Bridal Expo

It is often said you can never be too rich or too thin. Personally, I am in no danger of being either one so I can only speculate on how difficult it must be to be both at the same time (insert eye roll). Some of the wealthiest, most beautiful women in the world are not high-profile celebrities and although they do have their share of wedding dilemmas,  it can’t compare to the pressure and burden of being Angelina Jolie during the planning of her eventual wedding to her equally high -profile (megastar) fiance, Brad Pitt. Especially since she is often critiqued about being too thin and probably too rich as well.

Of course she can hire planners to do everything, have stores closed down for shopping, visit designers showrooms and have all wedding attire custom designed and fitted to perfection. However, there comes a day (the wedding day) when all eyes are upon her and she has to find a gown that can stop the critics dead in their tracks… that is, if she cares at all. Critics (like me) who can be cynical and in other cases downright unkind.

The question remains, if you are Angelina Jolie, what will your wedding be like? My guess is completely toned down. Think of Kim Kardashian’s fairytale (staged) wedding and imagine the exact opposite. Not to the degree where people are eating off paper plates but you can bet that the wedding will not be televised unless the profits go to AMFAR or one of this power couple’s other pet projects.

Personally, if I were in her shoes, I would find a diaphanous gown of varying pastel shades, have all the children suited accordingly in matching pastels, find  a secluded spot in the English countryside, invite only close family and friends (and their kids) and have a charming afternoon event that is more about the ceremony than a lavish reception. If it were me, and I was thin and rich and high-profile, I would completely engulf myself in the Victorian/Antique theme that is so hot right now. I would do anything and everything to have  a casual, rustic, family gathering with Peonies, Hydrangeas,wildflowers  and antique china place settings. I would make it intimate, heartfelt, and completely understated. Kids? Yes. Foreign dignitaries? No. More than anything, I would make sure the vows are extraordinary and memorable.

Most of all (dare I say?) I would not have a strapless gown no matter how good I looked in it – just to protest the lack of options and being a super-powerful, mega-wealthy Hollywood star, you can do anything you want!

…..and what would you do?

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Tattoos have almost completely lost the negative stigma they once held. So much so that you can find ‘ink’ in spades at nearly every PTA meeting across the country. Unfortunately your parents and grandparents may not agree.  They still remember tattoos as something that sailors got when they were inebriated and stationed overseas.

Tattoos have been around for centuries, dating back to  Ancient Egypt. In ancient Japan the insertion of needles into the skin was thought to bring healing in an early acupuncture method and the needles were dipped in ink to proudly display each  ‘treatment’.   However, in some cultures tattoos are still not acceptable and some faiths, particularly the Jewish and Islamic,  tattoos are addressed specifically as forbidden.  Your relatives (especially the older ones) might not be happy to see a flaming dragon on your shoulder or even a tiny butterfly on your wrist.

So what exactly do you do when you want to wear a strapless, halter or open back gown and you have a tatto that will most definitely show? You have two choices: Show it or cover it.

If you decide to show the tattoo, Bravo  for standing by your decision. My advice: Take the heat early on! Tell your family and whomever that  you love your body art and have no desire to cover it. Don’t be surprised if they aren’t thrilled with your decision. Wouldn’t you rather have the discussion sooner rather than later so that you are not completely stressed in case of a huge family debate the day of your wedding? Compromise if you can. Perhaps you can offer to have the copies of the photos you will give to them airbrushed so the tattoos are not in their photos at all. Yours can be left alone. Sure, it is an added expense but a small price to pay for family peace!

Deciding to let highly visible tattoos remain exposed can be a liberating experience especially if they have real significance to you. Many gorgeous women have tattoos they are very proud of and never seem to waver when they get dressed even for the red carpet. Think of Megan Fox and Angelina Jolie. It can also be incorporated into the theme of your wedding. Do you have a large butterfly tattoo on your arm? Then, let there be butterflies!

Covering a tattoo is tricky. Many cosmetic stores like ULTA or department stores carry products designed specifically for tattoo cover up. You must follow the instructions exactly and match your skin perfectly. Don’t forget the primer and sealer. The primer helps the product to stick to your skin and the sealer keeps it from coming off. Most are foundation-type products but,  some are powder. Either way you need to practice several times to make sure you have the process perfected before stepping out on your big day! Also consider hiring a professional to do this for you, especially if the tattoos are in hard to reach places.

You can also cover the tattoo by selecting a gown that covers it entirely. Depending upon where the tattoos located, the style of gown you prefer adn the time of year this can be next to impossible. However, a talented seamstress can add sleeves, raise a neckline or make other changes to accommodate your needs. The key is to speak honestly and openly to your bridal consultant bout your wishes and do not hesitate to get the alterations department involved.

For some brides it isn’t even a topic for discussion and for others it is a very big deal.  This is your decision and no one should make it for you.

Penny Frulla for Bridal  Expo Chicago