Look of Love: Jewelry, Apparel, Health & Beauty

Jewelry

A diamond is a fitting symbol for everlasting love
because of its beauty, rarity and enduring value.

Diamonds

Every couple should understand the "Four C’s" (Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat) before choosing a diamond. The brief summary below provides a starting point. Any expert jeweler will gladly augment this information by answering questions that are sure to arise when the search begins.

Cut: The visual beauty of a diamond is largely determined by the cutter and polisher when they transform the rough, natural-occurring crystal into the faceted, refined gemstone seen in the jewelry store. Ideally, the best cut will reflect the maximum amount of light back to the viewer. This reflection, called brilliance, is vital to determining value.

Cut also refers to the shape of the diamond. The most common shapes are round, pear, oval, marquis, emerald, baguette and heart. The shape of the cut contributes little to value. It’s the quality of the cut that counts.

Color: To the untrained eye, the common diamond is somewhat colorless, usually tinged yellow, brown or gray. The completely colorless diamond is very rare and thus very valuable. Also rare and valuable is the "fancy stone," a diamond with definite color rather than just a shade or tinge. Yellow, red, green, blue, canary and brown are some of the colors that make "fancy stones" valuable.

Since completely colorless diamonds and "fancy stones" may be out of the average couple’s price range, couples will wisely remember that shades of color lower the price of common, mostly colorless diamonds. So if a more obvious tint of yellow appeals to a couple’s personal tastes, they may get more diamond for their money.

Clarity: Diamonds are formed deep in the earth from one simple mineral — carbon. As the carbon crystallizes into a diamond, imperfections make each crystal unique. Internal and external spots and lines form, lessening the clarity of the diamond.

A flawless diamond must show no surface blemishes or interior inclusions when examined at a 10x power magnification. Generally, the more irregularities there are, the lower the value of the diamond. Value is also affected by those imperfections that interfere with light passage.

Carat: The weight of a diamond is expressed in carats: 1 carat equals 200 milligrams; 142 carats equal 1 ounce. Carat fractions are further subdivided into points: 1 carat equals 100 points; 1/2 carat equals 50 points; etc.

The weight of a diamond is not the most important factor when determining its value, however. The three other C’s discussed above — cut, color and clarity — play a greater role when computing diamond price. If cut, color and clarity are equal, a 1 carat stone will be more valuable than a 3/4 carat. But a 3/4 carat diamond that has better cut, color or clarity can easily cost more than the 1 carat stone.

Whether looking for a sparkling diamond or lovely gemstone, a couple should take the time to consider a fifth (and perhaps the most important) "C": Confidence. The wise couple will choose a jeweler in whom they have confidence. The reliable jeweler will talk frankly and freely about the diamond the couple wants to buy and the price they want to pay.

Insurance & Care Another issue to consider when investing in a diamond is insurance coverage. If you and your fiancé are combining households, you will probably acquire or update a homeowners or renters insurance policy as part of the process. Your ring will automatically be insured with the rest of your possessions.

However, be aware that under most homeowners or renters policies, automatic coverage is limited to between $1,000 and $2,500, and you’re likely to pay a deductible if a loss occurs. In addition, the coverage often is restricted to a few specific causes of loss. If your ring is worth more, you should request a separate scheduled endorsement or "floater" from your insurance agent.

A sales slip is usually insufficient for insurance purposes. It is important for your jeweler to provide a more detailed appraisal or report for insurance coverage, so your insurance company can pay to replace your ring with a ring alike in kind and quality in the event of a loss.

Another option is buying a separate jewelry insurance policy. This choice can include more comprehensive coverage in case of loss, theft or damage. It can also offer no deductible, a complete description and the value of the ring written on the policy, and annual inspections and cleanings of your ring by the jeweler of your choice to prevent wear and future problems. Finally, when you come home with your new ring, be sure to care for it properly so it can keep saying "I love you" forever. Clean your ring frequently to avoid dirt build-up which can accelerate wear. Unless your diamond is fracture-filled, clean it with an ammonia-based jewelry cleaning solution or rubbing alcohol and a soft toothbrush. Once cleaned, dry your diamond with a soft, clean cloth. Your jeweler can professionally clean your ring and provide you with additional maintenance tips.

