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ON THE Photos taken by Scott Bryant in Downtown Statesboro at the Averitt Center for the Arts
BRIDES 2011
PROM 2011
BRIDE 2011 Simply Stylish Finding that perfect wedding gown Tuxedos Rent or Buy?
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Beauty Secrets Super Easy, Super Smart Coming Home Getting married in your hometown Drinks Think local, drink local Best Hometown Spots Cakes Sweet & Simple Catering An option for your next event Wedding Countdown The Weekend Project Creating unique wares for your day Engagement Announcement Form Wedding Announcement Form
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PROM 2011 Prom Night Essentials Tips to Spend Less for Prom Prom Shoe Alternatives Prom Fashions Prom Beauty Basics
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here’s a new sense that less is more in the bridal gown world, both in terms of style and price. Fuss-free gowns, in columns, sheaths and cocktail styles, are getting their due as brides scale down their version of their dream dresses, maybe because they’re older brides or are tying the knot in a more casual environment. In step with the mood, some brides are slashing their fashion budgets in these not-so-flush times. As a result, a number of brides are embracing “non-bridal” styles, per se, made by the likes of contemporary designers, such as BCBG Max Azria and Sue Wong – not your typical go-to bridal resources but ones that are creating “sexy, romantic and feminine” gowns that are “absolutely suitable for weddings,” according to Wong. The shift has prompted other designers and retailers into rolling out their own wallet-friendly bridal options that are less showy and more sophisticated. In spring, White House |Black Market unveiled a strapless dress with a high-low hem for $499, and now it has added three more looks all for under $700. After hearing that its
Simply Stylish Brides have enough to stress about on their wedding day. Having paid thousands for an uncomfortable dress should not be one of those reasons. Here’s a guide to gowns that look great, feel great, and come without the great, big price tag
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“Today’s bride wants a designer gown, which is more fashion-forward compared to the princess-like dresses worn by brides years ago.” - Sol Baratech, Designer Bride. customers were buying its dresses for bridesmaid functions, The Limited debuted a two-dress collection this summer for under $300, with plans to expand the line to seven looks by January 2011 (four styles currently are available). Higher-end designers joined the mix this summer when the likes of David Meister and Carmen Marc Volvo signed on with New York-based Designer Bride Inc. to license bridal gowns for $1,500 to $3,000 that are not over-the-top.“Brides want to tone it down,” says Jill Giordano, co-owner of San Francisco-based gr. dano, a contemporary line of architecturally inspired clothes. “They want their dress to match their style versus their age. You can still wear something that’s nontraditional and look spectacular. "Giordano recently outfitted a violinist for her wedding. The musician had picked out a gr. dano skirt made of crinkled nylon for a press tour and opted to wear it along with a custommade knit blouse for her special day. The possibility of catering to more bridal customers is on Giordano’s radar, especially with her spring line that includes a white halter maxi dress in cotton poplin for under $400.“We’re
definitely trying to hit the events market but keep it in line with what we do – clean, approachable, flattering styles,” Giordano says.
‘Fun and Posh’
White House | Black Market got a plug for its new wedding dress collection in the September 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, which high-lights its elegant strapless Victoria bridal gown in ecru tulle and satin with a floor-sweeping mermaid skirt. The collection also features a mix of accessories, such as satin sling-back heels and a clutch. Along with three bridal gowns priced at $298 (and one at $398), The Limited’s wedding collection offers two bridesmaid dresses under $100, plus accessories, such as teardrop earrings and bobby pin sets. Its strapless ruffled wedding gown in crinkle chiffon generated positive reviews, many from second-time brides and those having casual weddings. Based on the Nylon/silk beaded strapless dress with appliqué swirl and ruched bodice from Sue Wong, far left. Silk empire waist dress with crinkle chiffon ruffles and ivory satin sash from The Limited, left.
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Silk/satin double-faced sheath V-neck gown from Nicole Miller.
feed-back. The Limited is planning to test the dresses in stores in the next year, says Marci Milito, director of public relations for The Limited. "Even though brides don’t want to spend a huge portion of their budgets on their dress, they still want that shopping experience and we’re looking to make it fun and posh for her,” Milito says. Los Angelesbased David Meister, whose evening wear has graced celebrities such as Emmanuelle Chriqui and Diane Lane, is injecting glamour in his bridal gowns hitting about 20 stores in November, including Neiman Marcus, Couture Bridal in Bal Harbour, Fla. and Bridal Images in Rockville, Md., according to Erin Haggerty, senior manager of public relations for Kellwood
Company, parent company of David Meister. A tulle ball-gown with a tiered skirt and a oneshoulder silk wool Mikado gown are a couple highlights from the 12-style collection, which hit the bridal market in October. Meister's gowns, along with those of his contemporaries at Designer Bride, are targeting a “new bride,” says Sol Baratech, marketing manager for Designer Bride. “More independent and more mature, she now pays for her gown,” Baratech says. “She is also more sophisticated and fashion savvy. Today’s bride wants a designer gown, which is more fashion-forward compared to the princess-like dresses worn by brides years ago. The Victoria ecro tulle and satin gown with mermaid skirt from White House | Black Market, right.‘Sexy, romantic and feminine,’ designer Sue Wong says of her bridal-esque styles, left.
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Tuxedos
Rent or Buy?
Save money and rent, or spend more and own? Formal wear expert Rik Ducar weighs the pros and cons of each
Nylon/silk party dress with boned bodice and ostrich-feather skirt from Sue Wong, above. One-shoulder silk mikado gown from David Meister, top. Cotton poplin halter maxi-dress from gr.dano, right.
