Ready to Renew Your Vows?

Whether you have been married 10 or 50 years, couples are deciding that renewing their vows is something that not only re-energizes their relationship but, also provides an opportunity to have a second wedding… this time hold the stress!

The best reasons to renew your vows, in no particular order:

1- You can have the wedding you want. Maybe your parents planned everything, maybe you eloped, either way this time it is all about you as a couple and what you want. Make it as low-key or grand as you like.

2-You have recently gone through a life-changing experience. Especially when one partner or another has survived a serious illness or a life threatening experience, renewing your vows is a way to express your thanks to one another for keeping the vows in the first place.

3- A Milestone! 25th anniversary is a big deal. 50th anniversary is a huge deal. Allowing your family and friends to share in your celebration is a gift in itself.

4- You wish to recite the vows in a house of worship. Whether your faith has changed or you eloped the first time, reciting your vows in a religious environment would be a terrific way to renew your vows!
If you decide to renew your vows, remember that it doesn’t have to be anything other than a stress-free celebration of your commitment and love for one another.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

Wedding Tattoos – Tired or Tasteful?

Like it or not, tattoos are on the rise!  Once reserved for the few who dared, tattoos have become the latest must have for everyone from proud parents to teachers.  Although this is hardly  surprising news, it is surprising that  there are so many people opting to display their tattoos proudly where they were once frowned upon.

Couples Tattoos – Having a tattoo of one another’s name is hardly enough. Couples are having wedding bands, portraits, or half of a verse tattooed, with the other half of the verse  tattooed on the other person. They are being labeled adorable by some, reckless by others. Of course they can always be modified…. just ask Angelina Jolie.

White Ink Tattoos – For those who prefer a more subtle approach you can select a white ink tattoo. Rather than pure white, the tattoo shows up translucent so on lighter skin it is not as visible but on darker skin is quite striking. You can thank Lindsay Lohan for starting this trend!

 

 

It takes a minimum of two weeks for a tattoo to heal completely and some sources suggest a month as an appropriate healing period. If you plan to have a  tattoo before your wedding, make sure you do it well in advance of the wedding.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

What’s In Your Purse?

Carrying a purse or clutch on your wedding day may seem like an inconvenience but, many brides will regret  not carrying one for two simple reasons : Breath mints and touch-ups. You don’t need to carry a backpack or a large shoulder sling but, a small handbag is a must, allowing you to carry the most *essential items- the things that you will truly miss if they are not readily available.  *Not to be confused with an emergency kit which includes band-aids, static guard, hosiery, aspirin, etc.

What to carry in your wedding purse:

Mints – Not gum. Something to freshen your breath before the receiving line and after dinner. Your guests will thank you.

Lips – Lipstick, liner or gloss to perk up your pucker after so much cheek kissing. Not all lipsticks or gloss will last all night, and after dinner you will still need to look good for pictures.

Mascara – A must for your  eyes after shedding a few tears during the ceremony. Adding a few strokes of mascara will do wonders to brighten your appearance.

Visine – Another must-have for a very emotional event, or if you have allergies. 

Compact – With a mirror and a little pressed powder to a) see your face if you can’t run to the bathroom for touch-ups and b) blot your face so you won’t be shiny in photos.

Tissue – Kleenex or handkerchief, you will need something to dab your eyes at some point….or ( God forbid) blow your nose.

Body Mist – Nothing too overpowering, just something to add a nice scent when you hug or dance. The only people who should smell this are the ones you are embracing.

Who should carry your purse has been a subject of debate for a long time. Whether it is your  mother or maid of honor, you need to put someone in charge of making sure ‘no purse gets left behind’, especially since most brides don’t carry a purse during the ceremony, receiving line, pictures, or dancing. Place it next to your plate and forget about it… until you need it. Rest assured, no matter what your needs are, there is a purse out there that is just right for you.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

 

The Final Touch – Accessories

Ask any woman and she will tell you : Nothing compares to a nice piece of jewelry. 

The question of “real or fake?” no longer holds much significance since the cost and quality of good costume jewelry can far exceed that of some ‘fine ‘ jewelry. The real problem is how much or how little do you wear.  I think the best way to do this is to think of  your gown as the cake and your jewelry as the frosting. How much frosting do you want? Would you prefer to be a glittering princess, dripping in ‘diamonds’ or would a modest pearl choker suit your needs just fine?

The first step in the process is to decide on a headpiece. Many years ago headpieces were designed to match a specific gown. Each gown was accompanied by its very own headpiece and veil. The designers spent hours creating the total look and they were sold as such but now, gown designers rarely even produce headpieces.

After you find your headpiece and veil it is important to book a hair appointment to have your hair styled with the headpiece and veil. My suggestion is to book this appointment on a day when you can try on the gown, whether it is for a fitting or not. Once you have a picture of the total look, you can get an idea of how much or how little jewelry you want.  If you have a favorite piece of jewelry or a family heirloom you want to wear, bring it with you so you can see how it looks with the entire ensemble.

The most common mistake brides make when selecting accessories for their wedding is listening to other people. Other people do not live inside your body, they do not know what is comfortable to you  on your skin or what is out of character for you or simply put, what you can afford. Find the pieces you like, big or small and go with it. I can tell you I am very uncomfortable with post earrings, they constantly pinch so I spend all night tugging at my ears and finally throw them in my purse. 

Speaking of purses, don’t forget that you might want to carry a small bag with some touch-ups for  your makeup and breath mints (no gum, please). There are so many gorgeous bridal purses that can be transitioned in to evening purses that it would be a shame not to have one. It doesn’t have to completely match the gown  since you will not be carrying it around with you and I have NEVER seen a bridal portrait or wedding picture where the bride is holding a purse.  Something beautiful will work, something embellished that you could carry to a cocktail party or another wedding would be fantastic.

Another sometimes forgotten accessory is the bracelet. You don’t have to worry about which arm to wear the bracelet. Again this is a comfort issue. your wedding rings will be on  he left hand so the right arm might need a little sparkle. But, if you always wear your bracelets on the left, do what works best for you. You don’t want to be speing the evening adjusting and fidgeting at your wrist.

Do not purchase anything that pinches, pulls, tugs or leaves red marks on your skin no matter what anyone tells you.

Do spend a little extra money for something that is of better quality….you will wear it again and again.

At each and every Bridal Expo we have accessories on stage and manyof our  accessory vendors display their merchandise for you to try on. Call 847-428-3320 today to book an appointment to see a show in your area.

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago