Fashion News for the Bride

BEAUTY TIPS (Author: Audrey Hepburn)

• For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
• For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
• For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
• For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
• For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
• People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
• Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
• As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

BRIDESMAID'S DRESSES

Here at Normans Jewelry and Bridal Shoppe, we know that weddings are full of fantasy and shrouded in myths. However, not all assumptions about weddings are true. You've probably heard that all bridesmaids' dresses are ugly. Not true! The key to selecting dresses that suit the different figure types of your attendants is to look for a classic style with pure, simple lines. Not everyone can wear a high Victorian neckline or a tight, fitted silhouette. Narrow your selection alone, but be flexible. It helps when both you and your attendants keep an open mind. Consider an unstructured column with an empire bodice and ribbon straps in a fabric that's fluid and naturally compliments any wearer. Or, spare but lovely, maybe a sleeveless gown with a modified bodice, bib front and A-line skirt will highlight the specific people you have chosen to wear it. You'll find simple, elegant dresses will add beauty to your party!

THE PERFECT DRESS

You've found the perfect groom. You think the hardest decision is behind you. But when you hit the web, you discover a virtual world of bridal "discounters" waiting to get their hands on your credit card. Now you have to find, fit and buy the perfect gown from the perfect company so your perfect day goes according to plan. You'll be pleased to know that Normans Jewelry and Bridal Shoppe meets competitors prices and terms, including internet offers. When all things are considered, you save time and money at Normans Jewelry and Bridal Shoppe!

WEDDING FAVORS

We think the Italians are special because they were the first to tulle wrap bundles of sugar and almonds representing the bitterness and sweetness of married life for guests to take home from their Italian weddings. Another traditional wedding favor began in the Middle East - a box with wedding cake in it. Romantically, single women guests placed the boxed cake under their pillows so they could dream about their future husbands. While the two traditions remain favorites of many brides, others choose imaginative tokens for their wedding guests. Representing their personality, style and wit, gifts range from personalized golf balls, to tiny clay pots with seedlings or flower seeds, to small vases, to holiday ornaments. Whatever your choice, wedding favors are a special way to thank your guests for being a part of your day as well as to make them feel special.

TRADITIONS

We know the fun you'll have when you toss your bouquet to let your guests know the celebration is nearing its end. Thrown to unmarried bridesmaids and single women, it's considered lucky to catch, for the one who does will be the next to marry. If you plan to preserve your bouquet, your florist will create a "toss bouquet" which is just as lovely to catch. The garter toss dates back to the 14th or 15th century in England. The groom's friends would tease him by lifting his bride's skirt to retrieve the garter holding up her stockings. As the tradition evolved, the garter often became the "something blue" a bride wore. Now it will be your groom who removes your garter from just below your knee (no lifting of skirts high, please) and flings it to his unmarried friends, ensuring a happy future for the recipient.

PLACE OF HONOR

Brides often discuss the dilemma of choosing attendants for their wedding. To their dismay, a close friend may be unable to participate, while some accept, but then complain. Still others feel pressured by family or friends who want to be included. What do you do? Since a wedding is the joining of two families, it's a wonderful time for the couple's siblings to be included. Say "no" to pushy friends by explaining that your budget / space / wedding size is limited. And, if you can't choose between two best friends, ask both and divvy up the duties. Remember, a wedding is not an equal opportunity event, so the wedding party does not have to be symmetrical. Either of you can have more attendants than the other. Trends today include switched gender roles - a best woman, a man-of-honor, a ring girl or the mother escorting the bride. It's your choice!

CARING FOR YOUR MEMORIES

Here at Normans Jewelry and Bridal Shoppe, we know you spent many hours and tender loving care in selecting the wedding gown of your dreams. We believe that preserving it deserves nothing less than the best. After the wedding, we encourage you to bring your gown back to us, so we can have this priceless garment cleaned and preserved. Never mind the champagne you spilled on it, or the black marks around the hem. It will be given professional care and at a reasonable price, too. Our guarantee is that your wedding gown will look as beautiful 50 years from now as it did the day you walked down the aisle, stars in your eyes, looking like a fairy-tale princess. Imagine the pride you'll feel when your daughter or granddaughter wears it years later. In memory you'll be a bride again!