@ CB [] I" (0 The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, September 29, 1993 7 The Dallas Post Fall Bridal Showcase Creating a memory By Sharon Achatz Copley News Service Ask bridal couples what they want most from their receptions and two ideas surface time and again: Guests should enjoy them- selves and the occasion should be \ memorable. While guests always remember major disasters, the best way to make a reception memorable without mishap is by incorporat- ing an unusual element that re- flects a bit of the bridal couple’s personality. That element could be some- thing as simple as a unique setting or an uncommon favor or as com- plex as a theme wedding that au- thentically recreates an era, loca- © tion or family’s ethnic roots down “-to every detail — including menu, pe ————-ia music, entertainment, invitations, decor, dress and transportation. ~ Whether your affair is destined to be elegant or easy-going, elabo- rate or economical, here’s a sam- pling of reception suggestions for . making the day more memorable. FANTASTIC FAVORS Traditional tulle-wrapped al- _monds increasingly are being re- " placed by more delectable treats, such as elegant chocolate truffles or a split of your favorite wine. An environmentally aware cou- ple may opt to give guests seed .; packets or flower bulbs, perhaps planted in pretty pots. Or, make a donation to a favorite charity — -..such as a local food bank or boys’ (J PERE BF = OF “ob a Ol a RS @ [ " club — and leave a card at each place setting to let guests know that a donation has been made in their honor. Another option is to make a play on the wedding’s location or theme: pass out lobster lollipops for a Cape Cod celebration, give small straw doll hats at a country event, gift pinatas at a Mexican- theme wedding or ornaments at a Christmas wedding. Savvy couples can create a fa- When you receive beautiful china, crystal and flatware as wedding gifts, don't hesitate to use them often. vor for themselves as well. In- stead of having guests sign a book, ask them to sign a tablecloth with indelible pens or a photo mat into which you later can insert a wed- ding photo. SENSATIONAL SITES Couples are moving away from catering halls and toward loca- tions that match their personal in- terests — including yachts, man- sions, museums, wineries, ranches, amusement parks, zoos, wildlife * preserves and botanical gardens. Check with your local parks and recreation department, historical societies or the local chamber of commerce to see what sites are available in your area. Sports settings provide an un- i ‘Steven's usual atmosphere for a reception as well. Locations to consider: a football or baseball stadium, skat- ing rink, tennis club, golf course, racetrack, ski lodge, bowling alley or pool hall. An extraordinary location of- fers extraordinary charm, but it may mean an extraordinary plan- ning effort as well. You have to deal with the logistics of transpor- tation, parking, guest accessibility and seating in addition to food, flowers and music. Some venues prohibit alcohol or music; others may require the purchase of a per- mit for private use. More traditional sites that pres- ent the convenience of package deals that provide food, beverage, staff, tables, linens, china — and maybe even flowers, music and cake — include restaurants, hotels and country clubs. EYE-POPPING EATS Some creative ways to cope with a large guest list and mini- mal food budget is by hosting a high-tea or mid-morning brunch reception. Both are elegant ways to get by with an hors d'oeuvres only menu. Ethnic food is being requested more frequently as a way to bring out the heritage of one or both families. Rather than plan the entire menu around a particular nation- ality, several hors d'oeuvres or a side dish at dinner may be ade- quate. Troubleshooting tips before the big day By Mike Dale Copley News Service Your wedding is supposed to be a perfect day. But things happen. You have been planning your wedding for a year; it rains on your special day. The photographer breaks his arm two days before the wedding. Your mother-in-law wants all her relatives included on the guest list. Your father wants to bring his new girlfriend to the wedding — the one your mother doesn’t know about. Weddings are the subject of many a comedic movie; you were hoping for something with a docu- mentary feel to it. Remember, anything can hap- pen during a wedding. So on your special day, expect the unexpect- ed, keep a cool head, be flexible and don’t stop smiling. NUPTIAL NERVES There’s nothing wrong with be- ing nervous on wedding day. It could be the biggest performance of your life. If pure nerves are your stum- bling block, hopefully you would have prepared by having estab- lished a wholesome sleeping schedule, as well as eating proper- ly and getting plenty of exercise. Other questions may pop up concerning your decision to marry in the first place. Are you doing the right thing? Can you maintain your individuality? Will your mar- riage end up a divorce statistic? The “cold feet” syndrome is quite common. Mental health ex- perts say the culprit is usually the fear of change. If you're generally afraid to get married, then talk with your in- tended. Psychologists say 50 per- cent of a fear is alleviated once you discuss it openly. Find solu- tions together. There are warning signs that the relationship isn’t destined for the altar, even though wedding plans are moving full steam ahead. Among them: ® You say to yourself that things will get better after the marriage. - @ You constantly try to rational- ize away your doubts. ® You have different views on life’s decisions. ® The relationship is emotional- ly or physically abusive. ® Your fiance makes big deci- sions without consulting you, or you suddenly have health prob- lems. DELEGATION BRIGADE Delegate, delegate, delegate. What works for successful busi- ness executives can succeed for you. Assuming that they're under your skilled leadership, involving family and friends in wedding preparations can give you peace of mind. Examples? Your mother can provide recipes and menu ideas to the caterer. Your father can set up travel arrangements for out-of- town guests. Maids of honor can write place cards and put together favors such as potpourri sachets. Friends can direct photogra- phers to relatives. Your aunts and uncles can act as hosts, making sure everyone's comfortable. Brothers and sisters can run er- rands. Hiring a wedding consultant may be an attractive alternative for those with breakneck sched- ules. Consultants scout sites, set up registries, write budgets, su- pervise the parties, mediate con- flicts and arrange for hotel rooms. To find a good one, get referrals from friends. Ask caterers, hotels or clergy who they recommend. A wedding consultants’ charge is $2,500. average Computer programs also can help with planning. “Wedding Planner” is an IBM compatible Continued on page 8 Flowers That Warm The Heart Southfork Floral Town & Country Cleaners Country Club Shopping Ctr. * 675-0468 A beautiful ; memory is worth saving Preserve the wedding day loveliness of your bridal gown for the next generation with our exclusive bridal gown cleaning and preservation service. After gentle cleaning, your gown is folded in tissue and placed in a keepsake memory chest for safekeeping. Steven's EE Town & Country Cleaners Check Out Our New Store Hours Mon. - Fri. 7AM. - 7 P.M. « Sat. 8 AM. - 6 P.M. 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