To Have & To Hold
FERUARY 2012
A Special Publication Of The I-75 Newspaper Group • Piqua Daily Call • Troy Daily News • Sidney Daily News
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD • I-75 NEWSPAPER GROUP
Friday, February 24, 2012
Radiant makeup for your special day
I do... want a “green” wedding
These days everyone is thinking about the environment, even when it comes to planning a wedding. Here are a few suggestions for an eco-friendly day.
If wedding bells will soon be ringing for you and your beloved, here are a few practical makeup tips to help you look radiant on your big day.
For the bride’s bouquet choose local wild flowers, such as irises, daisies, or lavender. For boutineers and corsages, some leafy greenery will add a touch of originality to your bridal procession and advertise your commitment to being green. You could also replace the traditional table centerpieces with displays of freshly picked apples from a neighboring orchard — perfect if you’re getting married in September.
If you have the means, entrust your makeup to an aesthetician that you know and trust. If you don’t know one, ask around for recommendations. Make an appointment several weeks before the wedding for a trial makeup session. You will be able to try a couple of looks, such as natural, glamorous, or dramatic, and the aesthetician will better know which kinds of products will suit you best on the big day.
Have your invitations printed on FSC-certified 100% recycled paper. For your thank-you cards, choose stationery made from paper in which wild flower are embedded; this kind of paper is available in many garden centers. For your ceremony and reception, choose locations that are easily accessible in order to cut down on car engine emissions.
Brides who love their mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gowns can have them altered by a seamstress. Or, rather than buying a ready-to-wear dress made in China, brides can have the design of their choice sewed by a local dressmaker. Buying a beautiful, recycled wedding band in gold or silver is another great way to be green. The rings can be personalized in the same way as traditional rings. Wedding rings that belonged to family members are also a meaningful option — after all, the Duchess of Cambridge was quite happy to accept Princess Diana’s engagement ring!
For perfect makeup, treat yourself to a session with an aesthetician.
A bun, a braid, or curls?
PHOTO: DESIGN PICS / PETE STEC / THINKSTOCK
tion and elegance rather than office-job functionality. Once a suit has been chosen, the next secret to a refined look lies in the tie. A contemporary finish requires a tone-on-tone tie that matches the color of the shirt; it is a very attractive look, especially if both are pale in color. Pale toneon-tone will brighten up the complexion and highlight the smile.
A bride’s hairstyle is essential to the look she wishes to create for her wedding day. Choosing among this year’s trends is one way to find the perfect style. The classic bun is a popular choice, especially because it fits with the retro chic trend. In 2012 we will see lots of elegant buns and twists, just like Audrey Hepburn wore. Brides with fine hair can opt for a cut and style, with a square cut or a plunging bob. If they want to keep their hair long, extensions are ideal for filling out some volume. Braids are also making a comeback, but, for a more natural look, they should be soft and loose, with a few locks falling around the face to create a slightly tousled look. The shape of the face must be taken into consideration before creating a hairstyle with a part. If the bride
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head and come decorated with flower and leaf patterns, curves, arabesques, pearls, or Swarovski crystals. Such jewels are as perfect in loose hair as they are with loose braids or buns. With the help of your hairdresser, you can create the hairstyle you’ve always dreamed of. Be sure to make an appointment well ahead of your wedding day for a consultation about options and styles.
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A final touch: a few sprays of makeup fixative to keep you from looking wilted and smudged as you meet and greet all day. The setting spray holds foundation and eye makeup in place while erasing any powdery effect.
For your wedding day makeup, prepare your skin by applying a
Trends for the groom: tone-on-tone
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Opt for waterproof mascara. It will be useful if your dad’s speech brings tears to your eyes! And for a seductive pout that lasts all evening, choose a long-lasting lipstick and touch it up throughout the day with a quick swipe of lip gloss.
If you’re good at doing your own makeup and prefer to do it yourself, don’t forget that you should still do a practice run before the big event. Keep in mind that your makeup for the wedding day is likely going to be different from what you wear to the office. Above all, you’ll want to make sure you choose products that will help you look fresh all day long.
With a bit of determination it’s possible to say “I do” in an eco-friendly way.
