Bridal 2016

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times

BRIDAL

Sunday, February 21, 2016 | W1

Sunday, February 21, 2016

PHOTOS BY MARK YLEN DEMOCRAT-HERALD‌

Chic-ee Chic-ee Bridal Boutiquee has more than 500 second-hand dresses. Founder Deborah Boulanger, right, and boutique manager Colleen Anderson use the proceeds to fund Mercy House International, a home for women and children who have left abusive situations.

For brides on a budget Boutique uses proceeds to fund a local safehouse AMANDA NOWACKI, MID-VALLEY MEDIA GROUP

‌Chic-ee Chic-ee Bridal Boutiquee, in downtown Albany, offers a little extra for brides on a budget.

The store sells second hand dresses at discounted prices.

Founder Deborah Boulanger started 1st Hand Seconds Unique Boutique in 2010 with the idea of using the profits from the business to fund Mercy House International, a long term, Christ-centered home in Linn County for women and children in abusive situations. Then after doing some research on the bridal market in 2014, she found that opening a second hand bridal shop would serve a need in the mid-valley. At that time hers was the only second hand shop between Eugene and Salem.

They were able to get started with help from Adorned by Grace, a non-profit organization that raises funds to help victims of sex trafficking. Adorned by Grace provided Chic-ee Chic-ee with 200 gowns, and still donates more to help the boutique.

“We are very pleased to have them standing beside us,” Boulanger said.

The local community has been very generous to Chic-ee Chic-ee as well.

“Most of our dresses are donated,” she said. “We can then use all the profits to fund the Mercy House.”

The boutique now has 500 gowns that range in price from $100 to $3,000. The average price, according to Boulanger, is $300.

“Most of our dresses have been pre-owned, but we do have dresses that have never been owned with tags still on them,” she said. “We also have dresses that have never been worn — the dress was purchased and the event was cancelled.”

The dresses range from size 0 to 30 and include all styles and shapes. The trend, according to

Boulanger, is lace, drop back and sweetheart necklines.

“We have found that our brides are those who want their own flair,” Boulanger said. “And we can offer dressed from vintage to the present.”

Boulanger loves that they serve brides of all ages and from all backgrounds.

“We had a 68-year old come in who was celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary with a vow renewal,” Boulanger said. “She never wore a dress at her original wedding and wanted something special for her day.”

Another bride Boulanger remembers was a young bride who had a small budget for a dress.

“We were able to sell her a $1,000 dress for $200. She walked out of here with everything — shoes, veil and accessories for $230,” she said.

“These are the things that really please me.”

Chic-ee Chic-ee Bridal Boutquee has dresses and all the essentials for brides on a budget.

Colleen Anderson, boutique manager, also loves working with the brides.

“It’s so much fun when they light up when they find that right dress,” she said.

The boutique also has veils, shoes and accessories for brides as well as formal wear for other occasions such as prom and homecoming.

Chic-ee Chic-ee will be at the 12th Annual Bridal Show at the Santiam Place in Lebanon. Brides will be able to try on gowns that are available on site.

On Jan. 28, 2017, Chic-ee Chic-ee will have its fundraiser gala show casing the bridal gowns.

Though Chic-ee Chic-ee does take walk-ins, Boulanger strongly suggests making an appointment to have the best bridal experience possible. The boutique is open from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and is located at 415 First Ave. W., Albany.

To schedule an appointment, either stop by 1st Hand Seconds or call 541- 928-6909.

Anderson shows off one of the unique dresses at Chic-ee Chic-ee Bridal Boutiquee.

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bridal

2 | Sunday, February 21, 2016

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times

Community event hall available for small weddings Amanda Nowacki, Mid-valley Media Group

photos Provided by Santiam Place.‌

Scentsy is just one of the vendors that will be available at the Lebanon Bridal Show with ideas for gifts for a bridal party.

Lebanon Bridal Show open today for ideas Amanda Nowacki, Mid-valley Media Group

‌The 12th Annual Bridal Show at Santiam Place in Lebanon will be held today from noon to 5 p.m. at 139 Main St. Sally Skaggs, owner and operator of Santiam Place, started the bridal show when she saw a need in the community.

“We have a lot of local professionals who can take care of all the needs for folks,” she said.

Each wedding professional will have their own booth and guests can walk around from booth to booth to ask questions or test products as available.

Onsite will be Mr. Formal, jewelry vendors, It Works, accessory vendors including Miche Bag Company, a barbecue caterer, nail vendors, make-up vendors such as Mary Kay, Pure Romance, a personal security vendor and more.

