ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, January 21, 1996 TAG: 9601230021
SECTION: YOUR WEDDING PAGE: YW-12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SARAH COX
The times, they are a-changing, or so the song goes, but brides still register, still plan and hope, and still need the basics. Just what those basics are may be a bit different, but we've still got to eat, so why not in style?
Jane Weiner, manager of Fink's Jeweler's at Towers Mall, said a bride-to-be should come prepared when she registers for china, crystal and flatware. Prospective brides need time to look around, explore their tastes and talk to their fiancees. They also need to realize what their requirements will be.
Some brides, said Weiner, are fortunate enough to inherit silver flatware. But those that don't and opt not to register for silver can choose from of a growing variety of stainless steel designs, which Weiner said they sell more of than silver or silverplate.
Weiner also suggests picking out the china pattern first, and being aware of cost factors. Some manufacturers' china and crystal will never go on sale, or cannot be discounted; the bridal registrar should inform you of that. Also, be aware of the expense of gold or platinum borders on china. Weiner explained that in addition to gold and platinum, another cost factor is the number of times a piece of chine is fired, depending on the kind and number of colors in the pattern. Weiner said cobalt blue and platinum seem to be very popular right now.
When pairing up crystal and china, she said a nice way to see if your patterns are complimentary is to look at the bowl of the goblet - does it match the flow of your cup and saucer? Also, do you like the feel of it in your hands? Take into consideration the cut of the crystal and the complexity or simplicity of your china and flatware.
"We encourage girls to take a place setting home - it looks so different in your dining room,'' said Weiner. While English patterns are whimsical and sweet, French china is often dramatic, she said. And men, she said, often like the heft and feel of Waterford crystal. She added that Waterford has some lovely, very simple patterns now that go with just about any china pattern.
And, she added, make sure when you register that you ask the business to notify you if your pattern is being discontinued. That way, you have the opportunity to complete your set.
Weiner said in registering or buying china, try to complete your dinner plate set first - as many as 12 - then cups and saucers, then salad plates.
In addition to the basic china pattern, Weiner said many brides also register for a holiday pattern - the top-selling holiday pattern in the United States is Christmas Lenox, which is cream and gold with a holly border. One bride, said Weiner, registered for cream china, with accent salad plates in both a regular and a holiday pattern.
All this, said Weiner, makes sense. The tabletop business has increased; people are interested in entertaining once again.
Diane Foley, bridal registrar at Leggett's, agrees. She said most brides register for china, crystal and stainless flatware. Some already know exactly what they want when they come into the store. Others don't need the basics, since they're getting married a little later and have already had their own homes.
Leggett's helps out with a check list that includes cookware, linens and towels, gift accessories, lingerie, and a miscellaneous items category "that catches whatever we've missed,'' she said.
In addition to china, Foley said most brides register for everyday stoneware dishes that are dishwasher safe, microwavable and oven proof. She said even Wedgewood now offers a dishwasher-safe, microwavable dish.
Foley advises brides to register as soon as they set a date. Leggett's, with 135 stores communicating by computer, can transmit the bridal registry information so that their Belk's partner in Atlanta can have the list available for your Georgia guests.
Making a wedding gift stand out and be special, said Weiner, doesn't require a great deal of expense, and that is one reason a bride should register for giftware in addition to the basic table setting and household necessities. A beautiful china vase, a crystal bowl, candlesticks . . . all will be remembered for years afterward when they are used for a special occasion.
LENGTH: Medium: 81 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: TIM TREVILIAN. 1. Jane Weiner, manager of Fink'sby CNBJeweler's at Towers Mall, checks registration cards for
brides-to-be. 2. Fink's Jeweler's at Towers Mall offers a wide
selection of china patterns from which the bridal couple may
choose.