On the wedding day, it suit should be may be true that all eyes are chosen according on the bride, but a well- to the season and dressed groom will still be its overall style appreciated. He is one of the should match the main stars of this celebra- tone of the wedtion, after all! ding; a suit is perA classy and unique suit fect for an is on the agenda; after those afternoon wedcriteria, the groom should ding, while a choose a suit he Dressed to the hilt in all his feels comfortable finery, the groom will shine in, one that correon his big day. sponds to his per(Photo Club Uomo — sonal style and that Joseph Abboud) is tailored to his body shape. For an impeccably fitted suit, the tuxedo is required groom should have a last for an evening When fitting at the tailor’s, two or event. three weeks before the wed- choosing a suit, ding. think of it as an investment; The fabric of the groom’s it should signal sophistica-
good moisturizer and then the makeup base. That will allow it to last longer and will also give it a better finish. Choose a good quality foundation that is not orangey and that blends perfectly with the color of your skin.
PHOTO: JUPITERIMAGES / THINKSTOCK
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Friday, February 24, 2012
Flowers: a key element of any wedding
In many people’s minds, a successful wedding event often rests on the choice of flowers. The most beautiful of Mother Nature’s offerings, they are essential for setting the tone of the day. The trend in 2012 is towards smaller bouquets and less imposing floral centerpieces on the tables. Vases are appearing in all shapes, sizes, and materials: ceramic, zinc, glass, and stoneware, for example. Two timeless favorites, the rose and the orchid, adapt perfectly to all these different vases. Just imagine the elegant yet contemporary look
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The romantic bride
If you plan to exchange wedding vows with your beloved in 2012, you’ll want to stay on top of the latest bridal trends. The big designers worked feverishly all fall in order to present their most recent and beautiful collections in time for wedding season. Months have passed since the royal wedding, but the Kate Middleton effect is still echoing in wedding dress boutiques. Dressed in her sumptuous gown, the Duchess of Cambridge launched the romantic trend that is all the rage at the moment. Fit for a princess, romantic style dresses are recognized by their fitted bodices and magnificent skirts, full of volume and texture. To create the balloon effect of a Cinderella-style crinoline, tulle is still the material of choice for designers. The layering of different textured fabrics, shimmering against matte, increases the depth of the skirt, resulting in a supremely opulent look. A veil to cover the entire face or adorn the hair finishes the princess-bride effect. In bridal collections as elsewhere, lace is becoming popular again, often appearing in a trim applied to the hem of the gown. The
these flowers have when arranged in a huge glass vase on a guest-book table or beside an altar. The trend in bouquets is turning towards natural simplicity rather than extravagance. White, cream, and ivory flowers form the base, with lots of greenery to set them off. Branches and leaves matched to different types of flowers are used to top off a glorious monochrome bouquet. Regardless of the colors, tradition still rules the size of a bouquet. Choose a simple bouquet if your outfit is fairly ornate. If your gown is simple, exoticism and creativity can run wild. Round bouquets go well with tapered dresses, and cascading bouquets are perfect for gowns with trains. Lastly, one small hint to help you avoid a truly outdated effect: don’t try to match the color of the with the flowers groom’s outfit or with the bridesmaid’s dresses.
antique effect of a flounced dress is accentuated by opting for a color such as eggshell or ivory, although these shades only suit certain complexions. Be sure to try on several dresses in varying tones of white in order to find the best color for you.
The balloon skirt, so characteristic of the romantic style, confers a princess look to any bride. (Photo www.nataliaexclusif.com)
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Friday, February 24, 2012
The flower girl
The flower girl is usually placed at the head of the procession and leads the bride down the aisle towards her future husband. Because all eyes will be riveted on this little person, special thought should be given to her outfit. Flower girl dresses can be found in most department stores and in wedding dress boutiques. A frilly and white little ball gown will make your flower girl feel like a princess for a day — you can bet that she’ll have a hard time waiting for the big day to finally arrive! You might prefer to let your flower girl choose her own outfit or you may want to provide one that is inspired by your own gown. Whatever the style, be sure to choose a bouquet for your flower girl that is a reflection in miniature of the one you will be holding. Another option is to ask her to carry a basket of flower petals, which she will scatter on the floor as she walks down the aisle.
The bride can choose her flower girl’s outfit to reflect her own gown to create a stunning effect during the bridal procession. (Photograph www.nataliaexclusif.com)
Wedding bands are all about love and personality
Much more than just an ordinary ring, a wedding band is the concrete sign of your marital status. It is also a symbol of the romantic union between you and your soul mate. Not long ago, a future bride and groom would have chosen a simple ring to mark this new stage in their lives. Today, wedding bands are made in the image of the couple and of their era, coming in original shapes and colors.
