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Show bridal MONDAY • APRIL 9 • 2007 C5 I do or I don't do: traditions to consider AmyThaut Guest Writer S pring is nearly here, and sounds of wedding bells are in the air. If you're hearing them, your wedding date is probably fast approaching and you're buckling under various points of pressure, auditory hallucinations resulting. My fiance and I, we have little to no stress previous to our date, excepting the inescapable wedding jitters. Most couples beat themselves over the head with tradition, while after some research and deliberation, we've decided to subvert. For the reader's benefit, here are a few brief explanations and histories of the traditions we hold so dear (and pay so dearly for). As a side note and preview to my and myfiance"s subverting, there will be no wedding cake at our reception, thereby preventing aforementioned last hurrah. Best Man Cukes I I White n Britain, wedding cakes were made of fruit and nuts and were to symbolize and encourage fertility. Past customs in different European regions included throwing small cakes over the bride (like throwing confetti), crumbling cake on to the bride's head or even breaking a cake over her head. Today, wedding cake in the face is viewed as more of a last hurrah of bachelor behavior . , . and oral contraceptives are taken to discourage fertility. T he wearing of white is a tradition begun in the U.K. by the rich in the 16th century. Queen Victoria is thought to have perpetuated the trend into modern days by her decision to wear white instead of the traditional royal silver gown. Before white was the word, a bride simply wore her best dress, in most any color. Wearing green was to be avoided, however, as green stains were viewed as tell-tale signs of promiscuity having been left from a recent romp in the grass. T o the Romans, brides were thought to be vulnerable to evil spirits. Veils were worn to hide the bride and trick the spiritsbridesmaids were similarily brought on as decoy, dressing in fancy apparel to confuse the spirits as to who was the real bride. Unfortunately, there is no accounting for the tradition of making bridesmaids wear tacky taffeta gowns; and despite their soul-saving value, veils are still considered by most to be ridiculously overpriced. n old Anglo-Saxon tradition, the best man was more accurately the best swordsman who protected the groom on their mission to steal a bride-marriage by abduction is still found practiced in a few traditional cultures in countries spanning Central Asia, the Caucasus region, parts of Africa and among the Hmong in southcast Asia. Carrying the bride across the threshold of a new home is thought to be reminiscent of bride kidnapping. In Utah Valley, the best man is a role given to an old mission companion to keep him leashed to the receiving line and away from -underaged sisters. EDDING ADVICE "If you're going to fight, fight naked." Luke Hickman, Life Editor, wife Kristen "Communicate when you are happy as well as super angry, and appreciate the differences you and your partner have." —Hiro and Rachel Takahashi, bothjuniorsi "Always be able to laugh. As poor and stressed out as you get, be able to joke with one another." —Porter Plant, opinions writer "Every time you think of something your partner does that bugs you, stop and think of five things positive about them, and suddenly the thing that bugs you isn't such a big deal." —Julia Newbry, senior Courtesy photo/sxc.hu Pick the dress that flatters your body type. "To the engaged: Discuss everything you can think of. If you are embarrassed to talk about something, you shouldn't be getting married." —Jason Adkins 1 sports writer "Love your spouse the j p they want to be loved, not the way you'd like to be loved." —Jason PylesJ assistant life edltoi Choosing the perfect gown Heather Brown News Writer To quote Steve Martin in The Father of the Bride, "I used to think a wedding was a simple affair. Boy and girl meet. He buys a ring, she buys a dress, they say 'I do'." But as most brides would attest, choosing the right dress can be one of the hardest decisions she makes. Some girls have had their wedding gowns picked out from the time they were small, playing dress-up in their mother's closet. Others have no idea what they want, and as the day of their wedding draws near they are in a panic trying to find the dress that is perfect for their special day. It becomes a time of tears spent frantically searching bridal shops and magazines. Styles of wedding gowns are as diverse as the women who are shopping for them. The bride-to-be must ask herself important questions before going to bridal shops. First the bride should be aware of the price she is willing or able to pay for her gown. She must also know if she wants designer, vintage or one of a kind. The answer to these questions will guide her to the right kind of shop. When the time comes to finally go to a bridal salon, the bride-to-be should bring along a friend or family member (or two or three) that know her style and can be honest about how she looks in any particular gown. Good things to look for in a bridal salon are in house alterations, flexible return policies and a good reputation. There are several trends to be on the lookout for in 2007. Geometric shapes, such as asymmetrical necklines and bias-cut skirts are a favorite update on a traditional gown. Strapless gowns continue to be a favorite. Cap sleeves with square necklines flatter many figures and are always in style. No matter what gown a bride decides upon, her groom will think she is beautiful. Remember, this is a special day so take a deep breath and enjoy! |