Lodi’s Fourth Annual Bridal Event
Sunday, Feb. 23
Lodi Grape Festival Grounds
Chardonnay & Zinfandel Halls
Registration: 1 p.m.
Fashion Show: 3 p.m.

INDEX OF STORIES

» Brides still take stock in traditional invitations
» Discovering where wedding customs originate
» Say 'I do' to dress desingers' latest trend of corsets
» Always in fashion, diamond rings are a centuries-old trend
» Custom-made dresses affordable option to designer gowns
» New ways to top off your wedding-day ensemble
» Ethnic weddings mix traditional and modern customs
» Simple ideas for creative wedding favors
» Flowers create sweet-smelling nuptials for wedding party
» Grooms wanting something with a different ring to it
» Honeymoons put final fun, touch on weddings
» Creative ideas help savvy brides cut costs, not corners
» Take time to indulge yourself before you walk down aisle
» Here comes the bride, there goes the budget
» Don't be left singing the blues when it comes to wedding music
» Planning a wedding can be just as fun for the groom
» Lodi area offers many options for wedding reception sites
» Special ways to say thank you to the bridal party
» Personalized vows are unique celebrations of a couple's love
» Family grape growers open romantic wedding winery

New ways to top off your wedding-day ensemble

By Sharon Mosley
Copley News Service

When Maria Miller Preston went in search of a headpiece to wear with her wedding gown, she couldn't find a thing to wear.

“I searched all over New York," she said, "and all I found was an $800 tiara."

That was not quite the crowning touch that she had in mind. So she created her own company -- Heavenly Headpieces — four years ago and has been whipping up little pieces of heaven ever since for brides who are intent on being "queen for a day" — without the expense of crown jewels.

Indeed, today's brides are seeking unique ways to head up their wedding-day ensembles. And, no, they don't necessarily want to weigh themselves down with too much grandiose sparkle.

"I've found that most of today's brides want a stunning, simple headpiece," says Preston, whose signature tiaras and headbands are inspired by elegant simplicity. "They do not want something too overdone." Her trademark designs, often custom-made for each individual client, are fashioned of gemstones, Swarovski crystals and sterling-silver wire.

While the headdress may be one of the last accessories chosen by a bride, usually after she selects her gown, the decorative statement made by the bridal headpiece may be one of the most important elements of the overall wedding picture.

“I think tiaras have become popular because they can be very individual," says Preston, who crafts headpieces designed to be worn with or without a veil, another important option for bridal headdresses. "Everyone likes to feel like a princess on their wedding day." Here are a few other ways to look regal on that special day:

• Flower power. Flowers, fresh or silk, can complement a bridal gown when worn as a wreath in the hair or sprinkled with jewels and placed on a headband. One large, spectacular blossom can also make a dramatic impact. A word of caution: Make sure the flowers in your hair coordinate with the flowers in your bouquet.

• Barrettes and other baubles. Decorative hair ornaments -- bows, barrettes, combs and headpins -- detailed with pearls, gemstones, feathers and crystals are often a chic way to give hair a touch of glamour.

• Hats on! A charming reminder of days gone by, hats chosen to complement a wedding dress can be a memorable addition to the bride's ensemble. However, keep in mind that the hairstyle is critical and will affect the way a hat will look and feel. Snug, tight-fitting Juliette caps, encrusted with beads or jewels, may also be considered as an alternative to a wider-brimmed chapeau. For spring and summer, organdy, straw and silk fabrics are delicate choices to accessorize a wedding dress. For a bride who chooses a more casual approach, hats can also dress up an informal wedding suit or less traditional gown.

• Head wraps. In silk or satin, plain or embellished, reminiscent of Flapper days, head wraps are another unusual way to top off a bridal ensemble.

No matter what kind of headgear you choose, however, you must choose the right hairstyle to go with it. Your choice of whether or not to wear a veil is another important consideration. Jewelry should also be kept minimal if wearing an embellished headpiece.

The best advice: Keep it simple. Wear pearls or small diamonds. Leave the sparkle on top and you'll look like a queen.

Spring forward

Other seasonal accessory trends to check out:

• Beaded stoles or shrugs in velvet or fur.

• Clutch purses and fringed beaded handbags.

• Important belts -- wrapped, fringed, macrame.

• Organza corsages and flowers.

• Embellished slippers and sandals with beads, crystals, ribbons.

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