Accessories to Make Your Day Really Special
by Nancy G. Douglas, Owner Elegant Accessories by Nancy
Well, so you're getting married! Isn't this exciting? Can you believe this is really happening?! Where do you begin? It's SOOO romantic. . .and there is SOOO much to do! First you need to make a list. Yes, a list, and this one compiles dreams -- guests go on another list everyone is working on. This list should be made with your fiancee (not mom) and should include what would make your day really special. This list should also include and honor any family traditions whenever possible. Remember this wedding is just one day, you have your families for life!
Now, you know that you must book the church, reception facility, photographer, etc., but let's talk about all the "extras". To record memories of this special occasion, a beautiful memory wedding album comes to mind. Wouldn't it be lovely if it was covered in fabric and lace reminiscent of your wedding gown? It should have a place to record your proposal, parties and showers, and even your guests at the wedding along with a place to list all your wonderful gifts. What about the flower girl and the basket she carries? How about covering it with fabric to match her dress? If you are having a ring bearer, he must have a pillow. For the traditional grater toss at the reception, you need one to toss and you may want a lovely keepsake garter to keep. You may want a bag for a money dance, a six-pence, a registry pen, a unity candle, and the list goes on. There are many lovely ready-made items to meet this list on the market and custom designed items are available as well.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to accessories. We all know, women must accessorize everything! So, remember the attendant accessories as well as the brides. Shoes, handbags, jewelry and gloves are just some of those items to complete the look you want and make everyone feel beautiful. The goal is the total look--Beautiful Bride and Lovely Bridesmaids. No one accessory should outshine the other. You may want jewelry that will match the detail of the dress with colored stones or pearls in gold or silver mounts. Today we see a trend that the bigger the earring the less need for a necklace. However, the trendy "Y" necklaces are available today in many colors and styles. Shoes should always complement the color of the skirt of the dress (giving you a slimmer more complete look) and when done well, you should never see the feet. With the resurgence of the "Jackie O" look, gloves are making a big comeback. They are truly a beautiful addition, but remember in the South and Southwest, it is hot and sometimes in the summer not as appealing as you might think. Colored gloves are showing well, but dye lots are tricky and sometimes exact matches are not available. White, ivory, and black gloves are always elegant and readily available in satin and matte finishes to compliment several fabric choices on the market today.
As we continue to accessorize this wonderful event, what about favors for the reception? The old standbys, matches and bookmarks, are available in many colors and styles today, but did you ever think about individual chocolates, lollipops, or even water bottles for the fitness enthusiast personalized with the bride and grooms name and wedding date? And what about rice roses (actually filled with birdseed) to toss at the newlyweds as they leave or beautiful bubbles to blow as well wishes for the bride and groom?
Special gifts for all your attendants and friends who helped make this an event to remember are also important accessories. A small token thank-you gift for your bridal shower hostesses could include personal stationery, ever popular Angel pins, or pretty trinket boxes. Attendant gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen might include jewelry, personal bath items or perfume bottles for the bridesmaids and koozies, tire gauges, golf balls, or other sports items for the groomsmen. And, never forget your parents--without them you would not be and certainly would not be having such a wonderful day. Beautiful framed calligraphy poems and expressions of love for them, hankies for both moms and dads, flowers, and special letters of appreciation are all wonderful and cherished gifts.
Whatever accessories you choose to help commemorate your special day will be fine. There are no rules or regulations as long as it is in good taste. Have a wonderful wedding!
About the Author:
Nancy G. Douglas, owner of Elegant Accessories by Nancy,
has been accessorizing brides Nationwide and especially in
the Houston Area for over 7 years. Nancy served the International Dallas Apparel Mart as a member of their Retail Advisory
Board for 2 years. Nancy is a member of the Houston
Wedding Association and currently serves as the Membership
Chairman and Board Member. Nancy's specialty is designing
unique one of a kind accessories to match your wedding gown.
Get her a picture of your dress, and let her creativity go
to work for you. Her store is located in Northwest Houston
at FM 1960 West and Champion Forest Drive. Hours are 10am
to 6pm Monday thru Friday and 10am to 5pm Saturdays (Central
Time). The phone number is 281-397-8166 in Houston
or 800-584-1396 Nationwide. Nancy and her staff look
forward to helping you make your day -- Really Special!
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Maryland Wedding Guide or its advertisers. We thank Nancy Douglas for sharing this document with all of us.
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