SPECIAL FEATURES
The perfect wedding: accent on accessories
Weddings are back with a new emphasis on elegance and extravagance. With effervescent enthusiasm, the new brides are boldly mixing tradition and innovation. Yet, these weddings are steeped with romance and nostalgia. It's all possible for today's woman who knows what she wants... and perhaps even more important. . . how to get it. Weddings are no longer planned but carefully orchestrated with a keen eye for the elegant detail, the crowning 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 Bridal Gown - The wedding gown, usually white for first time brides was a symbol of purity and innocence. 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.
The Bridal Wreath - Adorning the bride with flowers was introduced in Europe by the crusaders. They believed that a wreath of orange blossoms crownng the bride symbolized fertility.
The Bridal Veil - The inclusion of this piece of finery can be traced back to Roman ceremonies, which were based largely on superstition - that evil spirits might bring misfortune to the pair.
The Bridal Purse - The small satin bag is customarily white or ivory with lace trim to match the bride's gown. It was customary for male friends and family members to "buy" a dance from the new bride by discreetly tucking a new dollar bill (or today, sometimes a check) into the bridal purse.
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. Throughout history, exquisite pillows have been used to present crowns and jewels to kings and queens. Long the symbol of unending love and fidelity, the prominence of the rings in the wedding ceremony and their symbolic significance is underscored by placing the rings on the pillow, a royal way to present the most cherished of gifts.
The Guest Book - In old times, a formal record was kept of witnesses in attendance at the wedding ceremony. Originally, witnesses signed directly on the marriage document. Today, this custom evolved into the use of a specially designed book, to preserve the names of all invited guests who witness the exchange of vows.
The Lucky Sixpence - Long ago, it was customary for the bride to place a genuine silver sixpence in her slipper on her wedding day. Good fortune would then be hers, not just for one special moment but throughout the couple's voyage on the sea of matrimony, or so the fable goes.