Modern Weddings
FAMILY FEATURES In recent years, wedding traditions have changed dramatically, and the bride and groom aren't the only ones affected. People postponing marriage until later in life and more couples living together before tying the knot are just a few of the recent social changes impacting

today's weddings. Gift-giving trends and pre-wedding rituals, like showers and bachelorette

parties, have also become more sophisticated and complex.

One could say that modern wedding celebrations are more reflective of reality. As one card from American Greetings points out, today's couples have a bond that transcends any ceremony. The front of the card, adorned in Tiffany blue simply reads, "Cherish," in silver. The inside greeting reads, "Congratulations on your for ever friendship and your promise of love."

Celebrating a marriage today is similar to making any relationship work. It requires understanding, thoughtfulness and patience. Gift giving for any wedding Finding the perfect wedding gift has never been more difficult. With the need for the traditional "starter" gifts mini mized to some extent by many couples choosing to live together before they marry, and a desire to choose something that really represents the couple, is there even such a thing as the "perfect wedding gift" anymore?

"The key to finding the perfect gift is to try and match the couple's taste, and to celebrate what makes the relationship special," said Angela Thompson Every - day Cards Product Manager for Target at American Greetings. "In design ing cards, wrap and accessories for wed - dings, we strive to create products that are appro priate for a wide range of brides, grooms and their guests."

Thompson offers the following gifting

tips:

Let them know who

it is from - Be sure to add a little bit of yourself to the gift.

Give them a scrap -

book with photos and keep sakes that reflect times that

you have spent

together.

Celebrate their

relationship - A gift that comes from the heart will mean a great deal to them, so take some time to really think about the couple when selecting a gift.

A gift certificate for an experience

that they can enjoy together is a terrific idea. With health on the top of everyone's mind, many couples

might enjoy a gift certificate for

yoga or a cooking class.

In addition to being more health

conscious, many couples today are more socially aware. A gift in the couple's name to a charity that

means something to them is a won -

derfully thoughtful gesture.

Have some fun - In the end, you

want the couple to enjoy your gift, so take some time to enjoy the process of selecting one.

Instead of getting them an item for

their kitchen, create a basket of spices, fun cooking utensils and a homemade recipe book. They will

have as much fun using everything

as you did picking it all out.

Pair a gift with a gift certificate

to show thoughtfulness, and flexi - bil ity. Pick out a frame that would go with their décor and give them a gift certificate from their photog - rapher for a favorite print to include.

Celebrating the bachelorette party

While friends and family have been influenced by changes in today's weddings, no group has seen more challenges than the bridesmaids. Celebrating established relationships and more independent brides is a difficult task. To assist these loyal friends, here are a few sugges tions for bachel - orette party themes:

Friends and family The traditional bachelorette party doesn't have to be so ... traditional. One of the key elements of any good bachel or ette party is the location, so choose a spot that everyone will appreciate.

An area such as an outdoor shopping center will allow everyone to come together for a manicure or spa treat - ment, go off on their own to shop and then reunite for a casual group dinner.

Anight on the town For those who like to celebrate, a night on the town or a wine tasting at a local winery is a perfect option. Another activity that can include everyone is a progressive dinner. You start out at a trendy location for drinks and appeti zers, move to a favorite restaurant for dinner and end at a fun little spot to enjoy dessert.

No matter what option you choose, be sure that there is no evidence left behind the next day. One American Greetings card, perfect for any bachelorette party guest of honor, is a reminder of this lesson. The card features a pink color scheme and a camera on the front and reads, "A night to remember," the inside greeting continues, "and the pictures to prove it." How to make your gift the second best dressed thing at the wedding

With many people today waiting longer before they marry, weddings have begun to reflect more matured styles. To keep up with these fashionable weddings, guests are striving to impress with the presentation of their gifts.

Thompson says to be creative in pre - senting your gift, and if you are having trouble coming up with ideas, let the gift itself act as your inspiration: Consider non-traditional color combinations Since every bride has her own style and taste in color, guests shouldn't feel limited by the traditional wedding palettes. "Brides take a great deal of time in coordi- nating the colors or tone of their weddings," said Thompson. "The colors in a wedding reflect the bride and groom's personality, so match ing your gift wrap and accessories to their color scheme will ensure a presen tation more aligned with their tastes and styles."

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize Weddings are a fun occasion and the gifts should reflect that. One easy way to accentuate any gift is to embellish it with a thoughtful or fun accessory. "Accessorizing your gift can add a little personality, which is perfectly in line with modern wedding trends," said Thompson.

One easy suggestion is to add a sim ple yet elegant fabric flower as a beauti fully unexpected "bow" for the top of your gift

Think outside of the box ... literally While gorgeous paper and accessories are always fashionable, a new trend in gifting is for more personalized presen- tations that reflect the gift-giver, the couple or the ceremony.

"Weddings today are very personal ized and guests are also getting into the spirit," said Thompson. She suggests using the gift itself as part of the pre sentation to show off your own style.

"You can actually use the gift as a centerpiece or container to create a look that really stands out. For example, if you purchase a magazine rack, use it to hold the rest of your presents, such as a cozy blanket or other items for the couple's living room. This will make your prepara tion much simpler and the result more beautiful."