Taking Care of Loved Ones


The Big Day is getting close. You've gone through your checklist many times: gown, shoes, food, wine , flowers, cake, invitations, etc. Because you really want that day to be perfect.

And because you want your family-like the grandmother who lives far away-to be present and cared for on your special day, there are some things you might want to consider if you are having your reception in the United States.

These include:
Airline Reservations: Some airlines give discounts on reservations made ahead of time or offer senior discounts for people over 60 or 65.

Visas: If your loved ones are not American citizens, they may need a visa, depending on where your reception is and how long they are planning to stay. Check with your consulate or embassy to get the rules right.

Presents: Of course your loved ones will bring you beautiful gifts. Just recommend that they do not bring them wrapped because they have to go through customs.

Hotel Reservations: If you are having your reception at a hotel, make reservations for them at the same place. You will probably receive a discount on the rooms and be assured, as well, that your guests won't get lost. If they're coming to San Diego, give them a copy of San Diego This Week, with maps and important, timely information.

Beauty Salon: More than one person will need the services of a salon. They want to be beautiful (and handsome) for your wedding. If they are from out of town, they will definitely appreciate a recommendation from you. Print them out a list of your favorites.

Professional Dry Cleaners: Most hotels can provide the service, but just in case...have someone who's good and reliable, if you need to make a recommendation.

Transportation: Here you have some options. Find a good car rental place if your people are planning to stay in town for several days. Some transportation companies will have a variety of vehicles, like vans, limos, handicap accessible, etc. And they will provide service on both sides of the border.

Your wedding day is one that you will remember as long as you live. Make sure your memories are not of your grandmother waiting alone at the airport on the other side of the border for some one to bring her to you. Instead, picture the joy in her eyes, when, alighting from the plane she is met, brought immediately to you, and sees you, the bride, in all your radiance. Your thoughtfulness in making the arrangements we discussed above will mirror the love you feel at this special time.

VALUE VS COST
by Beatriz Ledezma Martiñez

The day my sister announced her engagement, my father began to worry about how much her wedding was going to cost. For the next six months of planning, any conversation around the house about wedding details contained the phrase, "how much will it cost?" My father really didn't understand the difference between doing a reception at our house or renting a reception site. To him it was all the same: the bottom line.

And hire a professional disc jockey when my cousin Luis plays such nice music in my aunt's garage?

I can honestly say that my sister's wedding was a disaster. More than one high heel was ruined on the grass and my cousin played only hard rock the entire reception. However, my father got his wish: a low-cost wedding.

A Lesson Learned
This same scenario was definitely not repeated when my other sister got married. My mother told my father that she, at least, had learned the lesson. That lesson is: do not equate low cost with true value.

What is Value
When we think about value, we think about that special thing that will remain in your memory forever. For the second wedding in our family, my mother and sister agreed on doing the reception in a hotel which had a great catering service and even provided the services of a wedding planner. This "fairy lady," as my mother called her, came in with great ideas, working within my sister's desires and my parents' budget. She did a great job.

The End Result: Perfection
I remember very clearly my second sister's wedding day. My mother was relaxed enough to go to the hairdresser. She looked great, did not have to worry about the food and the flowers.What I remembered the most was the beautiful music that was played all night.

The memory of that wedding the entire family has now is not the cost of the wedding but the great event that it was and how happy my sister was.

And by the way, both weddings cost the same. Just the value was different.