38 The Courier SUN • bridal • january 23, 2014 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com Modern trends that are building new traditions October is the new June. More and more, weddings are taking place in the height of fall foliage, heart of winter and prime holiday season, including the everpopular s bridal New Year’s Eve ceremony to ring in the new year. But it’s not just the wedding season that has drastically evolved over the past decade, it’s everything from roles and responsibilities to gift-giving. As you gear up to celebrate the union of your beloved family or friends - or even your own - know what to expect from the changing tides of weddings. Lizzie Post, co-author of “Emily Post’s Etiquette, 18th edition” and great-greatgranddaughter of Emily Post, helps couples navigate the new traditions of weddings. The Post name has been synonymous with proper etiquette and manners for the past 80 years. As decades pass, so will traditions, but proper etiquette is timeless. Be prepared for the next wedding you attend and know what to expect from changes in the wedding landscape with these important pieces of advice: Pay it forward Finding the right gift for the newlyweds can be difficult. While registries help to point guests in the right direction, many couples are getting married later in life and already have all the household items that are common wedding gifts. To provide the couple with a small nest egg to use however they wish, a check is always a great and safe gift idea. Several financial institutions, like Bank of America, offer mobile check deposit through their banking app, allowing the couple the flexibility to deposit checks on-the-go to help cover outstanding vendor payments or use on their honeymoon. Another new-age trend is contributing to a couple’s honeymoon fund. Temper tech use Even weddings are going hi-tech. There are numerous websites available that can help the couple to organize the process, communicate Celebration with guests Courtesy BPT WEDDINGS and share photos after the ceremony. But a few things - like a handwritten “thank you” note - should steer clear of the hi-tech lure. In a gadget-driven society, everyone is carrying a smartphone. Couples can post a tasteful notice at the entrance of the ceremony location or in the program to remind guests to turn off their cell phone ringers and refrain from use during the ceremony. Some couples may actually encourage guests to take photos and share images via social media, but guests should respect their wishes and use phones only as a camera and upload images after the ceremony. Respect personalization Couples want their special day to reflect who they are and what is important to them. While previous generations traditionally wed in places of worship, many modern couples choose to tie the knot at a sentimental location, like where they had their first date. The decor, music and even the food and drink served at a wedding may have a personal story behind it. Be all-inclusive In the past, bridal showers were strictly for the bride and bachelor parties were a men-only affair. Nowadays, these festivities are no longer gender-specific. Showers can be thrown for the couple in unison and include creative themes like “stock the bar” or “time of day.” Bachelor and bachelorette parties can also be conjoined to involve the entire bridal party in a destination event. And while these events are a celebration of joy, expenses can add up quickly. As trends and expectations shift, so will the way major life milestones are celebrated. It is important to celebrate these moments in life with grace and support for the happy couple - after all, it’s their day - and it should be as unique as they are. For further etiquette advice on navigating 21st century weddings, visit www.emilypost.com. HOLIDAY PARTIES SEMINARS SHOWERS ENGAGE M EN T PAR T I E S 201 - 10 CROSS ISLAND PARKWAY BAYSIDE, NY 1 1360 (AT THE FORMER SITE OF CAFE ON THE GREEN) 718.352.2300 Vi v a ldiny . com RETIREMENT PARTIES CORPORATE FUNCTIONS BIRTHDAY PART I E S BAR & BAT MITZVAHS SWEET 16’s A PLACE FOR From an intimate group to a lavish banquet. Vivaldi's private ballroom can accommodate as many as 225 guests. Your guests will be awed with the most unique views of the Throgs Neck Bridge and the picturesque rolling hills of Clearview's Golf Course. These beautiful views are only visible from Vivaldi's exclusive private dining room. Our catered affairs have the same attention to detail and quality of ingredients as our restaurant. The menu selection reflflects the same sumptuous tastes and delicacies as our restaurant. You and your guests will experience the elegance and perfection that is Vivaldi.
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