Basics for Creating Your Wedding Registry

Here, The Basics On Making Your Wish List.

Somehow, before you got engaged, you managed to eat meals using whatever dinnerware you had—whether it matched or not. Now, it’s time for an upgrade—to register for china, crystal, flatware and all the beautiful items you will need. But discovering just how much is needed can be mind-boggling. Relax. We’re here to give you a leg up on your registry.

TABLEWARE

Depending on your preference, you should register for 8 to 12 five-piece place settings of your chosen china pattern. Each place setting includes a dinner plate, salad/dessert plate, bread-and-butter plate, cup and saucer.

Additional pieces you’ll want to order include two medium-size platters, assorted vegetable bowls, a gravy boat, a sugar bowl and creamer, and salt and pepper shakers.

If you’re thinking of registering for chargers or buffet plates, be sure your shelves are deep enough to accommodate them.

Even if you don’t have a lot of cabinet space, it’s still a good idea to register for tableware—just limit the number of place settings. You can add to your collection later. But do it now so you will have what you need to begin your lives together.

GLASSWARE

Register for more crystal stemware than your dinnerware, since you will use them more often.

Frequently used glassware include goblets, iced beverage glasses, double old-fashioned tumblers, Champagne flutes and all-purpose wine glasses.

FLATWARE

Register for the same quantity of place settings as your dinnerware. Each setting includes a salad/dessert fork, dinner fork, soup spoon, tea/dessert spoon and dinner knife.

You can choose from sterling silver or stainless steel. Ideally, register for two sets: formal and casual. When deciding, consider how the pieces feel in your hand and the care requirements.

Additional pieces of flatware to register for include a serving set, and several extra teaspoons and salad forks.

BEYOND THE BASICS

Electronics Got a yen for plasma TVs? Or, perhaps you need an extra computer, iPod, or phone.

Sports Tents, tennis gear, an at-home gym—why not start your marriage out on an active note?

Giftware From a classic crystal vase to sleek Swedish candlesticks, you can let guests accessorize every last corner of your new home.

Don't Forget There's even more! Linens for bed and bath, cookware, iron, smoke alarms, shower massager and a vacuum, too.

LUCKY 7

Keep in mind from Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton spokesman, Jorge Perez:

1. Register at no more than three establishments. More only causes confusion and is hard to manage.

2. Invite your groom to join you in the registry process. Give him a category that he might be interested in, like barware.

3. Register for enough gifts at various price points. This way everyone on your invited list will have a variety of gifts and price points to choose from.

4. Take advantage of the great convenience of on-line registry services. Check it often to make changes and additions.

5. Listen to your mother (at least a little bit!). Remember, she’s been through this and can offer some great advice.

6. After your wedding date, take advantage of all registry completion offers.

7. Register for brands that stand for quality and enduring style, like Waterford, a company noted for never discontinuing a stemware pattern.

 

Destination Weddings in the USA

Want a destination wedding but don't want to travel too far? Here are some beautiful locations for tying the knot away from home.

ARIZONA

WHAT’S TO LOVE A sunny Arizona steals the hearts of many engaged couples searching for a dreamy place to say “I do.” Some couples find a desert sunset especially dreamy, while incurable romantics are seduced by Southwestern ambiance. Phoenix and Scottsdale boast some of the best resorts on earth, which have been the sites for many legendary Hollywood weddings.
WHAT’S WEDDING WORTHY The newest luxury resort in Paradise Valley is the InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa (icmontelucia.com) featuring Old World charm and Spanish architecture, locally grown, globally inspired cuisine and a variety of elegant wedding venues. Castillo Lucena at Montelucia welcomes weddings with architecturally stunning details such as cathedral ceilings accented with exposed wood beams and hand-laid parquet floors. Bridal parties in Castillo Lucena are also provided access to Isabella’s Parlour, a private bridal suite complete with a flat screen television that broadcasts a live feed of the wedding venue as guests enter the room allowing the bride to can take in the moment while preparing to walk down the aisle. The resort offers a more intimate and secluded multi-purpose wedding venue, Camelback Villa and Wedding Suite and Lawn, including 2,800 square feet of living space and two private poolside cabanas. The two-bedroom villa is an idyllic locale to prepare for the big day with privacy and convenience, all within an enclosed, exclusive area of the resort. There is also an expansive Great Room designed for family and guests to congregate and celebrate after the event. Or opt for the 2,000 square feet of manicured lawn for the reception and has a breathtaking unobstructed view of Camelback Mountain….The legendary Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired Arizona Biltmore (arizonabiltmore.com), set on 39 beautifully manicured acres, has long been a top choice for weddings. And it’s easy to see why this is one of the Southwest’s most popular places to say “I do.” Venues range from the Grand Ballroom, to sublime outdoor sites and historic rooms that are architectural masterpieces such as the Aztec Room. Gorgeous outdoor venues include Squaw Peak Terrace, the Cottage Court and Paradise Garden. Every wedding is completely customized and the resort’s highly experienced wedding planning staff works closely with the bride and groom to personalize every detail of the event. Couples also have the newest option: Ocatilla at Arizona Biltmore, an exclusive 120-room wing offering luxurious club accommodations and the resort’s most enhanced guest services—a boutique hotel within the resort featuring club accommodations, a private pool and special complimentary amenities.
SPECIAL TOUCHES Baseball fans have a field day when spring training takes over the Greater Phoenix area, with numerous locations to take in a major league game. And, no visit to the area would be complete without a trip into the Sonoran desert. For a wonderful afternoon, contact Old West Trails Tours (jeepingarizona.com) and ask for Lenny Dee—the best guide around. —Clint Brownfield

