The Citizen, 2005-02-10, Page 34&pice up ywi uiedditt^ ^utiu-itiu utitfi a theme
Many prospective couples want
their wedding to be unique, in an
effort to bring even more excitement
to their memorable day.
Some adventurous couples have
said their "I dos” underwater,
decked out in full wedding regalia ...
and a scuba tank. Others have
plunged out of airplanes and
committed to one another in a free
fall beneath the clouds.
Yet, if you want something
different, but not so “exotic,” you
could try a theme wedding.
Brides magazine predicted that
theme weddings would be a fast
growing trend in their September
2001 issue. That prediction has
definitely turned out to be true.
Theme weddings are limited only by
your own imagination, and can run
the gamut from fairy tale to western
to ethnocentric. If you’re
considering a theme for your event,
here are some ideas to get you on the
right track.
DETERMINING YOUR THEME
Discuss your collective interests
with your future spouse. It will be a
good jump-start for determining a
theme that appeals to you both.
Themes can be as basic or as
creative as you'd like.
For example, if your wedding day
is during an autumn month, a natural
theme is a harvest wedding, replete
with ripe pumpkins, corn husks,
orange-hued decor and fresh apple
cider.
Or, play upon your heritage and
culture. Incorporate native dances,
embellishments and menu items into
your ceremony and reception for a
day that is not only memorable, but
dear to older generations. If you've
always been a fan of Disney flicks
but can't make it to Disney World,
consider throwing a Cinderella-
themed wedding instead. Ride to the
ceremony in a horse-drawn camage.
Wear dainty glass-slipper-inspired
shoes with your billowing ball
gown. And ensure that your future
husband is an enchanting Prince
Charming.
EYE FOR DETAIL
Feel free to get extravagant with
the details of your theme wedding.
After all. the decor, wardrobe and
special touches you include will
help solidify the theme. Some items
to consider:
* Use co-ordinating accessories.
Repetition of a common element is a
simple way to carry out your theme.
If you want a butterfly wedding, use
pillar candles with butterfly accents
and napkin rings adorned with
butterflies, and hang delicate
twinkle lights to simulate butterflies
in flight.
* Involve your guests. While it's
tun tor you and the wedding party to
be swept up in the theme, don't
forget to include your guests in the
festivities. A Renaissance wedding
may inspire guests to dress in period
clothing. Word invitations and
seating cards in Old English to keep
the tone of the celebration
consistent. However, remember that
not all guests may want to don a
corset or carry a sword to the
festivities! Keep participation
voluntary and everyone will be
smiling.
* Expect naysayers. Some family
members or friends may not be
receptive to your theme idea.
Express that it is your big day and
you reserve the right to have the
party you desire — especially if
you’re paying for the event. To keep
the peace, try to incorporate some
traditional elements where possible.
Your theme wedding is certain to
be memorable and will certainly be
talked about for a while if done
right. While a wedding is the
beginning of a serious, lite-changing
event called marriage, there’s no
reason 't shouldn't be as fun,
extravagant or exotic as you'd like.
So have fun with themes and get
those creative juices flowing!
Wedding plans have you running
around in... ?circles d
*Bridal Registry with
discounts for family
and friends
*Wedding accessories
Let us help. * *Home Decor
*Sears Agency
36 Albert St. Clinton
482-3951
Champagne cwateb cdefkatwy ttuwd
Champagne wines add an elegant,
romantic atmosphere to a wedding.
By serving champagne at your
wedding, you will create an
everlasting, wonderful memory for
you and your guests.
Try a champagne rose, long
considered the wine of lovers and
romance. It's especially attractive
and sensual, and it's a perfect choice
for your wedding. Remember,
champagne wines only come from
France; anything else makes for half
a celebration.
Work with your caterer to ensure
that the champagne will be served
properly. The following tips may be
helpful:
* For the traditional toast, one
bottle will serve five people. For a
champagne aperitif at cocktail hour,
one bottle will serve three to four
guests. During the meal, allow one
bottle for two to three people.
* Chill the champagne for 30 to
40 minutes in a bucket of ice and
water before serving.
* Serve the champagne in tall flute
or tulip glasses. Pour a small
quantity into each glass to allow it to
settle, then fill the glasses only two-
thirds full to keep it cool and
fresh.
* Refill the glasses when they are
almost empty, making sure they are
always two-thirds full.
7'
Catering by Barbara
Custom Catering Banquet Facility
We cater Wedding Receptions:
Special Events
Indoors
Outside Tent Weddings
Brunches
Luncheons
Cocktail Receptions
Full Course dinners
Buffet or plated
We offer:
Table set-up
Service Staff
Bartenders
Dishwashers & clean-up crew
Free Consultations throughout the
planning stages
We have a beautiful licensed banquet facility available for groups of 50 people or less. This facility
is perfect for small receptions, rehearsal dinners, wedding showers, or a post wedding brunch.
12 Ontario St. S., Grand Bend (519) 238-8489 J
FLOWERS ON MAIN
ft i/i o -f y o ix
237 Josephine St. Wingham
357.4876
The Citizen. Weddings 2005. Page 9.