Bridal Expo 2010

Special Supplement to the Mercer County Chronicle

Bridal Expo • Page 2 • January 2010

The Bridal
Emporium
“Making Every Girl’s
Dream Come True”

29 East Auglaize Street

Wapakoneta, Ohio

419-738-8565
www.thebridalemporium.net
 Bridal Expo • Page 3 • January 2010

Wedding Dresses
By Joanne Elliott
It has to be said that ever since a lady
was a little girl she always wondered
what her wedding dress would look
like. And now that the decision is there
to be made it is obviously very confus-
ing, daunting and exciting for everyone
involved. Of course you want to look
the very best that you can look on your
special day, and there are several ways
that you can make sure that you achieve
this goal.
the color. It’s exactly the same as dress-
26th Annual
WCSM
ing to go out for a meal somewhere, or
to go to the opera or a film premiere.
For the best results you need to get into
the mindset of a film star… or rather,
the film stars’ wardrobe designers. You
should pick out a dress that suits your
body shape – one that accentuates your
figure and conceals any lumps and
bumps.
Bridal Show
Wedding dress shapes explained

What color wedding dress A-line - The A-line wedding dresses

should I choose?
The color of your wedding dress is
usually the first place to start when you
are making your decision on what to
wear. Often women are very confused as
to what color they should go for. Tradi-
tionally weddings are themed in white,
cream or ivory. But the fact is if your
skin coloring doesn’t suit the lighter
shades of pale, then don’t do it! I often
get ladies from all over the world asking
me what colors they should choose for
their wedding. And the answer is always
the same… think about what colors suit
you, and what colors you like. Despite
appearances there are no hard and fast
rules. Never forget that this is YOUR
day, and you should just go right ahead
and do what you what to do. Whatever
makes you happy!
What shape wedding dress
should I choose?
The shape of the wedding dress that
you should choose is entirely dependent
on your figure. All women are differ-
ent, and certain shapes suit them better
than others. The shape of your wedding
dress is actually far more important that
Sun., Jan. 31st
have fitted vertical seams running down
the length of the garment. This means
12 - 3:30 p.m.
that the dress is tight at the waist and Romer's Catering
flares out towards the bottom part of the
skirt. SR 118, St. Henry
Empire line - Empire line dresses are
tight beneath the bust and are higher
than the a-line cut of cloth. The seam
lies just beneath the bust for a more
structured look.
Ball gown - Ball gown wedding
Style Shows
dresses are traditionally full length and
very full and wide. Ball gown dresses
usually have very structured, fitted and
30 Exhibitor
boned bodices.
Sheath - Sheath wedding dresses are Booths
very straight and simple. They usually
flow to the floor and skim the body.
Mermaid - Mermaid dresses have a
kick at the bottom where the fabric is
much fuller. The top half of the dress
hugs the figure and accentuates volup-
1 Lucky Bride-to-Be
tuousness.
Strapless - Strapless wedding dresses
are just that – they don’t require sup-
will win $500
port over the shoulder. Strapless wed-
ding dresses must be made well and be
supported by good bridal underwear to
make certain that the bride is both com-
Bridal Bucks
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Bridal Expo • Page 4 • January 2010

Wedding Cake How to add

classic traditions
By Joanne Elliott
So you’re planning your wedding? Of
select. cater to the special couples’ needs. The range
of products on offer can differ dramatically in to a modern
course you’ve thought of the dress, the col-
ors, the flowers, the invitations… And now
it’s time to think about the wedding cake. So
What color should we go for?

The color of the wedding cake should usu-

where do you start?
Wedding cake traditions
Wedding cakes are a predominantly West-
ern tradition in marriage ceremonies. It is the
tradition that a newly married couple stand
together, hand on hand, and cut the cake to-
gether. This is because cutting the cake is a
symbol of unity and togetherness. Cutting the
wedding cake together is also another essen-
tial marker of the couple’s commitment to one
another on their special day. This is basically
the reason why wedding cakes are still so pop-
ular in modern culture.
So… what sort of cake should we go for?
Wedding cakes come in a huge variety of
different sizes, shapes and colors. It is entirely
up to the couple which flavor they choose to
decide upon for their special day. Most popu-
lar flavors include fruit cake, chocolate cake,
sponge cake and even cream cakes. There are
no hard and fast rules and it is entirely the
couples’ decision which they would like to
ally tie in with the chosen wedding colors in
general. For example, you could link in the
color of the brides dress, the grooms ties, the
flowers, the wedding favors etc. You should
speak to your chosen wedding cake provider
for more in depth and more specific advice.
What size should I go for?
Usually they are very large as there must
be enough of the wedding cake to give to all
of your guests. It has become fashionable over
the years for the cakes to be multi leveled or
tiered. A multileveled, or tiered cake simple
means that there are several different sections
to the same cake piles up in layers - usually
in decreasing size as the tower grows higher.
This not only makes the entire cake balance
but also helps to make it aesthetically pleasing
to your valued wedding guest.
Who should I hire?
There are many different companies that
areas such as aesthetics, recipe, taste, number
of tiers, icing color etc etc.
It is usual for companies to have one to
wedding
one meetings with the intended couple and
to work together as a team to decide upon
the perfect cake for the perfect wedding day.
This can be established through a numerous
amount of methods. Depending upon the
company they may take their pick from taste
testing to looking at photographic samples,
color swatch matching and other inspirational
ideas. Remember that they have been through
the process many times before.
Delivery service
Often your chosen wedding cake provider
will offer to deliver your wedding cake to
your chosen venue free of charge. This will
not only help to ease the various pressures of
planning and organizing your special day, it
will also give you peace of mind. Having your
wedding cake delivered removes any worries
reference picking it up and potential problems
with transportation. Remember, there are very
valuable and costly goods at the end of the
day.
Every bride remembers the age-old
saying, “Something old, something new,
something borrowed, something blue,”
and considers how to incorporate these
elements into her wedding.
This English poem - believed to be
from the Victorian era - was created to
provide the bride with several good-luck
tokens for her new life with her husband.
Here are a few ideas to help the modern
bride incorporate some classic traditions
into her wedding:
Something old: No, you don’t have to
attempt to fit into or resurrect from the
back of the closet your mother’s, or even
your grandmother’s gown. You might
discover one of them wore a unique
headpiece that you can incorporate
into your veil. Or your husband-to-be’s
aunt has a ring you could wear, or an
embroidered satin handkerchief you can
blend into your bouquet. Vintage purses,
See TRADITIONS, Page 5