A hair dresser will be doing up-dos at the event and Chic-ee Chic-ee Bridal Boutiquee will have dresses avail-

able for brides to try on. Skaggs will also be available to show the Santiam Place Wedding & Event Hall, which offers a place for both indoor and outdoor weddings and other events.

“We will have the whole shebang here,” Skaggs said.

“Brides can purchase everything they need including gifts and accessories right here.”

Admission is two cans of food, which will be donated to the Lebanon Soup Kitchen.

When guests arrive, they will be asked to fill out an information sheet for door prizes.

“We want our guests to know that we don’t sell their information, but we do need it for the door prizes,” Skaggs said.

Each vendor will have a door prize available to win, and some vendors will be offering specials at the bridal show.

For more information on the bridal show, go to www. santiamplace.com or call 541259-4255.

Jewelry ideas will be available at the Lebanon Bridal Show.

‌Sally Skaggs saw a need in Lebanon for a community event hall. When a church building opened up in 2005, Skaggs jumped on the opportunity to transform the building into Santiam Place Wedding & Event hall.

The building includes a chapel, which can fit no more than 100 people, and a large outdoor gathering area, which can hold up to 300 people.

“July and August are our biggest months for weddings,” Skaggs said. “Right now we have seven weddings booked this year, but we have many other events including a lot of birthday parties.”

Skaggs said the hall is popular because she always has it decorated for the seasons.

“We have a lot of families that host their holiday parties here and come back every year,” she said.

Skaggs offers more than just the hall to brides who come her way. She can provide decorations in most colors, center pieces, clothes, tables, silk flowers, cake cutters, coffee pots, chairs, silver wear, real plates and some catering equipment.

“Basically people need to bring the food and the paper products,” Skaggs said.

The outdoor venue offers a fenced in yard, a wedding arch with décor and something in bloom all summer long. Everything is wheel chair accessible.

“When guests have their weddings outside, it’s like they are in their own little private park,” Skaggs said.

Skaggs does recommend smaller weddings for her venue.

“Our ideal size is 100 or less,” she said. “It’s not a huge place, but it’s a comfortable place.”

Skaggs can also offer the rentals for those having their weddings at a different location.

Rentals include linens, napkins, tablecloths, tables and more.

“I have so much stuff for weddings and events, I decided to start renting out equipment and decorations,” she said.

Skaggs feels like the hall is in the perfect place right off Highway 34 and Highway 20 and only eight miles off I-5.

For more information and pricing, call 541259-4255, email santiamplace@centurytel.net or go to www.santiamplace.com.

Top 10 local bridal trends Here is a list of trends Sally Skaggs has seen: 1) Traditional White Dress. “I still see that most brides want that white dress. That’s the first thing they go buy after they are engaged.”

2) Walk down the aisle. “It’s very important for brides to walk down the aisle to their soon-to-be husbands.”

3) Wedding march or traditional music. “Most brides are still very traditional and want the typical wedding day music.”

4) Cake. “Everyone wants to cut the cake on the big day.”

5) Trendy colors include blush colors such as beige, peach, khaki, coral and pinks, and royal colors like reds, blues and purples. “You can’t go wrong with red, blue or purple.”

6) Black tablecloths. “A black tablecloth shows off colors better than white.”

ABOVE: Santiam Place Weddling & Event Hall is able to host 300 guests for an outdoor wedding and 100 guests for an indoor wedding. The hall provides all the seating and many decorations. BELOW: Santiam Place has foliage in season from spring through fall for outdoor weddings and events.

7) A strapless dress. “This is still the mainstay of wedding dresses.”

8) Rustic themes. “Mason jars, barns and outdoor weddings are still very popular.”

9) More photography done before the wedding. “This is something I suggest to all my wedding parties. This takes less time away from the guests after the wedding and people are more relaxed. You can save the bride and groom photos for after the wedding and just do the separate photos.”

Mr. Formal will be at the Lebanon Bridal Show with fashionable wedding ideas for men.

10) Brides not wanting to be seen. “Most brides don’t want to be seen by their groom until they walk down that aisle.”

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BRIDAL

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2016 |

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A successful outdoor wedding Dates between May and October are generally the most popular for couples wishing to get married. These months promise better chances of a beautiful, sunny afternoon. That is ever more important when planning an outdoor wedding, where Mother Nature always brings a touch of magic, whether it is by the ocean, near a lake, or in a pretty flower garden.

The biggest challenge in organizing an outdoor wedding is the unpredictability of the elements.

This is why it is so important to have a Plan B in case of bad weather. Because of this, you will not only have to choose the right location, you will also have to coordinate all the necessary logistics in order for your reception to be a success.

