Wed 2012

JUNE 2012

bestofneworleans.com | wed: gambit’s bride book | june 2012

Custom Wedding Favors

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for

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Special Day

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The Market @ Chenier · 1901 Highway 190 · Suite 24 · Mandeville · 985.674.6994 · www.oliviercouture.com

bestofneworleans.com | wed: gambit’s bride book | june 2012

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bestofneworleans.com | wed: gambit’s bride book | june 2012

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| cO ntentS | j u n e 2 0 1 2

9 GowninG Around The latest bridal fashions

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Outfitting the wedding party — from flower girls to mother of the bride

bestofneworleans.com | wed: gambit’s bride book | june 2012

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20 rinGin’ it Engagement and wedding rings for him and her

25 identitY Crisis Protecting your identity when your name changes On the cOver: B elle gown By Alfred Angelo with j eweled corse t Bodice, $1 ,499 At Pe Arl’ s Pl Ace.

bestofneworleans.com | wed: gambit’s bride book | june 2012

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Taffeta and pleated organza gown by Alfred Angelo, $999 at Pearl’s Place (3114 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-9213; www.pearlsplace.com).

What’s new in bridal gowns

By Missy Wilkinson

Snow White ball gown with satin bodice and asymmetrical tulle skirt by Alfred Angelo, $1,099 at Pearl’s Place.

page 11

bestofneworleans.com | wed: gambit’s bride book | june 2012

O

nce a bridal trend comes into vogue, it tends to stick around awhile. Couple that with the fact that New Orleanians are notoriously resistant to change, and you have a recipe for very slowly evolving bridal styles. However, even though Amy Casbarian, owner of Wedding Belles, describes New Orleans customers as “super traditional,” that doesn’t mean we’re impervious to national trends. Here, she and Alfred Angelo designer Michael Shettel outline the prevailing trends in wedding gowns.

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page 9

LACE

BALL GOWNS

“Lace has been around forever in bridal,” Casbarian says. “It’s a way to provide elegant coverage, and we’re seeing a lot of that. Whether it’s a lace gown with a bateau neckline or a little fitted lace jacket that goes over a strapless gown, covering up is just super chic.” Shettel adds that nothing is steeped in tradition like lace — which may make it appealing to more conservative brides. “(Lace) captures the essence of youth and modernity, with a touch of nostalgia,” he says. Both traditional, heavier weight laces and lightweight Chantilly laces adorned with appliques are ways to update a traditional silhouette, Casbarian says.

Once maligned as the sartorial equivalent of meringue, ball gowns are gaining popularity. “For a while, (ball gowns were seen as) too princess-y — girls were saying they didn’t want to look like a cupcake,” Casbarian says.

“Now you see these chic ball gowns, and the drape of the fabric is what gives them elaborate drama.” Shettel agrees that for the sheer head-turning factor, ball gowns are hard to beat. “Show-stopping ball gowns are exciting and bold,” says Shettel, whose designs feature tulle, beaded laces and ruffles.

Kennedy gown by Modern Trousseau, $3,950 at Wedding Belles (3632 Magazine St., 891-1005; www.weddingbellesstationer.com).

BEADING

RETROINSPIRED GOWNS In contrast to the voluminous ball gown trend, slinky, shapely, vintage-inspired silhouettes are making a comeback.

“Modern, sleek, form-fitting gowns put a grown-up spin (on bridal wear),” Shettel says. Casbarian has noticed a prevalence of gowns with slits, which are both sultry and practical, allowing greater ease of movement while casting a retro spell. “It’s a ...

1950s-type look with a slit up the center,” Casbarian says.

Rose garden lace Rita gown with front slit by Amy Kuschel, $3,000 at Wedding Belles.

Rose garden lace and silk crepe Audrey gown by Amy Kuschel, $2,800 at Wedding Belles

bestofneworleans.com | wed: gambit’s bride book | JUNe 2012

“We’re seeing more beaded bodices,” Casbarian says. “Beaded belts and sashes are huge still. They’ve been around for four or five years and are only multiplying.” The beauty of a beaded sash is its versatility: It can be worn again with Mardi Gras gowns or even over a cocktail dress as an accent piece.

11

Life

OF THE

PARTY After choosing a bridal gown, it’s time to pay attention to the attendants.

