International Inspirations: Part 1

Whether they are sophisticated or whimsical; elegant or fun, international customs can make your wedding personal and distinctive. Wedding traditions vary from one country to another, but each one is special and celebrates the marriage bond of the newlyweds. While family rituals can provide a connective thread at your wedding, many couples are borrowing ethnic inspirations from contemporary international brides.

To be legally married in Russia, couples must go the department of public services for registration. The brides and grooms are routinely spotted in public parks, in front of historic cathedrals, and on scenic bridges having their photographs taken after their registration.

The root word for “red” in Russian can also mean “beautiful,” and does not have the political connotations as found in the West. As a result, the color red is popping up on fashion-forward brides throughout the country. One bride dressed in red from head to toe for her wedding in a figure hugging laced-corset bodice gown, red veil; gloves and shoes.

Bride in red gown     

“Everyone wears white… I wanted something different. Red is for love and passion, so I chose that,” she said. Apparently her groom shared the sentiment, since he sported a matching red tie with his crisp white shirt and black suit.

Other brides chose to wear red in more subtle ways. Some wore wedding gowns with red sashes or embellishments. Glimpses of red garters could be seen on brides as the wind caught billowing skirts. One couple even hired a red limousine to chauffeur them around St. Petersburg on their wedding day.

One couple even hired a red limousine to chauffeur them around St. Petersburg on their wedding day

Red is a popular color for bridal gowns in Delaware too, said Cathy Sawdon, owner of the Bridal & Tuxedo Shoppe in Newark. “We have sold over a dozen Alfred Angelo gowns with red accents.” This includes one popular style featuring lustrous satin, rich embroidery, pearl & crystal beading, sequins and a dramatic lace-up corset back. The Semi-Cathedral train can be ordered in 55 colors, including a rich red. “Alfred Angelo pioneered the use of color in wedding gowns,” said Sawdon and creates something special with all designs.”

Here Come the Grooms: Part 2 Men’s Attire

Fashion predictions made by big name designers don’t always make it to Delaware. “Bow-ties were forecasted to be big in 2010,” said Cathy Sawdon, owner of Bridal & Tuxedo Shoppe in Newark, “but that trend didn’t appear here. Now, skinny ties are forecasted for 2011. We’ll have to see if they gain in popularity in Delaware.”

Many men choose to wear a tuxedo on their wedding day for two reasons: it’s easy and they know they are going to look great.  Selection can be tricky if the last time you’ve worn a tux is to their high school prom.

A good place to start when choosing the style is to consider the formality of your event. Sawdon said black tuxes are still the front-runners of choice for Delaware grooms’ choices. They either wear a white or ivory colored vest to match the color of the bride’s gown. Similarly, the groomsmen wear matching tuxes, with vests to match the bridesmaids’ dresses.

Choice of ties varies somewhat; although most grooms a now selecting a long tie, some pick white or ivory to match their vest and complete the tone-on-tone effect. Others select a black tie to match their tux.

Many brides set their sights on a romantic destination wedding in a sun-drenched island oasis.    Lucky grooms have a variety of styles available to them whether they are dressing for a traditional ceremony or a more casual exchange of vows.

Sawdon said a tux in a classic sand tone tux with the look of linen provides understated sophistication and coordinates with many bridal gown styles.

Wedding on the Beach: Wikipedia: Rfkphoto

Destination weddings can be times to kick up your heels and have fun. Some grooms are forgoing white shirts and ties, and wearing “Hawaiian” style shirts in prints featuring tropical colors. “The groom usually selects the shirts and gives them to his attendants as their gift,” said Sawdon. “They wear them under jackets for the ceremony, and remove the jackets for the festive after parties.”

For More Information:

Bridal & Tuxedo Shoppe

Astro Shopping Center

Newark, Delaware

(302) 731-8802

http://bridal-and-tuxedo.com

This story was first published in the News Journal in 2010, under the byline of Gail A. Sisolak. All rights reserved.

Here Come the Grooms: Part 1

At every wedding, the groom should be the best dressed man in the room. The bride and groom are the most important people of the day; it is equally the groom’s time to shine. Since the male guests will most likely be wearing suits and ties, how does a groom stand out from the rest?

No worries. With a few tips, and the help of wedding and style professionals, each groom can look his best on his big day.

Start at the Top

Think about your wedding pictures; are you ready for close-up portraits? Do your hands and nails look great if the photographer takes pictures of you and your bride showing off your new rings? What about your hair and skin?

Ginny Rodgers, owner of Studio One Eleven in Wilmington, said an increasing number of men are enjoying the wedding party packages they offer at her full service men’s spa. Brides have scheduled spa days with their weddings parties for years, but now men have caught on to the benefits of spa treatments. In the last 18 months, Rodgers said they have had over 20 appointments for weddings parties, everything from grooms coming in solo to groups of 12 grooms, groomsmen and guests.

Studio One Eleven offers a variety of packages for the men in the wedding party, starting with the Grooms Basic Package (for a party of four) which includes shaves of head or face with straight razor with a hot towel prep, special oils to soften beard, hot lather shave, second hot towel; then cool towel and light moisturizing massage; a 15-minunte chair massage; paraffin treatment. Lite fare and beverages are provided. Other packages are available, and each can be customized.

Wikipedia: shaving brush: scottfeldstein

“It is a great way for the groom together with his friends and relax before the wedding,” said Rogers. “We have a putt-putt course they can use while waiting, or they can play cards.” Some grooms come in the day of the wedding, clean-up their haircuts, get a shave, and have paraffin treatments on their hands, or a manicure. Pedicures are a great idea for those planning a barefoot beach wedding or tropical honeymoon.

Studio One Eleven Day Spa and Salon for Men

111 W.11th st.

Wilmington, Del. 19801

www.studio-one-eleven.com‎

This story was first published in the News Journal in 2010, under the byline of Gail A. Sisolak. All rights reserved.