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 Bridal Expo • Page 5 • January 2010

Traditions
(Continued from Page 4)
antique lace threaded into your veil or
wound around your bouquet, or even a
squirt from a bottle of your grandmother’s
perfume also work well to classically
merge the “something old” tradition into
your ceremony.
Something new: The pearl necklace
is a classic look that complements a
wedding dress perfectly. Since ancient
times, pearls - with their unblemished
perfection - have been tied to weddings
as a symbol of innocence.
“Because they are considered a
symbol of purity, pearls work perfectly
to complete a bride’s wedding-day look,”
says Jeremy Shepherd of PearlParadise.
com, the world’s largest online pearl
company. “Akoya pearls have the perfect
round shape with soft, neutral colors,
while freshwater pearls shine with more
of an intense, natural metallic luster,
perfect to complement an embroidered
gown.”
Visit www.PearlParadise.com to
see the differences between Akoya and
freshwater pearls and to find the perfect
pearl necklace for your wedding day.
Something borrowed: This is an
Engaged? How to experience all the
excellent way to get your best friend excitement of this special time
or a close relative more involved in
your special day. But don’t think that
something borrowed must be clothing or
jewelry. You could borrow a back yard
for the wedding reception, or a purse
your sister used when she got married.
Another potential item is to borrow the
family Bible for readings during the
ceremony. Other ideas include borrowing
candles for the ceremony or reception, a
cake knife set, music from your friends to
play at the reception or even the toasting
glasses you and your new husband will
click together to celebrate your marriage.
Something blue: One popular idea is
for brides to incorporate blue into their
garter belts, but the idea can stretch much
further. Nail polish, makeup, shoes,
embroidered flowers on the gown, small
pieces of jewelry, a wrap or even blue
flowers woven into the bouquets offer
plenty of alternatives. If you want to
create something a little more surprising,
consider wearing blue lingerie. And if you
really are planning a modern wedding,
you could always wear a blue dress,
since blue is a symbol of love, purity and
fidelity.
Congratulations - you’re engaged! This
is a special time, leading up to the big day
that will change your lives forever. Don’t
wait for the nuptials to arrive, however,
before you bask in the bliss. Savor every
minute of your engagement experience.
“Brides may find that making wedding
plans can distract them from the simple
joy of being engaged,” says Raymond
Miller, a wedding planning expert with the
Web site My Wedding Reception Ideas.
com. “But some advanced planning and
creative ideas can help them fully enjoy
their engagement while still preparing for
the wedding day of their dreams.”
Miller offers brides-to-be some simple
advice for getting the most enjoyment out
of being engaged:
Announcing your big news
News of your engagement is one of the
most exciting pieces of information you’ll
ever share with family and friends. Get
creative and fun with your engagement
announcement, but don’t overlook
practicality. You want to announce your
engagement and wedding date in a way
that will be quick and easy for you - and
memorable to those receiving the message.
Save the date magnets can be a great way to
get the word out and put your wedding date
front-of-mind for those who are invited.
Traditional engagement announcements
in local newspapers limit your creativity
and the reach of your news. Save the date
wedding magnets can relay information
about your wedding plans across the country
to distant loved ones. And because we all
have a tendency to hold on to magnets (How
many pizza delivery magnets do you have
on your refrigerator?) in conspicuous places
in our homes, your guests-to-be will see a
constant reminder of your special day.
My Wedding Reception Ideas.com
can help you create customized wedding
save the date magnets that reflect your
individuality, convey the theme of your
wedding and keep your date on the minds
of friends and family.
Sharing the celebration
Sure, your maid of honor and other
See ENGAGED, Page 6

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Bridal Expo • Page 6 • January 2010

