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Modern Bachelor parties not what they used to be Long, long ago, bachelor parties were invented to raise a "fun fund" for the groom so he could carouse with his buddies even after his wife seized con- trol of the household money. Later, as the festivities became more civilized revellers would toast the bride, then shatter their champagne glasses so they could never be used for a less worthy purpose. In the '90s, this ritual signi- fying the end of bachelorhood is still going strong, but old traditions are meeting some new and creative twists, reports Bride's magazine. And many of today's bachelor par- ties seem to be "a walk on the mild side" when compared to the decadent all-nighters of the past. A few features of the attitude towards parties revealed by Bride's. Boys will be boys? While the bachelor party remains a rite passage("It's a chauvinis- tic, male-oriented evening" one man boosted to Bride's.), some find the parties. never quite live up to the hype. "They come across as such a wild, crazy time....personally, I don't get my thrills by hanging out with the boys watching strippers." It takes all kinds...of themes: These days, a bache- lor party could be a buffet din- ner with a fund-raising raffle (the proceeds go to the bride and groom, or to their favorite ~ Randall Kushnieryk P.O. Box 272 Schreiber 824-2725 charity), a private party at a billiard room, or a weekend trip to a ski resort. And the once-taboo guest - the bride and her friends - may be cor- dially invited to what is known as "Jack and Jill" parties. The best man for the job: the success of the event depends on the creativity of the best man, who traditionally organizes it-rounding up guest, making the reservations, plan- ning the entertainment. Usually he pays the deposit, then tells guest what they con- tribute. Smart tactics: The party should be held several days before the wedding (never the night before), so everyone has time to recover. And it's essential to provide safe trans--- portation (in case guest have one too many) by hiring limousines, designating drivers, or even renting a bus for the night like one Washington D.C groom did. As men mark the end of their bachelorhood in a more gentlemanly fashion, stereo- typical images of cigar-filled rooms, back-slapping, and dancing girls may soon fade. In the mean-time, more and more men are admitting their aversion to the totally deca- dent night out with the guys. As one man told Bride's, "I think the wedding is actually a lot more fun than the bachelor party. Temace Say LL . £8S-9600 Shaureckh Shears The continuing trend to larger and more traditional weddings means you'll want to dress the wedding party in lassy formal wear, of course. But it also means thinking of the fathers and grandfathers of the bride and groom as well as the other special guests. NC Trend to larger wedding parties helps transform the tuxedo (NC) -- The widespread return to tra- ditional values has inspired a compli- mentary resurgence in larger and more traditional weddings. The trend has had visible effects on the tuxedo, and on Canada's largest and most influential formal wear company, Classy. "Bigger weddings have placed greater demands and responsibilities on us," says Stephen Hecht, president of Classy Formal Wear, and one of the country's leading authorities on formal wear. "Compared to just a few years ago when there were only five men in the wedding party, the average wed- ding party today consists of up to seven and as many as 18 mien, including the ushers, the best man and the fathers and grandfathers of the bride and groom. "Larger wedding parties demand more attention to details, accessories and the overall 'look'. Couples want individuality and the latest styling. They want tuxedos for the wedding party and The Derfect Wedding Come in and see Lynda to order your flowers today! ptrawberry's 4 Floral Routique Lynda Velanoff (Owner/Manager) (807) 825-4545 P.O. Box 759, Simcoe Plaza, Terrace Bay, Ontario POT.2WO |. Ne family, of course, but also for the other special guests. "They tell us they come to Classy because they want to make their own statement. Don't forget, these young couples understand that their wedding is the most important day of their lives together. So they have very high stan- dards in terms of setting the highest fashion look and getting the best advice and service." In response to this increasing fash- ion-consciousness, tuxedos have changed with the times. The black single-breasted tuxedo is still a fa- vourite, but it's more refined, in a sleeker, updated style. Classy offers the most spectacular version in 100% wool from Yves Saint Laurent. But there's much more to today's tuxedo than basic black. Fabrics in- clude rich wool and wool blends or . Sumptuous silks and shades of grey, shadow-weaves, checks, herringbones and subtle geometric patterns. Trou- sers are fuller and pleated. And the accessories range from muted blacks and greys to bold pinks and blues as well as distinctive stripes, tapestries and paisley patterns. Faced with so many decisions and choices in preparing for a wedding, young couples naturally look for the formal wear specialist with the most experience. This year, Classy is cele- brating its 70th anniversary. This wealth of experience in thousands of wed- dings across Canada is an invaluable resource. Classy formal wear consult- ants can help to create a unified and attractive wedding party by matching the formal wear to the style of cere- mony and reception, and by advising on accessory colours to-complement the bridesmaids' dresses. Classy is Canada's only national formal wear company. PSOSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSD over who pays the bill It's traditional for the parents of the bride to cover the entire cost of a couples wedding. But, according to Bride's magazine, the situation is changing. For the first time, there's a definite trend toward the sharing of wedding expenses, says Bride's. The groom's family, as well as the bride and groom themselves, are taking on a chunk of the financial responsibility. One reason for this may be the changing attitudes toward the nature of marriage. In this era of liberation, a bride's parents are no longer considered to be "marrying off" their daughter. Rather, the wedding is seen as the joining of two people, and two families, with everyone contributing to the festivities. : always wanted. Manicures, "Glazed Jce" fibreglass nails g & silk wrapping Dawn's Hair Studio Simcoe Plaza 825-9694 >