A wedding band should reflect your personality, since it will likely stay on your ring finger for the rest of your life. Choosing the right one can present quite a challenge and is a good reason why current fashion or impulse should never rule over personal preference.
Wedding bands are now available in yellow, white, or pink gold. There are no longer any set rules for these rings, and more and more bands are set with precious stones. Future brides used to avoid sapphires, rubies, and emeralds but these stones are now very much appreciated by those who like the idea of a color to match their personality. Just remember that overly large stones should be avoided; a wedding band should always be elegant and fairly discreet.
PHOTO: CREATAS IMAGES / THINKSTOCK
Rubies are particularly popular with couples. These precious stones are much rarer than diamonds and symbolize love, warmth, and vitality. The sparkle of the fiery color also symbolizes the beating of the human heart. Diamonds and rubies mounted together on a wedding ring represent the perfect mix of fire and ice.
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Once upon a time, a stork was invited to a wedding. Yes, sometimes future parents decide to take the big leap before the birth of their child, or sometimes the bride becomes pregnant during the wedding preparations.
cading bouquet, or a stole will elongate your silhouette. High heels will also have the same effect, if you can bear to wear them, of course.
One small piece of advice before concluding: you need not try to hide your pregnancy. These days nothing surprises people, and your guests will appreciate your beautiful curves!
If you’ll be pregnant on your wedding day, it is important to discuss this with your dressmaker, who will help you choose a dress design that will accommodate last-minute expansion. She will ask you to schedule a fitting a few days before the ceremony in order to make any necessary adjustments. Empire-style dresses are very much the fashion and leave room for developing curves in elegant style. Wraparound dresses adjust easily and create a beautiful silhouette. A wide asymmetrical skirt with a bolero jacket, or a stretch jersey sheath dress, are other great choices for those who don’t want to hide their curves. A pantsuit with flowing trousers is also wonderfully suitable under the circumstances. Avoid flounces, pleats, lace, and outfits that are too loose.
PHOTO: JUPITERIMAGES / THINKSTOCK
Whether your wedding is going to take the traditional or modern and minimalist route, you can honor a young friend, sister, niece, or cousin by asking her to be your flower girl. If you’re planning on a big wedding party, with several bridesmaids and groomsmen, a flower girl is a lovely inclusion. If you want to keep the pomp to a minimum, having just one little flower girl to stand with you is a great strategy to avoid disappointing adult women friends!
A beautiful dress for those telltale curves
Rely on originality and airy fabrics, such as organza, tulle, and light cottons rather than stiff or tight-fitting materials. For accessories, a hat, some feathers, a casA radiant bride who flaunts her curves will delight her wedding guests!
Buy my wedding dress online? No thanks!
It is said that a bride will try on more than ten wedding gowns before finding the perfect one. If that statistic is accurate, online shopping isn’t a good idea. After all, the outfit for your big day requires a great deal more organization and thought than the purchase of an ordinary piece of clothing.
follow the golden rules for finding the right dress: • When you try on dresses, wear shoes with the same size heels as you will wear on your big day; • Go out in the daylight to check for any transparent areas in the dress; • Make large movements with your arms and legs to check for comfort; • Ask for a fabric sample so you can coordinate shoes and other accessories.
A bride who is tempted to buy her wedding dress online is probably just one who detests shopping. If that sounds like you, why not use the Internet as a source of inspiration that could help you find a style you like without having to leave home. Another way to save time is to visit bridal shows where many different designer labels present their dresses. However you go about it, don’t forget that you might love the look of a dress on a screen or on a model but not when you try it on. That is why it is so important to try on more than one style.
Think about the pleasure of shopping for your dress with your maid of honor, an experience that you’d miss by buying online. Wedding specialists will tell you that you should always shop for your gown with a friend who will express her opinion honestly before you say “I do” to the salesperson. Online shopping also makes it hard to
PHOTO: COMSTOCK IMAGES / THINKSTOCK
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Think about the pleasure of shopping for your dress with your maid of honor, an experience that you’d miss by buying online.
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Friday, February 24, 2012
The second time around
Do you hear wedding bells?
