Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/722073
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»My26-year- old niece is getting married. Her wedding theme is "Royal Wedding." She has therefore requested that family members of the bride and groom (mothers, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins and grandpar- ents) dress in "royal" fashion matching her wed- ding colors: Men in navy suits, women and girls in navy blue or gold gowns. Keep in mind, other than the parents of the bride and groom, none of us is in the wedding party. My son has a beauti- ful suit he can wear, although it's not navy blue. My daughter also has a beautiful navy blue dress she wore to her prom that she could wear, but it's not a gown. My son is starting col- lege this month and my daughter next year. I estimate conserva- tively this wedding will cost my family $600 (not including bridal shower and wedding gifts). I truly feel like my niece is being selfish and self-centered to request people outside of the im- mediate wedding party, dress to her liking to fulfill her fairy tale royal wedding theme. Is there a way I can respectfully decline to allow her to dress me (as I am not in the wed- ding party), or do you think I should cut my losses and go with the fairy tale royal wedding theme? —RoyallyChallenged Aunt DEAR AUNT » "Cutting your losses" would not entail buying new outfits for your family to satisfy this wardrobe demand — no, this would only add to your losses. It is completely ac- ceptable for marrying couples to provide basic guidelines regarding the formality of a wedding, i.e. "formal attire," or "ca- sual/cocktail attire." It is rude for mar- rying couples to basi- cally demand that guests adhere to a specific color palette or theme. After all, at some point, even at a "royal" wedding, guests should be treated as guests, and not props (and of course, it goes without saying that actual royals would probably never be so demanding of their guests). You should wear whatever wedding- appropriate outfits you have on hand. Tell the bride in advance. If the bride excludes you from photographs, gracefully step aside. DEAR AMY » I disagree with your advice to "Torn," who didn't seem comfortable with her live-in boyfriend having a relationship with his stepson from his previous marriage. I agree with Torn that "the past should stay in the past." — Disappointed DEAR DISAPPOINTED » The child's interest and welfare should out wei gh the par ent' s reaction to an awkward relationship. Wedding guest feels royally put out by wardrobe requests You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Virgo(Aug.23-Sept.22)— Opportunity is within your reach. Don't risk missing out because someone is being needy or try- ing to make you feel guilty. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Try to understand what the people close to you are experi- encing. Tolerance and under- standing will be necessary if you want to avoid drama. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Put your heart and soul into whatever project you take on. A creative approach will show any competition that you are not one to mess with. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Deception and disillusion- ment will set in if you are gull- ible and you believe everything you hear. Don't worry about what others do or say. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Keep your emotions out of any financial, legal or medi- cal decision that you have to make. Look beyond what's being offered and try to introduce something you discover while doing your research. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Find a way to cut corners and free up some cash. Use your keen awareness to seek out alternative ways to make your money grow. Romance is on the rise. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — It won't be good enough to express your ideas; you must be prepared to take action as well. Criticism will result if you show hesitation or lack consistency. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Look at change as an opportuni- ty. Adjusting to what's happen- ing around you will allow you to see the positive aspects of the situation and take advantage of the benefits. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Socializing with peers will be informative. You'll pick up interesting ideas that will play a role in some of your own plans. Collaborate and see where it takes you. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Emotional mishaps can be expected if you aren't precise. False information and empty promises are apparent, and must be dealt with tactfully. Focus on self-improvement. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Concentrate on learning, staying informed and making plans with friends and family. A daytrip will lead to an unusual encounter with someone offering a deal that's too good to refuse. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — An important relationship will help you achieve your goals. The sup- port you receive and the ideas that spring from discussions you have will set you on a fruit- ful course. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, SEPT. 1 | YOURDAILYBREAK | REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 4 B