Annual inspections by your jeweler will help identify potential problems, such as loose or worn prongs that could catch on fabric and cause your diamond to fall out of its setting. Whenever you suspect such a problem, have your jeweler inspect your ring immediately.

Avoid sharp blows to your diamond. Even though diamonds are among the hardest of materials, they are not indestructible. Diamonds can chip if struck at the wrong angle.

Protect your ring from dirt and grime. If you are gardening or performing chores around the home, remove your ring. But don’t leave it on a dresser or counter where it could be lost or stolen. Put it in a soft container in a safe place, away from other objects that could scratch the stone. Always keep your ring out of the reach of children and pets, and be sure to remember where you left it!

Here’s a good rule of thumb: wear your engagement ring as you would your favorite dress. Be careful, but enjoy wearing it!

OTHER JEWELRY

Bridal Jewelry Jewelry plays an important role in the finishing touches of the bride’s attire. It is wise to keep in mind the style of the dress, since the jewelry should work as an accent, not a distraction to the wedding gown. A stunning necklace can add sparkle to a seemingly simple sophisticated dress. Earrings can act as a frame to the face. A bracelet can add additional interest to the ensemble. Choosing the right jewelry is important and luckily there are many jewelers who can help.
Costume jewelry can be found at jewelry stores, bridal shops, specialty stores and artisans who will even custom make the jewelry to exact specifications.

Gifts Many couples provide their bridesmaids with matching necklaces and earrings as a gift that will complete their ensemble. This jewelry can incorporate the wedding colors or work as an accent to add color to the bridesmaids’ apparel. Most couples will include the jewelry as a "thank you" gift to the attendants.

Jewelers offer other beautiful quality gifts for both the men and women who partake in the ceremony. For the bridesmaids, consider bracelets, charms, watches and other trinkets or collectibles. For the men; cuff links, watches and fine pens make wonderful gifts. While browsing through the jewelry shop, the bride and groom may even want to think about a special gift for one another. Jewelry is a lasting gift that, like marriage, will stand the test of time!

Share the Joy: Attendants, Invitations & Etiquette, Gifts, Parties

Invitations & Etiquette

Beautiful or whimsical... Elegant or casual...
An invitation can set the tone and evoke
anticipation of the event to come.

Some of the toughest decisions in planning a wedding are faced when the guest list is made. Who do you invite? Where do you draw the line? Do you want to give an open invitation at your office or church? Only the couple can come up with the answers to these questions. The decision-making process does not end here, however. True, many options exist when making the guest list, but even more options exist when choosing the invitations.

There are dozens of lines of invitations and announcements, as well as "personalized" invitations utilizing calligraphy, sketches or even a photograph of the couple. Most local stationers and printers carry a variety of lines, and some have a dozen or more sample books with hundreds of sample invitations.

Relying on the Professionals

Relying on the professionals is the key. In most cases, they will point out the "socially correct" way to arrange (and spell) words. The help of a true professional is indispensable for today’s couples juggling to include both parents and stepparents. The professional’s knowledge of etiquette is an asset not only for the invitation itself, but also often for many other aspects of the wedding.

Invitation Etiquette

The following are some of the basic traditional rules of wedding etiquette the bride and groom should remember when preparing their invitations and announcements:
1. Names and titles should be spelled out. The only exceptions are Mr., Mrs., Ms., and Jr.

2. Write out all dates and times in the invitation. The numbers in addresses need not be spelled out, although streets should be. Include the state if the city is not well known.

3. Never under any circumstances, include information regarding your gift registry or desire for monetary gifts. All information regarding gift preference should be passed along by word of mouth. Today, however, it has become acceptable to declare "no gifts" or in lieu of a gift to make a donation to a specified charity.

