Advice has been dished about how to uninvite
children, occupy them during ceremonies and keep
them under control at receptions. Don't feel, how-
ever, that throwing children into the mix is a bad
idea-especially if you, the happily engaged couple,
have children of your own.
Try to get your kids involved in the planning
process. Letting them pick bridesmaids' dresses or a
reception site may not be the best idea, but kids
can still get involved. For one, find out what their
favorite colors are. If Susie likes pink and Bobby
likes orange, try to incorporate these colors into
your wedding. A prime spot for such colors would
be in floral arrangements. Ask your kids what their
favorites are; they may not say roses, but daisies or
tiger lillies can look just as pretty.
Another way kids can help is by picking a
theme for your wedding. Don't let it get too out of
hand-have a few possibilities in mind and ask your
kids which they like best. Once they've picked
between rock 'n' roll or Hollywood, ask for more
ideas. Request the names of singers, bands, actors
and movies that might make fitting table topics.
Kids can even help set up at the reception by plac-
ing theme items on each table.
When you were a kid, you probably weren't
wowed by the questionable chicken or funny-look-
ing potatoes at wedding receptions. Ask your chil-
dren for their input-would chicken fingers be bet-
ter? Or would they prefer mozzarella sticks? At the
very least, you'll know your kids aren't going hun-
gry.
Though stressful and difficult to plan, weddings
are joyous events and deserve to be shared with the
entire family. Don't be afraid to get your kids
involved. They'll be proud they got to help, and
who knows-maybe they'll actually have a good
time.
our dream guy has proposed. You've picked
out the perfect engagement ring together.
You're excited to spend your lives together.
But to create that great wedding, you'll have to
endure the nightmare of forming the dreaded guest
list. Fortunately for you, St. Louis' Best Bridal has
come up with some ways to ease your invitation
frustrations.
The bottom line
First, unless you have a budget the size of, say,
Jennifer Lopez or Britney Spears, you need to
accept that some people will be left out of your
wedding. Your budget determines the size of the
facilities where you get married and where the
reception will be held, and those in turn will dic-
tate the number of people you can invite. Keep in
mind that each additional guest means one more
seat at the wedding and one more meal at the
reception you'll have to provide. Don't stretch
yourself or your budget too thin by trying to have it
all.
Family matters
Make two lists - one of people the groom wants
to invite and one of people the bride wants to
invite. Typically, the bride and her family invite
half the guests, and the groom and his family invite
the other half. One family will almost always have
more members. If one family is particularly large,
find a way to pare down the list without offending
anyone. A good rule of thumb is not to invite any
extended family members with whom you have not
been in contact in several years.
Another way to make sure you're including
everyone you should is to involve your parents in
6
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