
DATE: Monday, June 23, 1997                 TAG: 9706210066

SECTION: DAILY BREAK             PAGE: E1   EDITION: FINAL 

TYPE: FASHION 

SOURCE: BY KIM WADSWORTH, CORRESPONDENT 

                                            LENGTH:  104 lines

ALTARED STATES PLANNING AHEAD AND GETTING HELP ARE THE KEYS TO ARRANGING A WEDDING, FROM FLOWERS TO THE PERFECT DRESS FOR THE BRIDE.

WHAT DOES it take to create the perfect wedding? Anyone who's been married knows there is no one answer. The ideal wedding can be as simple or as complex as a couple's imagination and budget allow.

That being the case, just the idea of planning a wedding can be overwhelming. All the unknowns seem to multiply, and planning the ceremony and reception can get out of control. Even couples who are clear about how they want their day to be need support.

Events consultant and coordinator Michelene Gary suggests that brides create a portfolio of photographs and notes of preferences that will provide a resource when dealing with the bridal shop, the florist and others. Record all pertinent information that you'll need in making arrangements.

A new book on weddings, ``The Perfect Wedding'' (Collins San Francisco) by Maria McBride-Mellinger, says a successful wedding depends on collaboration between the couple and their families first, and then with the vendors.

Those in the bridal business also advise couples to create a timetable to guide them through the many months of preparation.

Another book, ``Weddings by DeWilde'' (Dunwoodie Communications), says it takes at least a year of planning for a large wedding (more than 100 guests) and no less than six months for a smaller wedding.

Wedding consultant Reva Stein of Virginia Beach suggests that couples set up a special checking account just for the wedding. This keeps the bride and groom aware of their budget.

McBride-Mellinger suggests considering the big picture - what kind of ceremony it'll be - first. Then think small and plan all the fine details that will make the wedding distinctive and personal.

Like flowers. Floral consultant Bill Dougherty of The Flower Studio in Virginia Beach cautions couples not to fall into the illusion that they are the only ones getting married on a certain date.

``Even the bigger florists are limited to the capacity of weddings they can handle,'' he says. ``Be mindful of the season when you choose your flowers, and look to color and design rather than specific flowers, unless you're willing to pay for them.''

Another early call for brides is to the dress shop.

``Brides come in excited about their engagement, and they want their dress first,'' says Kathryn Meadows, manager of Karen Eagle in Virginia Beach. ``They have some kind of vision of what they want, a preconceived notion of a bridal look they've seen in a magazine or at someone's wedding. But they need professional guidance to help them choose a gown that fits their figure and their budget.''

At Tiffany's Plaza in Norfolk, manager Bobbi Grimsley says there's a bride out there for every style. And bridal styles have changed.

For example, she says, ``Train and veil lengths no longer have to be the same.''

Grimsley observes that brides want to show off the details of her gown, including a more streamlined look.

``They love the look of a ball gown, often with no train. And tiaras are the latest rage,'' she says. ``We're selling them as family heirlooms to be passed on.''

And what about the bride who seeks a contemporary look that goes with her next-millennium lifestyle? All the Rage manager Jenifer Barrett sees brides daily who are looking to bend the rules to accommodate their own choices.

Forget the crinolines. Pass on the veil.

``Today's modern bride is getting away from everything her mother taught her. She wants nothing to hold her back,'' Barrett says.

With such an approach, Barrett adds, the bride even has a chance to wear her dress again.

For most brides, looking good on the big day means lining up a hair stylist and a makeup artist. Hair stylist Roswitha Bollinger of North Beach Salon in Virginia Beach says that coming in for at least one run-through is essential.

``We want to see the veil, how the dress is cut and understand her entire look,'' she says. Bollinger suggests that brides bring in any magazine tear sheets with hair style ideas. However, she warns, don't always think that is what you will get. Often, a bride does not have the same kind of hair to create what she wants.

Robbie Fourie, also a stylist with North Beach Salon, adds that a visual reference is a great tool but that brides should not be totally committed to just one look.

``A bridal headpiece can be a logistical problem and a hairstyle may have to be built around it,'' Fourie says. ``Have the option of a detachable veil so you can show off your hairstyle during the reception.''

Bridal makeup should have the same trial run. Opting for a natural look that enhances your best assets is first and foremost. But remember that the camera tells all, especially in natural light, so makeup is a step that cannot be skipped. When you are going to be surrounded in white, it is essential to apply soft coloration that brings out your bridal beauty.

``A radiant bride is a relaxed bride,'' says Michelene Gary. ``After the details are cared for, a sense of humor and a spirit of celebration are the greatest assets a bride can bring to her wedding.'' ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photos]

STAFF PHOTOS BY BETH BERGMAN

Illeana Drinovan...

Valerie DeMaio...

Janie Fridley...

BETH BERGMAN / The Virginian-Pilot

The first step toward wedding planning is buying the dress. Sandra

Kosa is measured by seamstress Elsa Liwanay at Karen Eagle wearing a

halter satin sheath with scattered pearls and a chiffon detachable

train designed by Jasmine, $668. Veil is by Regalia, $265; and

embellished gloves, $21 are by Cottonlovers. All fashions available

at Karen Eagle in Virginia Beach.