Vera Wang, debuts her line, White by Vera Wang, with the national retailer. The collection, priced from $600 to $1,500, gives fans a chance to buy a Vera Wang-influenced look without the sticker shock. Other high-profile names, like Nordstrom, have entered the wedding business. The Seattle-based department store has added a wedding section on its website devoted to gowns made by contemporary designers, such as Laundry by Shelli Segal and Nicole Miller, all of which retail for under $1,000. Full-service local bridal boutiques have also noticed an uptick in interest from brides seeking gowns with down-to-earth styles and bridal shop prices. “There’s growing interest in that price point,” says local owners, which carry lines such as Maggie Sottero, Allure Bridal, Casablanca and Pronovias. “About 60 percent of our business is devoted to that category compared to 40 percent a couple of years ago.” Local Boutique owners caution, however, that the dress a bride chooses should mirror the vibe of the wedding. About 10 percent of the wedding budget should be devoted to the wedding gown, so if you’re having a swanky, $50,000 affair and your gown doesn’t measure up, you may not look right.
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Rent or buy your wedding tuxedo? It’s a simple question without a simple answer. Here, Rik Ducar, proprietor of eponymous formal wear shops in Atlanta and Los Angeles that both sell and rent tuxedos, offers some insight on the choice: Price: Tuxedo packages, when all is said and done, can come out to around a little under $200, Ducar says. For purchase, tuxedos – just the jacket and pants – can start around $400 and reach upward of $1,000 on designer labels. It's all about budget – but more so with rentals “because the groom also has the groomsmen to think about,” says Ducar, noting that around 9 of 10 groomsmen do not live in the same area as the groom, which can make coordination tricky. “That would be a good case for a rental,” he says. Still, buying has its bona fides. “From a pure economic sense, tuxedos are the only part of the wedding on the man or woman side you’ll be able to wear again. It’ll pay for itself after one wear,” he says. Fit: It’s night and day, Ducar says. On a 1-to-10 scale, Ducar says he could get a rental jacket to fit an 8, but he says he can get a Perfect 10 fit on a purchase. But it’s the pants where you run into problems, he says. It’s the always the same cut – whether the guy is 5’ 5” or 6’ 5” – so short guys will get a long rise in the pants. “They’re always voluminous,” he says. If you rent and the guys are being measured from afar, try to get them into the shop a day or two before the wedding to make any last-minute sizing tweaks. Even if renting, Ducar likes to get the guy in for-purchase clothes just to find out what would be the best options in terms of a look. “There’s nothing wrong with using a for-purchase product to paint the picture of what they might like on the rental,” Ducar says. From there, Ducar likes to build the tuxedo from the top down. The jacket’s lapels will influence collar length; the collar length will influence the tie style and width, etc.
It doesn’t take a beauty professional to unlock great looks. It just takes a little practicality – and maybe a trip to the local grocery and drug stores. Here’s bridal party’s worth of no-nonsense beauty tips courtesy of InStyle magazine’s new beauty bible, “InStyle Ultimate Beauty Secrets (Mechler Media, 2010):
Super Easy, Super Smart
Beauty Secrets EYES
Fix MESSY, CRACKED EYE SHADOW by popping it out of its tray, putting it into a makeup palette, and crushing it. Add a dab of Vaseline or EYE CREAM until you’ve gotten the right consistency. Voilà! Cream shadow. After tweezing, swipe brows with rubbing alcohol to prevent ingrown hairs, then reduce redness by applying COLD CUCUMBER SLICES or chilled green-tea bags.
CHEEKS
Pick cheek colors that complement your skin tone. WARM COMPLEXIONS look best in yellow-based blush shades like peach and terra-cotta; COOL UNDERTONES are flattered by blue-based pinks and berries. Not sure if you are warm or cool complected? FIND THE PERFECT CHEEK COLOR THIS WAY: At the hardware store, pick up paint chips in colors that you think could work as blush. Hold the chips up to your face in front of a mirror in natural light; you’ll instantly see WHAT BRIGHTENS YOUR COMPLEXION vs. what makes it look sallow or gray.
LIPS
Apply a balm immediately after getting out of the shower, when your lips are STILL A LITTLE MOIST; this will create a smooth surface once you’re READY FOR COLOR. Lips extra dry. Combine 1 teaspoon honey with 1 TEASPOON SUGAR to exfoliate them, says make-up artist Kristofer Buckle, who helped polish looks for Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Connelly. He blends the two ingredients in his hand, then applies the mixture in A CIRCULAR MOTION for best results.
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NAILS
No emery board. Celebrity manicurist Elle, who has painted the nails of Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, and Sienna Miller, says the striking surface of a matchbook works in a pinch. To keep cuticles from drying and cracking, run LIP BALM INTO THEM (and all over your nails) each time you apply the balm to your lips. Cool weather can make nails brittle and polish chip faster, so protect your polish by wearing gloves every time you step out. To restore moisture to extra-dry nails, try an AT-HOME SOAK of lemon juice, olive oil, and vitamin E oil. To maximize its absorption, remove nail polish, buff nails gently with a towel to exfoliate, then soak for five minutes. Afterward, slip on a pair of cotton spa gloves to keep moisture sealed in all night. For really stubborn stains, N.Y.C. nail guru Jin Soon Choi, owners of Jin Soon Natural Hand and Foot spas, recommends dabbing whitening toothpaste onto nail beds. “The whitening agent works on nails the same way they do teeth.�
SKIN
If you have dry skin that is flaky, consider changing up your routine and washing your face with DANDRUFF SHAMPOO instead of your regular cleanser once a month, suggests Wellesley, Mass., dermatologist Elissa Lunder; this REDUCES THE YEAST LEVELS that cause scaly skin. Clean your cell phone with antibacterial wipes to prevent chin and cheek
breakouts. Ideally, you should do it EVERY MORNING, but if that’s too much, aim for once a week. The day before a party, don’t risk a facial that can leave you red and raw. An AT-HOME MASK made with one teaspoon raw oatmeal and one teaspoon honey is a much safer bet. Let it sit on the skin for five minutes, then rinse. “The minerals in oatmeal are soothing, and HONEY HYDRATES and kills bacteria,� says aesthetician Kate Somerville, who has worked with Kate Walsh and Debra Messing. Drink a glass of ice water if your face tends to get splotchy (especially when you’re nervous). Doing so will TONE DOWN YOUR REDNESS. The cold causes blood vessels to constrict and COOL YOU from the inside out, says dermatologist Ellen Marmur.To control oil and shine, splash your face with COOL BLACK TEA, but do not rinse; it’s A NATURAL ASTRINGENT, says Beverly Hills dermatologist Peter Kopelson. Kopelson. Refresh your complexion by dipping a washcloth in soy milk and resting it on your face for 10 minutes once a week, suggests Beverly Hills dermatologist Debra Luftman. SOY IS A SKIN BRIGHTENER and contains phytoestrogen, a plant-derived estrogen that is thought to help prevent wrinkles. When you get sunburned, drink a fruit or vegetable smoothie to get damage-fighting antioxidants flowing to your skin from the inside, says dermatologist Ellen Marmur.