BY MEGAN BRADEN-PERRY

bestofneworleans.com | wed: gambit’s bride book | june 2012

A

12

White tea length flower girl dress adorned with colorful flower cutouts and pink sash, $230 at Pearl’s Place (3114 Severn Ave., Metairie, 885-9213; www.pearlsplace.com).

wedding is all about the bride and groom, but it wouldn’t be possible without attendants — the favor-assembling, invitation-addressing, party-planning, speech-delivering, ring-bearing, petal-tossing team that works before, during and after the wedding to ensure everything runs smoothly. When it’s time to choose each party member’s wedding day ensemble, a bride-to-be should put the members’ feelings ahead of her own.

“Don’t lose sight of the fact that you are dressing your very best friends and family members for the first day of your new life,” says Amy Casbarian, owner of Wedding Belles (3632 Magazine St., 891-1005; www.weddingbellesstationer.com). While friends and family will most likely find standing in your wedding a memorable honor, it’s also an enormous commitment, especially regarding finances: A 2010 Real Weddings study by WeddingChannel. com surveyed more than 20,000 brides nationwide and concluded that on average, being a bridesmaid costs $1,695.

“Your bridal party need not be costumed,” Casbarian says. ”Be considerate of quality, style and price when making your choice and your friends will thank you.”

It can be challenging to pick bridesmaid gowns, especially when accommodating varying body shapes and personal styles. To increase the chances of being able to wear a bridesmaid dress again, Casbarian says to stick with the classics. “Modern versions of classic silhouettes will always look chic and elegant,” she says.

Cocktail-length dresses with detailed necklines and color-blocking were paraded down runways at this spring’s bridal fashion shows.

In the past, mothers of the bride and groom were often subjected to matronly sheaths with dowdy jackets. Now we’re seeing Mom shine in full-length gowns with intricate details like beading, lace-covered brocade and floral appliques. If matching two different moms with the rest of the party proves problematic, consider this: “When choosing colors for your bridal party, remember that all of the colors do not need to match, but rather complement each other,” Casbarian says. “Then tie it all together with the flowers and ribbons of the bouquets.”

Ivory cocktail bridesmaid dress with sweetheart neckline, ruching and a black sash, $260 at Pearl’s Place.

Champagne-colored off-the-shoulder taffeta and lace mother of the bride/groom gown with beaded floral appliques, $269 at Olivier Couture Bridal Boutique (1901 Hwy. 190, Suite 24, Mandeville, 985-674-6994; www.oliviercouture.com).

Pink tea length satin bridesmaid dress with lace overlay bust and black sash, $320 at Pearl’s Place.

Lace, chiffon and satin mother of the bride/groom gown with brocade and lace bust, $229 at Olivier Couture Bridal Boutique.

PAGE 15

bestofneworleans.com | wed: gambit’s bride book | june 2012

Strapless colorblock bridesmaid dress, $338 at Wedding Belles (3632 Magazine St., 891-1005; www.weddingbellesstationer.com).

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PAGE 13

Flower girl dress with monogrammed sash, $155 at Wedding Belles.

Dark gray pinstriped groomsman suit, $698 at Brooks Brothers.

Navy pinstriped linen groomsman suit, $698 at Brooks Brothers (The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal St., suite 124, 528-9572; www.brooksbrothers.com).

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For the groomsmen, it’s hard to go wrong with a classic, James Bond-esque tux in black, not navy blue or chocolate brown, Casbarian says. “If a tuxedo is too formal for your event, consider dressing the men in a dark gray or navy suit, two classic or bookend styles that many men may already have,” she says. According to the International Formalwear Association, men almost always rent their wedding day attire, and the average cost of renting a tuxedo, even for the ring bearer, is $120. Brides- and grooms-to-be should let the personal style, career and finances of the groomsmen help them choose between renting and buying, tuxedo or suit. Regardless of the decisions, groomsman ties should pair nicely with the color of the bridesmaid dresses, Casbarian says.

For the most adorable members of the wedding party, the flower girl and ring bearer, select pieces that can be worn again. A flower girl can wear a solid dress with a bow that matches the bridesmaid dresses or a dress with just a few bands of color. A ring bearer can get by with dress slacks and a blazer, paired with a dress shirt and tie to complement the groomsman attire. After all, wedding guests are going to spend much more time fawning over the kids than critiquing what they’re wearing.

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Big Day

Par-tay

From ceremony to send-off, entertainment means more than simply delighting guests.

BY MEGAN BRADEN-PERRY

E

ntertainment serves a threefold purpose at weddings: to communicate, to distract and to amuse. There are several times during a wedding when guests are expected to sit, stand, kneel,etc., but if there are no verbal instructions, guests can get aggravated waiting for a late wedding party and boredom can leave attendees with negative memories. At these moments, music can provide audible clues about what’s taking place during the ceremony.

