Ideas and Advice

Ann Connell Bergin Ann has experience in the project management of political events, fundraisers, civic events and her favorite, weddings. Her wedding planning has taken her from organizing weddings of the size of 20 attendants and 700 guests to intimate weddings with fewer attendants and guests. She has specialized in arranging Tented Weddings as the Project Manager, coordinating all designers and vendors to assure a smooth and seamless occasion.

Couples? choices for wedding attire, theme are their own

DEAR ANN: My nephew is getting married in a barn theme wedding, and they are going to have an extremely …

Steps to help you renew your life during the new year

DEAR READERS: Many people see Sunday as the first day of the week, which is especially exciting for those who …

Be creative in coming up with sensible ways to celebrate holidays

DEAR ANN: We are looking for creative ways to celebrate the holiday season. We are a blended family with several …

Proceed slowly in reaching out to estranged family members

DEAR ANN: Here comes the holiday season, and with it, all the regrets and family mistakes I have made. After …

Let kindness be the tradition at wedding, reception

DEAR ANN: I read recently where someone referred to wedding couples smashing cake in each other?s faces as a long-held …

Suggest a quiet method of commemorating anniversary of 9/11

DEAR ANN: With Sept. 11th?s 10-year anniversary approaching, I am trying to find a way to celebrate the day with …

Don't make wedding vows you aren't ready to keep

DEAR ANN: As you are a JP, we are writing our wedding vows and are looking for ideas. What have …

'Bachelorette' fan probably needs a dose of reality

DEAR ANN: My college-age daughter, 22, is enamored of those reality TV shows and aspires to be on one, like …

College expenses not top priority for some parents

DEAR ANN: My nephew is graduating from prep school. Recently, his parents returned from a lovely island vacation, which I …

Royal wedding is a grand day for tradition

DEAR READERS: By the time this column appears, the royal wedding will have taken place. Tradition watchers may have been …

Think about numerous ways to cut wedding costs

DEAR ANN: My engaged daughter tells me that today, a nice hotel or country club wedding and reception for 125-150 …

Shower rules: People should be invited to only one

DEAR ANN: I am having a baby shower for my co-worker?s daughter. I want to invite a few of her …

No one really has to put up with intrusive questions

DEAR READERS: While the players and hosts on reality TV and on radio and TV talk shows, elect to eschew …

Help kids experience giving to charity firsthand this season

DEAR ANN: This year, I would like to teach my niece and nephew about giving and sharing. They already have …

Choose appropriate way to honor friends on Veterans Day

DEAR ANN: Veterans Day will be here soon, and I?d like to celebrate this holiday for my retired military friends. …

Careful consideration is needed before investing in the future

DEAR ANN: The world is changing faster than I imagined. Our son is a freshman in high school, and we …

Disengage from candidates, entourage to avoid interruptions

DEAR ANN: In this campaign season, I find it irritating and intrusive when candidates enter a restaurant with a camcorder …

8-year-old isn?t old enough to make style choices on her own

DEAR ANN: My daughter is only 8 and wants to dress like some of the teenage dolls her friend has. …

Couples have alternatives when working unity candle into wedding

DEAR ANN: How does one work a unity candle into the ceremony? DEAR READER: There are several ways to do …

Show Dad you learned the lessons he worked so hard to teach

DEAR ANN: Do you have any Father?s Day ideas? My dad ? and mom, too ? have scrimped, saved and …

An original suggestion for an intriguing gift for that special lady

DEAR ANN: Mother?s Day is coming Sunday, May 9, and I am looking for something special. My Mom is 92, …