iS weddings ol

THE BRIDE of today knows what
she wants. Whether she walks
down a tong aisle in an anhque
Victorian gown, of is married ina
tailored suit of her favorite color,
she is planning her wedding at a
time when couples are expressing
who they are by the way in which
they choose to celebrate their mar-
riage.

The weddings of the ‘80s are
unique in that although there is a
trend toward the traditional, at the
same time there is a strong tenden-
cy to cast convention aside.

It is no longer unusual, for in-
stance. for a bride, being married
for the first time at the age of 35,
to opt for the large traditional cer-

emony and long white gown that
were once considered appropriate
onty fora much younger woman.

But today's bride often cames to
her mariage with many years of
education and career behind her. A
lot more savvy and sophisticated
than @ young bride of 21, her
tastes are more mature and her
direction more defined.

She may be an investment
banker, a doctor or head of her
own small business. But whatever
her career goals may be, they are
most likely as important a con-
sideration in the marriage as those
of her husband.

While it is an advantage to have
more defined goals before mar-

d, new

riage, so that both people have a
clearer sense of who they are and
what their needs may be, at the
same time, if means that there may
be a greater need for compromise.

If it is a two career marriage,
chores will need to be chared and
perhaps an extra cffort made to
spend quality time together despite
two often-hectic schedules.

[tis less and less tikely that the
bride of today will marry the boy
next door, or even a boy from the
same town, as was the norm in the
past. For, as the average age of
brides increases steadily, it is more
and more probable that she will
meet her husband at college or on
the job.

Gifts should fit a couple's needs

WHAT ARE the perfect gifts for
today’s brides and grooms? Many
people immediately think of china,
crystal and silver and, while these
are always welcome gifts, says
Bride’s magazine, the possibilities
have expanded to ‘‘anything the
couple might enjoy.”"

“Couples marrying now have
more defined ideas of what they
need for setting up a home,"* ex-
plains Barbara Tober of Bride’s.
In contrast to the average bride
and groom of the past, they're
older, or have been married be-
fore.

“They want the traditional
items, of course, but they also ap-
preciate gifts that are individual
and creative, a bit out of the ordi-
nary.’’

Bride’s has this advice for
anyone shopping for a wedding
present this season: Find out if the
couple has listed their preferences
with a wedding gift registry.

In addition to traditional gift
items, couples can register for fur-
niture, housewares, electronic
equipment, luggage, sporting
goods and speciality foods.

If they have a distinct ‘‘person-
ality,’’ one of these ideas might fit:

© Gourmets: Wine glasses, a

wine rack, a wine label scrapbook,
membership in a wine-of-the-
month club.

eTravellers: Luggage,
sunglasses, beach towels, passport
wallets, a travel alarm or iron.

*Social butterflies) An ap-
pointment book, an engraved per,
theatre or opera tickets, restaurant
gift certificates.

eSports fans: A stadium

blanket and thermos, scason foot-
ball tickets.

© Sailors: Floating barware,
deck chairs, a compass, an all-
weather radio, a picnic basket for
snacks.

¢ The couple setting up a home
office: Bookends, paperweights,
desk sets, a remote telephone, a
tape recorder,

1S — Wednesday, January 13, 1988 North Shore News

Chantilly Bridal

Boutique

Where Vancouver brides
shop with confidence.

Lovely assortment of gowns
sturting at B2O0.00
Rridesmaids, grad dresses,
hats, veils and sutin shoes.
We specialize in personal,
courteous and ¢ ffictent
service

STORE HOURS:
Monies, Wed. & Sat. 10-5
Thars. & Fri. 10-8
Sunday 12-4

986-2621

232 West Esplanade,

North Vancouver

Leave all the

details of your reception
to the experts in our
banquet department.

Ask about our complimentary
Honeymoon Package when
you have your reception at
The Lonsdale Quay Hotel.

Call us at 986-6111 to reserve
your Reception or Honeymoon Suite.

LONSDALE QUAY
~~ HOTEL

123 Carrie Cates Court
North Vancouver, B.C.

986-6111