Go ahead and choose a site for exchanging your vows that has special significance for you both.

Just bear in mind that your guests won’t want to be packed into a small space, nor will they want to be stranded miles from the nearest bathroom. Remember that a tent for the caterers will be necessary, as is access to electrical outlets for the chefs and the D.J. If you are planning on renting a wedding tent, be sure to calculate the number of square feet required for your guests to be comfortable.

Some outdoor establishments also

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Outdoor weddings always have a touch of magic, whether they’re held at the shore, in a field, or in a pretty backyard. require that the couple purchase a to send in your application. The will know what to expect. you’ll have to do is pray fervently liquor license. If that is the case, dress code should be specified on Once your outdoor wedding has for blue skies and beautiful sundon’t wait until the last minute the invitations so that your guests been carefully orchestrated, all shine on your big day.

What information should a wedding invitation include?

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Seven rules for choosing your groom’s outfit

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Even though the love of your life will be the star of the show at your wedding, you, as her future husband, must also look great. Need a hand? Here are some rules for looking your best and being stylish on your big day.

1. Take into account the wedding theme. Romantic, retro, country, glamour: once you’ve decided on the style and theme of the day, you’ll be able to choose between a suit and a tuxedo.

2. Imagine your total look. Don’t just focus on the type of suit, but rather on the general impression you want to give. Don’t forget that what you wear around your neck will set the tone for your outfit.

Also think about the combination of fabrics and colors.

3. Choose the right fabric. Adapt your outfit to the season. Cotton or lightweight wool is appropriate for summer weddings.

Linen, on the other hand, is perfect for a country wedding.

4. Don’t forget the ac-

cessories. Tie, suspenders, pocket handkerchief: your accessories should reflect the mood of the wedding.

Choosing them before your outfit will give you an idea what color the latter should be.

5. Don’t clash with the dress. Shop for your outfit with either your future wife or a person who has seen her dress. A swatch of her dress fabric could also

come in handy.

6. Make the most of your build. A checkered pattern makes you look bigger; black slims you down, and a long jacket lengthens the torso.

7. Make sure you feel comfortable. Choose an outfit that suits your personality. Above all, you don’t want to give the impression of being in disguise.

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Announcing your upcoming marriage to your family and friends is always exciting. But this excitement can sometimes result in a few details being forgotten when the time comes to write the invitations. Whether you opt for elegant type and formal language or a simple, no-nonsense format, the invitation ought to include the following information:  first and last names of the bride and groom  wedding date  time of the ceremony  where the ceremony is to take place  contact information for the bride and groom Reception invitation If some guests are to be invited to a separate (and more exclusive) reception after the ceremony, then the following information should be included on a separate card:  time of reception  site of reception  financial contribution for the meal (if applicable)  dress code or theme  details about the event, if desired (i.e., menu choices, open bar or cash bar)  a list of hotels, bed & breakfasts, and other accommodations in the area  directions for getting to the reception  the date by which you would like to receive replies to the invitation (RSVP)

Reply cards Wedding invitations usually include a reply card, to be completed by the guests and returned to the bride and groom. Including a stamped, self-addressed envelope is always appreciated and helps ensure a timely response.

Sundry other tips  Only one invitation is necessary per couple or family.  Invitations are usually sent several weeks before the big day.

Invitations for summer weddings should be sent even earlier to ensure that people can plan their vacations accordingly.  It is acceptable to invite some people just to the ceremony or just to the reception. In either case, send only the appropriate invitation.  Before choosing your final invitation design and reply cards, find out about standard postal sizes and weights from your local post office.

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BRIDAL

4 | Sunday, February 21, 2016

Albany Democrat-Herald/Corvallis Gazette-Times

Wedding bands and accessories Has the time come to ‌ pay a visit to a jeweler in preparation for your wedding day? Be sure to do your homework first, because several factors have to be taken into account if you want to make the right choice.

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Wedding bands

The five virtues of the ideal maid of honor

Accessories

Your choice of jewelry will depend on the style of your dress, but don’t forget that the first rule of wedding jewelry is not to overdo it.

If you’re wearing a rhinestone-encrusted bustier, you’re better off opting for earrings rather than a necklace.

If you decide to wear earrings, the style you choose will depend on your hairstyle, the shape of your

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face—long earrings for a round face, for instance— the stones that adorn your dress and your hair ornament (wear small earrings with a big diadem).

If you want to wear a bracelet as well, be sure to choose something discrete.

Your dress is a simple one?

An extravagant necklace could look great, as long as

it goes well with the shape of your neckline.

Now that you’ve established your criteria, it’s time to go shopping in search of perfection.

