The beauty of a
The fact that this publication is devoting an entire issue to brides , grooms and weddings is testimonial to what a big business weddings with all their trappings have become . But what a lovely business !!
Many people hold true to the idea of a traditional wedding in a church or synagogue with lots of friends and relatives in attendance . The ceremony is usually followed by a reception that can include anything from a full-blown dinner to simple cake and punch . Others don ’ t like a public display and opt for a simple private ceremony with a judge or justice of the peace . Recently brides and grooms have begun writing their own vows to make the occasion more personal . But there ’ s a new generation of brides out there with ideas on how to make that special day all their own .
Finding the perfect venue for the ceremony is first , and it can be anything from an outdoor venue with vows spoken under a giant oak tree to a restaurant with a private banquet room . Johnson County alone has several venues available that cater specifically to brides and their unique tastes , all of which are lovely . And the perfect wedding dress is high on every young girl ’ s wish list — that ’ s why it can take so long to find it . Flowers , colors , reception food and drink , what time of day for the wedding , and another million details will swirl in the June Bates bride ’ s brain right up to time to walk down the aisle . But there ’ s options in determining all these things .
Many brides are using wedding consultants to help with the myriad of details necessary to make this day so special . In fact , as part of their rental fee , many venues now offer this service to wedding parties . If the bride and groom have specific ideas about colors and flowers , the wedding consultant can do the leg work of finding options , meet with the couple , and get the nod of approval or disapproval . For many folks , it ’ s a worthy expense .
My mind wanders to the movie “ Father of the Bride ” and how much simpler Frank made things for them .
But what if you don ’ t want all that hoopla , pomp and circumstance ? Or what if you
would prefer to do all this somewhere else ? A destination wedding can have all the same trappings as a traditional wedding , only in a different setting , and frequently , in a different country ! Many brides and grooms are opting for a “ Weddingmoon .” Frequently an island destination is chosen with a beautiful ocean as the backdrop for the wedding .
All the destination wedding spots include a wedding consultant who will speak directly with the bride prior to arrival so all the details are known before she arrives . They also offer group room rates for those who wish to travel there to attend the wedding .
These resorts are also all-inclusive which means all meals and beverages are included during your stay . However , there are fees for extras like wedding cakes , private dinners , etc . Everything is usually done outdoors because of the beautiful natural landscape , making it an affordable option to a traditional wedding .
And a word of caution : It ’ s important to know the rules about getting married in a foreign country . Some require the couple to be on the island a minimum of 72 hours before they ’ re allowed to wed . Just make certain to have the proper U . S . licensing before arrival . And make certain your wedding consultant advises you of their country ’ s rules .
A destination wedding is an option for the honeymoon trip , too . Guests usually don ’ t linger more than a day or two leaving the newlyweds time to relax and enjoy their time together . That ’ s the reason they ’ re being referred to as “ weddingmoons .” After all the rush and busy-ness of the wedding , it ’ s time to relax . And the couple doesn ’ t have to rush off to catch a flight the next day ... they ’ re already there !
June Bates is the owner of BATES etc . Travel in Cleburne . She can be reached at 817-517-4422 .
Community Life 21