1. style and fashion
2. clothing
3. wedding dresses

2013
Bridal
Guide
A guide to making
YOUR BIG DAY
a little easier!
Supplement to the Wednesday, February 27, 2013 Amite Tangi Digest, Kentwood News Ledger and St. Helena Echo.
2 2013 Bridal Guide
Local coordinator offers tips to
preparing for your day
I think the term “wedding planner” scares
a lot of us. The southern belles that we
are, we can’t trust another woman to plan
the biggest day of our lives. So, I like to
say wedding coordinator; it’s a little less
intimidating! I think the most important
thing is wedding etiquette! Even in today’s
world with all the modern twist you can
put on things, some things just have to
be proper and the wedding coordinator
would love to help here. No bride should
be dishing out orders on her big day, but
your wedding coordinator could. A wedding
coordinator/helper could be a “behind the
scene” type person, your go-to person,
someone to answer your questions, guide
you, and most importantly be honest with
you.
Keep in mind when picking a venue and
time, the style of your wedding. The later
in the day, the more formal your style
should be. Also, if you’re getting married
inside (especially a church) it is usually more
formal. If you choose an outside venue
always have a back-up plan. Your venue(s)
needs to be one of the first things you
book. If the ceremony and reception can be
in the same place you can cut budget costs
in more than one way. I would suggest to
any bride to have a checklist; you can find
them online. A checklist will help you with
a time frame in which things should be
booked and scheduled.
All the DIY projects are great and save
money, but again, depending on where and
when you get married, you don’t want it to
look cheap or cheesy. After all, this day will
only happen once. And you do not need
to tie up your time and stress over tying
bows and gluing candles and painting signs.
Again these projects are good (especially
done in advance) but get help and don’t go
overboard.
Remember everything has an order - from
the grandparents being ushered in to you
leaving in the honeymoon car! The best
way to accomplish this is to have someone
making sure every single detail is exactly
right!
And know that nothing is perfect,
especially live! Things will happen that are
out of your control and your coordinator’s
but keep going... no one knows the original
plan but the two of you. And this day will
only happen once, so relax and have no
regrets. Best of wishes to all of the brides
reading this!
Monica Smith has been working as a
wedding coordinator for several years in
the Tangilena area. She may be reached at
[email protected]
Submited by Monica Smith
Photo by
Charley Vance
21669 Old Covington Highway
Hammond, Louisiana
985-542-4242
www.thelynhaven.com
Your most trusted Wedding & party venue for
over 20 years in Tangipahoa Parish!
2013 Bridal Guide 3
How to save money on your wedding by doing some yourself
DIY remains one of the hottest 2013
wedding trends, and Michaels, North
America’s largest arts and crafts specialty
retailer and DIY wedding destination,
announces the year’s top colors and themes,
along with its new DIY wedding site, new
products such as invitations and favors, and
an Ultimate Wedding Contest.
Some of the top wedding trends of 2013:
--Heirloom Romance: Soft and feminine, this
trend features pale pastels in both flowers
and paper products. The look is refined, while
keeping a romantic, handmade quality.
--Purple Luxe: With hues of lavender, violet,
plum, lilac and mauve, there is a purple
to match every shade of love: passionate,
romantic, forever. Gilded elements and ombre
enhance the royal feel of this trend.
--Seaside Bliss: Inspired by the joys of a
laid-back day at the beach, blue, coral and
white combine to create a sleek, elegant and
luxuriously casual feeling – the perfect look
for breezy summer weddings.
--Pink Pop and Mod: For the bride who loves
bold, clean, art-inspired looks, the vibrant
colors of yellow, hot pink and orange inspire
this graphic wedding trend.
--Classic Glam: The classic elegance of
old Hollywood is embraced by the blackand-white color scheme that defines this
trend: sophisticated and refined. Glitter and
metallic touches add sparkle and shine to this
glamorous wedding theme.
--Rustic Elegance: With burlap and lace, this
theme is perfect for the casual bride who still
wants that touch of Southern elegance at her
wedding. The trend is inspired by a trip to the
country: handmade signs, country stores, jelly
jars, and an indoor-meets-outdoor feel.
