William Innes Photography 323-639-3686

Treat your Guests
to a Candy Buffet
I was recently contacted by a mother of a bride I'm working with who was puzzled when her daughter mentioned that she'd like a "candy bar" at her wedding reception. Mom was thinking, "What - Snickers or Milky Ways instead of the traditional mints or Jordan almonds?"

I explained that she should picture a salad bar that one might see at a restaurant, but in place of the lettuce and veggies on display, the table would be loaded with different varieties of candy.

Candy buffets are one of the latest trends at wedding receptions or other parties where there will be a number of guests. They provide an activity and a party favor all in one. A fun aspect is that guests can select as much or as little of any of the candies offered, without hurting anyone's feelings if they choose to ignore something all together. (I personally boycott black licorice every time.)

The goodies are displayed in clear glass containers like old-fashioned apothecary jars or cylinder vases, each with its own scoop for collecting the treats. Cellophane or drawstring cloth bags are also on the table for guests to fill and take home. These can be personalized, or not; it's your choice. A nice touch is to label each container so that guests don't have any unfortunate surprises when they gobble a bunch of what they thought were cherry drops, only to discover they have a big mouthful of cinnamon red hots.

An important thing to remember is that you need to have someone supervising the table and restocking the containers as they start to empty. After all, you don't want the last guests to leave feeling like they've been short changed because all of the chocolate raisins are gone.

To carry out the decor for the wedding, candies can be provided in a limited number of colors to match the bridesmaid's dresses. Imagine 10 containers of varying heights and sizes, five with different kinds of pink candy and five with different kinds of red. Or five blacks and five whites. It's amazing how many different flavors of candy one can find that are all the same color. Of course there would be a lovely table cloth and perhaps a floral arrangement on the table as well. You want everybody to say, "Wow, look at that!" when they first walk in the room.
Alice Goetschel is a professional wedding coordinator; 270-9448

Mel & Company Photography 904-2092

"Get Pretty" Preparations
If you're paler than your white wedding gown, now's the time to add color without upping your risk for skin cancer. We're in love with Faking it Flawless's custom airbrush spray tan. This anything-but-orange tan is gorgeous, fades naturally and makes our skin feel yummy and smooth. Even better is the company's Tan Party discounts. Gather your bridesmaids and score a free tan for yourself (and discounts for them). The Faking It gals can bronze you up in your night-before hotel - or anywhere at all. And, if you prefer to tan solo, you can get the Faking It treatment at Garret Markenson Coiffure in Valencia (297-2900).
Faking it Flawless; 476-4922 www.fakingitflawless.com

The fit of your wedding gown is only as good as the garments you wear underneath it. For the best in nipping and tucking (without the scalpel), head to Naughty But Nice. Their bridal collection (and bras, and sensuous lingerie) is gorgeous, with a fabulous fit that will tempt you to wear yours with other ensembles, too. While you're there, pick up the perfect Wedding Night selection, and grab a bikini for the honeymoon, as well. You'll give "the ladies," and your confidence, a real lift!
Naughty But Nice; 222-2359

Do it for the Boy
Bachelor Parties that Please both Bride & Groom
Marriage counselors usually advise that a couple have at least one "big fight" before they commit to getting hitched. That must be why bachelor parties were invented.

While the ladies among us tend to spend their last nights as a single woman in the most wholesome of ways (We're guessing: knitting, reviewing table assignments, catching up on beauty sleep), their otherwise loyal gentleman may be tempted to perform less-than-wholesome tasks (We're guessing: it isn't pretty.).

William Innes Photography 323-639-3686

The discrepancy has lead to one too many rows over what's fair and tasteful. But we're not advising an end to the tradition of bachelor parties. No, what we seek is a revision. Here are two fine compromises that will please both bride and groom.

Poker Party with MVP Tournament Poker
Why she'll love it: A professional poker table rental, complete with a "racetrack" surrounding premium felt, seats up to nine players and a dealer (i.e. "enough room for Dad."). Plus, packages start at only $125 (i.e. "affordable enough for the best man to buy that waffle iron off the registry.").

Why he'll love it: Cigars and alcohol are to poker parties what nail polish is to a pedicure: down-right essential. A poker party has just enough "off limit" elements to feel debautcherous, but the only table dance happening at this shindig will be the poorly-choreographed move-busting that a groomsman performs when he lays down a full house.
MVP Tournament Poker; 313-4089 www.mvptournamentpoker.com

Day at the Shooting Range at Oak Tree Gun Club
Why she'll love it: Yes, Oak Tree has over 100 rental guns from which to choose, but they also boast exceptional (and exceptionally fun) training classes for beginners and experienced shooters alike. Plus, Oak Tree closes at 10 p.m., meaning that he won't look sleepless in $3,000 worth of wedding photos.

Why he'll love it: Oak Tree's bar and grill is the ideal spot for a bachelor party lunch or dinner, making this a one-stop party destination. A wide variety of exciting shooting options will keep everyone happy; trap, skeet, sporting clays, rifle ranges and more can be on the day's menu. Bonus: The groom gets to use his favorite John Wayne quotes throughout.
Oak Tree Gun Club; 259-7441 www.oaktreegunclub.com