4. Put response cards and stamped pre-addressed envelopes inside the invitation with any other enclosures. Place this in the inner envelope, and put the inner envelope in the outer one, so that it faces the back flap. (See “Inserting Invitations” diagram below).

5. Do not seal the inner envelope. Address it simply to "Mr. and Mrs. Jones". Do not use first names, except in the case of children. Even then, they should be listed on a second line underneath their parents’ names.

6. Envelopes should be addressed in black ink and never typed. Do not abbreviate names or addresses and include the return address centered on the back, near the top.

7. Mail invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding.

8. Mail announcements on the day of the wedding (or soon after).
Inserting Invitations
1. Insert invitation into the inner envelope along with enclosure card, reply card and any other enclosures. Always remember the front (printed side) of the invitation faces the back side of the envelope, fold down (see diagram A). The tissue that is placed over lettering to prevent smudging may be discarded or left in place.
2. Place the unsealed inner envelope into the outer envelope. The front (addressed side) of the inner envelope faces the back flap of the outer envelope (see diagram B).

Sample Wording

The only way to be assured that your invitations are worded properly is to work with a professional stationer or invitation specialist. The following are samples of some common wording you can use to get you started. The worksheet section of this WEDDING Planner & Guide contains space to jot down your initial wording. After you have recorded your ideas, visit your local stationer or printer to discuss the details. The stationer or printer can also help couples to determine what type of invitations, printing processes (engraved: letters cut into the paper; thermography: raised lettering, etc.), colors, or trends will work best with their wedding plans.

Traditional
Bride's Parents Sponsoring

Mr. and Mrs. William Andrews
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Sarah Lynn
to
Mr. Michael James Brooks
on Saturday, the tenth of September
at half past two o'clock
St. Patrick Church
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Contemporary
Bride's Parents Sponsoring

Mr. and Mrs. William Andrews
would like you to
join their daughter
Sarah
and
Mike Brooks
in the celebration of their marriage
Less Formal
Bride's Parents Sponsoring

We ask only those dearest in our
hearts to join us in celebrating the
marriage of our daughter
Sarah to
Mike Brooks
at half past two o'clock on Saturday,
September tenth
St. Patrick Church
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Mary and William Andrews Traditional
Bride and Groom's Parents Sponsoring

Helpful Hints

Since most couples do not know a great deal about the process of inviting guests, they are encouraged to keep a few other things in mind:
1 Order invitations four to six months before the wedding. Make sure all details are secured before ordering (i.e. location, date, time).

2 Find a store where the staff will spend enough time with their customers. Deal with people who know what they are doing. Not all people who sell invitations are professionals who know proper etiquette and wording.

3 Get everything - invitations, envelopes, announcements and any supplements - at the same time. Be sure to have an accurate guest count. Order extra invitations and envelopes, because extra orders later will mean extra costs.

4 To save headaches later, choose programs, thank-yous, printed napkins, place cards and other related items now.

5 Finally, proofread the order form carefully before signing it. Printers will not usually correct mistakes unless you pay for them.

6 Mail invitations six weeks before the wedding (eight weeks if most of the guests are out-of-state).

7 After the invitations are sent, responses begin arriving immediately. Devise a system to keep track of replies. An alphabetized checklist, index cards, ledger or home computer are all easy ways to keep track of who has and has not responded (keep in mind that statistics show you should only expect a 75 to 80 percent return).

BRIDAL SHOW TIPS

Before the Show

Buy the tickets in advance to save money and avoid waiting in line to purchase tickets.
Discuss your wedding planning budget. Have an idea of what products and services you want and how much you are willing to spend.
Make a plan ahead of time of what you want to accomplish at the show. With the variety of businesses at the WEDDING Planner & Guide Bridal Show, you can surely accomplish all of your planning needs.
Pre-printing labels with Name, Wedding Date, Address and Phone Number will make signing up for drawings quick and easy!