Engaged Planning a bridal shower? Relax and

(Continued from Page 5)
girlfriends will probably throw you a
bridal shower. But you don’t have to wait
to begin celebrating the good news. You
and your fiancé can involve loved ones
in the celebrating - and do it at a time you
choose - by hosting your own engagement
party.
Staging your own party allows you to
share the excitement sooner. Plus, you
can use the occasion as an opportunity
to “test drive” wedding day seating
arrangements or check out a restaurant
you’re considering for the rehearsal dinner.
You can also experiment with linens and
décor; using colors you’re considering
for your wedding will give you an idea of
what these decorator items will look like in
an elegant setting. Or, use the engagement
party as way to preview your wedding
theme - for example, host the party at
a seaside location for a beach-themed
wedding.
And don’t forget to celebrate as a
couple, as well. If planning starts to feel too
stressful, consider taking a pre-honeymoon
trip that will help you decompress and
reconnect as a couple. Time away together
will help remind you what all your wedding enjoy it with these food shortcuts
planning is really about - your love for Your dear friend or sister announces she’s you can offer your guests is a delicious and
each other. The break could be as simple engaged. She wants you to be her maid of
healthful one. Provide great-tasting, nutritious
as a weekly date night or as elaborate as a honor. It goes without saying, you’re thrilled snacks that go easy on salt, fat, sugar and other
weekend getaway.
for her. But - does this mean you’ll have to plan potentially unhealthy ingredients and your
at least one bridal shower? Not to mention, guests will fondly remember your hospitality.
Be resourceful wear a dress not of your own choosing and find * Remake everyday favorites. Great dishes
the perfect gift? don’t require hours in the kitchen. Make your
The Internet has made wedding planning If the bridal shower causes you the most easy-to-prepare favorites and dress them up
easier than ever. Use online resources, anxiety, help is on the way. Kendall McFarland, with special festive seasonings. Try distinctive
like sites that allow you to experiment director of product and recipe development at seasoning blends like curry or Italian seasoning,
with seating charts for receptions, Simply Organic, suggests cutting down on or even seasoned sugar combinations like
compare color schemes and create stress with these time-saving tips to host a lemon sugar or cinnamon sugar for a gourmet
sample menus. My Wedding Reception simple but sensational shower for the bride. touch. For example: Add a liberal dose of
Ideas.com can help you pick and plan * Accept help. When the bride’s mother or a spice like oregano, basil or cayenne (or an
personalized wedding favors, accessories other guests ask if they can bring anything, say herbal seasoning blend) along with some garlic
and gifts for your wedding party. The yes. Ask them to bring something you don’t and Parmesan cheese to your usual mashed
site also provides tips on different kinds especially enjoy preparing or something you potatoes and you’ll instantly serve something
of napkins and how to choose them, and know is that person’s specialty which the bride out of the ordinary.
really loves. Or have each guest bring a dessert
other useful planning hints. Visit www. or appetizer, so you can focus solely on the rest
* Use clever shortcuts. For inviting flavor
without fuss, keep a supply of natural dressing
myweddingreceptionideas.com to learn of the party and fun. Offers to help are gifts, and dip mixes on hand for fresh, homemade
more.
so allow other bridesmaids or friends to assist appetizers and snacks. Add a dip or dressing
“Planning a wedding should be part if they offer. Working together can add to the mix, such as creamy dill, French onion,
of the enjoyable experience of being shower fun, and give you stories to share as
guacamole or ranch to equal parts of low-
engaged,” Miller says. “With creativity you continue down the wedding day road. fat cottage cheese and non-fat plain yogurt
and some expert help, it’s possible to
* Go the healthy route - the bride, her and mix in a blender or food processor until
make the months of your engagement as bridesmaids and the mother of the bride all smooth. Serve with fresh veggies you can buy
memorable and special as the wedding want to fit into their dresses when the big
already cleaned and cut up at the store.
day itself.” day finally arrives. The most thoughtful meal See PLANNING, Page 7

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 Bridal Expo • Page 7 • January 2010

