Looking forward to the Herald’s 2014 Wedding & Special Events Guide, this series will cover the essentials to planning, prepping, and enjoying some of life’s most major events. This week, we cover the essentials to looking and feeling your absolute best when the “big day” finally rolls around.
The Dress
Though your wedding day means so much more than fashion, a bride’s wedding dress often becomes the event’s centerpiece. And to her, it is often the main concern of planning stages. In fact, a number of brides have shaped their ceremony location, reception theme, and cake design around “the dress”. Here, we share industry professionals’ words of wisdom on the quest for the dress.
• If possible, schedule your fitting or shopping excursion early in the day. A morning or early afternoon appointment means a fresh-faced, well rested bridal store staff ready and willing to help you in your search. It also means less crowds and less potential run-ins with bridezillas vying for attention or worse, YOUR dress.
• Start by determining the ideal silhouette for your body shape. Trends fade so no need to get caught up in the shape of the moment. Rather, stay focused on your personal style and the silhouette that best flatters you.
• Pay close attention to the top of the dress. Despite how beautiful the train or how intricate the detailing on the hem may be, the top of your dress is what people will notice most. Plus, it’s what will show up most in photos. The majority of pictures that guests will take will be from the waist up.
• Keep the entourage size to a minimum. Wedding TV shows make it seem like the norm to bring every female relative, in-law, friend, and former teammate with you on your wedding dress quest. Such an extended group of critics results in too many opinions and ultimately hurt feelings. If need be, feel free to embark upon your dress shopping trip solo. At the end of the day, you’re the one wearing it on the big day and only you must truly love it.
• Try on as many as you need to but not TOO many. Too many choices and too many places can add stress and confusion. Instead, do your research and find a bridal shop that carries your three favorite designers and seems to fit your style.
Start with some of our favorites:
Dress 2 Impress of Linwood stocks various US, Canadian, and European designers in order to create a unique selection of bridal and formal wear for South Jersey to experience. Call (609) 653-4444 or visit www.dress2impress.us to begin your Dress 2 Impress quest today!
Tesi Bridal & Formal of Northfield features award winning designs and exclusive designer collections. Tesi provides brides and their guests with personalized service in a very relaxed, elegant atmosphere.Call (609) 646-9900 or visit www.tesibridal.com to learn more.
Eyes
A night of anxious tossing and turning is to be expected the night before your wedding day. But be sure that your eyes don’t reveal signs of a sleepless night. After waking up, immediately check your eyes for signs of redness. Swing by the pharmacy and grab eye drops to keep redness at bay.
Lips
In order to create the perfect lipstick palette, pre-condition lips with a deep moisturizing balm for at least two weeks before the ceremony. Apply three times a day and overnight to ward off dry and flaky texture, especially in colder winter months.
Teeth
As orphan Annie so aptly put it, “You’re never fully dressed without a smile!” This rings especially true on the day of life’s most major photo opps – your wedding day. While masterful makeup can certainly enhance photos, a radiant smile outshines all other minor details. In order to ensure perfectly pearly whites, consult a reputable cosmetic dentist several weeks before the big day and discuss your options.
Most brides opt for whitening/bleaching procedures, whether in-office or the take-home type. Dr. William Panico is one of Cape May County’s leading cosmetic dentists and offers an array of whitening plans, customizable to a bride’s specific time and dental needs. He is also a local authority in veneers, which may be a good option for those facing more daunting aesthetic issues. Dr. Panico was voted as one of NJ Monthly’s prestigious 2013 Top Dentists by his industry peers. For your brightest smile before saying “I do”, schedule an appointment with Dr. Panico, DMD at (609) 886-2277 or visit http://www.panicodental.com/.
For more beauty and event planning tips, check back with us next week for our next edition of this series. Find a complete directory of vendors, beauty and fashion trends, and past Cape May County weddings in the Cape May County Herald’s 2014 Wedding & Special Events Guide which will be distributed on Feb. 12.
Villas – It's so cold people are wearing 2 pairs of pajamas to Walmart.
