Weddings: The Night Before

Remember years ago when the night before the big day of your wedding, both families would gather for the rehearsal and then a dinner afterwards? Those stuffy, sit-down dinners have become a thing of the past. In order to take the bridezilla out of the bride, how about doing something fun and different to alleviate the stress the night before? Some couples are opting for fun themes like backyard BBQ parties where everyone has to bring something to share from wine and beer to potato salad and baked beans. You can decorate the yard with red-and-white checked tablecloths and pretty lanterns and anti-mosquito candles. You can even give out favors like personalized ketchup and mustard bottles or "kiss the chef" aprons. If the weather is too cold for an outdoor party, how about an Asian-themed party in a Chinese, Japanese or Thai restaurant? You can make origami centerpieces or have fresh, fragrant lotus blossoms or candles for each table and give away personalized fortune cookies or disposable wedding cameras as favors so your guests can capture your most precious moments on camera for them to enjoy forever. What better give can you give your loved ones than memories?