--Whimsy Carnival: For the kid in all of us,
the magical feeling of a carnival highlights
this wedding trend. Featuring bold, bright
colors, the theme may be carried out with
playful pinwheels, balloons and colorful paper
products.
“Michaels has everything a couple needs
to bring these trends to life and create a
beautiful, romantic DIY wedding that will be
unlike any other,” said Michaels Vice President
of Category Marketing Jennifer Rawls. “We’ll
even help them put it all together with
online expert advice, checklists and videos at
Michaels.com.”
Michaels has also introduced an elegant
new collection of wedding accessories by
leading wedding and entertaining expert and
TV personality David Tutera. The collection
includes themed, trend-specific wedding
continued on page 5
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4 2013 Bridal Guide
How to from the florist!
Local florist Glenda S. McMillan of Glenda’s Flowers & Gifts gives a
few tips on how to ease the stress of preparing for your wedding!
When choosing your flowers, Glenda advises, first choose flowers
that compliment your chosen color, but also one that is a pretty
contrast to your bridesmaid dresses. You don’t want your bouquet to
blend into the dress, yet to stand out and accessorize their dresses.
When selecting flowers for the bride’s bouquet, you want yours to
be special and different. Try using the same flower, yet maybe an all
white version. This allows everything to coordinate together while
at the same time allowing the bride to have a one and only bouquet.
Most brides choose fresh flowers. However, with the selections of
high quality silks available, some brides choose this. Benefits of silk
include lower maintenance, no worry of refrigeration, can be made
well in advance and there is no chance of wilting if it is a summer time
outdoor affair. Size of bouquet is another thing to consider. Bigger is
not always better. You want your bouquet to compliment your dress
and not overpower or hide it or you.
When choosing a florist, most people have a florist they are
accustomed to dealing with. Take the time to research and talk to
several and choose the one you’re most comfortable working with.
It takes a lot of time and effort coordinating the perfect flowers and
setting for your wedding. If you are doing a destination wedding
check with the Better Business Bureau and get their recommendations
and ratings. An experienced and established florist that has many
years of dedicated service will almost always have the knowledge and
experience to make your special day worry free and beautiful. Keep in
mind that cheaper is not always better.
What your florist will need: if possible always bring your mother
and or maid of honor. Do not bring the whole bridal party because
sometimes too many opinions create too much confusion. Color
swatches of bridesmaid dresses are a must when coordinating flowers.
Shades of dresses change from season to season so it’s always nice
to have that swatch to find the right match. With the wealth of
information available on the internet print any pictures of ideas you
would like incorporated into your wedding. Trying to verbally describe
sometimes can be frustrating. If possible give your florist a week or
two notice and let them know in advance if there is a special flower
you like or interested in. This gives the florist time to get them so
that you can see it at your appointment. Get an accurate count of the
number in the wedding party; for example bridesmaids, groomsmen,
mothers in-law, grandmothers, grandfathers, ushers and extras.
Glenda sums it all up by saying, “The thing to remember when you
begin planning is to keep an open mind. This is “your” special day.
Listen to suggestions and opinions of others. Remember in all fairness
this is the most important day in a bride’s life and ultimately she has
the final say so that her day is as special and memorable as she is.
Each bride is different and amazing. From simple to elegant, and all
out bling, each woman wants to feel like a queen for the day on her
wedding day.”
Glenda’s is located at 307 Ave E, Kentwood, 985-229-7571.
Photo by Charley Vance
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2013 Bridal Guide 5
Choosing your photographer
Among the utmost decisions to
be made by any bride is choosing
their photographer.
Primarily, it is their
photographer’s expertise,
combined with artistic vision and
instinct, which will immortalize
wedding day memories for
generations to come.
These are the images, after all,
captured in a split-second and
cherished eternally.
These qualities are what make
professional photographer and
artisan, Charley Vance, among
the most well known names in
Louisiana and beyond.
And when it comes to wedding
photography, there is no
question about it.
“It’s all about the bride,” Vance
proclaims.
Encouraging brides to relax
during their photo sessions,
Vance says confidently, “I don’t
care how good anybody is, it
is all about the bride, and her
expression, that will sell the
image.”
Indeed, every wedding day
image shines a spotlight on
the glowing bride, on what is
considered the most important
day of her adult life.
“She needs to be happy,
comfortable and having fun!”