It also gives guests something to do at

the beginning of the reception before food is served and festivities begin.

During the nuptials, many attendees rely on changes in music, such as moving from the prelude to the processional, to know what’s next.

“Think of music as the conductor who sets the pace of your wedding — scoring each sequence, adding another layer of meaning to your ceremony, setting an upbeat, convivial mood at cocktail hour and getting everyone into the groove at the reception,” Mindy Weiss writes in page 18

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page 17

bestofneworleans.com | wed: gambit’s bride book | june 2012

The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day. “At some junctures, music will fade into the background, but you will still want it to be part of the environment.”

Hiring musicians can be one of the most challenging aspects of wedding planning, since each house of worship and reception venue has its own rules.

Some churches permit some instruments and not others, some have restrictions on which songs can be played, and others require couples to hire talent from a parishsanctioned group of artists.

Rules at reception venues can be even trickier because of neighborhood noise control ordinances and no-dance clauses in contracts. Ensembles such as New Orleans Finest Musicians (884-4946; www.neworleansfinestmusicians.com), which plays both religious and secular music, or Joe Simon’s Jazz Trio (3650808; www.joesimonsjazz.com), which plays Sunday brunches at Commander’s Palace, Mr. B’s Bistro and Dickie Brennan’s Palace Cafe, are well-versed in the legalities surrounding wedding music and can help navigate the maze of rules.

“No matter what type of band or deejay you choose,” Weiss writes, “the following points should be addressed in the music contracts: starting and ending time, attire, breaks, overtime rate and a do-not-play list.”

Guests who arrive at the reception via

18

a wedding caravan are among the first to arrive and must wait to eat until the wedding party finishes taking pictures.

This interval before the reception begins is often referred to as cocktail hour, but lines for drinks can be long. Some guests, especially those who don’t know other attendees, may grow restless.

These guests could benefit from an enjoyable diversion.

Photo booths are a fun way to entertain guests until the reception really begins.

Photo booths are fairly new to the wedding scene and come with props and accessories to add frivolity and are large enough to accommodate a group.

Most photo booth companies, such as Magazine Photo Booth (638-0786; www.magazinephotobooth.com), post the photos on a password-protected gallery on the company’s website and provide the couple with a DVD after.

The end of the wedding gives the bride and groom one last chance to wow their guests. Another new trend — and a sweet treat for attendees — is a candy table.

“Candy tables are a great source of entertainment for guests of all ages — not just kids,” says Tamar Gregorian of Graceful Event Productions (723-2906; www.graceful-events.com). “They not only double as a wedding favor, but

are so pleasing to the eye that they often become a decorative piece to match your color scheme and theme.” Guests can create goody bags , mixing and matching their favorite treats.

Most candy tables feature rock candy, jumbo lollipops, bulk confections and candies organzied by color in apothecary jars, and some incorporate baked goods like cake pops and macaroons.

After the reception, there’s the sendoff, which has moved away from simply tossing rice or birdseed as the bridal couple leaves the ceremony.

“The grand send-off is a celebratory moment when the guests applaud the newlywed couple and express their best wishes,” writes Donnie Brown of The Style Network’s Whose Wedding is it Anyway? in his book Donnie Brown Weddings: From the Couture to the Cake. What better way to send off your guests than with an authentic second line, complete with a brass brand and Mardi Gras Indians?

The Mardi Gras Indian Show (975-2434; www.mardigrasindianshow.com), under the direction of Big Chief Jerry Butler and Second Chief Donald Claude Jr., supplies every second-line essential — except the handkerchiefs (the wedding couple can have their own printed as a memento) — making for a spectacular send-off.

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Weddings • Receptions • Rehearsal Dinners

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Engaging

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Left to right: 18-karat white gold ring with cushion-cut, .49-carat center diamond, $3,388; 18-karat white gold ring with round-cut, 1.85-carat center diamond, $14,950; 14-karat white gold ring with cushion-cut center diamond, $4,224; 14-karat white gold ring with .59-carat cushion-cut center diamond, $4,290; all available at Adler’s Jewelry (722 Canal St., 523-5292; Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 5235292; www.adlersjewelry.com).

Sterling silver and 9-karat gold ring, $475 at Sabai Jewelry (924 Royal St., 525-6211; 3115 Magazine St., 899-9555).

bestofneworleans.com | wed: gambit’s bride book | JUNe 2012

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Ovolo ring, $225 for the sterling silver and $2,100 for the 14-karat gold version at Mignon Faget (The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal St., 524-2973; Lakeside Shopping Center, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, 835-2244; 3801 Magazine St., 891-2005; www.mignonfaget.com).

