Good Day!

Weddings, weddings, weddings! Parties, parties, parties! Do these two events have much to do with one another? You bet!

The happy couple will probably spend more time in a social whirl from the time of their engagement throughout the arrival of the actual wedding day than at any other time in their life. Maybe that is the reason that most engagements do not last longer than a year-it would just wear too many people out! Follow me as we take a typical engaged couple from engagement to wedding, and you will see what I mean!

Things usually kick-off with an engagement party where you may-or may not- formally announce an engagement. You may have made the formal announcement in the newspaper and will recognize the announcement at the engagement party. Other engagement parties may follow given by family or friends that will always include those invited to the wedding. The engagement parties should not be more of a gala than the wedding itself, but almost anything goes when considering the type of engagement party to host. Cocktail parties, buffets and sit-down dinners are just a few of the options available to hosts and hostesses today.

Shower parties will follow the engagement parties. We usually think of showers applying to the bride, but in some cases these events are held joint with the bride and groom. Sometimes the groom is lucky enough to get his own shower party!

Office parties usually happen during this time and are becoming more popular in our society. These parties are usually held at the end of the workday with food, drink, gifts-and a fair amount of teasing!

At some point of time the bride may have a bridesmaids' party for her bridesmaids. Evening dinners, morning brunches or afternoon teas are popular versions of this celebration. Ladies only, please!

Then there is the bachelor's bash-need we explain? Grooms and their friend's bid a fond farewell to their single lives in a variety of ways-much of which can raise a few eyebrows! Today guys may look to less gossip-causing recreations for their bachelor's party. Sports events, golf, movies or hunting trips are some of the tamer celebrations that guys are enjoying for their night (or day) out.

Some brides celebrate with their version of the bachelorette party. These can get a little-or a lot-wild, or be on the tame side. The ladies get together and have a time to themselves, much like the guys do at the bachelor's parties. Dinners, shopping, movies and sports events are some tame ways to spend their final single time together.

During this time, different family members may want to get their chance at giving the happy couple another chance for celebrating. If so, please let guests know that presents are not accepted at these functions. The pleasure of their company is all that you require.

Whew! One more celebration-the rehearsal dinner-and we are through! By now, the "happy couple" may be the "tired couple", and understandably so. Rehearsal dinners need to be kept short and sweet so that the bride, groom and all involved can roll out of bed in time for the wedding festivities the following day. Simple, quiet dinners are always a good idea for celebration-weary wedding couples-and families!

Well, we have partied our way through this article and by now, the blissful, wedded couple can be found getting some much-needed rest from their party circuit. It was fun and these party animals may be taking a quick time-out before getting back together with friends and families for another go-round of celebrations-only on the married level.

After all, what are friends and families for?

Until next month -
Greta Chaney