Day of Show

Dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking around.
Bring key people with you who are decision makers. (Bride, Groom, Moms, Dads) What you can get done now saves time later.
Bring paper and pen for notes on exhibitors and which products and services interest you. You can use the show program to mark fashions that catch your eye during the fashion show.
Allow as much time as possible to spend at the event. All of your wedding planning can be taken care of at the show.
Look at each booth. Don't miss out on an opportunity or unique idea. For serious shopping, it is best to visit booths during the fashion show. Aisles tend to be less congested, allowing for quality time with the vendors.
Take a break if you are feeling tired or overwhelmed. Sit by the fashion show stage or grab something from concessions. Rest, have a bite to eat and look over your gathered information.

After the Show

Go home and view the information collected.
Check out the WEDDING Planner & Guide or wedplan.com for more information on the vendors.
Follow up with vendors you are interested in.
Most importantly, enjoy yourself throughout your planning process! In the end, you will be married and that of course is what is most

The Ceremony:

Traditional Church Weddings

Choosing a site for a wedding ceremony can be as easy as going to church each Sunday. The choice of a church is usually based on a religious belief of either the bride or groom, or both. Many couples simply choose to be married in the church they are currently attending or in the church either family may have attended for years. And, once the church is chosen, usually the person who will perform the ceremony comes with it. The couple will then work with this clergyperson on all the details of their ceremony, and any needed requirements the church may have such as premarital counseling, baptism, or membership in the church.
Couples desiring a religious ceremony without a particular church in mind, must try to find a church that will marry non-members or begin a relationship with a particular church or clergymember. Some churches offer non-denominational ceremonies. If a particular religion is desired, the couple should search out churches of that faith and immediately talk to the clergymembers to learn about the requirements for marriage within that particular church.

For those wishing an alternative to the traditional church wedding, couples are finding quite a variety of sites to tie the knot!

Home Weddings

A popular alternative site for many couples is in the home. This may include their parents' home, the home of a close friend, or even their own home. This offers the couple and their guests intimacy, comfort, and a familiar setting for family and friends. Creative imaginations can lead to anything from a small, casual indoor ceremony, to a backyard gala, or even an elegant formal affair. With the help of a caterer, decorator, rental company and other wedding professionals, the host/hostess may take as little or as much involvement in the event as he/she desires.

Outdoor Weddings

Outdoor weddings are, of course, nothing new, but they are becoming more popular. Even in this area, where winters are cold and the weather is always unpredictable, the beauty of nature is unsurpassed. Outdoor sites may be as close as your own backyard or a nearby city, county, or state park. If you are considering a site that does not have a shelter of some kind, never fear, there are rental companies that will deliver them to the site you choose. The choice of a tent can set the stage for a unique wedding celebration. Tents can be set up almost anywhere!

Officiants

Ceremony officiants range from those dedicated to a particular religion or church, to civil servants that will perform a ceremony strictly based on law without any religious content. For those wanting to include religion in a non-sectarian sense, ceremony officiants exist who can fulfill those needs. These reverends and other clergypersons will help couples by performing ceremonies that will include a general religious message without referencing any specific religion. Often these officiants will go to unique sites to perform a ceremony or may have connections with a particular church where they can also perform the ceremony if the couple desires.

Vows

For these more unique ceremonies, often special vows are written. It should be discussed with the officiant any particular wording that should or should not be included. The officiant may also be able to help by referencing ideas from past weddings that they have performed. The actual vows themselves can be anything that the couple may desire to share in declaring their heartfelt message to the one that they love! For church weddings, the couple should discuss with the clergymember any specific wording they may want to use in their vows. While some churches may allow couples to include their own vows, other churches may not.