The decision has been made: you are engaged! Sure enough, you will soon be thinking about You’ve both been married before and have your wedding invitations, but it is worthwhile to publish an announcement of your engagement decided to take the big leap a second time? with a bit of pomp and circumstance. It is a momentous occasion, one worth celebrating! Congratulations! Family members, neighbors, colleagues, long-lost acquaintances: they might not all make it on to your wedding invitation list, but they will still want to hear the news of your engagement. If the bride and groom have always lived in the same area all their lives, the local newspaper is the perfect media. However, if people you know are scattered all across the country, the national paper could perhaps be a good place to put your wedding announcement as well. It is usually the parents of the bride and groom who take care of this, but there’s nothing to stop the happy couple from taking care of it themselves.
Second weddings, whether traditional or modern in tone, do tend to be more modest in scale and drama. That doesn’t mean they need be less sentimental or festive, however! You might wish for a big bash or a more intimate affair; choose what you both really want and don’t let yourselves be sidetracked by others’ expectations.
mony, you may decide to wear a tasteful, sumptuous gown or a skirt suit in a suitable color. For the reception, you might opt for a buffet or a more official, sit-down affair; either way, treat yourselves to a wonderfully elaborate wedding cake! Next, drink a toast to your new life!
A simple civil ceremony with a justice of the peace, where you can write your own vows, might be perfect for you. In that case, a simple bridal outfit in a pastel or ivory color would be just the ticket. Don’t hesitate to include the children, if there are any, and invite a few friends and close family members. The wedding meal could even be served by a caterer in your home or held at a favorite restaurant.
The text should include the names of the bride- and groom-to-be, the names of the parents of the couple, and, if it’s suitable, a few words about the circumstances of the proposal. Don’t forget to submit a photo of the happy couple! If you would like something more informal,
An engagement announcement in the paper lets the community know that wedding bells will soon be ringing.
By invitation only
you could exchange vows at your home or at a friend’s. Even if it is a simple, relaxed ceremony you could still wear something elegant for the occasion. Young children could be flower girls or ring bearers, and the older ones, bridesmaids or page boys. If you want to make your wedding a grand occasion, including a religious or civil cere-
Often more modest, but just as emotional, a second wedding can be a traditional or a more intimate affair.
The perfect gift for the couple
Choosing a wedding gift is not always an easy task. You might not know the couple well, which means you don’t really know their tastes or style, and you might not be sure how much money to spend.
Before you can choose the right invitation for your big day you will need to have decided on the tone and theme of your wedding. Not only will you have to carefully consider your cardstock and script, you will want to choose your wording very carefully.
A reasonable solution is to offer a gift certificate from a department or specialty store, or even cash. This kind of gift allows the couple to choose exactly what they need. Alternatively, you could offer them an item from a bridal registry at a department store. You can ask the bride or groom where they’re registered or ask at a store if the couple has set one up.
Your guests need to know all the important details: where, when, how? The last thing you want is for your cousin’s high heels to sink into the sand because you forgot to mention the reception was a potluck at the beach!
If you’re close to the bride or groom, you might consider a It’s hard to go wrong with a more intimate gift. A pair of him-and-her spa passes makes a gift of cash; the bride and If both families are contributing financially nice outing for the couple as wedding prep stress begins to groom will be able to buy to the wedding, it is appropriate to specify build, or you could offer a gift certificate for an evening out at exactly what they need. that they are co-hosting the event. That is typically expressed a chic restaurant for when they return from their honeymoon. the following way: “(Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Jane Smith), parents of the bride, and (Mr. John Smythe and Mrs. Jane Smythe), parents of the groom, are pleased to invite you to the marriage of...” If the bride and groom are footing the bill, the names of the parents Wedding guests often wonder how much they should spend on a gift. If your budget is limited, there are many ways to be generous without breaking the bank. You could offer a shared gift shouldn’t be mentioned. along with some friends, which would allow you to offer a single large item that none could afford alone. You could make a gift of your time and help with the wedding preparations, or Double check the spelling of all the names, and make sure the bride’s name precedes the compose a song dedicated to the new couple. Or, you could offer a symbolic gift, such as a tree groom’s. If you want to invite your aunt and uncle to your wedding but not their five chilthey can plant and watch grow over the years. that dren, omit the words “and family” after their names and cross your fingers that they’ll get
the message! Send out the invitations at least six weeks before the wedding so that your Whatever the gift, be sure to guests will have time to clear their calendars and arrange for travel. include a card with your name Including a self-addressed, stamped envelope with every reply card will help your guests and return address; that makes with the job of getting back to you. After all, if you want to keep a tight tally of your guest things easier for the couple numbers for the caterer, it is absolutely essential that you facilitate your RSVP request when the time comes to send out thank-you notes. in every way.
