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Show f diilcfcreji add a special touch By PATRICIA ROSENAU Copley News Service One of the most pleasant responsibilities of planning a wedding is selecting the members of the wedding party. Aside from choosing bridesmaids and ushers, the bride and groom also must decide whether to include children. Traditionally, the flower girl and ring bearer have represented a fruitful union and making them a part of the wedding can add a special touch, says Millie Martini, Bride's magazine associate editor. With the increase in second marriages, including any children from a previous marriage lets them know that they will be a part oi Mommy's or Daddy's new life Participating gives them a feeling of security in an awkward time. As with all members of th J x 1 Children can enhance weddings. Photo by Cory Adams. wedding party, the smallest ones require special fashions. Today, wedding attire runs the gamut from traditional and formal to contemporary con-temporary and informal. The young girl's outfit should coordinate with the bridesmaids' dresses, yet they need not be identical. Formal weddings require Slong dresses, but either short or long dresses will work at an informal in-formal wedding. Bette Adcock, vice president of design for Nanette, a leading children's wear manufacture, notes "it is important for children to wear lighter, pastel shades, for sophisticated colors are not flattering flat-tering to them." For example, pale pink is a good choice for most young girls and blends well with mauve or dusty rose. A small wreath of delicate flowers, a pair of gloves or lace tights are some accessories to complete the outfit. A suit or child-size tuxedo is perfect for any young boy participating par-ticipating in the festivities. .The style and color depend on the type of wedding and the season in which it will be held. For a winter wedding, wed-ding, a velvet or wool suit is proper. In spring, linen is suitable. The color should match or coordinate with the ushers' tuxedos. For more sophisticated, formal attire, a tuxedo would be charming. Keep in mind that having children take part in the wedding requires special care and planning. Certain steps can and should be followed to ensure that this joyous occasion is a pleasant experience. Remember, children have short attention spans and are easily bored. Make sure they are well rested the day of the wedding so they will be able to last through the ceremony. In order to alleviate some of their fear and bewilderment as they walk down the aisle, explain to them the meaning of getting married. In addition, have them practice their roles with the other attendants the day before the wedding. If they understand the significance of the ceremony and the importance of their part, they are more likely to participate with enthusiasm and pride. Make sure parents have made arrangements for the children after the ceremony is over. Once the service has been completed, the children will need someone to look after them. If the reception is being held in a hotel, parents may wish to take advantage of their in-house babysitter. Or, if their home is nearby, they may wish to run the children home and hire their regular sitter. If the children remain at the reception, be prepared to have alternate ways to keep them amused and happy. The older children can assist in decorating the couple's car, while the younger children can participate in the traditional throwing of rice. A special gift will let the children know their hard work was appreciated. ap-preciated. A portrait of the entire wedding party will serve as a lasting memento of the event. |