Planning More grooms commit to wedding planning

(Continued from Page 6)
* Plan and shop wisely. Don’t exhaust
yourself shopping. Outline your menu -
including impromptu snacks - ahead of time.
Then pick up everything non-perishable at the
same time, eliminating last-minute sprints to
the grocery store. Don’t panic if your grocer
is missing that key spice ingredient since it’s
easier than ever to order online. For example,
Simply Organic carries culinary items like
organic spices, seasoning blends, baking
extracts and flavors, gluten-free baking mixes
and other cooking ingredients and supplies -
which they will ship to you within a few days
of your order.
Here are two great examples of healthy
bridal shower dishes from the Simply Organic
recipe collection that are easy to prepare:
Strawberry Spice Muffins
Ingredients
1 package Simply Organic Carrot Cake
Mix
1/3 cup water
2 large beaten eggs
1 cup very finely diced strawberries
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large
mixing bowl, combine carrot cake baking mix,
water and eggs. Blend until just moist. Fold
strawberries into blend. Pour into well-greased
or lined muffin pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
Makes 12 regular-size muffins or six large
muffins.
Chef Suggestions
Top with cream cheese frosting and sliced
strawberries.
Spicy Clementine Dressing
Ingredients
1/2 cup juice from fresh Clementine
oranges
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup water
1 package Simply Organic Salsa Dip Mix
Directions
Whisk all ingredients together. Chill until
ready to serve, stirring right before drizzling on
mixed greens.
Chef Suggestions
Combine fresh mixed greens, Feta cheese
and slices of Clementine oranges to make a
fresh and spicy salad.
For more delicious, healthy and easy recipes,
visit www.simplyorganicfoods.com and click
on the recipe drop-down menu.
They may not have grown up fan-
tasizing about their “perfect wedding,”
but suddenly men are taking an un-
characteristic interest in everything
matrimonial.
Just look at the explosion of Web
sites in recent years catering exclusive-
ly to bridegrooms and you know some-
thing’s afoot. “We men pride ourselves
on never having to ask for directions,”
Michael Arnot, who started Groom-
Groove.com in 2007, has said. “But if
there’s one time to do it, this is it.”
To those who think we’re witness-
ing a seismic societal shift, however,
please note: Yes, it may be hearten-
ing to see men reaching out for help
on topics like how to pop the question
and the art of gift registering. But the
“directions” people like Arnot give
grooms are very much from the male
perspective.
Wedding toasts? “No jokes about ex-
girlfriends,” Groom Groove advises.
Scheduling weddings around football
season? “The majority of college and
pro games take place during the day,
so if you schedule an evening wedding
you can probably watch the majority of
the game,” counsels TheManRegistry.
com.
Though 1.2 million men get married
every year, they seem to be especially
uneducated about wedding jewelry-in-
cluding the engagement ring, his-and-
her wedding bands, and gift ideas like
platinum cuff links and watches for
their groomsmen.
The engagement ring decision
would seem to be of most concern to
these grooms, given that 32 percent
of them don’t consult their intendeds
before buying, according to The Knot
Market Intelligence Services.
So what’s a man to do?
“Trust your first instinct,” says
jewelry and style expert Michael
O’Connor. Because as it turns out,
brides and grooms tend to prefer the
same setting: platinum.
A high-quality diamond engagement
ring set in platinum can cost as little
as $1,650-platinum wedding bands
can run as low as $800-at even a posh
jeweler like De Beers. O’Connor says
men are fans of bands from designers
See GROOMS, Page 8

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Bridal Expo • Page 8 • January 2010
Grooms
(Continued from Page 7)
like Martin Flyer, Ritani and Jeff Coo-
per. “Platinum retains its volume over
time,” he explains. “Whereas gold will
wear more rapidly, especially in pieces
that are worn every day like your wed-
ding band.” But brides, he says, tend to
take a more romantic view: “Platinum
lasts forever, just like a couple’s love.”
Of course, truth be told, a lot of
men’s newfound interest in planning
their big day seems financially moti-
vated. Thirty percent of couples now
pay for their own wedding, a marked
change from the days when a bride’s
family traditionally footed the bill.
And with the average wedding cost-
ing approximately $28,000, according
to Brides.com’s 2009 American Wed-
ding Study, that could also explain why
GroomGroove.com urges men to em-
brace gift registries: “Every item you
put on [them] instantly becomes free.”
And who doesn’t like freebies?
You can find tips on jewelry pur-
chasing and style trends by visiting
www.PreciousPlatinum.com.
HALL RENTAL
Knights of St. John Hall
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STATE ROUTE 119
Beyond the basics: How to create a one-of-a-kind wedding
Millions of couples get engaged
every holiday season when love and
affection are in the air. But what
many couples don’t know is that
you can keep that good feeling alive
and avoid stress while planning your
wedding.
Turn your dream into reality
Your wedding day is one of the
most important days of your life,
and is most likely a day you’ve spent
hours, days or even years dreaming
about. When the time finally comes
to start planning the big day, you
don’t want to cut corners or settle for
a run-of-the-mill, impersonal event.
With the help of the American Rental
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wedding day will be one that will be
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Rental opens the doors to options
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419
925-4822
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Dates
& Information
heating or cooling options. Make a
statement by skipping the traditional
tiered cake and going with something
more unique, like an impressive
chocolate fountain with brownie or
cheesecake bites or an ice cream cart
complete with all the fixings. You can
even create dramatic scenery on the
walls and ceiling of your venue with
a variety of accent lighting options.
Don’t break the bank
While your wedding day may be
the most important day of your life,
there is no reason why it has to be
the most expensive. You can save
money on seating, centerpieces and
more by renting. Why buy all your
wedding supplies when you are only
going to use them once? Why bother
paying for their storage and upkeep
after the big day is over? Simplify
your wedding and your budget by
letting the rental store take care of the
CM
cleanup, maintenance and storage of
all your decorations and supplies.
And forget about running all over
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Captured Memories
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sandy HuelSkamp
Portraits | Weddings | Life events
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money - make one stop at your local
rental store and get everything you
need. ARA members, which include
more than 7,500 rental businesses and
1,100 manufacturers and suppliers,
are located in every state, so you can
get all the supplies you need in one
stop. To make finding the rental store
nearest you even easier, ARA offers
RentalHQ.com, the world’s largest
and most comprehensive rental store
locator. Here, people planning their
wedding and reception can find the
rental store nearest them, read how-
to tips and get ideas and inspiration
for their event.
Enlist the experts
To make planning your big day
even easier, some ARA member rental
businesses offer Certified Event
Rental Professionals (CERPs). And
most offer on-site support, relieving
much of the stress associated
with planning a wedding. These
professionals are ready and willing to
share their knowledge and experience
See BASICS, Page 9
MEN’S CLOTHING