Vance continues. “It doesn’t
matter how good the background
is if she doesn’t feel that joy, that
spark.”
“This beauty comes from within
the bride and her alone,” he
Doing it yourself...
declares.
As Vance’s photography has
featured, a background could
include a most lovely southern
sunset, gazing across Lake
Pontchartrain’s horizon.
They are images that melt with
romance.
Nevertheless, only the bride can
cause that image to glow, says
Vance.
Her chosen location will makes
her image “pop” even more so.
Louisiana’s stately oaks and
towering pines, overlooking its
many lakes, bayous and streams
are among the most sought after
images that the state offers,
naturally.
Appreciating the natural
background brings out the natural
beauty of the bride as well, Vance
explains.
Says Vance, “Discuss with your
photographer where you want to
go. Whether it’s early morning or
late in the afternoon, you have to
consider the natural sunlight as it
relates to their location.”
Vance may make it look easy,
but there is a science involved
in capturing these images to
perfection.
“Lakefront photos, for example,
can be taken at the crack of dawn
when the sunlight is nice and
soft,” Vance observes. “Yet at
midday when the sun is shining
bright, it’s also extremely hot,
and gets that way quickly.”
This extreme heat and humidity
should be considered for the
bride not only from a professional
angle, but for her comfort, says
Vance.
It is this such forethought
continued on page 6
continued from page 3
decorations and centerpieces, wedding day accessories and bridal
accessories. Tutera will also offer tips and advice on Michaels.com/
DavidTutera.
DIY brides or grooms can enter to win $5,000 toward their dream
wedding in the Ultimate Wedding Sweepstakes by MiDesign@
Michaels and Jean M. The $5,000 grand prize includes invitations and
accessories from MiDesign@Michaels and Jean M, a $1,000 Michaels
gift card, consultation with premier wedding designer Jean M and
more. Couples can share their stories and why they should win on the
MiDesign@Michaels Web page.
About Michaels:
Irving, Texas-based Michaels Stores, Inc. is North America’s
largest specialty retailer of arts, crafts, framing, floral, wall decor
and seasonal merchandise for the hobbyist and do-it-yourself home
decorator. The company currently owns and operates more than
1,090 Michaels stores in 49 states and Canada, and 128 Aaron
Brothers stores, and produces 11 exclusive private brands including
Recollections®, Studio Decor®, Bead Landing®, Creatology®,
Ashland®, Celebrate It®, Art Minds®, Artist’s Loft®, Craft Smart®
and Loops & Threads® and Imagin8™. For more information visit
www.Michaels.com.
Compiled by Mark Mathes, Editor Amite Tangi Digest
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985.747.6600 • [email protected]
6 2013 Bridal Guide
How to pick an engagement ring--or create a custom ring
Like shifting trends in the fashion world,
certain cuts of diamonds and settings emerge
as clear favorites at different times.
Diamond Mansion Co. stays abreast of
these developments, offering customers a
wide selection in design categories such as
solitaire, halo, pave, three-stone, vintage-style
engagement rings, and more.
Diamond Mansion Co. believes in providing
thorough information relating to diamonds
and the inventory itself on its official website.
In this spirit, diamond education articles and
top-seller lists are presented to the customer.
Additionally, with the “Design Your Own”
option, the shopper may preview desirable
settings with various cuts of diamonds or
metals.
This online tool serves as a great starting
point for the gentleman who has little to no
experience in purchasing a truly precious
piece of jewelry.
Halo engagement rings, as well as vintagestyle engagement rings, are extremely popular
these days, with many betrothed celebrities
proudly displaying either style. The popular
halo ring features a band encrusted with the
highest quality diamonds. The customer may
choose a ring that is completely set or select a
preferred cut for the center stone.
Engagement rings, wedding rings, and other
fine items range in price, so the customer may
select a ring that compliments his finances.
He may also stay true to his budget by
customizing a one-of-a-kind engagement ring.
The gentleman may fix heirloom diamonds
or other gems already in his possession or
purchase loose diamonds. The specs of each
stone are provided on the website in terms
of carat, color, clarity, and cut, along with the
resulting prices.
For more information, visit www.
diamondmansion.com .
