Elegant or Extravagant: Bridal Fair Will Cover Host of Options

Most of us won’t have heads of state attend our weddings, as Chuck and Di did, nor will we be whisked away after the ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage as teary-eyed townsfolk cheer. But no matter the size of the wedding party or the number of guests, preparation for a wedding can be a royal pain.

That’s why the free Bridal Fair today at Geary’s in Beverly Hills could be useful to anyone planning a nifty nuptial. Authorities on every aspect of planning a wedding, from the entertainment down to the table setting, will be on hand to offer advice on how to add a touch of glamour or an abundance of glitz to your Big Day.

For those who don’t have the bank account--or the stomach--for a lot of pomp and circumstance, here’s the good news: A major trend in weddings for the 1990s, said a Geary’s spokesperson, is putting elegance ahead of extravagance.

The idea is to do it up without overdoing it.

And those who are merely planning to attend a wedding can pick up some ideas for gifts at the fair. Representatives of various manufacturers will show off their china, crystal and silver gift ware.

Part of the fair will be under a tent in the lot outside Geary’s--that’s where samples of wedding cakes will be on display for fair-goers interested in a little taste-testing. Hansen Bakery and Lee Gelfond Chocolatiers also will offer a sinful sample of wedding-reception treats.

The Bridal Fair is being held in conjunction with the 60th anniversary celebration of Geary’s, and a 1930 Duesenberg J Roadster, once owned by actress Dolores del Rio, will be among the classic collector cars on display in honor of the anniversary.

The “Top Ten” list, Geary’s selection of the most popular wedding gifts, will be announced during the fair. The list is said to reflect the buying trends of clientele and is known in the field as a guide that reveals “trends and styles” for the upcoming year.

This year’s list “emphasizes intimacy, hearth and home,” said Bruce Meyer, Geary’s owner and president. This philosophy coincides with “the ‘at-home’ trend and the move toward establishing long-lasting monogamous relationships.”

Items on the list range from hand-painted bed trays to silver picture frames, and from his-and-hers stationery to a getaway vacation for the happy couple.

Bridal Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today. Geary’s is at 351 N. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills. For information, call (213) 273-4741.