18 - North Shore News - Sunday, March 5, 2000 a FASHION NEWS photo Pau! McGrath BRIDAL gowns by Hilda Fassas will be featured in a fashion show March 13 at Hollyburn Country Club as part of the Welcome Wagon Brida! Showcase. Weddings last longer Ceremonies expand to include family reunions WEDDINGS are becoming one of those rare moments in a family’s his- tory when its members will get together in one place at one time. Consequently, says Weddtngbells editor Crys Stewart, “there is a new trend amongst engaged couples to stretch their wedding festivities into celebrations that are several days long.” Although seemingly a new trend, lony-week- end weddings are not a new idea. In ancient times, the Greeks and Romans took wedding celebrations very seriously with village-wide par- ties that lasted for days. Medieval weddings involved a week of feasting and dancing. In America’s colonial times, it took so long to trav- eb to frontier towns that once everyone finally got together, the festivities would last a week or two. And today, several world religions celebrate a marriage with traditional activities that take place over several days before the actual wedding cer- emony and feast. Stewart suggests that couples planning a weekend wedding should keep their guest list in mind when choosing activities and try to include some alternative options so that everyone invit- ed will feel included. A modern-day take on the weekend wedding could kick off with a welcoming dinner at a friend's or relative’s home on Friday night. Saturday daytime activities can include charter- ing a boat and taking a scenic cruise with family and friends, a golfing excursion for adults or vis- iting the zoo for families with children. A Saturday evening wedding and reception may be followed by a farewell Sunday brunch at a favourite family restaurant. Rainy-day activities may include a matinee performance of a play. The B.C. edition Weddingbells magazine for spring/summer 2000 includes advice on helping out-of-town relatives, tips on honeymoon and holiday getaways and hints for making your home a welcoming place. Additional information is available at the Weddingbells Web site, . Bridal showcase coming BRIDES-TO-BE can shop for ideas at tie Welcome Wagon bridal showcase Monday, March lo at Hollyburn Country Club. The event, now in its ninth year, offers displays, information and advice from local businesses involved in wedding planning and presentation. Participants in this year's show include: West Van Florist, Mirror Image Photography, Barb McCallum of Mary Kay Cosmetics, Hot Hits Productions Ltd., Petals and Lace, True Confections, wed- ding coordinator Susan Des Laurier, Chuck Ratclitfe of Everything Kitchens, Deja View Video, Vignettes by Lais, Moulé, Ambleside Cleaners, the Balloonery and The Marriage Project. A highlight of the event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. is a show of bridal gowns by Hilda Fassas of North Vancouver. Through her home-based business Special Events Design, Fassas has been creating custom designs for weddings and other formal occasions for more than 23 years. Fassas has been a pre- senter with Welcome Wagon in North Vancouver for nine years. Admission to the event is free but guests are asked to first register by calling Val at 984- 0746 or Naureen at 988-0848, Sponsors will provide decor prizes and gift bags. -— Layne Christensen HEALTH PLANNING— Ir’s TIME TO HAVE YOuR SAY The Board of the North Shore Health Region, in conjunction with the Region’s volunteer Population Advisory Groups, invite you to attend an important public forum. Saturday, March 11, 2000 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Medical Day Centre Lions Gate Hospital 231 East i5th Street North Vancouver WHEN: WHERE: Guest SPEAKER: Mary Collins, Health Policy Consultant and former President/CEO of the B.C. Health Association. Forum participants will take a close look at some of the health issues facing our communities. You will also be asked for input on the future direction of health programs and services including: ¢ Child Health and Development # Quality Care and Service @ Volunteer Participation ¢ Partnerships to Improve Health « Community Based Alternatives for Seniors Lunch will be provided for participants. Childcare and transportation are also available.