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Friday, February 24, 2012
How do you feel about colored wedding shoes?
Wedding activities for the kids PHOTO: JUPITERIMAGES / THINKSTOCK
Is there going to be a crowd of children at your wedding? Here are a few entertainment tips to keep them amused during the reception; their parents will appreciate the opportunity to socialize and the kids will remember the event as a success.
To occupy younger children before the meal, you could organize a visit from a magician or a clown, who can perform a colorful routine lasting around thirty minutes. If your reception hall will allow it, you could rent an inflatable castle or organize a thematic treasure hunt with a teenaged guest to facilitate it.
Inside the hall, set up an activity table with bottles of bubble-blowing liquid, arts and crafts supplies, and board games. You might even hire an artist to do face-painting. At the very least, it’s a good idea to reserve an area especially for the kids, where their high energy levels won’t bother the other guests and where they can be free from pressures to sit still and be quiet.
Every girl knows that shoes give the perfect finishing touch to an outfit, whether it’s for business, a movie night, or her wedding. Finding the right shade to match a bridal gown can be a difficult one, especially as brides continue to move away from traditional whites.
The trend towards color began about five years ago with metallic tones, especially gold or silver, both of which lend a glamorous touch to any dress. Golden shoes are perfect with gowns ranging from ivory to cream, while silver is gorgeous with pure whites and bluish whites.
In 2012, the trend has gone even further. Striking contrasts are in, as brides wear red, orange, turquoise, or yellow! These shoes
If you do have a kids’ table, cover it with a paper tablecloth on which they can doodle to their heart’s content while they wait for their meals. Don’t forget to inquire with your caterer if their menu includes a children’s plate. Then, at the end of the meal, distribute surprise bags filled with candies and small dollar-store games or gadgets that will keep them entertained.
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Pre-wedding conflict
Stay well away from heated discussions as much as possible. The bride and groom shouldn’t have to play referee or take sides. Planning a wedding is already stressful enough! If you are the bride or groom, resist the temptation to get involved in squabbles. They are distractions that will ruin this special time in your life.
Are your parents separated and not getting along? Prevention is the best policy. Avoid imposing conditions on their presence; send them a wedding invitation with a handwritten note making it clear that you would like them both to be present and reassuring them that everything will go smoothly.
Whether the tension is between the bride and groom, among the bridal party, or between parents and adult children, remember that communication is vital when a conflict arises. Don’t leave things unsaid, as that usually makes matters worse. If problems crop up, tackle them as they occur. If a couple can’t seem to find common ground, calm, honest communication and discussion could clear up some beefs.
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One thing to remember about this trend is that the days of matching shoes to cummerbunds are past: don’t choose shoes that match the color of your groom’s tie or your reception tablecloths. It may seem like a good idea initially, but you will end up looking rather ridiculous. And unless you have a nice tan already, be sure to wear top-quality sheer stockings to even out the skin tone of your legs. When you slip off your garter at the reception, you won’t want to be shy about showing some leg!
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If your reception runs into the evening, you could always set up a DVD player so the kids can watch a movie, with popcorn and drinks. Is a cloud of tension hovering over your wedding preparations? Are there unspoken resentments or snubs amongst the bridesmaids, or outright verbal warfare between the couple or between them and their parents or in-laws? Whatever the situation, everyone must try to resolve the problems so they don’t spoil the wedding day.
The current trend is to wear brightly colored shoes, such as red, orange, turquoise, or yellow!
can be found in bridal boutiques as well as in regular shoe shops. If you find yours in a designer line-up, such as Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, or Prada, you’ll be able to wear them proudly, long after your wedding day is just a happy memory.
Rent 5 Tuxedos and the Groom’s Tuxedo is FREE!
2257319
with a dependable,
qualified jeweler
off right...
Thank You for
37 years of
Continued Support and Patronage.
104 E. Mason Road, Sidney, OH
937-492-6937 Hours: Mon-Wed. 9-6; Thurs 9-1; Fri 9-8; Sat. 9-3; Closed Sun 2258158