Five tips for finding the perfect dress As the bride, you will ‌ be the focus of everyone’s attention on your big day, including all the guests as well as your beloved, of course. But in order to be the most beautiful woman in the room, the star of the celebrations must choose her dress carefully. Here are a few tips to help you.

1. Think before you shop.

It’s exhausting trying on dozens of dresses at random in the hopes of finding the perfect one. Before going shopping, be sure to browse some magazines

and search the Internet to narrow down the styles you prefer.

2. Shop well in advance.

Most people get married in the summer, so dressmakers’ agendas soon fill up and the prettiest dresses fly off the racks quickly. Make sure you plan enough time for the fittings.

3. Choose carefully who you shop with. Don’t shop with a crowd of friends who will confuse you with all their comments and diverging opinions. Choose one or two people who

know you well and who have good taste. You’ll want them to be able to give you some honest feedback.

4. Choose a dress that you like. Your dress should make you feel good and allow you to be yourself. You also want to be comfortable walking up the aisle and dancing. Naturally, you’ll also want to choose a model that flatters your figure.

5. Bear in mind the general atmosphere. Your outfit should harmonize with the wedding theme and the reception hall. For in-

stance, a formal sequined dress is not really appropriate for a country setting.

One last tip: decide how much you want to spend on your dress before you begin your search. That way you won’t ruin your whole wedding budget by splurging on an expensive dress.

‌Being a maid or matron of honor involves a lot more than just wearing a beautiful dress. Her role is also to personally ensure that everything goes perfectly for the bride, before, during, and after her big day. Do you have what it takes to fulfill this role?

1. Organization: One of the maid of honor’s responsibilities is to organize the bachelorette party and accompany the bride to a variety of gatherings and fittings. In other words, your good time-management skills are essential.

2. Honesty: The future bride is hesitating between two dresses and one of them is completely wrong for her.

Now’s the time to be honest. You were chosen by the bride for this role because your opinion is important to her. Of course, you don’t impose your ideas, you just make tactful suggestions.

3. Patience: Even if your friend is turning into a

bridezilla (a bride-to-be whose wedding planning behavior can be regarded as obsessive or intolerably demanding), you still need to be patient and give moral support to the bride throughout the process.

4. Devotion: On the big day, your job is to ensure that the bride’s dress, particularly the train, is always arranged properly and that her hair is perfect for the photos. You accomplish all the tasks related to your role without complaint; you’re not just a guest, but one of the people in charge of the entire event.

5. Modesty: Be content to take the backseat on the wedding day; after all, it’s not you who is getting married. Think only of the bride while you’re wearing that formal dress and uncomfortable shoes that you’ll never wear again.

Oh, what wouldn’t a maid of honor do to please the bride-to-be!

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Wedding bands are the symbols of your union and must be chosen carefully.

When searching for the perfect rings, your first step should be to set a budget and determine your preferences.

The type of ring: solitaire (one stone); three stones set side by side; eternity or semi-eternity (stones set around a portion or the entire circumference of the ring).

The metal: gold; platinum; silver; titanium.

The stone: diamond; sapphire; ruby.

The cut of the stone: square; elongated; heart; oval.

You’ll be wearing your wedding band for a long time to come, so above all, make sure it’s comfortable.

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Learn the art of choosing flowers ‌From the bridal bouquet to the decorations, flowers are going to be a major feature of your wedding. And not only do they create an atmosphere that is both festive and harmonious, they have to do it without breaking your budget. But don’t worry; it’s possible to achieve that goal with a bit of ingenuity.

Choose your wedding dress first; it will influence the creation of your bouquet. A patterned dress, for instance, will require a fairly discreet bouquet.

You should also take into account your figure: if you are petite, you should avoid cascading bouquets, which are more suitable for tall, slender brides. And make sure your bouquet isn’t too heavy, as you’ll be carrying it for a long time.

You have a limited budget? Choose native flowers that are in season or exotic flowers that are readily available. Think foliage; it will add volume to your bouquet and it’s inexpensive. When choosing flowers, you may also want to consider their meanings.

For example, you may prefer red roses (love) or white roses (pure love) rather than yellow roses (infidelity) and daffodils (coldness). Choose flowers that don’t wilt quickly, that don’t stain and that don’t have an overpowering scent.

Once you’ve decided on your bouquet, it’s time to consider the buttonholes, bridesmaids’ bouquets and the reception hall decorations. All these elements should take inspiration from your bouquet. You could use one of the flowers from your bouquet for

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the groom’s buttonhole and Need some inspiration? similar but smaller bou- A professional florist is sure quets for the bridesmaids to have lots of great ideas to and table centerpieces. help you.

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