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You’re getting married in your hometown – and it’s changed a bit since you last lived there. Here’s the advice and etiquette for finding the venues and vendors to make your hometown wedding the best ever juggle vendors, relieve the stress of long-distance coordination, and ensure every-thing goes according to plan.
Perfect Your Plan
Coming Home
D
estination: Home. While some brides decide between a traditional hometown wedding and a destination wed-ding, for others those options are one and the same. "You go through the same processes in terms of creating a vision and hiring vendors who can really execute that vision,” says Alyssa Brown, production manager for Alison Events in San Francisco, which specializes in destination weddings. Many brides still choose to marry in their hometowns because of tradition, sentimentality or if the bride’s parents are footing the bill. Returning home, even if real
life now exists miles away, offers a unique way to unite the past and present. "Hometown weddings are in a place special and meaningful to the couple,” Brown says. “They allow your current home and past home to come together and for you to share that with all of your family and friends. "Planning a hometown wedding from afar is similar to planning a destination wedding with one potential perk: friends and family in the area who can act as point people in the planning process. Realize these helpful people have limits, but respectfully employ their help if they’re willing. If possible, also hire a professional wedding planner to complete major research,
One of the biggest challenges for an out-of-town bride is finding the right local vendors for her style, preferences and budget, says Peter Merry, wedding specialist and author of “The Best Wedding Reception Ever!” (Sellers Publishing Inc, 2010). For this, a little help from parents may come in handy to research options and hear opinions first-hand from others in the area. Check “Best of” lists from the newspaper and other local sources, talk to old friends in the area, or request local references from vendors to see what people in the area think. Even for brides with certain locations in mind, research must be done to make sure those sites that were special 10 years ago still exist, look like they used to, and won’t be undergoing any major construction projects, closings, or competing with other nearby events in the neighborhood around the time of the wedding – details out-oftowners wouldn’t be aware of. Jodi R. Smith, president of Boston-area Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, rec-
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ommends narrowing down potential options and being realistic about what one can accomplish before trek-king home to go on visits. She advises brides to build time into the trip’s schedule for transportation and breaks between meetings so they are fresh and attentive with each vendor. "Don't over schedule the planning trip,” she says. “The entire planning process is exhausting even when you live in your hometown, but if you’re living in Chicago and getting married in Indiana, and you’re leaving a job, getting on plane and trying to schedule seeing four photographers in less than two hours, you’re not going to remember anything.” Then it’s time for a visit. Almost all brides should plan to visit their home-town at least once initially to secure major vendors, such as the ceremony and reception locations, caterer, entertainment and photographer. This face time is important in developing strong relationships with long-distance vendors rather than just becoming another name on the list of brides they work with, says Brown. "You really need to massage those relationships and make sure you’re a priority,” she adds. “That’s something we do quite a bit as wedding planners.”
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Keep It Simple
Overwhelmed yet? To make it easier, Smith suggests choosing options with packages. For instance, a hotel for the ceremony and reception that offers in-house catering and a block of rooms for guests, which eliminates transportation between events. Simplicity can minimize the number of people and details to juggle from afar. "I'm a big believer in less is more,” Smith says. “Anytime you use a package, it will save you a tremendous amount of time and energy. "Though Merry recommends brides try to return home two or three times throughout the process, he says it depends on the style of the bride and how much control over every detail she desires. Either way, making each trip efficient can reduce the number needed. Take time to set up a to-do list beforehand with specific tasks to accomplish. Also make appointments with vendors far in advance to ensure they all fit into the trip’s limited time-frame. Finally, know that you might need to make a lot of decisions in a short span of time and prepare yourself to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Once each initial meeting is complete and the deposits are made (don’t forget to pack the checkbook!), set up the next meeting right away so it fits into your schedule. This is essential if you’re making another trip back and again need to balance time with vendors. Merry recommends a second meeting around three months from the day to establish how all the pieces of the day fit together and make final decisions on agenda, décor, menus and music lists.
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drinks
Think Local,
Drink Local There’s no place like home, right? Here’s how to show off your favorite state with a wedding reception that features stand-out local wines, beers and spirits.
Personal touches and homegrown details are all the rage at weddings, so why not extend the trend to the bar?
A Pretty Presentation
Event Design in St. Joseph, Mich. But even if you decide to keep all the bottles behind the bar, she suggests including the background information on cute signs and/or your menu cards.