Basics
(Continued from Page 8)
with you, from pre-wedding set-up all
the way through the day of the event.
Deadlines, budgets, guest lists -
these are all aspects of a wedding that
need to be managed and sometimes are
better left to the professionals. CERPs
know what needs to be organized right
away, and what can wait until later.
They will think of that one detail that
never would have crossed your mind
and keep your budget in check.
Enlisting the help of a CERP will
not only ease the stress and tension
of planning an entire wedding, but
it will also ensure that the wedding
you always envisioned is the one you
will remember for years to come.
From the latest trends and themes, to
innovative budget saving strategies,
CERPs know the ins and outs of
planning a wedding.
Don’t let planning your wedding be
as stressful as the holidays. Make it
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Help your flower girl be her
best on your big day
Children can add so much to a
wedding day - from the ring bearer
toddling down the aisle carrying a
pillow with precious cargo, to the
flower girl who sweetly perfumes your
path to the altar by dropping tender
petals in her wake. As special as you
feel on your wedding day, you’ll want
even your littlest helpers to share in the
feeling and know that you appreciate
them.
To ensure that your young attendants
are happy campers on the big day,
you’ll want to help them look their best
and make them feel that they have an
important role. Here are some helpful
hints that you can put in practice,
whether the child is your own or the
child of a loved one. Follow these tips,
and you’ll help ensure the youngest
members of your wedding party have a
positive experience that they - and you
- will remember for a lifetime.
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Bridal Expo • Page 9 • January 2010
Make her feel special highlight their attire, just as every bride
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doing something special, exciting - and - look for pieces that are high quality
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flower girl or young bridesmaid is reflective of the wearer’s age. Disney
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princess-like moment, and may feel children’s jewelry for girls that will be
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of having all eyes on her as she precedes are understated and elegant, but also
you down the aisle. Making her feel feature the youthful spirit of beloved
special, as if she is a little princess, will Disney characters - they make ideal
help boost her self-confidence. flower girl gifts.
Brides spend lots of time and energy
picking out dresses for their flower Keep her involved
girls and junior bridesmaids, taking
into account not only how the dress Children love being involved in life’s
will fit in with the look of the wedding, big moments and decisions as much
but how it will complement the wearer. as possible. Keep your flower girl or
Accessories are just as important, and young bridesmaid part of the decision-
the youngest members of the wedding making process as much as possible
party should have some small items to See FLOWER GIRL, Page 10
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Bridal Expo • Page 10 • January 2010

Flower Girl Tips for picking the perfect

(Continued from Page 9)
leading up to your wedding day.
In addition to involving them in
fun things like wedding showers,
putting stamps on invitations and hair
and make-up trials, give your young
attendants some options that they can
choose from. Will she wear her hair
up or down? With flowers, ribbons or
feathers?
You can also give her options about
what kind of flower girl jewelry she
might wear. For a special surprise, you
could show her examples of earrings,
necklaces and bracelets from Disney
Precious Collections well ahead of
time, and then surprise her on the day
of the wedding with the one she liked
best. To look through the jewelry
options that can become treasured
wedding memories for your junior
bridesmaids and flower girls, visit
www.PreciousJewelryCollections.com.
Make your day child-friendly
Though you’ll feel like your wedding
day is flying by, it can be a long day for
the littlest members of your wedding
party. Even the best-mannered kids
get tired and out of sorts after hours of
activity, so it’s good to take that into
consideration. You’ll be in a whirlwind
of excitement, so make sure that you
have a trusted attendant who can help
accommodate children’s needs.
Think about scheduling your photos
so that pictures with children will be
taken first and quickly. They’ll be
energetic and happy, and if you can
have the photos taken soon after hair
and make-up are done, everyone will
look picture-perfect.
Plan to have something special
for youngsters - both wedding party
members and young guests - at the
reception. Consider offering kid-
friendly menu items, or have separate
entertainment like balloon animals,
a toy box or a coloring station with
crayons and a paper easel to keep
kids happy and occupied while adults
enjoy the grown-up activities at the
reception.
Keeping the youngest members of
your wedding party happy on your
wedding day will help ensure the day
is special, memorable and enjoyable for
everyone.
engagement ring
It could be one of the most memorable
moments in your life. You pull an engage-
ment ring out of your pocket and ask the
love of your life to be your wife. You des-
perately want her to say yes and fall in love
with her ring too, right? But how do you
make sure that happens? Guys who suc-
cessfully navigated this step in their rela-
tionship share some tips.
Use a Fake Ring
Mike Vietti, of Washington, D.C., want-
ed his fiancee’s engagement ring to be a
complete surprise but had no idea what
she would like. So he decided to use a fake
one for his proposal and take her shopping
later.
“I thought it was brilliant,” said Em-
ily Vietti. “I love surprises, but I couldn’t
imagine wearing something for the rest of
my life I didn’t love. It was the perfect so-
lution.”
Consider Her Taste and Style
Make sure the ring fits her existing jew-
elry collection, said Kevin Saghy, of Chica-
go. “I realized all of my fiancee’s jewelry is
very clean and simple, like one large pearl
on a string or a clean trail of diamonds on
a necklace, so I chose a three-stone engage-
ment ring that looks simple but impressive.
It has gone over really well.”
Get A Little Help From Her Friends
“My wife found a drawing of the kind of
ring she would like and gave it to a friend
to hold--under the condition that the friend
would not tell her when she gave it to me,”
said Andrew Brown, of Detroit. “She was
totally surprised the day the exact ring she
wanted was given to her.”
Shop Together
Randy Holmes, of Atlanta, was over-
whelmed by the number of options he faced
when he started to shop for his fiancee’s
ring, so he asked her to join him. “It was
great to have Lauren involved,” he said.
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 Bridal Expo • Page 11 • January 2010

