Today’s gowns favour The bridal understated elegance After all the months of hectic planning, a ular colour right now. The range of can count on the help of her bridal styles is just as vast. Elegantly draped Choosing a wedding gown is often the most overall impact. In fact, all superfluous details party to keep her calm and collected on her with asymmetric cuts and plunging necklines difficult decision for -to-be. Here is a are being eliminated. wedding day. In many cases, brides will are found in many bridal boutiques today. brief look at the latest trends. choose a close female friend or family Brides looking for something luxurious to member as her maid of honour. Her role The represents a miniature ver - Today’s wedding gowns are gorgeously wear on their wedding day will love gowns will usually be to hold the bride’s bouquet sion of the bride and is usually dressed all refined, delicate and slightly conservative. made of precious materials and decorated at the appropriate moments, in white. The style of her They have lost some of their previous vol - with intricate embroidery. Satin or tulle hold onto the groom’s wed - dress should be similar to ume, but are still full enough to flatter every gowns with full skirts, complemented with ding ring until it is time for that of the bride. The top figure thanks to draped fabric, skirts layered corsages and seductive necklines create a them to be exchanged, and choices for flower girls over lace underskirts and necklines set off by truly breathtaking effect. ensure the bride’s veil and today are bodices with or attractive shoulder straps. The gorgeous satin the train of her gown are without sleeves paired with fabrics that are now being used give off a lus - properly arranged at all a somewhat full skirt. trous shine, and muslin, tulle and organza are times. intricately embroidered. The overall influ - The ring bearer adds ence is slightly medieval or regal, which is Generally, the brides - a charming touch to a perfect for true romantics. maids assist the maid of wedding ceremony by honour and organize a recep - simply walking down the Today’s gowns feature draped fabric that tion or wedding shower for aisle decked out like a offers both an unexpected and original effect. the bride before the wedding. miniature version of the Combined with the bride’s glowing beauty, When it comes to dressing groom, while holding the the result is nothing short of spectacular. The When it comes to dressing the bridal party, the options wedding rings. Naturally, are virtually endless. trend toward simpler designs is resulting in a the bridal party, the options the mothers on both sides The trend toward simpler designs is more minimalist effect where it is the quali - resulting in a more minimalist effect where are virtually endless. While the possible must also fulfill their roles by providing ty of the material and the cut, rather than the all superfluous details are eliminated. colours of dresses extend the entire spectrum words of wisdom and helping to plan the amount of decorations used, that creates the (Photo Leino Olé) of the rainbow, off-white is a particularly pop - celebration. For a truly Tips for finding What is your sparkling wedding the perfect wedding ideal ? Your wedding day is quickly approaching and most of the Many couples today tend to Admit it. As a young girl, you imagined yourself as a bride look - planning has been done. The number of guests that will be register their wedding gift ing exactly like Cinderalla, right? Don’t deny it. We all dreamed attending the reception has been set and the reception hall list at their favourite store. of being the beautiful princess in a fairytale wedding. has been booked. You have met with the caterer and final - If the particular store in ized the meal plan. All you question does not offer all Well, it’s time to turn dreams into reality. Perhaps your idea of the need to do now is to determine the items you are look - perfect wedding dress has changed over the years, but your which types of alcoholic bever - ing for, you may reg - desire to be a beautiful bride certainly hasn’t. ages you will serve. ister at two or more stores. It’s important If you haven’t chosen a dress yet, browsing through bridal You should choose the wine magazines will surely inspire you. Bring photos of your to include items of all prices Here is an original wedding just as carefully as you have so that the list can accom - gift: two silver glasses that can favourite dresses to your local bridal boutique; this will help you chosen the meal. After all, if modate everyone’s budget. be engraved. Each glass makes eliminate all those dresses you you are going to great cost and up half of a heart and fits don’t like and instead focus on effort to serve a delicious meal, You should give this list to a perfectly with the other glass trying on only those to form the whole. you’ll want to ensure that you designated person, such as that you do. offer guests a quality the bride’s mother, the maid of honour, etc. He or she can let wine to accompany it. guests know which items on the list are still available. Not Don’t be disheartened only will this greatly help guests find an appropriate wed - if the “perfect” dress you saw in Unfortunately, not all of ding gift, but it will also help to prevent people from buying your $10 bridal magazine doesn’t us are wine connoisseurs and Need help deciding which the same gift. look as good on you as it did on the vast selection of wines types of beverage to serve the model. This is where the staff The perfect wedding dress available can make this a at your wedding reception? If you will be moving out of your parents’ home after you are at the bridal boutique can be of is the one that looks perfect Turn to the experts! on you, not on a model. daunting task. Fortunately, married, you can use this list to include items that you will help. An experienced consultant there are wine experts who can help. They will be able to need for your new home. This is a great way to help you start will be able to see what you like about the dress (telling her out - suggest affordable, quality wines to best complement the off with quality items that perfectly reflect your needs and right will also help), take your body shape and height into meal that will be served. They will also be able to help you personality. account, and recommend a dress that works for you. It might select beer and spirits if you intend to offer them. With take a few tries, but hopefully, you’ll start to get a better idea of their help, you’ll have no problem establishing an appro - If you have been living on your own for a while and already which type of dress will show off your best features. Bringing priate beverage list. have most everyday household items, you can create a gift along someone who is willing to give an honest opinion is anoth - list that features specialized or more refined items that you er great idea. When it comes to the cocktail hour or making the toasts, would like to receive as a gift. you can opt for champagne, sparkling wine, wine or alco - If you really want to see how the dress will look on your wedding holic punch. For the meal itself, it is customary to offer If the bride and groom have not registered at a store, and you’re day, have your hair and make-up done exactly how you will wear guests a choice of white or red wine. There may be chil - not sure what to buy them, do not hesitate to contact their par - it during the ceremony when you go to try on dresses. That way dren at your reception or adults who don’t drink alcohol, so ents or close friends for suggestions. If you still feel you need you’ll be able to see the overall effect. Last but certainly not least, be sure to include juice and soft drinks on your beverage more inspiration, you can also browse through bridal maga - don’t blow your entire budget on your dress. You’re planning a list. That way everyone will be happy. zines or visit jewellery stores and specialized gift boutiques. wedding, after all, and the purchases have just started! NOTICE TO PUBLISHERS, SALES PERSONNEL AND PRODUCTION STAFF: In this supplement, if a photo credit is given, PAGE 30, JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2003, TOOLBOX you cannot use the credited photo for any purpose other than what it is intended for, e.g. you cannot make an advertisement for a client with the photo.