Jewelry For Bridesmaids

Brides have almost complete autonomy when it comes to their weddings, but it never hurts to get help from the professionals.

At The Messenger's 2010 Bridal Spectacular on Oct. 10, there will be more than 30 vendors to offer that help, and a fashion show at 2:30 p.m. to highlight the newest looks in wedding gowns and tuxedos from A Unique Boutique in the Crossroads Mall and Foley Clothing on South 25th Street.

"We'll be showing our new fall lines," said Lynn Peterson at A Unique Boutique. "We have a gown with black embroidery from Angel & Tradition by Venus Bridal. It's designed in silky taffeta with beaded and embroidered appliques accenting the bodice and the pick-up skirt. Rouching throughout the bodice and hips compliments the styling of this fit-and-flare gown, and the corset back gives that fit-like-a-glove look. A chapel train completes the look."

This gown will be modeled by Avis Dumdei, of Paton, at the bridal show. She'll also model a new couture line from Anais by St. Pucci. The gown is covered with all-over lace, with a gathered and beaded satin V-neck halter top and a scalloped lace hem, along with a cocktail length gown of lace and satin from Alfred Angelo that offers embroidered lace with metallic accents. It comes from the White Hot Weddings collection.

"It's good for informal weddings," Peterson said. "Or destination weddings, for a reception dress or even a rehearsal dress."

Peterson said open-toed satin pumps from Allure Bridals footwear collection are popular not only for brides, but for mothers-of-the bride as well.

At Foley Clothing, 316 S. 25th St., manager John Junkman said the easiest way to individualize tuxedos is to match the color of the vest and necktie with the colors of bridesmaids' dresses.

"Color is key today," he said. "Styling of tuxedos is basically the same."

There is, however, the "Black Mirage" tuxedo from Jean Yves that offers a satin Mandarin top collar and no buttons. It has satin trim front, slanted double besom pockets and is non-vented for a trimmer look, Junkman said.

"That's a fairly new style," he said. "It comes in black and in white."

The shirt is also from Jean Yves, white with a black trim ruffle on the jabot. There also is a full-back vest and bow tie.

Junkman said it's the fabric that makes a difference in today's tuxedo.

"They're luxury fabrics, a finer gauge of wool," he said. "There's more of a suit feel to them."

And, for the adventurous man, there is a camouflage tuxedo, Junkman said. But, he's rented only the vest and tie in camo, not the entire tux.

When it comes to the diamond, personal preference definitely takes over, said Darrell Kearney at Riddle's Jewelry. Still, he said, the store offers a branded diamond - a round stone with 190 facets.

Diamonds come in many colors, including a natural blue, Kearney said. The blue diamonds are color enhanced to make the stone a deep, rich color, which is popular with modern brides.

Becker Florist will be at the Bridal Spectacular to help prospective brides plan not only the flowers they want, but the style of bouquet, said Sandy Kuebler, who works with bridal flowers. "We have even mixed silk with real flowers, if it's off-season or not their exact color," she said.

There are three popular types of bouquets for brides and bridesmaids, she said.

The first is the bride's traditional cascading bouquet, with flowers trailing down the front of the gown. The second is a hand bouquet with the stem wrapped and cascading ribbons, and the third is a grouping of individual flowers with stems wrapped. This, typically, is held by bridesmaids.

The wrapping, Kuebler said, can be done to match the dresses or even with a piece of extra fabric from the dress.

"I've even wrapped with Grandma's hanky," she said. "Grandma's not around anymore, so they were still able to carry her with them."

Many brides want to give their guests a table favor at the reception, and that's where Darcy Lee of Central Perk & Dessert comes in. She offers her handmade caramels individually wrapped and tucked into small containers chosen especially by the bride - a little bag with intertwining rings, a tuxedo box or wedding gown box, even a little net bag or easy-opening box.

The caramels are handmade by Lee's 83-year-old father, Gene Meisch, of Fort Dodge.

"Brides are always looking for something a little different as party favors," she said. "These are another idea for brides as a thank-you gift. We're trying to give our brides one more option."

With a stop at the Bridal Spectacular, brides will have more than one more option - there will be a multitude of new ideas to study.

Contact Sandy Mickelson at (515) 573-2141 or smickelson@messengernews.net

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