Special Touches

Besides writing ones own vows, or choosing a unique wedding site, there are other ways to personalize a ceremony. Special touches including decorations can add a personal touch to even the most traditional of weddings. Elegant bows, balloon arches and flowers can change the atmosphere of any location.
Proclaiming the new union of husband and wife can be immediately celebrated as the couple leaves the ceremony greeted by their guests blowing bubbles or to a release of dozens of helium balloons. How about taking the celebration to new heights? Companies specializing in dove releases can provide a breathtaking touch to the union. Pure white doves joyfully rise as a testament to the new marriage - symbolizing love, hope, peace and harmony. Releases can include two doves, romantic and sweet, or ten to twenty doves to fill the sky for a fairy tale beginning to married life. Available for release year-round, these doves are not left defenseless in the wild, they return directly to their aviary and never linger at the site. Want to start marriage off with a bang? Pyrotechnicians (fireworks specialists) can light the night sky with a variety of colorful bursts sure to leave guests oohing and aahing! Creativity is truly the only limit to making a wedding ceremony unique.

Transportation

Spending time together with the wedding party is a great way to enjoy the entire wedding day but can also cause havoc moving from place to place. Many wedding parties of today include a large number of bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers. Luckily there are transportation businesses ready to accommodate these large groups. Whether going from the wedding site to the reception site or for a pre-wedding fun night out on the town, there are a variety of vehicles now available to choose from.
Traditional limousines remain a popular mode of transportation. Limousines offer many luxurious options and have a variety of extra special features sure to make traveling in style fun too! Limousines most often are available in wedding white or elegant black. Many limousines provide the comfort of leather seating and features like televisions, stereos, bars and special lighting.
Buses have also become a popular way to move large wedding parties from place to place. The choices of available styles and sizes vary greatly. From luxurious motor coaches to mini-buses, these vehicles are as different on the inside as they are on the outside! Some buses are very casual, while others are extraordinary, giving people a whole new look at motor coaches travel!
For a nostalgic feel a trolley provides the festive appearance of an era gone by with the room to sit back and celebrate while on the go! These vehicles evoke a fun feeling even before you hop aboard!
No matter what type of transportation is chosen, getting there together is a great way to share a fun-filled day with those closest to your heart.

Music and Entertainment

the ceremony

Music is uniquely capable of triggering memories from different stages of our lives. Choosing music for your special day is a way to make tribute to the soundtrack of your life while choosing the songs that will remind you of your wedding for years to come.

The soundtrack of your day begins with the ceremony. Meet with your clergy person to discuss the order of the ceremony, how music can be incorporated, and if there are any restrictions placed on music. Usually, couples choose music for the following parts of the service, but are not limited to these spots:
prelude Music played during the seating of guests that usually lasts for ten to fifteen minutes.

seating of the parents This usually consists of one song and is sometimes a vocal solo with special meaning for the bride and groom.
processional A song, usually instrumental, played while the bridesmaids and bride proceed down the aisle.

song for the bride and groom This is usually a vocal song of special significance to the bride and groom, and is most often sung immediately after the vows are made.
recessional The music played after the ceremony while the bridal party exits.
postlude Music played as guests are dismissed.

questions to consider before hiring ceremony musician(s):
• What is the central theme of the ceremony? Formal or informal?
• What feelings should the music evoke? Romance? Drama?
• Do you want vocalists, instrumental music or a combination of both?
• How much of a priority is music? Are you willing to book high profile musicians?
• How much can be spent for ceremony music?
• Do you prefer live music, or are music recordings acceptable as a background for a vocalist?
• Which special songs should be included in the ceremony? Musicians can help you crystallize what you want.
• Does the church or ceremony location have its own sound system or will the musicians have to provide one?
• Have you shopped around? Do you know who can give you the highest quality?
• Have you checked the person/group’s references to make sure they are reliable?
• Have you heard them in person? It is important to verify they are what you expect and want.
• Are you booking as soon as possible?

tips for a ceremony that flows• Give the musician(s) a schedule or "script" of the ceremony highlighting their songs so they know at what point in the service they play.
• Check out the sound system ahead of time, including the piano or organ that will be used.
• Make sure a written agreement is in place. Formally confirm all dates and times with the musicians.

