It's Time to Shine

Taken from the Morning Journal, November 14, 2010

     When you're consumed with all the obvious aspects of wedding planning such as food and flowers, it's easy to forget about components like lighting that are seemingly behind-the-scenes. But most wedding professionals agree that how you illuminate your event is actually a key decor detail.
     If you're still in the dark about this essential wedding element, these expert tips will help you see the light.

Why you need it
     According to Karen Bussen, author of the "Simple Stunning Weddings" book series, good lighting is the most important part of creating the proper mood for a space.
     "You can spend a fortune on flowers and tabletop details, but if the room is too dark, you won't be able to see any of it," says Bussen. "And if the lighting is dreary or, on the other hand, too bright, the party simply won't feet festive."

What you need
      If your ceremony will take place in an interior space such as a ballroom, consider using small uplights in the area where you say your vows. They add extra emphasis to the moment and can enhance your photos, says Bussen.
     At the reception, the most important area to light is the band and the dance floor so that guests will feel inspired to get down. But instead of using moving lights or disco effects that can distract, Bussen recommends going with colored lights in soft hues that match your wedding palette. If you opted for a buffet, it's also imperative that the service tables have acceptable lighting so that guests can see what they are eating. The next priority is your dinner tables. Candles will help provide light from underneath and around, but generally they aren't sufficient to show all the intricacies of a fabulous centerpiece. Consider using pin-spots that project downward to highlight the center of a table, allowing your floral arrangements to really shine.
     Bussen also advises lighting the perimeter of the space to accent any architectural details, such as a gorgeous ceiling, woodwork or a fireplace.
     Be sure to visit your venue at least once during the hours when your celebration will occur so that you fully understand what you're working with, adds Bussen. Ask the manager if the various in-house lighting elements can be dimmed and if they are on separate switches for easy individual adjustment.

Get creative
     Lighting can be used to draw attention to favorable aspects of a space, and to hide the less appealing parts, says Anja Winikka, senior editor of TheKnot.com. For instance, if you love the Gothic columns in a room, lighting them from the base will turn them into showstoppers. Hate the floral pattern on the carpet? Project a pattern on the ceiling to draw eyes upward. Gobos are essentially glass or metal "stencils" that are attached to a light projector to produce images. Cast soft vines or branches on the walls and ceiling for an organic effect, suggest Bussen, or cover your dance floor in geometric patterns for a modern look.
     You also can create beautiful atmospheric transformations during an event by using color washes, Winikka says. "Cool blues and purples set a soothing, sophisticated vibe, while intense ambers and reds let guests know it's time to party."

The cost
     The price for bringing in additional lighting can vary from a couple hundred dollars for a few simple effects to tens of thousands of dollars for a complex installation in multiple spaces, so make sure to get comparative quotes from at least two pros, advises Bussen.
     "But", says Winikka, "If your space isn't up to snuff, we promise it's totally worth the expense."

Caring for Dinnerware

     You and your groom picked out the dinnerware and crystal you wanted. Family and friends used your gift registry choices and now you have beautiful china and crystal from those dear to you. don't be afraid to use it and enjoy it.
     Don't put it away and use it only for "special occasions", fearing that it will be scratched or chipped or broken if used too often. With proper use and gentle care, you can use and enjoy these lovely things frequently. here are some care tips for your china dinnerware.
     it is fine to put china in a dishwasher. Just remember not to stack pieces too closely together so that they don't bump and jostle and chip.
     if you choose to hand wash your china, put a rubber mat in the bottom of the sink to guard against breakage.
     use proper cooking and storage items for food - not your china. Temperature extremes in ovens and refrigerators may cause it to crack.
     Wherever possible, hang the cups on plastic coated hooks rather than stacking them.
     Your crystal deserves special care.
     Do not put it in the dishwasher because the detergent may react with the lead content of the crystal and give it a bluish cast.
     Experts recommend that you wash crystal by hand using mild, non-lemon dish soap.
     Clean etched patterns with a soft brush and plan to add a drop of ammonia to the rinse water for added sparkle. Be sure to rinse it off.
     Stand glasses straight up in a safe place.
     With a little care, you'll enjoy both your china and crystal for many years to come.

Entertaining Tips

     You're married! You received new dinnerware. You are planning your fist dinner party. Here are some tips for the big event.
     How many people to invite? A dinner party for six or eight is ideal. A successful party depends on the right combination of people so think about personalities and individual interests before you invite the potential guests.
     Choose the right table covering to complement your dinner plans. Formal entertaining still calls for a linen tablecloth with matching napkins. Informal entertaining lends itself to colorful cloths with either matching or contrasting napkins. Many hostesses choose to use place mats - either alone or layers.
     Adding a special centerpiece can reflect your personal style. Just remember that:

• A centerpiece should never block a guest's view.
• The size and shape should be in proportion to the size of the table.
• flowers should not be so fragrant that they overpower the food.

Using candles at the table adds a romantic touch to the dinner. Here are some expert tips on candle use.

• Ivory candles are the preferred choice for a classic table setting.
• If you keep your candles in the refrigerator they will burn evenly and slowly.
• All candles should be displayed with charred wicks and should be placed at least two or three inches apart to prevent melting into each other.
• If you forgot to extinguish the candles and some of the wax melted onto the tablecloth, you can remove the wax from a washable cloth by scraping off the excess wax and running boiling water through the fabric.

Following these tips for the first dinner party should help insure that you'll feel more comfortable in your role as hostess and will be happy and eager to repeat the lovely evening you provided for your guests.