Tips Expert tips to ensure your beauty efforts

outlast the busiest days
(Continued from page 10)
“It was romantic and took a lot of pressure
off.”
What woman doesn’t dream of use a mattifying primer first. Because Fix mascara, or any waterproof mascara
Do Your Homework looking as fresh at the end of the day as it absorbs oil throughout the day, it over your regular mascara. It will
she did when she looked in the mirror prevents oil from breaking down your make your mascara last without being
Erik Mason, of Boston, did a “ton of re- that morning, with perfect hair and makeup, making it last longer. impossible to remove.
search” on diamonds before he even set foot makeup? Invariably, however, by the
in a jewelry store. “I think most guys believeend of the day, hair goes flat, mascara * To help face and eye makeup last * Keep your nails in tip-top shape and
as long as they’re familiar with the four Cs, smudges and manicures chip. throughout the day, apply a cream extend the life of a manicure or pedicure
they’re all set,” he said. “I was surprised to
find that was only half the story you should As a result, women hunt for tips formula first, then layer on a powder over by adding a clear topcoat to your nails
be thinking about.” to maintain a beautiful look that will top to set it, like CoverGirl TruBlend every other day like Essie Good To Go!
Mason spent almost five months learn- outlast a full day and still look great MicroMinerals Finishing Veil. Topcoat. This will help avoid chipping
ing about the four Cs--color, cut, clarity andinto the evening. Ying Chu, beauty as you go about your busy schedule.
carat weight--and how that translated to his and health director for “Marie Claire” * Fresh breath and a sparkling smile
budget and girlfriend’s taste. He used on- magazine, sees this dilemma first-hand. are always a must to top off your look. * Fragrance is a way for a woman
line resources, visited retailers and flipped “Women are busier than ever these days New Scope Outlast mouthwash and to express herself. To make sure your
through fashion magazines to get a sense of juggling multiple commitments,” she Crest Extra White Plus Scope Outlast signature scent lasts, choose fragrances
what she liked. “I got a great learning experi-
says, “and as a result it has become a toothpaste feature Outlast technology that have high concentrations, such as a
ence and another connection to our marriage priority to seek out beauty buys from that delivers a cool, minty sensation for parfum, over an eau de toilette. Fragrance
through a spectacular piece of symbolism I
truly understand inside and out,” he said.
trusted brands that are not only long- a fresh breath feeling that lasts up to five will last longer on well-moisturized skin,
The Gemological Institute of America, lasting, but budget friendly.” times longer than brushing alone with so layer a complementary body cream
the world’s foremost authority on gems and ordinary toothpaste. or oil on your skin before spraying.
jewelry and the creator of the four Cs, pro- Follow her beauty tips to achieve
vides independent assessment of diamond a fresh look that will outlast even the * Long, full eyelashes can enhance With these long-lasting insider
quality in its grading reports. It is also a help- busiest schedule: any look. To ensure your lashes remain beauty tips, you will be sure to outlast
ful resource to learn more about diamonds. lengthy and curled, start by layering a any whirlwind of events and still look
Visit www.gia.edu or call (800) 421-7250. * Before applying your makeup, waterproof sealant, like Clarins Double fresh.

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Bridal Expo • Page 12 • January 2010

The Finishing Touches

Anne Puthoff, Emmy’s Bridal
Accessories for brides have
evolved in the last decade from a sin-
gle strand of pearls and floral sprays
with attached veils to elaborate tiaras
with separate veils to today’s newest
looks in headpieces and jewelry.
Simpler wedding gowns are lead-
ing brides to choose bigger “state-
ment” pieces in their jewelry.
Traditional pearls mix with rhine-
stones and crystals to form elaborate
necklaces, bracelets and chandelier
earrings adding the perfect finishing
touches to the bride’s ensemble. For
those who want a more understated
look, smaller but equally as beautiful
styles are also available. Broaches
are showing up on gowns for brides,
their mothers and their bridesmaids
adding sparkle to the wedding day
and making a lasting, wearable keep-
sake.
Tiaras are giving way to jew-
eled headbands, many featuring an
asymmetrical look with a heavier
accent piece on one side. A trend
originated in Europe, silk flowers
adorned with crystals, rhinestones
and feathers are also gaining popu-
larity in place of the more traditional
headpiece. Variety is still the key
word for veils. Styles vary from
short, shoulder length pieces to flow-
ing cathedral length. Beaded and
embroidered edges are still popular,
and the lace edged Mantilla look is
making a comeback. Veils are still
primarily separate from the head-
pieces, allowing the bride to remove
her veil at the reception while keep-
ing her headpiece incorporated into
her hairstyle.
Many brides find it easiest to
choose their accessories while wear-
ing the gown they’ve chosen. If you
didn’t select your “finishing touch-
es” when you purchased your gown,
or you would like to try some family
heirlooms with your dress, make an
appointment at your bridal salon and
let their experienced staff help you
complete your look.