the reception

questions to consider before hiring reception music & entertainment:
• How long should music be played? When should it start?
• What is the desired mood of the reception?
• Are there special songs you want played?
• What type of music? Live or recorded music?
• Do you want dancing music? Background music?
• How much can be spent on reception music and entertainment?
• Are you buying entertainment according to your schedule of events or because there is an all-inclusive package? Are you paying for hours of entertainment you do not really need?
• Are you just shopping price? Remember, entertainment can make the party!
• Have you met the DJ/entertainers/musicians who will actually work at your wedding? Will they have good rapport with you and your guests?
• How many years of experience do they have?
• Are they keeping abreast of changes in the industry? Do they belong to any associations?

tips for smooth reception entertainment
• Get everything in writing ahead of time: cost, time of set-up and tear down, and amount of performance time.
• Meet the DJ/entertainers/musicians who will actually be at the reception. Discuss expectations and any special requests you want played or not played.
• Make sure the style of the entertainment fits with the desired style of the celebration. Consider guest preferences in music too.

Parties

After all the salutes to their happiness,
the bride and groom will find
their new lives are already packed with memories.

A wedding means celebration, as friends and family honor the bride and groom with an array of pre- and post-wedding parties. The bride finds herself the center of attention at showers, luncheons and dinners where her biggest responsibility is to enjoy herself!

The Engagement Party

Parents traditionally host the first engagement party, held either on or soon after the day the announcement appears in the newspapers. Occasionally, the parents of the bride and groom will host the same party, but more often separate parties are held.
Engagement parties often serve an important function. It is a convenient way for parents to introduce their child’s fiancé to family and friends. And of course some parents find this party an enjoyable way to get to know their child’s fiancé better as well.

Showers

Traditionally, showers are given for the bride, but today it is not unusual to find the groom at these lively functions. Chances are he will be just as delighted about the gifts with which they’ll furnish their new home.
Showers are given by any friend or relative who wants to do something special for the couple. Customarily, members of the immediate family of the bride and groom do not host a shower. When the bride’s sister or the groom’s mother give a shower, it is too much like asking for gifts. However, every bride is entitled to at least one shower—the laws of etiquette are there to help, not hinder, the effort. Often, it is the honor attendant with the help of the maids, who volunteers to host a shower. Since the shower is always given by someone other than the bride, this is one instance when registry information can be included with the invitation.

Types of Showers

Imagination is the only limitation when deciding on the theme for a shower, but it must be coordinated with the bride.
Because of the many types of showers possible, it does not make sense to have two of the same type of shower if the couple needs a variety of items.
Today there are many "home party" businesses that also specialize in bridal showers. From kitchen and pantry items to home accessories and even lingerie and intimate items, these businesses bring their products and provide a sales demonstration so party-goers are able to purchase their shower gift from items the bride chooses during the shower. Guests are also able to do some shopping for themselves at the same time. With this type of shower the hostess usually has little to prepare and guests don’t need to worry about a gift ahead of time.
Other shower themes can be as diverse as each individual bride. To solicit a variety of gifts for the bride an "Around the Clock" shower can be given. Each guest is given a time of day (or hour of the day) to use as the basis for the gift they choose. For example 8:00am may give a toaster, 6:00pm a frying pan, etc., the better the imagination, the more creative the gifts can be! A "Spice Shower" invites guests to bring a bottle of spice and a recipe that uses the spice along with their gift. A "Pantry Party" likewise incorporates bringing gifts to help the newlyweds stock up on basic food essentials. A gourmet recipe shower invites guests to bring a recipe along with one utensil needed to prepare it. For the romantic couple a "Candlelight Shower" will provide them with gifts such as candles, vases, bath & body products and romantic musical CDs. Seasonal and Holiday showers can include gifts to get a couple started on decorations or other items used for special occasions. For those with crafty friends a "Quilting Shower" can provide a very unique gift the bride will cherish forever.
Each guest is asked to make a quilt square at home and then join at the party to put it all together. If a shower is given by co-workers, most often it is held at the work place at a break, over lunch-time or after hours and one big gift can be given by the group.
Many showers even include the groom, however, a lingerie shower is appropriate when only women will be present. When both men and women are invited, a hobby or travel shower is unusual and it solicits gifts the couple can enjoy together. Other ideas for a couples shower can include a themed dinner and board games or even a mock "newlywed game" which provides fun and entertainment for all the couples who attend. Another popular shower for both couples and singles is a Wine & Cheese Tasting Shower. For this shower attendees are asked to bring two bottles of wine, one for tasting and one as a gift for the bridal couple. Toasts to the bridal couple are given by the guests as they sample the wine.
The wine & cheese shower is most appropriate for couples who already have many items for their home and of course, enjoy wine. A fun theme for couples who may not have many household items is the "Handy Hardware Shower". This type of shower can incorporate a variety of helpful gifts that can be found at a hardware store (or elsewhere). Gifts such as a hammer, step ladder, broom, pail, shovel, etc. are appropriate. The host/hostess can use this theme and incorporate tools in the decorations and invitations. For this shower guests are asked to include a handy household hint written on a card and presented with their gift.
The list of ideas goes on and on. It is best to use the interests of the bride and groom and their needs as the basis for the type of shower decided on. From there, creativity and planning will make the shower a sure success.

The Maids' Luncheon

The maids’ luncheon (or tea) is another popular pre-wedding party. Bridesmaids give the party as a "farewell" to the bride, although the bride may host the party herself.
This luncheon may take place at home or in a restaurant, wherever the bride and her ladies can take time to get together. The bride may give her ladies their wedding mementos at this time, schedule final dress fittings, display her gifts or simply revel in her friends’ company.

Refreshments are usually simple, such as finger sandwiches and coffee, and almost always include the Pink Lady’s Cake. This cake is made with a thimble, ring or coin baked inside. Tradition predicts a bright future for the attendant who gets the piece with the trinket in it, for she will be the next to marry.

The Bachelor and Bachelorette Party

Today both bachelor and bachelorette parties are equally popular. These types of parties are generally very casual and emphasize having fun, unwinding and celebrating the wedding. The party may or may not include a dinner and takes place in a home, a club or the private dining room of a restaurant.
These celebrations often incorporate a theme and can include attending a sporting event, going to a comedy club or on a shopping excursion to Chicago or the Mall of America. Some enjoy activities such as laser tag, paintball, gambling, golfing, bowling or even camping.
Getting there can be half the fun when you hire a limousine, bus or other transportation service to take partygoers from one destination to another. This also alleviates the responsibility of designated drivers, allowing everyone the opportunity to celebrate.
If alcoholic beverages are served, the party should be scheduled several days before the wedding. No one will want to look less than his/her best for the day of the wedding.

The Rehearsal Dinner

The rehearsal dinner, held immediately after the rehearsal, can be as simple or elaborate as the host wishes. However, it should never upstage the wedding itself. It is best to go to a restaurant or club. This eliminates anyone in the immediate family having to deal with entertaining and clean-up the night before the wedding.
Traditionally, the groom’s parents are responsible for the cost of the rehearsal dinner. If they are from out of town, they may ask the mother of the bride to help with reservations. But it is perfectly acceptable to have a godparent, friend or member of the bride’s family do the honor of hosting this function.
The guest list will include the attendants, the bride and groom’s immediate family, the ceremony official (and spouse, if any), plus any out-of-town guests, family or friends the couple or the host wishes to invite. If it has not already been done, the attendants’ gifts may be distributed at this occasion.
All will fare better if they make it an early evening. The best party—the wedding —is yet to happen!

Gift Opening Party

Nowadays many couples plan gift opening parties. This small gathering usually only includes the bride and groom’s families and members of the bridal party. More often than not, gifts are opened the day after the wedding or soon after the newlyweds return from their honeymoon.
When held the day after the wedding, the gift-opening party is often planned around a meal. Snacks and refreshments left over from the reception may also be served.

