The Huron Expositor, 1994-02-23, Page 41Wednesday, February 23, 199'4 -PAGE 3D
New emphasis on elegance in today's 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 elegan€etail, the cro ing
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 Brida! 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 future 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 III.
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
&hoed 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
OUT OF A TRE SURED PAST...
ur experience, traditional setting, atmosphere and
famous kitchen will merit the consideration you have
shown by choosing The Hotel Bedford.
You've set the date - Congratulations!
Showers are in the happy future ... a rehearsal dinner -party ... the
reception ... honeymoon accommodations or rooms for your guests
... Call 524-7337 to have everything arranged in the fine
Bedford Tradition.
Inquire also about our special occasion suites.
HOTEL BEDFORD
92 THE SQUARE, GODERICH 524-7337
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 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 ordd 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.
See RINGS, Page 4D
0
You may choose individual pieces or complete
room groupings. We can help create the look
you want at affordable pricing.
EVERYTHING TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME!
Our distinctive selection of traditional'and
country home furnishings allow you to choose
just the right furniture to complement your decor,
and suit your budget too.
Box Furniture features a complete line of:
quality furniture and accessories; appliances by
Panasonic, KitchenAid, and Maytag; Colour TV's
and VCR's by Zenith and Electrohome; Carpeting
by Harding, Richmond and Paragon; and
hard surface flooring by Armstrong and
Mannington; Furniture by Roxton, El -Ran,
La -Z -Boy, Bogdon & Gross, Simmons.
BOX
FURNITURE
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LAY -AWAY PLAN
with no storage charge
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MAIN STREET, SEAFORTH 527-0680
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