| e American divorce rateholding steady at about | | | | with martini glasses, margarita glasses, champagne |
| 50%, it's a safe bet that a lot of today's and | | | | flutes, wine glasses, coasters, bar accessories and |
| tomorrow's brides are hopping on the | | | | premium liquors and wines. |
| marriage-go-round for the second or maybe even | | | | - Marriage is a Trip-Perfect for the pair that loves |
| third time. Statistics also show that the average | | | | to travel. Think "passport" invitations and travel |
| age of the first-time bride is around 27 or 28. | | | | poster decorations! Gifts? How about some |
| Many women are waiting even longer-until their | | | | matching luggage, for starters? They'll also need |
| 30's and 40's-to take their first plunge. Of course, | | | | matching luggage tags, personalized travel tote |
| these new dynamics have created a blip the bridal | | | | bags, travel toiletry cases and a portable CD |
| shower business. | | | | player. |
| Women in their late twenties, thirties, forties and | | | | - Holidaze-Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, New |
| beyond are usually established, with a houseful of | | | | Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, Halloween, Christmas! |
| furniture, appliances small and large, and all they | | | | Every holiday has its own special needs-serving |
| need to live their lives on a day-to-day basis. | | | | platters for Thanksgiving, ornaments and other |
| When these women marry, more often than not, | | | | decorations for Christmas, a red-white-and-blue |
| two households merge and purge. Fortunately, | | | | apron and tablecloth for the Fourth of July |
| registries help guests with wedding gifts, and they | | | | barbecue. And you can make the shower a |
| even help with bridal shower gifts. | | | | special, one-day holiday with personalized |
| Yes, first-time brides, no matter how old they | | | | decorations that feature photos of the happy |
| are, deserve a bridal shower. In a break with | | | | couple. |
| tradition, showers are now being given for the | | | | - Gourmet Soiree-The spread for a gourmet |
| second-time bride, especially if she eloped or didn't | | | | shower is just as important as the gifts. Serve |
| have one before her first wedding. | | | | exotic, tantalizing appetizers and dishes, and invite |
| So let's talk about bridal showers for older and | | | | the guests to bring gifts of gourmet food for the |
| "once again" brides. We'll pass on the lingerie | | | | bride. Aged steaks, lobster, imported chocolates, |
| shower, since these brides are probably way past | | | | nuts, coffee, cheeses, fruits, decadent desserts |
| the wowie-wow-wow wedding night. Here are five | | | | and cookbooks are just a few gift suggestions. |
| shower themes these brides might appreciate: | | | | And you'll be recognized as a host with |
| - Beginnin' With Linen-Not only can you never | | | | outstanding taste! |
| have enough linens, wouldn't it be nice for the | | | | This article was brought to you by |
| newlyweds to start their lives together with all | | | | MyWeddingFavors.com, an online retail company |
| fresh linen? Sounds like a pajama party! She'll love | | | | specializing in unique wedding favors, wedding |
| getting plush towel sets, satin sheets, elegant | | | | shower favors, bridesmaids' gifts, groomsmen |
| tablecloths and napkins, dishcloths, even blankets! | | | | gifts, and wedding accessories. We are also |
| - Raising the Bar-Entertaining is a whole new | | | | dedicated to providing informative articles on |
| ballgame for the happy couple. Make the shower | | | | weddings, wedding planning, marriage, marital |
| a wine and cheese tasting and stock their bar | | | | issues and other topics. |