Clinton News-Record, 1986-02-19, Page 55zraeleA/
Is serve a dual purpose for bridal party
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retires to a restaurant or to the home of
the groom's parents for drinks or dinner.
Two toasts are customary: The first, to
the bride and gown, should be offered
by the host; and the other to guests,
should be made by the bridal couple.
Likely these toasts will prompt several
more.
Because the rehearsal dinner is a kind
of.private thank -you by the couple to all
e attendants for supporting them, it's
ideal occasion for the bride and groom.
o present their attendants with gifts of
appreciation. These gifts are usually an
inexpensive, but lasting, memento of the
wedding.
For bridesmaids, a pendant to wear on
Catering is
important
the wedding day or a silver picture
frame, perhaps with initials and the wed-
ding date engraved on it; and for the.
ushers, a tie bar or engraved pewter mug
Selecting a banquet facility for your
wedding reception. is not easy. There are
so many options and menus to choose
from in all price ranges that a couple can
get dizzy just thinking about it.
The important thing is to remember
that it's your wedding,.and your recep-
tion should be a refiection of the two of
you, tailored to your lifestyle and budget.
It's meant to be a happy and comfortable
occasion, full of laughter, food, drink, .
and perhaps, dancing.
You have the option of a host or a cash
bar. If you opt for a host bar, consider
limiting the number of drinks before din-
ner. People's liquor consumption is usual -
about one drink per half hour per per-
il!)
n. If you decide to go economy class
ith a cash bar, serve wine at the table
and a glass of champagne for the toast.
Some churches will rent out their
basements for a reception site — you'll
also need to apply for a liquor licence.
You may then be able to enlist the ser-
vices of the women's auxiliary for the
food — many of whom are fantastic
cooks:
Chicken is usually the most
economical item on the menu, but it can
be fancied up•in elegant ways. White •
wine is more popular with guests. Some
people are steering away from sparkling
wines for toasts, since their guests seem
to prefer a regular white wine.
Consider a wedding brunch, lunch or
afternoon tea or cocktail reception rather
than a more expensive dinner. A buffet
for the dinner reception offers a wider
selection for the price.
The trend in many hotels and banquet
halls today is to offer an all-inclusive
banquet package, which includes dinner,
a host bar for a specified time, and over-
night accommodation for, the bride and
growl Many couples prefer this to pay-
ing an itemized bill of fare, since it
eliminates any `hidden costs.'
Do comparison shopping for reception
rooms. A reception room should be
neither too big nor too small. Check.out
the ventilation systems, heating, air-
conditioning and lighting. Find out if you
can make substitutions or additions to
.tie original menu and inquire about
cancellation fees. Does the cost per guest
include tax and gratuities?
A reception hall should have one
bartender for every 50 people, a waiter
for every 10 and a server for every major
dish on a buffet table. Ask the caterer's .
advice. That's what they're there for.
would serve as keepsakes. The gifts need
not be the same however; anew golf club
or theatre tickets might be more ap-
preciated.
Some parties wind up the evening with
music and dancing, but most try to leave
early and get as much sleep as possible
to be wide awake for the big day.
REME MBE. THE DAY
YOU BEGIN
YOUR LIFE TOGETHER.
Only a professional photographic studio has the
experience and expertise to make your wedding
memories all you want them to be. We have the
versatility, imagination, technical skill, and equip-
ment needed to enhance your memory of your special
day.
We'll plan your wedding photos in advance and
advise you on your album. You can count on us to
devote the time and attention necessary to express
those memorable moments of your wedding and
reception.
Call us today, or stop by and see our samples Let's
plan for this special occasion together.