Compiled by Mark Mathes,
Editor Amite Tangi Digest
Question: When should I take off my veil after the ceremony?
Everyone loves to talk about the veil, but nobody tells you exactly when to ditch it. While it’s perfectly okay to
wear the veil for the entire reception, there are two optimal times to take it off. The first is after the ceremony (have
your hairstylist show a bridesmaid how to do this without messing up your ‘do), and the second is after the first
dance while your guests are eating. Once the veil’s off, stick it in your bridal suite or have it “decorate” your chair.
Choosing a photographer...
continued from page 5
by a professional photographer that will present the bride with her
absolute best in imagery, by bringing out the best in her.
Vance, also a stage director and playwright, says “bringing the stage
into the event itself” gives each image additional ambience and character.
Although the bride is center stage for the entire production, Vance
adds that there are objects in each photo that should be examined
carefully.
“You could have a barn, for example,” Vance mused, speaking from
experience. “Their location facing north, south, east or west is all
considered. How they relate to the sunlight will directly relate to the
portrait of the bride.”
For all the beauty and character Vance brings to his life’s work, he is
also the first to admit, “Weddings can be expensive!”
Deciding on a budget for the photographer, or any one of a
number of wedding details, is not an easy task but one that must be
considered.
“It must fit their budget,” acknowledges Vance. “Brides want
someone who is easy to work with, too.”
Ultimately, Vance made clear, “Brides are looking for someone who
can deliver quality.”
Charley Vance has been photographing memories since 1986. He
is an award winning commercial photographer, photojournalist,
playwright, feature and screenwriter. He holds a master’s degree in
drama and has directed for the stage and movies. Samples of his work
are featured at his website, www.charleyvancephoto.com.
Submitted By Alissa Vilardo
DeGruy Photography
985-507-4111
www.DeGruyphotography.com
2013 Bridal Guide 7
How to choose your shoes
Bridal shoes can make or break a wedding day for a bride. Not
only does the right shoe have to match the bride, the day, and
the dress, but it must be comfortable enough to wear throughout
the ceremony, photo session, and reception formalities. However,
learning how to select shoes to wear with your wedding dress is not
difficult when you follow the right steps.
Decide on the fabric of your shoe. Raw silk, crepe, or satin shoes
are common choices because these are often the fabrics of the dress.
However, diverting from the norm and selecting a different fabric
from the dress can add a unique touch to the overall ensemble.
Select a wedding shoe color to complement the gown. You can opt
for the traditional and choose a color that matches your wedding
dress. This may mean you having to bring a swatch along with you to
ensure that your colors are identical. Oftentimes, brides have to dye
their wedding shoes to make sure that colors are accurate. There is
also the option of picking a shade that diverts from your dress but
matches your accessories, such as silver or gold. Additionally, you
may decide that a shoe adorned with embellishments, such as pearls,
beads, sequins, and rhinestones, will complement your overall look.
Choose a comfortable bridal dress shoe. Weddings are all day
events and you don’t want to kick your shoes off, at least until you
have finished the formal dancing. The reality is that comfort is a very
significant factor to consider when choosing a shoe, more-so than
looks, and you don’t want to find this out while you are cringing
during the photo session. Heels should only be an option if you are
used to wearing them, and if you are not, but you really want to wear
them, then buy them well in advance to break them in and get used
to them.
Match the style of your shoe to your dress and the occasion. Take
into account the formality of the wedding, the style of your dress,
and the season when selecting a wedding shoe. For example, a satin,
open-toe, off-white slipper would work well with an off the shoulder,
open-back, satin gown during the summer. In contrast, a plain raw
silk closed shoe would complement a traditional raw silk, full skirted
gown during the fall and winter months. Informal weddings allow for
casual looks, such as ballet slippers or embellished sandals.
Make sure that the wedding shoes you choose will be appropriate
for your ceremony and reception venues. Heels don’t work on
beaches or stone walkways. Consider your whole wedding day
journey before making a final decision on bridal shoes.
Opt for wedding gown shoes that make you and your groom
look good. If you are taller than your groom, or much shorter, then
this should determine whether you get heels or not. Also, heels
can slenderize and tone your legs, as well as lengthen your overall
physique. So if there are specific looks you are hoping to achieve,
allow your shoes to help you accomplish them.
