This entry is the first in the "Hudson Valley Wedding Guru" blog. To start with, I'll add questions that I previously received from brides (et al) and the answers I sent them. I'll also try to respond to questions sent to me at judy@hudsonvalleyweddings.com. I can't promise how often I'll add posting.

The content of this blog will, in part, be driven by your questions, so I encourage you to E-mail me and I will make every effort to answer you in the blog. If you wish, I will omit your name so you can be anonymous. Just let me know to do so in your E-mail. Your question may be edited, or combined with another like it and, on occasion, I may direct you to more information in an article on HudsonvalleyWeddings.com. Please be patient while waiting for an answer and please check back often. I hope you will find the blog informative and will always appreciate your feedback.

Question:
Joyce asks, "My son has been married before and will be getting remarried to a girl who has never been married. My question is this: Should our son's new fiancee send out wedding invitations to his side of the family since it's his second wedding?"

Answer:
Dear Joyce,
The groom's side should certainly get invitations, but since it's his second marriage, it is appropriate for him to limit his invitations to his immediate family and close friends.

Question:
Joan asks, "We have a situation where the reception is being held in the church hall. We are using white grape juice and ginger ale punch. Both the Bride and Groom are underage (19 years old). The Pastor says we may not even toast the couple with punch because it denotes alcohol. Our belief is we will be wishing the best to and honoring the young couple and alcohol is not an issue.

Is there any precedent we can share with them to show that alcohol is not the important ingredient in a toast, but instead it's the message given. Surely alcoholic and medically restricted persons can toast as well as our youngsters. We need something to back us up. Any help you can give us would be greatly appreciated. Thank you."

Answer:
Dear Joan,
I certainly understand your wish to have a celebratory toast, a tradition that dates back hundreds of years. There are, however, minor children involved and setting an example for them is what's critical. Your pastor's objection is much like not allowing children to "smoke" candy cigarettes. The least important part of a toast is what's in the glasses. The most significant are the words that are said to honor the couple. Eliminate the punch toast and create new tradition. Hold a candle aloft to toast the couple with light. Recite the words of the toast to honor them. Or, look up the language that different flowers represent. We have an article in our Wedding Guide at http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/flowers.htm
Create a bouquet of flowers with special significance that you include in the toast and hand the bouquet to the couple.