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Show B2 - The Daily Utah Chronicle Tuesday, February 23, 1999 good or bad. Bad things happen in every wedding; it's unavoidable whenever flawed human beings try to take on something of this magnitude. While planning ahead only makes sense, no amount of advance preparation can work out all the bugs. At least we generally have the comfort of knowing the event itself could have gofie worse, because we've heard of those that did. Valentine's Day just passed, and, as usual, the holiday resulted in a number of marriage proposals. (We could discuss why it is exactly that it takes a national holiday to get some guys to propose, but that's a different issue. For now, let us be grateful that it exists to give some impetus to otherwise timid bachelors.) Therefore, the time seems as ripe as ever to put together some thoughts on the big event. Why did we create this special Chronicle wedding issue? To inform, to make you think...no, mostly just for fun. After all, weddings (and marriages) should be fun for those involved because hey, if they aren't, why bother? was looking through an issue of Newsweek when I came across an intriguing statistic: according to information from the Census Bureau, 95 percent of Americans will someday get married. Like most college students, I remain single, so this fact gave me hope. After all, five percent takes care of the nuns and priests, criminals imprisoned for life, the insane and those few people no one can stand to have around. There arc a few of us who arc unlucky (or is it lucky?) enough to stay single forever, but the rest of us will just have to go through with marriage someday. Marriage is one of the world's most enduring traditions, and while we all do it slightly differently, some common themes are nearly ubiquitous: the exchanging of gifts; the making of vows; the squabbling of parents and young children involved; the cake, real or metaphorical, on someone's face at the end of the evening. Just as we get married for better or for worse, our wedding experiences can be lot of good places to get about how to plan and a wedding. The library has shelves of books on the subject, as does every bookstore. Relatives and clergy members will be more than happy (sometimes way more than happy) to offer advice on what you should do. These old standbys should definitely be consulted. After all, they worked for generations of people. But we aren't our parent's generation, and this isn't your father's era. We Gen are just as likely to be surfing the Web in the library as we arc to be looking at dusty printed tomes. We are the information revolutionaries, so why rely solely on books or folks for wedding information if we can get it from our computers? That said, there is a certain problem with searching for things on the 'net. There is so much information, and it's all so disorganized, how is one to find all the best sources for your nuptial data? Several different search engines turned up some good and some bad in the realm of weddings. Following are the ten best we found (listed in no particular order): There are a www.ourmarriage.com One of the best on the Web, this site con- tains general advice and guidelines for all types of weddings. It is comprehensive, You attractive to look at and might be interested to know it's based in Provo, but don't let that frighten you away: advice is refreshingly well-organize- d. www.tetranet.netusersstolbertwed-dingwindex.htm- l Susan Tolbert, newlywed, gives advice on songs, Bible verses and wedding favors to give out at your wedding. Completely noncommercial; she's apparently just doing this as a public service. Christy Karras, Chronicle feature editor www. weddingbells.com The best thing about this site are the pictures; it's more loaded with them than your newsstand bridal magazine. You can browse through samples of designers' latest wedding-gow- n creations (do this with your friends and your intended and sec if they agree with what details" you like). There's also a "nitty-gritt- y section and a FAQ. bit. www.theknot.com For the most part, it's a wedding chat room. People address all sorts of issues, from what to do on your wedding night if you're a virgin to the best honeymoon resorts. You'll find lots of unusual themes you might not have even thought to look for, as well as a friendly atmosphere and links to other sites (honeymoon destinations are a forte). allaboutweddings.com Another comprehensive, site. These are surprisingly difficult to find, since many sites arc cither completely commercialized or specific to one geographic location or business. user-friend- ly www.hitched.co.uk This British site is less a serious source of information than a humorous look at weddings through the eyes of the groom. It includes jokes and thoughts on being a "bloke," and it will remind you of "Four Weddings and a Funeral" well, hopefully just the four weddings part. weddingpages.com This is one of several websites purporting to be your online resource for locating wedding services. Give it a shot, but don't expect miracles. Love in the age of technology means never having to crack a wedding book or magazine unless you really want to. engagement to friends and family and give everybody the details. This is for the growing segment of the population which apparently doesn't know how to use a phone or talk to others in person. Keep in mind that you could also find a friend who knows Web design and get that person to do this for you, or use software or free online services and do it yourself, saving the 10 bucks this service costs you. www.mbw-nv.comweddingpran- itheeweb.com e These guys will create your very own so you can use it to announce your web-pag- Subtitled "Creative pranks for the big day," this site demonstrates just how awfully scary a wedding website can be. It has to be seen to be believed. It does give plenty of tips for mischievous wedding planners (not the bride and groom themselves, though) on how to make that wedding...er, extra memorable. Not for the faint of heart, or those who wish to remain on friendly terms with s. www.ultimateshower.com Before the big day, it's likely you'll have to go through the ritual of the bridal shower. If you're throwing one, this will give you ideas; if you're the bride, slip this website address to your friends and relatives. Especially helpful for anyone stumped for shower theme ideas. I i Old Victorian Charm- - The Lion House the beautiful historic home of Brigham Young. The gracious Victorian atmosphere and grounds create the perfect setting for a memorable experience. We provide services for wedding breakfasts, bridal buffets, business luncheons and receptions. is Capacity and Accommodations- - We can accommodate from people for formal sit-do- 5 to 200 dining or 100 to 1,000 for reception settings. We provide the entire set-u- p and clean-uTables and linens, book and gift tables, water fountain and book pen are included and centerpieces can also be provided. p. Catering and Servers- - We provide all catering except for wedding cakes. We have a wide range of selections, plated or buffet, with food that is sure to please. We also provide the servers, and a hostess to attend to your every need. They are at you service to pamper you and your party. 63 East South Temple Salt Lake City, Utah 84111 Please N Bob never picks up a Chronicle... and it shows. wanted: STUDENTS AND FACULTY WITH BIZARRE, UNUSUAL JUST PLAIN OR INTERESTING HOBBIES AND JOBS. CONTACT CHRONICLE PHOTOGRAPHER KEITH JOHNSON AT OR 581-704- 1 KtlTHOHNSONOMSN.COMa GET IN call363-LIO- -- THECHRONY... GET SHOT! (RV A CAMMA) |