Photo by Charley Vance
Visit our
Web site.
We’re More
Than
Just Print.
Get up-to-date information on local events
and find out what’s going on in your area.
www.tangilena.com
8 2013 Bridal Guide
Where to start!
Set a Timetable: The minute you get engaged, everyone will be asking
for your wedding date. But in reality, you won’t be able to set an exact
date until other major decisions -- like choosing (and booking) your
venue -- are made. So first, focus on determining a range of dates
that will work for you. A typical engagement lasts anywhere from six
months to a year and a half or more, but also think about what season
you’d prefer, any major holidays or family events you’d like to avoid
conflicting with, and how long you predict you’ll need to plan.
Dream Up Your Style and Pick a Location: Before you try on a single
gown, book a band or sample a bite of cake, look at the big picture
and imagine what kind of style and vibe you want to set for your
wedding -- and where you want to hold it. Close your eyes and picture
your fantasy wedding. What do you see? Is it a candlelit ceremony in
a mansion? Are you walking barefoot on a beach in the tropics? Or
maybe it’s in your hometown’s botanical garden. While you’re picturing
your perfect wedding, here are some key questions to consider: Big
(everyone you know) or small (just close friends and family)? Outdoors
or in? Home (one of your hometowns or your current city) or away (a
destination wedding)? Modern, classic, romantic, vintage, rustic or
all-out glam? Fancy, casual or somewhere in between? To help you
get a better idea of what you want (and what you don’t want), spend
some time gathering inspiration. Check out magazines, books and real
wedding photos online, but don’t limit yourself to the obvious sources.
Something as unlikely as a wallpaper pattern, a scene from a favorite
movie, or a family heirloom can spark your creativity. Bottom line:
Always keep your eyes open for inspiration.
Set Your Budget: Sit down with your families and figure out how much
everyone is contributing. This number will affect every decision and
purchase you make, so be sure to work out your budget before you
start planning. It can be an uncomfortable conversation, but it’s better
to get it out of the way now.
Draft a Guest List: As you begin to build your guest list, you’ll need
to consider a number of factors. If you have a particular ceremony or
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reception site in mind, for instance, you’re going to be limited by how
many people it can accommodate (you can’t squeeze 300 people into
a lighthouse). Would you rather have quality one-on-one time with
each guest or throw a once-in-a-lifetime party for all your friends and
family? If mom and dad won’t budge about inviting throngs of friends
and family, you’ll have to hear them out -- especially if they’re footing
a major part of the bill. Keep in mind that more guests means higher
prices, as catering costs are generally calculated on a per-head basis.
So, in addition to location, your budget will have a big influence on the
size of your guest list.
Register (Before Your Engagement Party!): Worried that you’ll
look gift-grabby if you register? Don’t! With all the engagement
parties,bridal showers and well-wishing relatives in your future,
everyone will appreciate your foresight. And although gifts are optional
for engagement parties, some of your guests may want to give you
something to commemorate the occasion, so register for at least a
few items beforehand so they don’t have to ask (or guess) what you’d
like. One thing to note: Don’t include registry information in your
engagement party invitations or in any other formal manner. Stick to
using word of mouth or links on your wedding website.
Choose Your Wedding Party: Now it’s your turn to propose to your
bridesmaids and groomsmen. Remember, the earlier you ask, the
sooner you can enlist their help. And keep in mind that your wedding
party is agreeing to spend their hard-earned money and donate their
precious time -- be considerate and kind by informing everyone about
all your plans, showing them a good time and making sure they know
how much you appreciate them.
Book a Venue (and Set Your Date): Your reception venue will become
the backdrop for virtually all your photos and can influence everything
from heavy hitters like your budget and guest list to smaller details like
your menu (if you choose a venue with in-house catering). Ensure that
you get the look, price and extras you want by scouring local listings,
shopping around, scheduling visits and booking early. Bonus: By
signing your venue contract, you will officially have your wedding date
(congrats!)!
This will get you started . . . There’s much more to do!
Large Selection of New Arrivals
for the 2013 Wedding Season!
609 1st Street
Kentwood
985-229-6666
5510 N. Second St. • Amite, LA
Bridal Registry Available
Like us on Facebook!
985-748-3951