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 Bridal Expo • Page 13 • January 2010

Tips on sending invitations

• Gather your lists of invitees before you order the invitations. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Sue, Bret and Mike
• Order at least 25 more invitations and envelopes than you think you will need (to cover
mistakes in addressing, re-mailing to a current address, to cover last-minute “must haves”). • If you are graciously inviting single people to bring a guest, this appears on the inside
It’s much more expensive to re-order than to order more than you need at the beginning. envelope: Mr. Jurgen and Guest.

• You’ll want to order your wedding address labels at the same time. You may even con-
sider ordering your address labels for your thank you cards too!
• Type/print the list of names with the appropriate titles: Mr., Mrs., Dr., Ms., Reverend,
Captain, Lieutenant, Rabbi, Fr., Messrs., Honorable, etc.
For more information, see pages 34 - 36 in the U.S. Army guide for titles and forms of
address for U.S. officials.A Guide to Protocol and Etiquette for Official Entertainment
• If a widow: Mrs. John Smith; If divorced: Mrs. Susan Smith.
• For children over 18 and living at home, they receive their own invitation or are listed
separately on their parent’s:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith
Ms. Melissa Smith
• If inviting two people sharing a home or living together, or a married couple with dif-
ferent names, use both full names:
Dr. Susan Davis
Mr. James Rosser
• If inviting children under 18, their individual names (or/and Family) are listed below
their parents’ names on the inside envelope:
• When purchasing postage for the outer envelopes, take a fully stuffed envelope (invita-
tion, inner envelope, response card/envelope, reception card, map, etc.) to the post office.
Correct postage is determined by weight and size. If sending different enclosures to differ-
ing groups of people, take an example of each. Remember, postage to foreign countries is
higher. And, if you are sending invitations to other countries, do not pre-stamp the response
envelope. U.S. postage can only be used for mail originating in the U.S., territories or
through the armed services.
• If you’ve ordered “thank you” notes for your wedding gifts with the names of the bride
and groom, you can write, seal and stamp the thank you note as the gift is received, but do
not send out before the actual marriage ceremony is performed. (Writing the “thank you’s”
as gifts are received is much easier than doing them all at once. Just mail them after the
wedding or on your return from your honeymoon.)
• Set up a card file, loose-leaf notebook, or computer program with:
◦ Response: Shower Gift/Thank You Wedding Gift/Thank You
◦ Y/N # (What?) Sent? (What?) Sent?
◦ Name
◦ Address
◦ City, State, Zip
• Lastly, don’t forget to order your reception place cards and wedding place card holders
for all of your guests who return the response card.
- Helaine Hamelstein

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Bridal Expo • Page 14 • January 2010

