Ask The Celebration Advisor: I will be proposing to a Vietnamese girl within the next couple of months. While her family has been here since 1976; I would love to be able to perform the traditional betrothal ceremony for her parents. Any help or advice you could give would be greatly appreciated…Especially where to purchase the gift boxes, gifts, and red cloth coverings for the boxes. Thanks, Jeff in Minneapolis/Saint Paul Minnesota

The Celebration Advisor: Great question, Jeff. Respecting your future wife's heritage is an excellent idea and one that shows how much you love and respect her as well. We recently brought to light some interesting Vietnamese/Chinese wedding traditions. You obviously know some of the basics which will help you when you discuss which supplies you need.

I'm not sure where you are in Minnesota but here are a few places to look to get you started:

• A local or regional Vietnamese newspaper
• Chinese stores such as those in the China Town areas of major cities
• Large malls with unique outlet stores with International imports
• Borrow from another Vietnamese friend or ask her family if they have any / know where to look
• Order online from Vietnam (be prepared for shipping costs)

An excellent bakery in Owatonna Minnesota called The Perfect Day Cakes does a lot of interesting theme cakes. There are many bakeries in Minneapolis and bakeries in Saint Paul that would also be able to help make the sweet treats for the celebration and even the engagement party.

Good luck and congratulations!

Ask The Celebration Advisor: I've lived in Minneapolis Minnesota my entire life. I'm more of a city boy but I just started dating a girl whos' really into classic books and life in those days. I have no idea what to do but want it to be special when we celebrate our 6 month anniversary. Help! ~ Clay

The Celebration Advisor: You're in luck! Horse drawn carriage rides in Minneapolis are perfect for your date. From personal experience it is easy to tell you that the woman on a date like this is living out her fantasy. Though you don't find many classically romantic women like this in Minneapolis, you've found a keeper so here are some ways to make your night romantic and special.

* Rent a horse drawn carriage — They didn't have cars in your girlfriend's favorite era. They rode around in a wide variety of carriages pulled by horses. As there are today, there were many styles of horse and buggies that people used during the age of Romanticism so hire a horse drawn carriage with character and your girlfriend will be delighted. It'll feel like living in that time period herself!

* Enjoy a picnic — Minneapolis proper may not have the largest selection of places to picnic but there are many great parks and other locations in the Minneapolis metro area that provide the type of atmosphere to make your picnic special. You can even prepare foods that were popular during that time period. Arrive via horse and carriage to milady's very own picnic and you'll find her mood to be most enthused.

While there are many other options for a special evening, the most elaborate statement you can make is to rent a horse drawn carriage and driver for a night. Put your own twist on how you celebrate but start the night off right with this very romantic, classic way to say "I love you and enjoy your company."