The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/103825
Pike Publishing D-7 Happily Ever After 2013 Roles of the best man & Maid of Being chosen as a best man or a maid of honor is a significant and meaningful honor. Those roles have evolved over the years, but these special participants must still perform some of the traditional duties of the past, including serving as the official witnesses to the ceremony. The following is a rundown of the various duties maids of honor and best men are now expected to handle once they're chosen for these distinguished honors. Prior to the wedding: Before the wedding takes place, the maid of honor will closely assist the bride-to-be with many of the important decisions related to the look and the feel of the wedding. She typically accompanies the bride to dress shops to select gowns for the bride and bridesmaids. Much in the same manner, the best man will assist the groom-to-be with choosing tuxedoes or suits and also with coordinating with the ushers to ensure they know when to go for fittings. Although the best man will serve as a sounding board for the groom, traditionally the bride and her bridesmaids have taken on the majority of the wedding planning, so the maid of honor can expect to play a larger role than the best man. The maid of honor may be asked to delegate certain assignments, such as helping to find wedding vendors or addressing invitations. She may go with the bride for makeup and hairstyle trials. Together with the bridesmaids, she will plan a bridal shower party and a bachelorette excursion. She may select a wedding gift for the couple and present it on behalf of all the wedding attendants. The best man will coordinate the bachelor party and may be asked to assist the groom with selecting a honeymoon site or to come along to book the trip. Wedding day: On the day of the wedding, the maid of honor and the best man will act as a support system for the bride and groom. The maid of honor will help Wearing a hand-me-down gown Honor Brides-to-be devote plenty of time to thinking about their wedding gowns, but what if the perfect gown is already tucked away in a family member's closet? Some brides view a hand-me-down gown with a degree of skepticism. After all, people may poke fun at dresses passed on by well-meaning friends and family that feature styling that is out-of-date. However, in most cases, dresses can be altered and turned into something that fits the new bride's style and physique. When considering a vintage or hand-me-down gown, there are certain questions brides-to-be should ask before agreeing to wear the dress. What is the size? It's much easier to take fabric away from a gown than to match it and add fabric to the gown. Try on the gown and see if alterations will be possible. Do not plan on crash dieting to fit in the gown. What is the condition? the bride get dressed and help iron out any miniemergencies that should crop up. The best man will help ensure all of the ushers are dressed and get the groom to the wedding on time. During the ceremony, the maid of honor will hold the bride's bouquet while she participates in the wedding. The best man will keep the rings safe until they are needed. The maid of honor also will help adjust the bride's train and veil as she sits and stands during the ceremony. Both will sign the marriage certificate as witnesses. At the reception, the best man is expected to give a toast and the maid of honor may share some words as well. She also may accompany the bride to the restroom and assist her with managing the gown. After the wedding: The best man will be in charge of returning the tuxedoes to the rental shop, if necessary. He also may drive the newly married couple to the airport so they can depart on their honeymoon. The maid of honor will assist the bride in changing out of her gown and into her travel clothes. Oftentimes the maid of honor takes the gown to the cleaners in the days following the ceremony so the dress can be preserved. Many dry cleaners offer wedding gown preservation packages, and brides have been taking advantage of this service. The gown is cleaned and boxed so it will not discolor. If you are receiving a gown that has undergone this treatment, there is a greater liklihood it will look much like it did when it was first worn. However, some former brides do not store their gowns properly, and they may be stained, torn or discolored. Is the shape flattering? If a gown has good "bones" to it, there's a chance that a talented tailor can turn it into something that will enhance your frame and body type. If the gown is of a style that you never would have considered, such as a mermaid cut or princess style, then it may be much more difficult and costly to transform it into something workable. Are you settling? Every bride wants to feel romantic in her wedding gown, which is why shopping for a gown is often akin to searching for lost treasure. If the hand-me-down gown doesn't give you goosebumps when you put it on then it may put a damper on your entire wedding. What's your budget? Even though hand-me-down wedding dresses may be no cost initially, you may accumulate a sum depending on the extent of the alterations needed. Get an estimate from a seamstress and find out if it will be financially smart to go with the used gown or purchase something new. Vintage is trend in bridal jewelry (MS) -- "Vintage remains a strong trend in bridal jewelry," according to Jill Maier, VP of design at CAROLEE. Harking back to the adage that "everything old is new again," brides are favoring art deco, estate-inspired silhouettes when it comes to jewels. The mix of crystal and pearl is a signature look of CAROLEE. It's a timeless combination fused into an array of bridal designs: florette bracelets, delicate drop earrings, vintage-inspired necklaces. Here, the bride can rest easy knowing she won't have to sacrifice for style: the majority of the collection comes in under $100. These pretty pieces are perfect for the blushing bride and their versatility makes them ideal for the bridal party as well. The desire to look fabulous without spending a fortune has never been quite so high. Many brides are choosing just one or two standout accessories, balancing a modern detail-oriented ceremony and reception with their minimalistic, classic ensemble. Maier also notes, "The beauty of this jewelry is that it's distinctive without being overwhelming. It can be worn alone and looks great layered." Jewelry experts at the CAROLEE counter in major department stores are always a great resource for jewelry bridal tips, or click on "BRIDAL" at http://www.carolee.com for a wealth of ideas for brides and every member of the bridal party. Let Bambini's Help You with Your Wedding, Prom or Special Event! FACEBOOK: Bambini's TWITTER: @Bambinis1 bambinisshop.com have your PHONE: 812.254.0576 or 812.259.9913 Your wedding day is your day to shine. Walk down the aisle in a beautiful gown that complements 13 New 20riving! your shape es Ar lo, Dress Ange and style. Alfred en's 107 N Hart Street on the Princeton Uptown Square 812-385-3058 Open: Mon-Fri 10 AM - 5 PM (CDT) Sat 10 AM - 3 PM (CDT) or By Appointment Bridal Gowns • Bridal Party and Prom Dresses Pageant Dresses Mother-of-the-Bride Dresses Flower Girl Dresses & Shoes Jewelry & Accessories Tuxedo Rentals moment before your big day Massage Specials Availaible HOuRS: Tues-Fri 10:30 am-6 pm Saturday 10:30 am-3 pm or Call for Additional Hours to Fit Your Schedule Call Today Wom Venus Bridal Boutique Ahhhhhh Bambini's has Prom and Wedding Gowns on Consignment All Year Long! Bambini's 218 E. Main St., Washington, IN 812-477-4444 Dr. Amber James Virginia St. ChiropractiC 5712 E. Virginia St., Evansville (between Burkhardt & Green River) www.vschiro.com • 812-477-4444 Mon.,Wed. & Fri. 9-Noon & 3-6; Thur. 3-6