Nebraska's Bridal Outlet in Wahoo & Lexington, Nebraska

Bridal Hints from Helen

Brides, remember a wedding is just one special day but marriage is forever. Spend only what you can afford; the amount of money spent does not insure a good marriage. Keep in mind that wedding preparations can be extremely stressful and fraught with conflict. Compromise, and keep your cool.

Your Gown and Veil: Take a trusted, objective person with you to help you choose (and zip). Too many opinions tend to confuse your thinking. (Did you have a whole circle of friends to tell you whom to marry?) However darling they are, please leave children at home with the sitter - for your (and other store patron's) comfort.

Many gowns run small in size compared to everyday clothing - don't panic if you have to try on a larger size.

Try different styles to see which is the most flattering to your figure type and size. Proportions are extremely important. The popular empire/ princess styles are good for everyone, especially short or petite ladies.

Larger gals can be more comfortable if the style allows a strap bra for support. Pictures of gowns are nice to look at, but what is flattering on a model may never look the same on you.

Don't judge a gown on the hanger - gowns need bodies to show the style. Many times, a small change in detail can change the entire look of a gown - keep an open mind!

The majority of gowns will need some alteration to fit; while alteration people can solve most figure problems, they can't work miracles!

Although some religions require it, white is not a necessity for first weddings, nor is ivory for second weddings - choose the color that best suits your coloring. When you try on gowns, please wear undergarments - thongs don't belong. Excessive make-up is also a no-no. Please treat any gown that you try on as though it were your own.

Petite gals should skip veils with detailed edging. Horizontal lines across the back shorten your look. Unfinished edges gently blend in with the gown. Detachable veils are great!

Stuff It: It is helpful if you can have a room or closet exclusively for everything purchased for the wedding day. You will always know where things are, and other people will be able to find things for you. When the area is empty, everything is where it should be on the big day (hopefully!).

Accessories: Brides need only earrings, necklace, engagement and wedding band. Some gowns do not require a necklace. The necklace should be small and discreet, no longer than 14-16 inches, depending on neck size, but never low enough to emphasize cleavage. Pearls should be no larger than the largest pearl on the gown.

Gloves? Short ones are removed - hand them to your "best" person during the ring exchange. Longer ones require a slit in the seam line to allow your ring finger to slip out. Mitts are also a solution. Remember, no gloves while cutting cake or eating.

Bouquet: A bouquet no larger than 12 inches in width and 18 inches in depth (or smaller), the same color as the gown, with a touch of greenery (or small color accents) will keep you - as The Bride - the focus. The bouquet is an accent to the total look. Express your love of colorful flowers in the altar and table displays.

Having A Fit? Take along all your undergarments, slip/crinoline and shoes - these things make a difference in fit and ultimately the alteration work needed.

Hair, Makeup and Nails: Make sure your makeup is not overdone. Avoid dark or red lipsticks unless your coloring demands it. Blend in the makeup so there are no demarcation lines, and blot everything, so "stuff" does not come off on your gown and other people. If you normally use little makeup, but need more color in your face (white will pale some complexions), experiment and practice several times before the big day.

No red/dark fingernails, please - French manicure or clear/pale polish.

Tattoos can be covered with special makeup made for scars/birthmarks.

Take your headpiece to your hairdresser before your wedding, in order to find the most flattering style that works with the headpiece and looks "normal" for you. Wear a button-up shirt on "the day" so you won't disturb the final product. Step into the gown, and then put on the slip or crinoline.

Comfort and Common Sense: Isatoners or ballet type slippers in the color of your gown are comfortable. Don't wear heels for the ceremony and plan to kick off the shoes at the reception/dance - your gown will be dragging. You can decorate the slippers with lace or beading. Wear new shoes around the home to break them in.

Your personal attendant should have an emergency kit with needle and threads in white, colors of the tuxes and attendant gowns. Scissors, scotch tape, safety pins, pain medication, Band-Aids and personal products are other helpful items. Take an iron or steamer along if you dress away from your home - just in case! Also take extra panty hose.

Put stick-on Velcro tabs on the top of your bra and inside of the bodice to avoid an inadvertent "show" when you bend over. Good idea for attendants also. You can also use the sticky tape for toupees, medical tape or eyelash adhesive to hold fabric to the skin.

Cut the shoulder hanger loops off the gown just before you wear it. They have way of creeping out. Wear panty hose the color of your gown. Attendants need panty hose also - no knee-highs.

