More and more brides are offering candy favors. Forget the "Old School" mints or almonds wrapped in tulle. Think of fancy lollipops displayed for guests to select their favorites.

Damask patterns are very popular to use as backgrounds for invitations, programs, napkins or table covers.

Flowers by Acton Creative Flowers 269-9326

Lighting is becoming a standard as part of the decor at wedding receptions. Light on the floor shining upward on the walls are an inexpensive way to add atmosphere to a plain wall.

A thoughtful gesture is to offer a coffee and donut surprise for guests when they leave the reception to pick up their cars from the valet station.

In addition to the regular organ or piano music during the ceremony, consider a harpist or trumpets to add to the importance of the moment.

The cocktail hour that's taking place while the bridal party is having pictures taken can now be made more fun with entertainment. Some couples hire strolling magicians, string quartets, caricature artists or photo booths to keep the guests entertained.

Flowers by Bloomies Florist 254-2306

Candy buffets are becoming very popular. Several clear glass containers filled with various kinds of candy, often all of the same color, are displayed. Guests are given paper bags to fill with scoops of their favorite candies.

The old waltz as the couple's first dance is being replaced by the tango, swing or a dance honoring the couple's heritage. "Dancing with the Stars" has influenced a greater variety. Couples take lessons and wow their guests.

More and more couples are honoring their family heritage by incorporating elements from their grandparents' "Old Country" customs. This might be food, dancing, entertainment or favors.
Alice Goetschel is a professional wedding planner and the owner of Memorable Occasions
270-9448.

flowers by: Charmaine's Bouquet Canyon Florist 297-3100 cake by: Jill's Cake Creations 291-2332

Santa Clarita Wedding & Event Professionals Present
Bridal & Event Seminar on March 2
Learn the do's and don'ts of successful events from the SCV's most celebrated professionals. Held at the Hyatt Regency Valencia at 7 p.m. Cost is $10 for attendee and one guest. Call for reservations;
296-6191 www.santaclaritaweddings.com

flowers by: Celebrate 259-8611 cake by: Jill's Cake Creations 291-2332

An Englishman in LA wedding certificate tablet available exclusively at Ma Maison 799-7983

The Best Event Location may be your Own Yard
The best place to host your wedding or special event might be your own backyard, or the property of a not-too-far-off neighbor. "There are homes in Santa Clarita that are available for events and are just beautiful," says Rusty Parr, owner of AV Party Rentals. Another option: local clubhouses. "We're familiar with all of them. We even know what inventory they have, so we can save clients money by taking advantage of what's there by supplementing that," says Parr, who adds that an extensive list of SCV venues can be found on his business's website. Once you've selected your location, the AV Party Rental team provides superior service to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. Staff will even set up sample tables in their impressive showroom so you can see what your linens (36 colors in stock!), china (seven patterns in stock!) and flatware (six patterns in stock!) look like together in "real life"; 259-2151 www.avparty.com

Brighton champagne glasses Cobblestone Cottage 253-0209

Memories Worth Sharing
Guests and hosts will take a walk down memory lane together as they view a custom Photo Montage DVD. Share a bit of your past with family and friends (old and new) with a "Growing Up & Dating" DVD, perfect for a rehearsal dinner or wedding reception. After the big day, preserve and share your wedding with loved ones who were unable to attend (including your future children!). These digital albums are set to music, include titles, captions and motion, and can be viewed on any DVD player; Available from Memories by Mason 644-1869 www.memoriesbymason.com

TPC Valencia 288-1995

Location, Location, Location
Experience the luxury and beauty of the TPC Valencia for hosting weddings and receptions, corporate meetings and banquets or anniversary, holiday and birthday celebrations. With accommodations for as many as 250 guests and offering gourmet menu customization that rivals the finest restaurants, the TPC Valencia creates the perfect event and reception venue. Guests will enjoy the expansive views of the pristine championship golf course and beautiful Santa Clarita Valley. Your event will experience the utmost attention to detail and service to ensure that your day is as special as you imagined it would be; 288-1995, extension 133 www.tpcvalencia.com

Scarlett Belle 805-204-0977

Riverboat Weddings Aboard the Scarlett Belle
Just 45 minutes from Santa Clarita, you'll find what might be the most unique event location around. The Scarlett Belle, an authentic paddle wheel boat that tours the Channel Islands harbor, features a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system with a beautiful white-lit dance floor. A full galley, expansive walk-around decks, a luxurious ballroom with crystal chandeliers, coffered-tin ceilings, two sleek black granite bars and an enclosed upper deck walled from ceiling to floor with glass are just some of the amenities your guests will enjoy during your affordable, all-inclusive event; 805-204-0977 www.scarlettbelle.com