Shine the spotlight on local labels by finding fun ways to make them an active part of your big day’s events, says Christopher Chan, director of wine & spirits at The Rainier Club, a historic private club and event space in Seattle. He suggests starting the reception with a “Wine Tasting Bar.” Select two each of your state’s best white and red wines and pair them with trays of hors d’oeuvres. Syrah is a winner with lamb, for example, while the sweetness of a dry sémillon is sublime with crab cakes. For suds-lovers, Chan recommends hosting a micro brew station. Fill tubs with ice and a variety of local brews that range from bright, hoppy pale ales to dark, malty ambers and porters. As for spirits, prepare a build-your-own bar that features a local vodka or gin along with a variety of mixers, such as fresh juices and specialty sodas, and ingredients like seasonal herbs and berries. “If you opt for station-style dinner service, another way to highlight one or all of these beverages is to pair each table with the wine, beer or cocktail that suits that particular cuisine best,” says Jessica Pennington, owner and lead planner for Stella
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Smart Sourcing
Your caterer will likely have advice about which regional beverages are the best match for the food being served, but if you are able to procure your own alcohol and you really want to go local, chat with the folks at an area wine shop, Chan says. Not only do these vino aficionados have an insider’s point of view on delicious wines at affordable prices, they often carry craft beers and can typically weigh in on the best local spirits. Plus, many wine shops offer a 10to 20-percent discount when you buy in bulk, notes Pennington, as do many wineries, breweries, distilleries and grocery stores. If you really want to show off some higher end bottles but also have a limited budget, the answer is portion control, says Chan. Feature that favorite spirit in a specialty cocktail and, when guests are seated, have waiters pour small glasses of wine and beer as a special treat to kick off dinner.
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Photos
Best Hometown Spots Uncovering the
An engagement-portrait session can help break the ice with your photographer – and capture some fun photos right in your backyard
An engagement-portrait session might seem like the time to just capture that one shot that will go on the magnets or postcards or whatever method you choose to tell folks to save the date. But you also could think of it as a sort-of a play date with your photographer. "I tell my clients that engagement photos are a time for us to get to know each other photographically,” says Amanda Patrice, an Orange County, Calif.-based photographer. “We both learn what type of photos they like. I think on the wedding day they’re able to loosen up a bit more. I always recommend an engagement session. There’s nothing but benefits. "But it’s not all prep for the wedding day. Patrice’s philosophy: Engagement photos should stand up to the wedding photos. “They’re a great way to show who they are right now in this time of their life,” Patrice says. “I don’t want them to get swept under the rug! "Here are her tips for a great shoot:
Location, Location, Location
For a shoot, Patrice always encourages a few locations and a few clothes changes. Big, expansive places like parks and fields are a great place to start, as they’re relaxed, casual and allow the photographer to show off the atmosphere. One of Patrice’s recent shoots with was a couple who had met over comic books, so part of their shoot entailed chilling out at the park with their favorite graphic novels. One of Patrice’s go-to spots is the Orange Circle area of Orange County, a historic area with lots of visually striking brick buildings.
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Striking structures like brick buildings make instantly awesome backgrounds, while props like books and chalkboards with flirty messages help make engagement photos fun.
Structures are great, she says, because they simply give the couple something to lean on. But Patrice recommends getting off the beaten path, too. “I actually really love shooting in a new place because it’s more creative,” she says. Her all-time favorite shoot: Hopping in the car and driving down the free-way for an hour. Her and the couple ended up stopping at a concrete factory, where “props” like red pallets and concrete tubes lent their way to one-of-a-kind photos. “We drove until they found what they liked!” She says.
Poses and Props
"I always give people a little pep talk,” she says. “I know they’re not used to being in front of the camera. I’ll tell them where to go and how to pose and where the light looks good. It’s what they do in a photo that’s going to make the photo special. "Props and other personal touches don’t hurt, either. Like her comic book couple, Destiny and Chris, folks often bring blankets and books, she says. Another recent session the couple showcased their love for LEG O. Patrice's ultimate seal of approval for a great session: silence. "If I’m quiet, they’re doing something right. It gives them permission to chat with each other, dance around, loosen up; it doesn’t have to be super formal and stiff.
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cakes
Sweet & Simple Today’s modern desserts go easy on the embellishments and feature delightful details and flavors guests know and love. Say yes to the baking renaissance
When prospective brides discuss their wedding cake wishes with Maggie Estavillo, they describe what their mothers served at their own celebrations. “They even bring in pictures of their mothers’ wedding cakes and ask us to replicate them,” says Estavillo, chef/owner of the Nostalgia Bakery and Catering Co. in Sacramento, Calif. Welcome to the wedding-cake renaissance. The creations that were popular a generation ago, including red velvet, carrot, 7UP and German chocolate, are showing up on contemporary wedding cake tables. These cakes, which are both familiar and affordable, are as appealing now as they were when marriage was just a spark in your parents’ eyes. However, it’s not simply familiarity that puts old-style cakes on the wedding menu. It’s flavor, too. If you’ve been to enough weddings where cakes’ tilting layers trumped their taste, you know how important a delicious cake is to your guests. Just ask your mother. Her cake was to die for!
Comfort Cake
The Caketionary
Comfort foods have been a presence in wedding menus for a couple of years, says Joyce Scardina Becker, director at Events of Distinction, a San Francisco event planning company. So it’s no surprise that the return to satisfying dishes also is influencing wedding cakes, making old fashioned desserts popular once again. You don’t want to dumbfound your guests, and by serving such long treasured and acceptable flavors as devil’s food, you can assure everyone that they’re not eating anything mysterious. “Some clients want to please everyone’s palates. They’re coming back to basics,” says Estavillo, who runs her catering company with her sister Mary, the wedding cake baker.
If you’ve dedicated your sweet tooth to sticky toffee pudding, pain perdu or other trendy desserts, you may not be acquainted with the cake revival. You could ask your mother to reminisce – or you could just check the following “caketionary” for the delicious details. Tuxedo Cake (above) This cake, a specialty of Texas baker Rebecca Rather, is a butter-based chocolate cake, coated with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate glaze for the black and white tuxedo effect.
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either beverage in the batter. Champagne cake is often tinted pink.
Devil’s Food Cake This dark chocolate cake may be made with cocoa or melted unsweetened dark chocolate. Devil’s food cake calls for chocolate frosting. Champagne Cake/7UP Cake A light white cake that uses
Red Velvet Cake Cocoa-based chocolate cake with red food coloring in the batter. If you’re planning a green/natural wedding, this isn’t the cake for you, advises Joyce Scardina Becker of Events of Distinction, the San Francisco-based event
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planning company. German Chocolate Cake Made with milk chocolate, butter and eggs and finished with a dense coconut, pecan and butter frosting, this may be the richest-tasting option. Carrot Cake Moist, spicy and dense using shredded carrots and
nuts. Carrot cake slathered with cream cheese frosting is an excellent choice when you’ve got three generations to please. Hummingbird Cake Imagine cream cheese frosted carrot cake but with pineapple and bananas instead of the vegetable.
