Clinton News-Record, 1986-02-19, Page 52Showease, page 32
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Rehearsals
really hl
Wedding rehearsals serve a. dual pur-
pose; they not only help prepare the wed-
ding party for the real event the follow-
ing day, but give the attendants a chance
to get to know one another if they are
meeting for the first tune.
An informal, even playful mood usually
pervades rehearsal evening and funny
events often occur when there isn't an au-
dience to worry about. This helps
everyone relax for the next day's wed-
ding.
The processional toward the altar and
recessional following the service can be
practised two or three times, attendants
learn where they should stand during the
ceremony and any other questions they
have, can be answered.
At one time, someone else took the role
of the bride since it was taboo for her to
rehearse the ceremony, but today brides
stand in for themselves — after all they
too need to know the order of events.
So, the flower girl refused to smile and
the bridesmaids raced rather than walk-
ed down the aisle? All will no doubt be
forgotten at the rehearsal dinner — the
one event traditionally hosted by the
groom's parents.
The tone of the dinner should be consis-
tent with that of the wedding. The
Woman's Day Book of Weddings recom-
mends that a formal rehearsal dinner,
complete with printed invitations,
precede a formal wedding.
However, local custom is much more
informal. The wedding party usually
turn to page 35
Toasting
Whether you fall back on traditional
toasts or come up with something per-
sonal and distinctive, you'll be practicing
a custom that reaches back to ancient
civilizations.
While you're pondering what words to
use on this momentous occasion, let's.
consider some of that history.
The first known drinking ceremony
seems to have been the ancient practice
of pouring some of the guests' wine into
the host's glass and vice versa before
either drank. Not only was this a
hospitable gesture, it assured that`neither
person would even consider poisoning the
wine.
Moving on to Shakespearean England,
and presumably more hospitable compa-
nions, drinking ceremonies gradually
became known as "toasts," after the
piece of toasted'bread placed in the bot-
tom of the cup. The toast helped clarify
wine by filtering out sendiment.
Good health and elaborate descriptions
of lovers' devotion became favorite toast
topics. The ancient Romans proved their
affection by downing one glass for each
letter in their beloved's name.
• Devoted Saxon lovers toasted each
other in a ceremony which involved the
letting of blood from the man's forehead
into his glass d wine.
French nobles once embarked on an
elaborate series of bows while giving a
toast. The English preferred offering a
toast on bended knee.
During World War I„American soldiers'
in France reportedly headed for the wine
cellar after gaining control of a chateau.
Often, shells would explode around the
group sampling the chateau's wine
cellar, hurling dirt in all directions.
"Here's mud in your eye” became a
popular toast and a superstitious method
of avoiding. catastrophe.
Now that you've
decided...who, what,
where and when
let us help you announce it
to your world!
WEDDING
INVITATIONS
ALSO PERSONALIZED WEDDING NAPKINS, MATCHES & CAKE BOXES
eteVele
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by IN rE RNATIONAL
DF STRATFORD
etting married is one thing,
announcing it to friends and relatives
is quite another.
Invitations to the wedding must be
carefully chosen. First, because they
reflect your style.8141 the emotions
toward that very important day of
memories.
Second, because invitations can become
a very expensive endeavour. However,
whether you choose to have a very
small intimate wedding with say 20
guests or a large wedding with 250,
invitations must go out!
At The Goderich Signal•Starwe
understand this.and can help you choose
your wedding invitations, the right
invitations for you, with confidence.
Here Ruth and Steve look over just
what is available from our elegant and
extensive selection. A selection from
which you are sure to fill your needs.
Our wedding girt to you...
a Keepsake copy of your Invitation processed
in luxurious gold.
Couples also receive a complimentary one
year subscription]to the Signal—Star
with their wedding stationery order.
Huckins St.,
Just off Hwy. No. 21 South of Goderich
OPEN DAILY:
8:30 A.M. TO 5 P.M.
PHONE 524-2614