I was recently invited to a wedding show. You know, where vendors gush all over brides-to-be who are all hoping to secure their DJs, party favours, cakes, accessories, and make up artists for their “big day”.
Well, I was on a “mission” to source out some interesting wedding ideas for the “secondary bridal market” -for those who have decided to get married after careers are established or on their second marriage.
What I’ve realized is that this market is often over looked…and they shouldn’t be! I’ve noticed within my circle of friends, who are at this stage is that they often have a bit more spending power than say, the younger brides.
At the wedding show I noticed all the vendors checking out my hands for rings and mostly didn’t even bother making conversation until I explained I was planning on writing a story …then the lightbulbs went on! Cha-ching!
After speaking with some of the vendors, I became even more interested in wedding stuff. So, I continued my quest to find some beautiful things to make a beautiful day for ALL beautiful brides.
First, what’s “trending” in bridal beauty?
There are a couple trends in hair styles for bridal the softer, loose updo’s or natural long beachy waves. Try a side-bun and go romantic! Or work in a braid or two! But please, nothing stiff or hairsprayed to perfection. The other trend is Art Deco (think silent film star) glam with side part and finger waves. Red carpets have been showing tons of Hollywood Glam during awards season. Make-up is softer and more natural in feel. Make-up artists will tell you to either emphasis your eyes OR your lips. Not both!
What about your nails? Think demure pinks and lavenders to be on the safe side. But if you’re bold and daring there are numerous ways to play up your nails. Even an accent rhinestone placed on one accent finger seems to be quite popular. Speaking of nails, OPI has come out with more of their most popular colours in the Shellac line. I get Shellac’d once in a while especially when travelling or have to attend many events and don’t want to worry about chipping my nail colours – Shellac will last 3 weeks on me. I had great advice from my “nail technician” (yes, that’s what she calls herself, don’t judge!). She tells me to slather on sunscreen on my hands before doing Shellac. Good idea! FYI…your hands will be placed under UV machines for drying.
But if you can’t get to the nail salon, not to worry! Sally Hansen has a great line of colours (and great price points!) that you can D.I.Y. in the comforts in your own home. Dana Caruso, Global Beauty Expert for Sally Hansen and a Beauty Professional advises women to also remember their feet! Prior to a wedding (and actually anytime) women should exfoliate 1-2 times a week and hydrate keeping them soft and healthy for the big day! I love the names of the bridal collection; “Aisle Be There”, “Champagne Toast”, “Something Blue”, “Bride to Be” and others. Look for the Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Color line in stores.
THE GIFT NETWORK: Hard to know what to “register” for since you probably already have dishes etc. The Gift Network offers your guests a unique way to contribute into maybe a piece of artwork or other unique items.The AGO Store is on their site as well as Art Interiors and Blackbird Vintage Finds that carries very cool objects for the home. www.thegiftnetwork.com
PURE THANKS: www.purethanks.com Party favours with a conscious. Instead of another pretty but useless “tchotchka”, how about a small box of seeds that your guests can plant in their own gardens or flower pots? A nice touch!
FETE BOUTIQUE FLORAL & EVENTS: Displays of nature as centrepieces. Ever dream of having a beach wedding but not really going that far? Fete can incorporate driftwood that give that touch of the coastal line. Fete also creates other concepts with you. I just really liked this concept at the wedding show. www.feteboutique.ca
PEAR STUDIOS: The wedding photographers at this studio will travel to where you need them. They not only take beautiful photos but will also create a specially bounded book of your images screened onto canvas pages. A really beautiful presentation that is a unique keepsake! www.pearstudios.ca
BUCKET & WHISK: delightful retro sweet table brings back nostalgic images of outdoor easy weddings but with an updated twist. My eyes were drawn to Melissa & Morgan Lukan’s oozing sweet set up complete with pink candy floss! www.bucketandwhisk.com
KARA ROSS: It’s the fine details that can just
make everything complete! If you’ve spent hundreds, if not thousands, on the most stunning wedding dress/outfit for your day, don’t forget the details! I love the clean lines of Kara’s jewellery and her purses too! I love that you will still be able to use it once the wedding is over for other special occasions. I really love this slip on cuff piece too! Sigh! Check out her stunning line fine jewellery, clutch purses and other delightful accessories at www.kararossny.com
ANNE SPORTUN Fine Jewellery is another one of my favourite fine jewellery designers. Her designs are edgy, with personality but not so far out there! Anne flagship store and studio is in Toronto but you can check out her website to see who else carries her designs across North America. You can also make an appointment for custom engagement and wedding rings. www.annesportun.com
KATHERINE LIMA CAKES: Other than the wedding couple…what takes centre stage at any wedding? The cake of course! Katherine Lima is a cake artist who has a love for the visual aesthetics. She has a degree in fine arts so her cakes are stunning to look at as well as delicious. The only hard part would be to cut through one of these masterpieces! Katherine will also create exotic flavours as well. www.katherinelimacakes.com
I can’t get over the choices for weddings today. Such a change from 19 years ago when I got married! And the TV shows! Wow! Who else loves Say Yes to the Dress?
Stay tuned! More wedding stuff to come!
Here are some more photos from the vendors mentioned above!….start swooning!
Note: SOME (but not all) of the vendors mentioned were exhibitors at The Original Wedding Soiree. Thanks to the organizers for a beautiful show and to One King West (Toronto) for such a stunning venue! Big thanks to Gayle Kertzman, Wedding Planner, for guiding me through the show!
I agree! There’s so much emphasis on first time brides. I am recently engaged for the second time and I know what I want more than ever. My actual wedding may be small in numbers but I am spending more on nicer quality things that go along with the wedding! P.S. I love that Kara Ross bracelet!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL! I’m kinda happy that these shows weren’t around when I was getting married. I would have been overwhelmed with choices! And realistically…my budget was NOT $5000 for a dress!
I’m addicted to all the wedding shows – say yes to the dress, four weddings etc…and I love going to weddings BUT I never want to get married (well have a wedding anyway). This show looked gorgeous!