Attendants: Too many attendants take away from the bride and groom; attiring them in medium to darker tones makes the bride stand out more. Be thoughtful when picking out dresses for the gals - many can't afford to have an expensive never-wear-again dress hanging in their closet. Also be careful to choose a style that flatters all sizes if you have a wide size range of attendants. Have all the dress lengths the same from hem to the floor to keep uniformity in the photos.

Make sure the gentlemen try on the tuxes beforehand to check the length of sleeves and pants.

Nice gifts for the girls are matching jewelry suitable for the dress style; for the guys, black socks and gift certificates (in the amount you would otherwise spend) toward the tux rental. Unless your friends are rolling in green stuff, they will appreciate this more than a beer mug, money clip or nail care kit.

Have the maid of honor practice straightening the train: Step behind about a foot, bend on right knee, extend arms as wide as possible, pick up train and fluff once. No derriere in the air, please.

Children in the wedding? (Under age four is risky business.) Tape money to the floor where they will stand. If they stay put (and behave) during the ceremony, they get the money! Don't put the real rings on the ring bearer pillow, unless you really like the possibility of crawling around on the floor looking for them.

Mothers' attire does not have to mirror attendants' style and color, but the styles and colors should be complementary - choose colors that flatter the complexions.

Economies:

Cake: Have the top two tiers on pillars or dummy layers. Top one to keep, second one to cut. Use sheet cakes for the rest. They are much easier to cut and freeze if you have leftovers, and can be utilized for other events. Select simple border piping and have the cake decorated with fresh or silk flowers. The groom's cake can be a sheet cake decorated a little more specially. Many people like a variety in flavors, so be creative. Remember the cake eating ceremony should have some dignity - neither bride or groom looks spectacular with cake smeared all over their face.

Keep the cake table away from the bar area, as the guests have a tendency to eat the nuts while they are drinking.

Limit the alcohol choices: An open bar is unnecessary - some people will take advantage of your hospitality. Some hosts will offer guests a limited number of tickets to be redeemed for drinks. This works well if you have the reception in an establishment with a bar. Ask your attendants to refrain from over-indulging - it is your special day and intoxicated attendants can easily ruin it. The night before parties can also contribute to tension, headaches and stress. Get your rest. This is a new journey in life that you are beginning!

Aisle cloth: An aisle cloth is unnecessary, in fact it detracts from the gown that has a window in the train. It is also a hazard for the elderly when they come out of the pew.

Cameras: Have host couples pass disaposable cameras to several mature people to take candid snapshots at the reception. If they are just laid on the tables, children may get carried away.

Sites: Easy on the budget reception sites may be found in unexpected places. Municipally owned facilities such as parks and museums are good choices. Historical buildings could be another option, as well as atriums of office buildings. Sometimes schools will rent out faculty clubs and have chapels on campus for your use. Clubhouses of apartment complexes are sometimes large enough. Ask around for suggestions.

Decorations: If you use fresh flowers, choose those that are in season. Be creative with decorations. Use the bridal bouquet and attendants' flowers for the head table decoration. White Christmas lights twined with greenery are beautiful on the center of the head table, or draped to the front side. For warm weather weddings, use potted blooming plants that can be later put on a patio or planted in a bed. Ask your friend/relatives/neighbors for garden flower bouquets. You may be lucky enough to share church or reception hall decorations with another bride. Some halls are decorated nicely, and need little to complete a theme. Christmas weddings can utilize already decorated churches and reception sites. Borrow things, but please take good care of them. Asking a responsible helper to pick up and return items is a good idea.

Food: Catering and/or food can be a big expense. Some ideas include having an informal barbecue style buffet, especially if you opt for a county or western setting. Ask friends and relatives to help serve the food and clean up. Have a "cook-it" party and make potato salad, macaroni salads, relish trays, etc., a couple of evenings before the wedding. Your helpers take a dish home to their refrigerator space to keep the food cold. Some of the best memories may come from having fun getting ready for the "big day".

DESIGNATE someone to handle last minute details and 11th hour problems on your wedding day. Don't be obsessed with details - it can ruin all the enjoyment - things have a way of coming together.

If something goes wrong, unless it is a huge disaster - such as the cake falling over - just don't tell anyone! Most people won't know the difference. Humor goes a long way! Married life will never be perfect either.