Featured Article

February 2007

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

This is a verse spoken from the lips of nearly every bride a least once. It is a way of adding a traditional touch to a new event in your life. While these signify the passing of good luck, happiness, love and fidelity to the new bride, there are other ways today’s bride can create her own traditions.

A personal way of adding traditions to your wedding could be in the form of an embellishment to your wardrobe. Consider having your name and wedding date embroidered into the lining of your gown. You could use the lace or beading from mother or grandmother’s gown as an accent to your veil. Try an antique brooch used alone as a hair clip, or have it sculpted with other jewels or a jewelry piece to form a tiara. Charms from a bracelet could be incorporated into a custom made tiara or added to the bouquet. A monogrammed handkerchief could form a flounce under the bouquet or be wrapped around the floral stems. All these are personal touches that help make your wedding unique.

In one wedding, a bride, whose mother had passed away, had the dress her mother wore leaving for her honeymoon made into a ring bearer pillow and covered the flower girl basket and guest book in the fabric. Ideas are endless. Personal touches like these can create heirlooms to be cherished by future generations.

Even an unconventional wedding has traditional ties. It is the bringing together of friends and family for a milestone moment in your life. If favors at the table are not for you, use the seating assignment as a souvenir. Have a tasseled bookmark printed with a special poem or prayer on one side and their name and table number on the other. If you are having an outdoor summer ceremony or reception, consider handing out white pleated fans with both your names and the wedding date printed on them. Use a vintage pen artfully attached to the guest book for guests to use. In newer trend, is attaching a lapel pin to the ceremony program or menu card signifying you have made a donation to your favorite charity in lieu of a favor. Remember that Belgium lace table topper you got on your trip abroad, try using if for the cake table. Some caterers will recreate a family recipe for your dinner, but make sure to give grandma credit on the menu cards.

Think out of the box and you will be amazed what you come up with. Every wedding is unique, so it is easy to find ways incorporating something old, new, borrowed and blue.

Article written by Carol Grisanti of Classic Veils by Carol.

“All little girls love weddings – the flowers, the music, the cake, the beautiful gowns. Now, I’m fortunate to combine this love with my love and talent as a metal artist in planning memorable weddings and creating beautiful accessories for brides”
Carol Grisanti

A native Louisvillian, Carol studied at The Art Center at the University of Louisville. While taking a wide range of fine art courses, she quickly gravitated towards silversmithing. Combining this talent along with her abilities as an accomplished seamstress, Carol is able to offer brides custom designed headpieces, tiaras, veils and jewelry. After years of exhibiting in bridal shows, and networking with other vendors and wedding professionals, brides were asking Carol to assist them in planning their weddings. “It is the perfect marriage of my efforts. It’s an exciting and wonderful time in a bride’s life and I love being part of the process”. Carol’s passion and enthusiasm for her work is evident by the satisfaction of her clients and the relationships she had developed over the years. Clients appreciate her attention to detail, knowledge of the bridal industry and personal touches.

Carol is a member of the Association of Bridal Consultants and a life member of the Louisville Artisans Guild. She has exhibited at some of Louisville’s top venues, The Seelbach Hilton, The Brown Hotel, the Galt House, Glassworks, Gardencourt, Whitehall, Dillard’s. She has also been a contributing writer for The Louisville Wedding Planner Magazine and had bridal headwear feathered on models in both Louisville Bride and The Louisville Wedding Planner magazines. Carol also continues to update her knowledge of the industry and changing trends by attending seminars, conferences and trade shows each year. Her goal is to give the bride, her fiancé and their families the ultimate wedding experience.