The home-style cake also says you’re stepping down from extravagance and returning to a simpler style, which is another trend, according to Kate Cavotti, an associate professor at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. Estavillo also is witnessing the return to more modest cakes. What she calls retro cakes have little in common with what she was selling two years ago. “People were saying they’re foodies. They wanted food they saw on the Food Network,” Estavillo says. But that’s changed.“Even though the economy is picking up, brides want a bang for the buck,” she says. The new sensibility doesn’t mean you have to bake your own wedding cake - you’ve got enough on your plate especially when you can buy it. “You can have someone else produce the cake, but it seems more home-style if you have nostalgic flavors,” Cavotti says.
Baking It Old-School
You’ll find these cakes at bakeries around the country. Some may even skip the traditional tiered wedding cakestructure to get the homey flavors you want. Rebecca Rather supplies cakes to some of the best weddings in Texas, although she no longer does traditional wedding cakes. “People really love my cakes, so they order that for their weddings,” says Rather, owner of the Rather Sweet Bakery & Café in Fredericksburg, Texas. “I’m absolutely getting more orders for cakes than I did five years ago. For a wedding coming up the bride wants a variety of flavors,” says Rather, who is supplying 10 cakes, 2 of each flavor for that nuptial. Rather’s repertoire includes such mouth watering creations as spice maple cake with caramel sauce, raspberry white chocolate with macadamia nuts and tuxedo cake. Hummingbird cake
also appeals to her clientele. “I like to take my grandmother’s cake and update it,” says Rather, co author with Alison Oresman of “Pastry Queen Parties” (Ten Speed Press, a division of Random House, 2009).
Classic Flavor
Red velvet, vanilla, chocolate and marble cakes along with champagne cake or its non-alcoholic variation, the 7UP cake, are in heavy demand at Nostalgia. Like Rather in Texas, Estavillo’s cakes are prized for their flavor. “When we do fondant cakes people scrape off the icing. People don’t like all that sweetness. They want a greattasting cake,” says Estavillo. No matter what the frosting consistency, today’s cake is white. “I keep getting requests for really white cakes with really big flowers and tons of leaves - with a touch of green for the leaves,” says Estavillo, who associates the look with wedding cakes from the ’60s or ’70s.
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catering
An Option for Your Next Event Throwing a bash to share with friends and family is something many people enjoy doing. There are so many events worthy of special affairs, including birthdays, graduations, holidays, and so much more.
Part of enjoying the celebration for hosts and hostesses is being able to mingle and share the festivities with guests. But this isn't always possible when they're responsible for preparing and serving the food among a bevy of other responsibilities. That's where hiring a caterer or using a banquet facility can make the party more enjoyable for all involved. According to the National Catering Association (NCA), catering has become the fastest-growing segment of the restaurant business in recent years. This could be attributed to busier families, where both parents work and the kids
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are involved in a number of extracurricular activities that take time away from meal and party planning. That's where caterers and banquet halls become invaluable.
Various Types of Caterers
Caterers vary by whether they're on-site or off-site. Some banquet facilities use a specific caterer for all of their events. Other party rooms allow you to choose the caterer. Find Out What They Provide Some caterers simply provide the food, others food and drinks, while still others the entire kit and kaboodle: Food, beverages, linens, service-ware, etc. When comparing rates of catering services, make sure you're comparing apples to apples. One price may be higher because you're getting a one-stop-shopping package from the caterer. Be Prepared For Discussion When you sit down with prospective caterers, it helps to have certain information on hand. These items include: * number of guests * venue if you're using an off-site caterer and not going with a particular banquet facility * type of event (social, business) * who is being honored * food preferences and restrictions * budget * type of service (buffet, sit-down, butler-passed hors d'oeuvres) * theme or mood you are trying to create Book Well in Advance It's suffice to say that many caterers are busy for peak seasons and holidays, so don't wait until the last minute to book with one for your party. Generally weddings and large affairs should be booked nine to 12 months before the event. Smaller functions can be booked a few months before. Sign a Contract Make sure that the caterer or banquet facility you choose spells out all agreements in a contract that you both sign. Inquire about contingency plans should there be poor weather or a reason to cancel the party. Find out if it is possible for a taste-testing to try out the food in advance. In terms of money, discuss payment schedules and how gratuities are handled. Also find out how you will be billed if the party runs over the allotted amount of time.
Call for more info:
3OUTH -AIN 3T s 18
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Wedding
Countdown
8 to 12 Months Before the Wedding
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Select a wedding date and time. Decide the type of wedding you would like to have (size, formality, and setting). Begin your guest list. Consider possible color schemes. Explore pre-marital counseling. Start health and fitness plan. Select your professional: photographer, caterer, consultant, music, etc. Shop together for your wedding rings. Decide upon your budget. Determine who will pay what expenses. Book your wedding location(s). Choose your attendants. Determine the sizes of your attendants. Select dress and headpiece, and set a date for fittings and delivery. Select your bridesmaids' dresses and accessories. Give thought to your honeymoon location.
5• Check to the 8 Months requirements for marriage license. • • • • • • • •
Select and discuss your color schemes with the florist and/or balloonist of choice. Again consider pre-marital counseling. Reserve your wedding day rental equipment (tables, chairs, china, silverware, gazebo, etc.). Decide upon a gift registry and select your gift choices. Begin your record of gifts received. Send thank you notes as soon as possible. Order your invitations and related stationary needs. Start shopping for the mens’ wedding attire.
3• Finalize to 5your Months guest list. • • • •
Decide upon and order your favors. Select your baker, then choose your cake, groom’s cake, and mints. Help both mothers coordinate and find their wedding day clothing. Review your written agreements forms with all of your professionals (photographer, caterer, D.J., site coordinator, transportation, etc.).
