate, keep your maiden name as your middle name, combine both names, or be traditional? Well whichever option you choose, the name change process can seem overwhelming. There are numerous forms to gather from many government agencies. You'll need a social security form, US passport form, driver's license form, voter registration form, IRS forms, forms to send to your employer, insurance company, utilities companies, and all organizations of which you are a member. Many brides put off the process and wait for months or even years to change their name. The process is really not that horrible. Once you gather your forms & complete them, most can be sent in through the mail. The only office you'll need to visit in person is the motor vehicle department.

If you plan on traveling overseas on your honeymoon, the name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport. Therefore, wait until you return to change your name and book your tickets in your maiden name.

The bride taking the groom's name is not the only way to go. A groom can also legally change his last name to the bride's. This is not as popular, but it does happen. A groom may have a long last name or a name he isn't fond of and decide he wants the bride's name.

Neither He nor you can Dance

What to do

Dancing with another person is fast becoming a lost art. It’s just not part of our upbringing anymore, and dancing - as in the kind of dancing you did in high school - isn't the kind that is envisioned when it comes to your husband-to-be and your first dance.

Since I assume you aren’t trained in ballroom dancing, and - because I'm a guy - I know that neither is your fiancé, you will want to figure out how, or whether, you are going to tackle this glaring omission in your bridal resume.

First, you should figure out whether there will actually be dancing at your wedding reception. Many couples are shying away from a traditional reception with a band or DJ in favor of no dancing, at all. (In fact, that's the choice my wife and I made). Furthermore, you may still feature some dancing, but no 'first dance'. At a recent wedding I attended, the bride and groom dragged everyone on to the dance floor to have a communal first dance. (For the record, the first dance song was "I Like To Move It". We did.)

If you are envisioning a traditional first dance featuring a song that you both love, it's a great idea to take dance lessons so that you don't feel completely awkward when under the gaze of all of your friends and family. You'll want to prepare far enough in advance of your wedding to get the benefit of the lessons, but not too far that you forget how to do the waltz. Six to eight weeks is a good guide. Practice makes perfect (or at least, passable.)

The easiest way to learn to dance is to support your local dance studio. Having reviewed several "Learn to Dance" Web sites and DVDs, I'm confident that there is no better way to learn than to receive personalized instruction. Just as you didn't learn to drive from a book, dancing requires that you (and your flatfooted fiancé) develop muscle memory.

The Bridal Brunch

The bridal brunch gives the bride an opportunity to spend quality time with members of her family who have come from far and wide to be with her on this special day. It is not a time for her to visit with, or entertain aunt Mary down the street, or cousin Debbie across town. However, if the bride chooses to invite close members of the local family, it is not improper.

Needless to say, the bride who is so thoughtful to take this time out of her wedding day, to make others feel welcome and appreciated, will be remembered forever for her kindness.

Mothers, around the world, are well known for sharing the tears, joys, and triumphs of their children's lives, with both family and friends. It is likely that all the correspondence has been left to mom in the preceding years. The bridal brunch provides an opportunity to renew family bonds, become reacquainted, and begin building bridges to the future.

Another excellent reason for hosting a bridal brunch is many of these guests will arrive the day before the wedding, and the bride may not have another opportunity, for years, to visit with them, as they will likely have returned home before she and the groom come back from their honeymoon.