Bridal Information: It's the little things that count

For A Memorable Wedding . . . It's The Little Things That Count

Shopping Suggestions for Wedding Accessories, Bridal Gifts and Favors (ARA) - Many brides-to-be have an instant, almost knee-jerk reaction to a marriage proposal - shopping.

Almost immediately, many of the newly engaged will head out to department stores and bridal boutiques to begin the search for the perfect gown and veil. While these purchases may certainly be the most memorable of the wedding shopping experience, it's details, such as wedding accessories, favors and bridal-party gifts, that make the event memorable for all those involved.

"Many wedding goers may not remember what the bride was wearing but, can't seem to forget the clever centerpiece on the table or the cake topper," said Margaret Powers, executive director of events and merchandising for Enesco. "The right accessories and bridal gifts can make a wedding both unique and memorable for all that attend and can also serve as lifelong keepsakes."

Accessorize

Once the wedding is over, all that is left are the memories. To make the occasion last forever for the bride and groom and guests, Powers suggests shopping for wedding accessories that have special meaning and help mark magical moments.

"When shopping for wedding accessories, like the cake topper, cake cutter and centerpieces, look for items that reflect your personal style and will create a lasting impression," said Powers.

Cake toppers have evolved from the traditional statuesque bride and groom of yesterday to flowers, collectible figurines and momentos. If remembering the special day is important, Powers recommends purchasing a figurine or other type of collectible to be used as the cake topper that can later be displayed in the home. The "Always and Forever" figurine - a fine porcelain, miniature bride and groom detailed in roses from the Pretty as a Picture Promises of Love Collection - can double as the perfect cake topper and wedding keepsake.

Other unique wedding accessories that can help to preserve the moment in time are toasting glasses, invitation holders and cake cutters and servers.

Gifts

Throughout the engagement and wedding planning, bridesmaids, groomsmen and family members lend a helping hand. Without these key loved ones, many brides and grooms would be lost. It's important to acknowledge this devotion by presenting memorable bridal party gifts.

Powers suggests giving each person involved in the wedding something that will reflect appreciation and special meaning for the day. Photographs with each person in the bridal party helps capture the moment. Display each picture in a memorable frame to make a lasting impression on special friends and family members. The Pretty as a Picture Promises of Love Collection picture frame, detailed with porcelain photo tabs and roses as well as the Promises of Love miniature bride and groom, is a memorable way to display wedding moments.

Other gift suggestions for the bridal party include keepsake figurines to help mark special friendships. Enesco's Pretty as a Picture Collection offers "Friends To Last A Lifetime," a fine porcelain figurine of two girls with shopping bags in hand, sharing moments of friendship.

Favored Fair

Everyone loves to bring home a wedding memento. Whether it's a bouquet of flowers in a keepsake vase, or a small take-home token, wedding favors truly are "favored."

Powers suggests adding to the fun of the evening by letting a lucky guest from each table, take home the centerpiece. Whether it's a beautiful vase that is filled with flowers or a candleholder with a fragrant candle it will certainly be a remembered gesture. The matching vase and candle holders in the Pretty as a Picture, Promises of Love Collection, offer brides and grooms an ideal centerpiece while adding charm and style to the reception.

When guests bring home a favor or centerpiece from the wedding that matched the cake topper and other wedding accessories, it is guaranteed that they will remember the "look" of the evening for years to come.

The Pretty as a Picture Collection is based on the well-known black and white portraits of children imitating adults by world-renowned German photographer Kim Anderson. Each figurine in the Pretty As A Picture Collection is hand-crafted and painted in tones of black and white with a touch of color, like Anderson's photographs.

Invite Right

And don't forget those all-important wedding invitations. The wedding invitation is another of those little things that can turn out to be a big thing, if not handled properly.

Learn how to make your own wedding invitations.

For more information or to locate a Pretty as a Picture retailer, consumers can contact Enesco at 1/800-NEAR-YOU or visit Enesco's website at www.enesco.com. Enesco Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Enesco Group, Inc. A part of the gift and collectibles industry for 40 years, Enesco offers more than 10,000 gift, collectible and home accent items, including Precious Moments, Cherished Teddies, Mary Engelbreit, David Winter Cottages and many others.

Courtesy of Article Resource Association, http://www.aracopy.com, e-mail: info@aracopy.com.

Note to Editors: For more information contact Shawn Campbell at (708) 5322-6609 or Lorri Eleftheriou at (630) 875-5945.