Top right ring: 18-karat white gold antique-style engagement ring, $6,800; Bottom ring: 18-karat white gold antique-style engagement ring, $6,150; Top left: 18-karat white gold antique style engagement ring, $5,575; all at Aucoin Hart Jewelers (1525 Metairie Road, Metairie, 834-9999; www. aucoinhart.com).

18-karat white gold engagement ring with round center diamond, $3,850 and up; matching18-karat white gold diamond wedding ring, $1,450 and up, both at Aucoin Hart Jewelers.

PAGE 23

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Fleur de lis intaglio ring, $175 for the sterling silver and $2,600 for the 14-karat gold version at Mignon Faget.

Bound laurel ring, $185 for the sterling silver and $1,550 for the 14-karat gold version at Mignon Faget.

Customizable, handcrafted Tacori diamond engagement rings and wedding bands, $3,995 and up at Wellington & Company (505 Royal St., 525-4855; www.wcjewelry.com).

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WEDDING ACCESSORIES, ESSENTIALS, GIFTS AND PLANNING FOR EVERY BRIDE.

24

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Name Game

Identity thieves key in on brides as potential victims.

Distri b uteD by Ar A Content

A

down the road, your children may need to use it as a security question answer.

If you decide to change your name, you can take steps to help prevent identity theft, including: Using an identity theft detection, protection and resolution product like ProtectMyID. The service monitors your credit report daily to help catch signs of identity theft quickly.

Do as much of the legwork in person as possible. Take your marriage certificate to your local Social Security office and complete the change form there. Don’t fax or email it, even if a Social Security agent agrees to accept it in this form. And never leave your marriage certificate with the agent.

Likewise, head into your local bank branch and fill out in person the paperwork necessary to change your name.

Call credit card issuers regarding the name change after you’ve received your updated Social Security card and driver’s license. Some may be willing to conduct the change over the phone, but others will ask to see your marriage certificate. Be sure to find out if they can take a photocopy or if they require an original duplicate.

Ask the credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your account for several months after you change your name.

The alert will help you detect any attempts by someone else to use your personal information.

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something

Finally, if you’re thinking of keeping your maiden name to avoid the hassles of changing all your documents and accounts or the threat of identity theft, consider this: Keeping your maiden name may not prevent identity theft.

If you don’t use your “married name,” an enterprising identity thief just might. Since the name the fraud would occur under is different from the one you use, you might not become aware of the theft for some time.

The question of whether to change your name doesn’t have a right or wrong answer or guidelines that suit everyone. The need to take steps to protect your identity, however, is universal — regardless of what name you decide to use.

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5707 Magazine St. 504.269.5707 www.BlueFrogChocolates.com

5725 Magazine Street

Sheryl Diane eh leS louiSianeS!

504.302.1455 • Ample Parking

206-369-3299

(corner of Nashville)

Piano Player/Singer (ceremony/reception/lessons)

bestofneworleans.com | wed: gambit’s bride book | june 2012

woman who is getting married considers a host of factors when deciding whether to change her last name to that of her husband — everything from how a name change might affect her sense of identity to whether sharing the same last name makes a family feel more bonded.

The modern world has added a new element for brides to consider: identity theft.

While it’s not a reason to keep your maiden name, it’s important to be aware of how the name change process can increase your risk of identity theft. These precautions will serve you well as you go through the name-changing process. You’ll be changing important documents, such as your Social Security card and driver’s license and sharing identifying personal information with several organizations, including credit card issuers and your bank.

If you decide to take your spouse’s name or to hyphenate your maiden last name with your married last name, you’ll need to make changes anywhere your maiden name appears. Many of those documents and accounts will be of interest to identity thieves, including: Social Security card, driver’s license, passport, bank accounts, credit cards, health insurance cards, investment accounts, gym club memberships, vehicle registration and auto insurance.

For women who try to balance the desire to maintain their individual identity with showing solidarity for their mate by hyphenating their last name, keep in mind that doing so puts your maiden name out there for everyone to see when,

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bestofneworleans.com | wed: gambit’s bride book | june 2012

26

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Ro

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bestofneworleans.com | wed: gambit’s bride book | june 2012

Intimate to Grand!

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LET THE HISTORIC FAIR GROUNDS RACE COURSE BE THE BACKDROP OF YOUR WEDDING. • Wedding ceremonies and receptions, rehearsal parties, bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties • Indoor or outdoor space to accommodate 75-600 people • Full service catering available on site • Valet service available For additional information, contact Mary Cay Kern or Shannon Campagne at (504) 948-1285.