But the purpose of the party, of course, is to open the wedding gifts. A few moments of planning will save headaches later, therefore a careful record of who sent what is a necessity. A guest book with a gift record section, available from stationers, book stores and bridal shops, is recommended.
After all, wedding parties and all they involve are not meant to be work — they are meant to be enjoyed. That’s what parties are for!

The Reception:

Traditional Reception Sites

In this area reception sites abound, but don't be fooled, most popular sites are often reserved more than a year in advance. The wise couple will reserve their reception location before making other plans. Many couples have found it necessary to choose their wedding date based on "availability" of the reception site. Couples have also found that it is often much easier to book a reception on a Friday or Sunday. Some facilities will even offer special discounts/incentives for receptions held on days other than Saturdays.

When it comes to finding a reception site, there are many types of facilities from which to choose. Hotels, catering halls, country clubs, and restaurants are some of the most popular sites for receptions. Other sites often used for wedding receptions include clubhouses operated by organizations including the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, athletic, ethnic clubs, service organizations and university unions or even museums. These venues range in capacity from intimate parties to grand affairs. These various facilities also range in style from extremely casual to the utmost formal, keep in mind prices vary greatly too!

When choosing a facility the bridal couple must first determine an approximate number of guests to be sure the location can accommodate their needs. Budget and location are the next factors to consider, followed by preferred ambiance and other special desires.

Reception site managers all agree that the first piece of advice they make to couples looking for a reception site is to know their budget. Only when financial limitations are known can further details be planned. For those on a tight budget, the church hall is a favored reception site, usually available at little or no cost and offering convenience when held immediately following the ceremony.

Other things to keep in mind when searching for the perfect reception site is whether the site can accommodate parking needs, dance space and music requirements. What are the policies on beverages, food and catering services, time restrictions and decorations? Are tables, chairs, linens, silverware and other accessories provided? Check on rental fee, deposits, and date guarantees.

It is important to view the facility before making any final decisions. Looking around, asking questions and if possible viewing the facility when it is set up for a similar type of reception will assure that the couple will be happy with their choice. Once a decision is made the couple should discuss any special needs they or their guests may have with the banquet/site manager. The day of the wedding will be too hectic to deal with any of the details and when the couple arrives at the reception, it will be time to celebrate!

Outdoor Receptions & Tents

Alternative ideas to the traditional reception site list can include city, county and state parks, or one's own backyard! While some parks have shelters available in case of inclement weather, others rely on the rental of tents as shelter. (Since each park has their own restrictions and rules, it is vital that the couple knows well in advance, what they can and cannot do).

The use of a tent combines the feeling of the great outdoors with protection from the elements. Tents come in a variety of styles and can play host to a casual event or elegant gathering. Rental companies can supply beautiful white tents with French window sidewalls, dance floors, lighting, tables, chairs, fountains and more to provide a breathtaking atmosphere for any celebration. Tents are available in many sizes; some can even accommodate over 2,500 people! Professionals in the tent rental business can help choose the size and style that will be best for the event.
The great outdoors also provides many options in food choice from picnics to formal sit-down dinners. Caterers can be hired or the do-it-yourselfer can turn to rental companies for food service equipment and portable bars.

When choosing an outdoor venue there is one more thing to keep in mind, the need for restrooms. Some companies that carry portable restrooms will rent them for special events. Companies that specialize in the business may surprise many. Their units are clean and can come equipped with flushing toilets, sinks, mirrors and lights, providing all the conveniences of an indoor facility outdoors!

Catering

Indoor or out, reception guests look forward to food and refreshments. And indoors or out, professional caterers offer a full range of culinary delights and services. Formal dinners, buffets and brunches can feature a variety of tasty cuisines. Hors d'oeuvres, salads, breads, desserts, pastries and even pig roasts are available for reception fare. Caterers today can satisfy the tastes of any couple, not only for receptions, but also for rehearsals and showers.

In this area, many facilities are under contracts with specific caterers. This means that when a reception facility is chosen, the facility may dictate who will provide the food. If a facility is chosen that lets the couple choose their own caterer; there are a delectable variety of caterers in this area to choose from.