• • • • •
Place your engagement announcement in the newspaper. Mail out invitations and announcements. Decide on the mens’ wedding attire. Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner. Purchase your wedding day accessories.
2• Have toengagement 3 Months portraits taken.
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Arrange attendants' parties. Book a beverage caterer for the reception and make selections. Prepare accommodations for out-of-town attendants and guests. Consider a hairdresser and/or makeup artist and book appointments. Finalize all honeymoon plans.
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Final fitting for your wedding attendants. Obtain marriage license. Have your attendants' parties. Purchase your going-away outfit. Draw a map to direct your guests to the site(s) Create a calendar of events for the wedding day. Make sure your accessories are in order
â&#x20AC;˘ â&#x20AC;˘
and provide a list of music you would like played during special events such as first dance, garter removal and bouquet toss. Pick up your wedding rings and make sure that the engravings are correct and they fit properly. Contact the guests who have not responded to your invitations.
2â&#x20AC;˘ Final towedding 4 Weeks dress fitting.
1â&#x20AC;˘ Finalize to 2 arrangements Weeks with the entertainer(s)
Save The Dates Wedding Programs Invitations Gifts & More!
1 to 7 Days
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Make sure your marriage license is in order. Prepare seating arrangements, if necessary. Purchase travelers checks, confirm honeymoon reservations. Pack your baggage for your honeymoon. Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal. Instruct your wedding party on what you would like them to do on the day of the wedding. Have your rehearsal dinner. Make sure all wedding attire fits properly. Give the best man the amount the professionals are to be paid on the day of the wedding. Inform your caterer of the total guest count. Confirm out-of-town guests have trans/sleeping accommodations. Check with your florist and/or balloonist to confirm arrival.
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Relax, enjoy yourself, and remain calm! Allow at least two hours for dressing. Allow plenty of time to apply your makeup and style your hair. If professionals are doing your hair and/or makeup, ask them in advance how much time they will need. If photographs are to be taken before the ceremony, allow at least one and one-half hours. Remember to bring the rings and marriage license. Seat guests as they arrive. The groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parents should be seated about 5 minutes before start time, the mother of the bride is normally seated last. Take a deep breath, don't worry, and SMILE!
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B r i d e ' s Guide 2 0 1 1
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window or picture frames from salvage or thrift stores make for a whimsical backdrop.
One quick trip around town to a few stores and you’ll be well on your way to creating unique and remarkably stylish wares for your wedding day
There’s never been a better time to
be a DIY bride. All it takes is a few store-bought items and a little time and even the most undomestic diva can be on her way to crafting creative, stylish décor and accessories for her wedding. Just follow the expert tips below.
Hair accessories Want to wear a fun headpiece in addition to – or instead of – of a veil? Two experts at the DIY magazine Ready Made, assistant editor Alexa Fornoff and editorial apprentice Riane Menardi, came up with these three ideas for making your own: • Pop into a department store for a normal elastic headband that matches the color of your hair, and then attach your great aunt’s awesome old brooches.• Visit a fabric store for all the supplies necessary to cut out a series of stars from a glittery fabric, line them with felt, and attach them to a band of black elastic.• Make colorful fabric flowers by cutting “petals” from old thrift-store blouses, and sew them on hair clips from a beauty supply store. Ceremony Space Décor To really set off the area where you will say your “I Do’s,” Sarah Trotter, owner of Lasting Impressions Weddings and Event Coordination, Minnetonka, Minn., is a fan of hanging décor that frames the focal point, such as luminous lanterns or romantic ribbons from antique shops or craft stores. Or if you want to get literal, fabulous old
Chair Embellishments To decorate the seats in the ceremony space, Fornoff and Menardi like tying twine around the tops of mason jars (both can be found at a local dis-count retailer or hardware store) and attaching one to the top of the chair at the end of each row – just add fresh blooms from a U-pick garden for a fairy tale walk down the aisle At the dinner tables, they recommend hanging fun signs over the chair backs. Assign guests to tables that are based on a decade and have the signs list that decade’s best love songs. All supplies are available at craft stores. Escort and Place Cards There are countless creative ways to direct your guests to their seats, says Trotter. Purchase a large cheap chalkboard from a discount retailer and write the table assignments with chalk that matches your wedding colors. You also can hang cards (purchased from a stationery store) on pieces of fresh fruit or bottles of water from the grocery store. And yet another fun idea is to: 1. Write guest names on magnetic photo frames that contain pictures you have taken of yourselves in various settings. 2. Hang the frames on a piece of corrugated sheet metal. 3. Have guests find their seats by looking for the table named after that setting – e.g., the “Sunset Table” or “Beach Table.” Let guests take home the frames as favors. Frames and sheet metal can be found at a dis-count retailer and hardware store. Centerpieces For an affordable centerpiece with a bountiful aesthetic, all it takes is a quick trip to a thrift store for mismatched glass bowls, jars and vases, or to any discount retailer where you can get cheap glassware. Fill these containers with colorful local fruits, such as apples, pears, lemons, oranges
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or cranberries, acquired at a farmer's market, orchard or grocery store, Trotter says. Favors Candy stations are a popular and memorable way to thank guests for celebrating with you. Make your own by picking up basic glass bowls and platters from a discount retailer and filling them with sweets from a local grocery or candy store – select from artisan chocolates, colorful candies that match your wedding colors or old-fashioned favorites. The discount retailer also should have serving utensils and a party section where you can find small bags or adorable boxes so that guests can take the goods to-go. But if you’d rather give guests a parting gift that will last a lot longer, Fornoff and Menardi suggest making tiny terrariums that feature local foliage. You will need to get small glass containers that have lids from a container store, activated charcoal from the aquarium section of a pet store, and sand, moss and small plants with roots from a home and garden store. After thoroughly washing and drying the containers, fill the bottom with an inch of sand, place a teaspoon of charcoal in the center, place the moss over the sand to create a pillow for the plants, use a pencil to dig small holes through the moss and sand, arrange the plants in the holes, place the lid on top, and voilà! It’s a living reminder of your fabulous event.
