The Huron Expositor, 1995-02-22, Page 23Wednesday, February 22, 1995 -PAGE 7C
Elegance, extravagance are back in weddings
Weddings are back with a
new emphasis on elegance
and extravaganzas.
With effervescent
enthusiasm, the new brides
are boldly mixing tradition
and innovation in dynamic
proportion in what are
rapidly becoming wedding
"statements." •
Glittering and glamorous,
yet steeped with romance
and nostalgia, it's all
possible for today's woman
who knows what she wants
... and perhaps even more
importantly ... knows how to
get it.
Weddings are no longer
planned, they are carefully
orchestrated with a keen eye
for the elegant detail, the
crowning touch.
And nowhere is this more
apparent than in the choice
of the newest bridal
accessories.
Before beginning to collect
what will become treasured
keepsakes in the years to
come, it's fun to see where
these traditional items got
their start.
♦ The Bridal Gown -
Usually white for first-time
brides, the wedding gown is
regarded as a symbol of the
bride's purity.
Since marriage was
considered a union between
two families, it was essential
that the bride be an "honor"
to both her family and her
husband's family.
As purity was primary,
great care was taken to
present the bride as a
sheltered and unspoiled
"treasure."
The white dress became
the symbol of her innocence.
The styling of the bridal
gown as we know it can be
attributed to Empress
Eugenie, the bride of
Napoleon M.
As a leader of fashion she
wore what was to become a
worldwide trendsetter as she
wed the French leader, who
ruled France from 1853 to
1871. Her flair for fashion is
echoed every time a new
bride walks down the aisle
with the dignity befitting an
empress.
♦ The Bridal Wreath -
Adorning the bride with
flowers was introduced in
Europe by the Crusaders.
They believed that a
wreath of orange blossoms
crowning the bride
symbolized fertility. In
Elizabethan times, the
garland also attested to the
bride's virtue.
The flowers, which were
often gilded, included such
symbolic varieties as
rosemary (for
remembrance).
Although seldom picked
for their symbolism, flowers
today remain an integral
part of the bride's attire.
• The Bridal Veil - The
inclusion of this piece of
finery can be traced back.to
Roman ceremonies, which
were based largely on
superstition.
Believing that evil spirits
might become jealous of a
bridal couple's happiness
and therefore bring
misfortune to the pair, the
Romans took elaborate
precautions.
In an attempt to confuse
the demon spirits as to
whom the intended bride
actually was, a veil was used
to cover her features.
• The Garter - The
inclusion of this lacy
accessory stems from the era
when garters were used to
Vat &Ivy fortv�ot�I
nasr
to tin rw000k �Oboa�la000,
on
[tom
a
Owe --
Oa,
o ca;re
Exclusive Grand Bend Agent For
Bun GoWAv
Formal Wear
Open 7 days
Hwy. 21 South"'.'
GRAND BEND 238-6165
From small intimate weddings, to
extravagant elaborate weddings, our beautiful
selection of fragrant flowers will add the
magic to your (lay.
I,ct us at Flower Magic add that Special Touch.
*Invitations by International Artcraft
* Bridal Bouquet (fresh or artificial)
*Church arrangements
*Flowers for reception
*Flowers for hair
*Rentals on arch, vases, brandies...
* Balloons
*Candelabra
Your wedding brings memories that last forever.
Bring your ideas to us at Dower Magic,
vc'11 slake your dreams conic 1ruc.
Flower
36 Main St. S.
Seaforth, Ont.
(519) 527-111(1
1-800-996-5547
C1,1 by
96 Ontario Rd.
Mitchell, Ont.
(519) 348-4451
1-800-996-5548
(Call for appointment)
hold up silk stockings.
In old England, it was
considered fair sport to try
and steal the bride's
stockings and garters before
the ceremony.
In order to prevent this,
bridal couples began to
throw the garter willingly to
all unattached young men
present.
• The Bridal Purse - The
small satin bag is
customarily white or ivory
with lace trim to match the
bride's gown.
In addition to its
ornamental value, this
accessory evolved as a
necessary component of the
traditional 'dollar dance.'
In many communities it
was the custom for male
friends and family members
to 'buy' a dance from the
new bride by discretely
tucking a new dollar bill (or
nowadays sometimes a
check) into the bridal purse.
In this way, the bride
acquired 'pin money' to
begin her new household.
• The Ring Pillow -
Traditionally of white satin
and elegant lace, the ring
pillow cradles the nuptial
rings as the ringbearer
triumphantly carries them
down the aisle.
Throughout history,
exquisite pillows have been
used to present crowns and
jewels to kings and queens.
Long the symbol of
unending love and fidelity,
the use of rings can be
traced back to the Egyptians
who presented their brides
with circlets of rush or
t.►
You'll Look
R
Spectacular!
sia
Receive a
FREE
MANICURE
for each of the
wedding party 0
you book a
month before
your wedding
Also get a
FREE
HAIR
TRIAL
for your entire
wedding party
•Manicures
*Imaging
•Colouring
•New Colour
Graphics
*Solar Nails
or tips
"TOTAL FAMILY HAIRCARE"
138A The Square, Goderich
524.6677