FLORIDA

WHAT’S TO LOVE Orlando is the epicenter of fun and excitement with family-oriented Walt Disney World (waltdisneyworld.com), being its top draw for visitors. About the size of San Francisco, Walt Disney World Resorts boasts more than 20 hotels to meet every couples budget and style. From the wildlife driven Animal Kingdom Resort to the Martha’s Vineyard themed Yacht Club, there’s something for everyone.
WHAT’S WEDDING WORTHY There’s a reason why more than 30,000 couples have had their dream wedding at the place that’s known for bringing fantasy alive. Luxurious and exotic, the Disney wedding team will assist in planning your wedding and reception with ease. From the affordable Escape Collection for couples who prefer small and intimate (and want the option of adding on a honeymoon) to the more grand Couture Wedding Collection by David Tutera, any Disney Wedding will be high on style and low on stress. Consider the Wishes Collection if your vision has already been mapped out. Among the amenities, are great spas and restaurants. Pamper yourself and wedding party with a Citrus Zest Sugar Scrub at the Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club while the groom enjoys a relaxing round of golf as you anticipate what will surely be a magical day. Also, there are numerous ways to make your grand entrance. Arrive at the ceremony in a horse-drawn Landau coach or classic vintage Ford. A ceremony at the Wedding Pavillion means a view of Cinderella’s Castle as you walk down the aisle.
SPECIAL TOUCHES Whether you want Swarovski crystals incorporated on your cake or a three layer confection of lemon, red velvet and chocolate, the pastry kitchen will create a design to your heart’s desire. Disney brides have been known to shed tears of happiness at the sight of their final product. —Baria Bailey

CALIFORNIA

WHAT’S TO LOVE Palm Springs’ majestic outdoors and sophisticated desert lifestyle blend seamlessly into one another so well, the whole resort town feels likes its been designed from scratch. Nestled under 10,000-foot snow-capped peaks, this fabled hideaway of Hollywood stars retains its grandeur with millions of dollars worth of recent renovations to its legendary hotels, as well as ongoing preservation of its ‘50s mid-century modern architecture. With nearby draws like the nearly 800,000-acre Joshua Tree National Park, you couldn’t ask for a more perfectly mystical yet refined spot to spend your honeymoon.
WHAT’S WEDDING WORTHY The 406-room Riviera Resort & Spa (psriviera.com) is famous as the hangout of Sinatra and the Rat Pack in the ‘50s and ‘60s. At one time its cabaret hosted performances by Elvis and Bob Hope, and the whole place was fashioned after major Vegas hotels of the era. In October of 2008, the Riviera reopened with a stellar $70 million renovation that reinstated a lot of the vintage colors, wallpaper, and moldings of the original hotel, wrapped in a swanky 21st Century neo-retro vibe. There are glittering mosaics of ‘60s celebrities made out of Guatemalan pennies, a lobby bar with a 30-foot video wall, and an 18-room, 11,000-square-foot Asian-inspired indoor spa with Watsu pool treatments. Moreover, the property hosts over 10,000 square feet of outdoor lawn space with dramatic mountain backdrops, making for the perfect wedding setting. A magical oval-shaped 19,670-square-foot Grand Ballroom, decked out with sparkling crystal chandeliers, creates the perfectly elegant fairytale-like reception you'll always remember.
SPECIAL TOUCHES On the blocks between the Riviera and downtown Palm Springs lies the burgeoning uptown design district, which celebrates the town’s mid-century modernist roots with hip and eclectic boutiques and galleries. You can spend days in the design shops which sell everything from minimalist leather couches and shag rugs to vintage light fixtures and consignment clothing. —Matthew Link

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Facts on Facials for Brides-to-be

A primer on the most effective skin solutions—whether you want to fade sun spots or just crave a little R&R. By Patricia Canole


 Countdown to your wedding day: It's a month away and you want picture-perfect, glowing skin. Possible? Yes, indeed, with a facial. When it comes to facials most women think of cleansing and massage. Today, facials are not just about relaxation but about visible results. And with a battery of options—like peels to smooth out scars or fillers to plump up fine lines—it's crucial to choose the right one for your complexion.

LOCATION, LOCATION

Are you looking for the professional attention of a doctor or hours of pampering at a spa—or something in between?

Doctor's Office: For a woman who wants a medical professional to look at her skin and expects no-nonsense results. A dermatologist won't mistake a small mole for a blackhead and is less likely to scar skin during procedures.

Medi-Spa: This experience blends doctor consultation services with traditional spa comforts. Increasingly popular, these centers use aestheticians to give treatments, but a doctor is usually on staff to supervise chemical peels and other procedures.

Traditional Day Spa: The ultimate in pampering. Day spas are still the most popular places to go for facial appointments; their treatments, ranging from aromatherapy to mild collagen stimulation, are big on extras but offer more modest results.

POPULAR FACIALS

Oxygen: A cool mist of pure oxygen is sprayed on the entire face, with extra focus given to parched fine lines and wrinkles. The oxygen hydrates the skin making it look temporarily more dewy. It's particularly recommended for anyone with dry skin, smokers, or frequent fliers. Fans of the treatment say oxygen blasts give them a rosy glow. And many contain a cocktail of vitamins and nutrients that can temporarily plump up fine lines.

Steam/Extraction: A soothing, hydrating mask is usually applied to the face, then warm water (sometimes infused with essential oils) is misted over the mask. The mask shields the face from moist heat. Steam opens the pores and loosens dirt trapped inside. That makes the extractions that follow easier to bear and helps oil-absorbing masks penetrate the skin deeply. After the steaming, skin softens and is more elastic.

Chemical Peel: Pads soaked in acid (typically glycolic, lactic or salicylic) are wiped on the face to exfoliate dull, dead cells from the surface of your skin. Glycolics can stimulate collagen production to smooth fine lines; lactic acids can correct hyperpigmentation (brown spots); and salicylic acids prevent breakouts by cleaning out pores. Peels leave your face smooth and glowing.

Microdermabrasion: Skin is sprayed with small crystal particles that mechanically polish the top layer (like a sandblaster), while a gentle vacuum sucks away dead cells and debris. Pores appear smaller, freckles look lighter, and fine lines are less noticeable. The procedure is more intense than a scrub because it gets into every pore.

Writing Thank You Notes in No Time!

There’s no doubt you are thankful for all of the wonderful gifts you and your husband have received. However, you probably are not thrilled at the idea of writing all of those necessary (they are!) thank-you notes. To keep your mind focused and your pen moving, here are some tips that will get those notes written while keeping your stress level down.

UPON ARRIVAL

When gifts start to arrive make sure you record a description of the present, the gift giver’s name and address as well as the date your present was received. This will help to avoid any confusion about who sent what. If a note arrived with the gift keep those too; it may help you to recall the intended meaning of the present which you can reflect on later in your thank-you note.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Set aside a specific time for writing thank-you notes. By doing so, you won’t be tempted to push it aside because you have “better” things to do. An excellent suggestion is to have a box filled with necessary supplies—cards, envelopes, black pen, and stamps—readily available which will keep your mind focused on the task. For a shower or engagement party send thank-you notes within ten days. Early wedding gifts should be acknowledged immediately, and gifts given at the wedding should be acknowledged soon after the honeymoon.

Subsequently, with all the events surrounding a wedding—engagement party, bridal showers, as well as wedding—you probably have received multiple gifts from the same person. So, be sure to send a separate thank-you note for each gift to that person. Don’t forget those who hosted showers and parties in your honor. If you had a family member make a toast, serve as an attendant, or travel a long distance, a kind thank you will always be appreciated.

YOUR STATIONERY

When writing thank-you notes for engagement and shower gifts, less formal note cards may be used. However, wedding note cards require more formal stationery in either white or ivory. If you choose note cards embossed with your name or initials, use your maiden name on any pre-wedding thank-you notes. Stationery that includes your married name, should not be used until after the wedding. 

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