Beautiful Weddings Begin With Beautiful Weddings THE HEN HOUSE Elegant Wedding Invitations Keepsake Memory Books and Bridal Albums Hand calligraphy available for Envelopes addressing Vera Bradley Makes Perfect Party & Shower Invitations Bridesmaids Gifts Uniquely Designed & Printed in our Store
Begin at The Hen House Elegant Wedding Invitations Statesboro Mall
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764-3525
Engagement Announcement Charge for placement: $5000
Please print clearly. Mr. & Mrs. _________________________________ of _____________________ announce the engagement of their daughter, _____________________________ of _____________________ to _______________________________________, son of Mr. & Mrs. __________________________________________________. The bride-elect is the granddaughter of _________________________________. She is the great-granddaughter of _____________________________________. List education, employment and other, if desired: ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ The groom-elect is the grandson of __________________________________________________________. He is the great-grandson of ________________________________________________________________. List education, employment and other, if desired: ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ The couple has planned to wed on: Date _____________ Time:______________ Place: _______________ Do you want the announcement to read â&#x20AC;&#x153;No local invitations will be sent; frineds and relatives are invitedâ&#x20AC;?? (YES) (NO) Please include your name, address and daytime phone numbers so we may reach you with any questions: Name: _____________________________________ Address: _____________________________________ Daytime phone(s): ___________________________ Please complete this form and return to the Statesboro Herald office, or mail to: The Statesboro Herald, P.O. Box 888, Statesboro, GA 30459. Announcements may also be e-mailed to rward@statesboroherald.com as long as this form is used as a guide for the information submitted. If you have any questions, call (912) 489-9401 or (888)764-9031. Photographs, color or black & white, are included in the cosst. Photos should be at least 4 inches wide for best print quality. If e-mailed, photos should be in .jpg format. NOTE: Photos should be picked up as soon as possible. B r i d e ' s Guide 2 0 1 1 23
Wedding Announcement Charge for placement: $5000 Please print clearly. Name of bride and groom, residence: ______________________________________ Bride’s parents and town of residence: _____________________________________ Bride’s grandparents:___________________________________________________ Bride’s great-grandparents:______________________________________________ Groom’s parents and town of residence:____________________________________ Groom’s grandparents:__________________________________________________ Groom’s great-grandparents:_____________________________________________ Ceremony information: Date:__________________ Time:______________ Location:__________________ Who officiated: _________________________________ Bride given in marriage by:______________________________________________ Description of bride’s attire:______________________________________________ Maid/Matron of Honor:__________________________________________________ Bridesmaids:_____________________________________________________________________________ Flower girl:____________________________________ Ring bearer:________________________________ Groom’s best man:_____________________________________________________ Groomsmen/Ushers:_______________________________________________________________________ Reception (location, hosts, servers):__________________________________________________________ Honeymoon:_____________________________________________________________________________ Couple’s permanent address:________________________________________________________________ Please include your name, address and daytime phone numbers so we may reach you with any questions: Name: _____________________________________ Address: _____________________________________ Daytime phone(s): ___________________________ Please complete this form and return to the Statesboro Herald office, or mail to: The Statesboro Herald, P.O. Box 888, Statesboro, GA 30459. Announcements may also be e-mailed to rward@statesboroherald.com as long as this form is used as a guide for the information submitted. If you have any questions, call (912) 489-9401 or (888)764-9031. Photographs, color or black & white, are included in the cosst. Photos should be at least 4 inches wide for best print quality. If e-mailed, photos should be in .jpg format. NOTE: Photos should be picked up as soon as possible. 24
B r i d e ' s Guide 2 0 1 1
Your
It's
Prom
prom
Prom Night
Essentials
Don't forget items such as the corsage or boutonniere on prom night.
Prom night is an opportunity to enjoy yourself and celebrate the friendships you have made over the last four years. Rather than feel stressed on prom night, you should be ready to kick back and relax. In order to do so, consider a little pre-prom planning. It's easy to leave the house without something you need on prom night. You're excited; you may be rushing around. It's likely you are also a bit nervous. Using this checklist can keep you organized and ensure you have what you need for a great night. • prom tickets • corsage or boutonniere for date • house keys • mobile phone • cash, credit card or debit card • tip for the limousine driver • identification • breath fresheners • toiletries and makeup for touch-ups • bandages, in case of blisters from shoes • extra pantyhose • safety pins/mini sewing kit • directions to restaurants and the prom site • directions to the after party, if any • cab company phone number, for emergencies
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Don't Make Your Prom Souvenir a High Credit Card Bill Tips to Spend Less for Prom Cutting spending for prom night can be one of the first major financial lessons prospective high-school graduates learn before leaving for college. Many students plan to spend $1000 or more to mark their final party before graduation, but an equal number prefer to reign in spending associated with prom. Overspending and overindulgence has infiltrated many aspects of daily living -- from bigger homes to fancier cars. Prom night is no different. Instead of renting a limousine, students now
arrive in a stretch Hummer. Instead of a simple manicure, some girls indulge in day-long spa parties. Rented tuxes may be replaced by high-end designer duds. It's even possible for some prom dresses to cost more than wedding gowns. Balancing when to splurge and when to conserve is essential to enjoying prom night without spending a fortune. Here are some ways to keep spending to a minimum. 1. Gowns: Guys aren't the only ones who can rent their attire. Some gown stores and bridal shops offer rental
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Frazierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Flowers & Gifts, Inc. 3 :ETTEROWER !VE s www.fraziersflowers.com B r i d e ' s Guide 2 0 1 1
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on gowns. If renting isn't appealing to you, think about shopping for attire to take advantage of sales and get the lowest prices on prom gowns and accessories. Also consider going online to popular social networking or auction sites to see if you can purchase slightly used gowns at a fraction of the cost. 2. Tanning: Research has shown that tanning beds are not good for the skin, and routine visits can be expensive. If you want a healthy glow for prom night, consider a spray tan or a self-tanning cream instead. 3. Jewelry: Find out if you can borrow pieces of jewelry from your mother, grandmother or other relative. You may find one-of-a-kind antique pieces that will truly make a statement. 4. Transportation: If a limousine is a must, split the cost with other students by traveling to the prom as a group. Otherwise, consider taking your regular ride and save a lot of dough. 5. Formal photos: Prom photos are generally marked-up in price. You don't need to buy an expensive package, one or two photos will do. After all, it's generally the candid shots taken with your own camera during the night that are the most memorable. 6. Dinner: If the prom doesn't include the cost of a dinner, don't feel compelled to spend on a fancy restaurant. A favorite hang-out spot, whether a fast-food joint or a chain restaurant, will provide the sustenance you need for a night of dancing. 7. After party: Gather at a friend's house instead of renting a room or cabin for the night. One of the least expensive things to do after the prom is to simply go home.