Wedding gown preservation guide

Your wedding gown probably fit you
as well as your new spouse does. When
you tried it on, it was a dream. Now
that the wedding is over, you might not
want to part with the perfect dress you
wore on your big day. If you want to
keep your dress – and keep it in good
condition – you’ll have to get it cleaned
and preserved, which is the process for
cleaning and properly packaging your
dress for storage.
“If [brides] don’t properly care for
their dress, it’s almost as if they’re
throwing it away,” says Kathy Wright,
owner of Heritage Garment Preservation
in Benicia, Calif. After all, over time,
stains will set, the gown may turn yel-
low, and the fabric could be damaged.
Wedding gown preservation costs
anywhere from $150 to $500, depend-
ing on the level of service you require
and the type of dress you purchased.
Usually, you bring or ship your dress to
a wedding gown preservation company
or dry cleaner that provides this service.
Then, a staff person analyzes the fabric,
beading, and other details to deter-
mine how to best clean it.
The cleaning process of-
ten begins with the hem
because it is usually the
most soiled. Most profes-
sionals scrub the hem by hand
and spot treat any stains. The
biggest culprits are grass, mud,
perspiration and body oils,
make-up, and sugar (from
wedding cake or wine),
say professional cleaners.
Some of the most diffi-
cult stains to remove, say
professionals, are Geor-
gia red clay, self-tanner
residue, and Wite-Out,
which some brides use
to cover up other stains
that are already ap-
pearing before or dur-
ing the wedding.
After the dress is
cleaned and either
steamed or pressed, the
cleaners properly fold it and place it
in an acid-free archival chest with a
display window. Sometimes,
accessories, such as veils
and garters are cleaned and
preserved as well. Then, the
package is returned to the own-
er. Depending on the cleaner
you use, the waiting time could be
anywhere from three to twelve
weeks.
Brides who consider wed-
ding gown preservation ei-
ther want to keep their dress
as an heirloom to be passed
down to future generations,
or they want to resell it.
Some want it as a keep-
sake for themselves or
will eventually make it
into a Christening outfit
or baby bedding for their
children, according to
the companies that pre-
serve gowns.
If you’re in the mar-
ket for wedding gown preservation, here
are some tips from professionals in the
business:
Act Quickly
A big mistake many people make is
leaving their dress in the closet for many
weeks, months, or even years after the
wedding. Stains – even invisible ones
that will become darker and more visible
with age – begin to set over time, which
makes them harder to remove down the
road. Age and exposure to sunlight can
cause the fabric to weaken and yellow.
Bring or ship the dress to a cleaner or
preservation company within six weeks
after the wedding, writes Kelly Crapser,
spokesperson for David’s Bridal gown
preservation in an e-mail. All is not lost,
however, even if you have waited longer
than six weeks to clean your gown. Jim
Parham, president of WedClean in Or-
lando, Fla., says his company handles
thousands of dresses per year and some-
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Gowns
(Continued from page 14)
times people send them in after 20 years
for restoration. Often, if the fibers of the
fabric are still strong enough, Parham
and his crew can restore the gown, he
says. But it will likely be more afford-
able and safer to have it cleaned and pre-
served right after the wedding.
Reputation Counts
Many brides just use the preserva-
tion company or cleaner recommended
by the bridal shop where they purchased
their gown. But you might want to do
a little research and ask questions about
the reputation and experience of the
cleaner. You should send your gown to
dry cleaners who have experience with
bridal gowns and handle the dresses in
house, rather than shipping them some-
where else. Wright warns brides about
wholesale companies because few brides
who use them can tell if their garment has
been cleaned or not because the garment
is sealed for eternity and if you open it,
your guarantee becomes null. Ask how
many wedding dresses the company or
cleaner preserves in a given year. Have
them explain the process that your dress
will go through under their care. Express
any concerns that you have.
Know Something about
Cleaning Methods
While you don’t have to be an expert
in how to clean a wedding gown, you
should know a few things about the stan-
dard practices. This will help you deter-
mine if you want to leave your dress
with a particular cleaner or not. Ask
if the cleaner uses Perchloroethylene,
known as Perc for short. This chemical
is sometimes used by dry cleaners, but
it’s too abrasive for wedding gowns. It
can melt the beading and damage deli-
cate fabrics, says Wright. Also, she adds
that you should find out if the cleaner
will be using a freshly distilled or virgin
solvent for your dress. This is what you
want because old solvent often picks up
oils from previous garments and causes
that “dry cleaner” smell, says Wright.
Bridal Expo • Page 15 • January 2010
Your gown should have no odor after the
preservation process is complete.
Get a Guarantee
Before committing to a wedding
gown preservationist, ask if he or she
offers guarantees and bridal inspections,
suggests Crapser. It’s the only way to
protect yourself if the garment comes
back and has not actually been cleaned
or stored properly. She adds that you
should find out if the company or cleaner
has a customer service department that
can help you and answer your questions
throughout the process.
Go with the Flow
Realize that sometimes – rare as it
may be – stains are so set into the fab-
ric that there’s not much the cleaner can
do without putting the garment at risk
of further damage. “Some brides have a
great attitude,” says Cathleen Paciello,
national account executive at Wedding
Gown Preservation Company in Endi-
cott, N.Y. “They say, ‘It’s okay that you
couldn’t get out that [stain]. It was part
of my day.’” Paciello’s advice to brides
is to have fun and let the professional
cleaners worry about the stains later.
In fact, one wild bride from California
jumped into the ocean in her wedding
gown and sent the soaking wet dress
directly to Wedding Gown Preservation
Company. Although Paciello admits that
about four people nearly passed out when
they opened the box with that moldy
dress, they somehow got it cleaned.
Whether you decide to get your dress
professionally preserved or not, you
should consider properly storing it at
home. That means the dress should be
placed either under the bed or in a closet
free from sunlight and moisture. You
should also never leave your wedding
gown in the plastic garment bag because
it can cause the fabric to yellow. If you
take good care of it, your dress will serve 120 East Union City Pike, Winchester, IN
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Bridal Expo • Page 16 • January 2010

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more, with a list price of
You Can
Lease for
$ 00 For 39
months only
$ 26,595
2010 Chevrolet If you have less than
Traverse FWD LS Perfect Credit! NO
List Price $29,999
PROBLEM, We now

289
have
You Can
Lease for
$ 00 For 39
months
“Special Financing”
Available
GM Loyalty Program: If you currently own a 1999 or newer GM vehicle, you automatically
get an extra $1,000 toward the purchase or lease of a new GM vehicle. Also, up to $2,000
on Silverado Trucks. If at anytime you cannot find that special new vehicle on our lot just
give us a call or stop in and our GM Locater Service can usually have that shiny new car
or truck within 24 hours and the best thing is that it will not cost you a penny more plus
you can do business locally! Where everybody wins. Looking for that special pre-owned
Car, Truck, SUV or Van? We have the nicest, low mileage pre-owned in the Area!
“YOUR HOMETOWN DEALER”