Hampstead- Manchester Area Merchandiser - January 20, 2016 15 Rehearsal Dinner How-To Many couples find their wed- and details of the . Make Restaurants that have special need not be too formal. Rehearsal dinners provide an ding rehearsal dinners to be relax- arrangements with the ceremony meaning to the couple often make Rehearsal dinners may even opportunity for couples and their ing respites from the whirlwind of site and officiant prior to making for great places to hold rehearsal feature a little entertainment. families to spend time together wedding planning. Such dinners dinner reservations. dinners. The and groom can Tech-savvy parents may put to- before the larger festivities of the enable the happy couple to slow Parents of the groom tradition- suggest their ideas, but ultimately gether a presentation with videos wedding pull them in multiple di- down and enjoy themselves in a ally host the rehearsal dinner, so it is the person handling the bill or photographs that chronicles the rections. Plus, they set a fun tone relatively casual gathering with they will be integral in planning who has the final say. Couples who couple’s lives separately and their for the wedding weekend to come. their closest friends and family the event. That means couples want greater control over the re- life together. BR161785 members. should keep an open and gracious hearsal dinner festivities can sug- Rehearsal dinners typically take mind. Remember, the rehearsal gest hosting it themselves. place in the night or two before the dinner doesn’t have to be a lavish Despite its name, the rehearsal Our Service wedding. The couple, members of affair, and it can be customized to dinner doesn’t actually have to be their wedding party, the parents any budget or preference. a dinner, as couples can opt for and Selection are of the bride and groom and others Some couples feel that hosting meals at a different time of the day, Unmatched involved in the wedding typically rehearsal dinners in casual settings like brunch or lunch. An earlier oc- attend this dinner. The couple gen- can make the dinner more com- casion gives guests plenty of time erally takes the time at the dinner fortable for members of the wed- to get home and rest up for the fes- to thank everyone for their contri- ding, who can use the dinner as an tivities of the wedding to come. butions to the wedding and to offer opportunity to mingle and get to Toasts are expected at the re- some small gifts of appreciation. know one another before the wed- hearsal dinner, but they tend to No rules govern rehearsal dinners, ding. This will help to tame nerves be spontaneous, off-the-cuff re- so couples have the freedom to Located in the and enable the wedding party to marks. A couple with a good sense Winchester Exchange plan the dinners as they see fit. loosen up and enjoy themselves of humor might not mind being Rehearsal dinners often come even more. Some people may be roasted at their rehearsal dinners. 410-857-7601 immediately after the ceremony more inclined to socialize and The bride and groom should ex- 15 E. Main St., rehearsal, when the wedding party have fun when they’re not worried pect to say a few words of thanks Westminster, and the officiant go over the timing about putting on airs. to all in attendance, but remarks MD 21157 www.countryviewtuxedo.com Wedding Good Luck Charms Couples’ wedding days are tears from a bride or a child dur- their gowns are in for some good The Perfect Location special moments, ones they hope ing the ceremony is considered luck. for your pave the way to a life filled with lucky. English folklore suggests happiness and good fortune. That’s that who discover spiders in continued on page 17 why the bride and groom surround Wedding themselves with close friends and family who want to celebrate and Reception! support their new life joined to- Affordable, Full Service gether. Catering Perhaps due to superstition or tradition, many couples employ some wedding day strategies to in- crease their good luck. The follow- ing are some of the symbols that Professional couples may want to keep an eye out for on the day they walk down Wedding Planners the aisle. • It’s good luck for the bride 410-857-1901 to see a dove on the way to the wedding because doves symbol- ize peace and prosperity. Because doves mate for life, this symbol Westminster is doubly beneficial on a couple’s Catering Center wedding day, as it can be a harbin- ger of a long, happy and 451 WMC Drive, home. Westminster, MD 21158 • Some brides believe sugar cubes tucked into their wedding gloves leads to a sweet union. • Hindu tradition states that rain [email protected] • www.westminsterconferencecenter.com on a wedding day is good luck. Rain is believed to be a symbol of fortune and abundance, especially after times of drought. What’s more, rain can foretell a strong marriage. That’s because a wet knot is more difficult to untie. For a spectacular , • Ancient Romans were so con- cerned with ensuring good luck that they actually studied pig en- make it Bay City trails to determine the luckiest time Beautiful facilities with scrumptious food to marry. If they consulted with the English, they might determine that will make it an event to remember! a wedding shouldn’t take place on Our spacious, newly renovated a Saturday, which is unlucky. Eng- lish tradition states Wednesday is main banquet room, with a hardwood the best day to get married. dance floor, can accommodate up to • In Holland, well-wishers 275 people. would plant pine trees outside of ’ homes as a symbol of Ask about our bridal packages. fertility and luck. For the smaller more intimate occasion, • Grooms may want to give a we have two smaller rooms coin to the first person they see on the way to their . This is that seat 130 each. another symbol of good luck. For more information, visit: • Some couples plan to marry www.BayCityRestaurant.com during a full moon, because that can symbolize good luck and good or call 717-637-1217 fortune. • On a couple’s wedding day,