Prom Shoe Alternatives
Every girl wants to look her best on prom night, and that generally means wearing an extravagant dress and heels. However, chances are after a few turns around the dance floor, those heels will begin to hurt. Throbbing, blistered feet do not a happy prom make. Instead of suffering the entire night, consider wearing flats to the prom. Generally you will be more comfortable. However, if you desire to wear heels but don't want to suffer with sore feet, consider these tips. - A low, wide heel may be more comfortable and stable than a thin
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heel. - Be sure to wear nylons, which will prevent extra friction from shoes on bare feet. - Think about buying the heels in a size one half larger than you normally wear. This way as your feet swell from standing and dancing, the shoes will remain comfortable. - Open-toe shoes could give you a little more wiggle room. - Bring a change of shoes along to rest your feet. These can be ballet slippers or flip-flops. This way you don't have to go barefoot. - Rest your feet frequently by sitting down and elevating them, if possible.
Shop Now for
Prom Fashions
Start shopping early to find your perfect prom dress. Whether you already have a date in mind for prom or anticipate being asked in the weeks to come, it's never too early to shop for your prom dress. Few individuals will be able to wear a dress off the rack and have it look beautiful. Therefore, shopping early for a prom gown means you will have ample time to order a dress and have it altered to fit you perfectly -- much as you would if you were a member of a wedding party. Shopping early also gives you the opportunity to price around at various shops and comparison shop from online retailers. If you know a seamstress or tailor, you can even have a dress custom made to your specifications. When you're ready to shop for a prom gown, it is beneficial to have a style in mind. Not every dress will flatter your figure. Therefore, keep an open mind as to what you will buy. Make your decision only after trying on a variety of gowns. Prom dress manufacturers often mimic the looks on the runway or red carpet. Keeping a trained eye on the celebrity looks from award shows and movie opening nights can give you an idea of what is to be expected from prom dress selection. However, that doesn't mean you have to go with what is trendy. If the trends are something that will not flatter your figure, feel free to go with a classic gown. In terms of flattering, here are some pointers to keep in mind. Curvy, full-figured women can consider empire waisted dresses or those with a drop waist. It'll camouflage curvier areas. Thin or boy-shaped ladies
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may want a dress with ruching details or poofy ball gowns, which will give the illusion of curves. Hourglass shapes benefit from nipped-in waists and strapless, form-fitting creations. Petite ladies should seek out shorter hems and sleeker cuts. Too much fabric can overwhelm a smaller stature. Remember to set a budget when shopping for your prom dress. Unless you have the funds to step into a couture boutique and pay like a celebrity, it's best to have a limit. After all, chances are you will only be wearing this dress once. Prom goers who want to save money can consider dress swapping with other women who have attended formal events. A person who is "always a bridesmaid, never a bride" may have a collection of formal wear that can be altered and transformed into your prom masterpiece.
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Prom
Beauty Basics A few beauty tips can help you look your best for prom.
This is your night to shine and celebrate the last of your high school days. Of course you want to put your best foot forward, and some beauty basics can help you achieve your ultimate prom look. Many prom ladies know just what they want in a dress and a hairstyle, but don't know how to complete the look with the right makeup. Here are a few beauty tips that can give you the edge. • Simple and sheer makeup complements a variety of looks and will help you look fresh and vibrant. Celebrity makeup artist and Maybelline spokesperson Carmindy says that you should pick shimmery and sheer shades. Use spot concealer where needed and then apply a tinted moisturizer for a dewy complexion rather than a cakey foundation. A dusting of translucent powder will help set your face. Shimmery shadow from the lash line to the brow will help eyes pop. A subtle blush on the apples of the cheeks and a glossy lip color will be the
crowning touches. • Rather than spend hours at the tanning salon or at the beach to get a sun-kissed tone, reach for the bronzer instead. It's safer and you won't end up with premature wrinkles from UV damage as you age. Dust bronzer on your cheeks, over the bridge of your nose, and across your forehead -- anywhere the sun would naturally hit. Apply some on your shoulders and across your decollete as well for even more sun-kissed fun. • A photographer may be on call to snap your prom night photo. Plus, your friends will want you to pose for dozens of pictures during the night. You will want a shine-free face for the photo barrage. To achieve this, first consider your skin type. If you are prone to oil, you may want to use an oil-absorbing foundation. A translucent dusting powder can help keep oil at bay as well. Tuck a package of oil-absorbing blotting sheets in your purse for touchups throughout the night. • The eyes have it, and long, lush lashes can add a touch of drama on this special night. However, not every woman is blessed with long lashes. Fake eyelashes can help you to achieve the look you desire. Today's false eyelashes are more natural looking than in the past. Some come in full sets, others in clumps of lashes and even individual lashes that you can apply sporadically. Applying lashes will take a little practice. Try out your technique at home several times before the prom event. Some helpful tips include using a dark eyelash glue to blend in with the lashes, trimming the lashes little by little so they will fit the size of your eye, and beginning from the inside corner and working outward if you're using a full eyelash set.
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