It would be terribly unfair of you to come to the beautiful island of Bermuda and not bring something uniquely Bermudian for someone special back home. So many one-of-a-kind gifts are available, and the following vendors can steer you in the right direction.

Young entrepreneur Alexandra Mosher has been in the business of studio art jewelry since 2005. She stumbled upon her passion for designing jewelry at a very young age. While redesigning her own jewelry box one day, she realized she wanted to channel her creative energy into something more sculptural. From this was born the Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery, where each jewelry piece is meticulously designed by hand using the finest jewelry-grade resin, pink coral sand, and high quality sterling silver.

Alexandra does everything from casting pieces to carving wax, thus ensuring that each end piece is unique. Alexandra can also take the time to help you co-create and co-design custom jewelry inspired by Bermuda’s natural beauty. “All my pieces are art jewelry,” she says, “I do a lot with gemstones. Client favorites are my pieces that are carved in wax and cast in silver. My most popular pieces are the ones found in the Bermuda Reef Collection, and the Caviar Collection is a close second. With those pieces, I use drops of wax and build up the pieces. They are really organic and funky pieces.”

With clients starting to amass her collections and an increasing number of brides interested in innovative and unique pieces of jewelry to accentuate their wedding dresses, Alexandra Mosher’s Studio Art Jewellery has grown exponentially in recent years. If you check out her website at www.alexandramosher.com, it’s easy to see why.

Anthony’s

For the past eighteen years, men have been flocking to Anthony’s to get their formal attire in Bermuda. Run by Anthony Easton, the centrally located store has a large stock of classic and designer tuxedos for sale and rental.

Anthony Easton is also the host of Bermuda’s Wedding Portfolio, an annual bridal fashion show that takes place in January, which is part of how he stays on top of upcoming wedding trends. Anthony’s carries well-known brands to include Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, After Six, and Fumagalli. For the groom, Anthony recommends the traditional two-button, single-breasted tuxedo. As a new style, Anthony says that designers are now adding a European flair to the neckline.

Besides tuxedos, Anthony’s also specializes in wedding products, cake tops, guest books, backdrops, and invitations.

Bermuda Craft Market

At the Bermuda Craft Market in the Royal Naval Dockyard, you will find a diverse selection of original Bermuda Crafts ideal for that special present. Established in 1987 by the Chamber of Commerce as a unique outlet for arts and crafts in Bermuda, it is now a registered charity.

The Bermuda Craft Market is a big open room with several stations where individual artisans demonstrate their artistry in handcrafted
candles, cedar, ceramics, paintings, decoupage, dolls, glass jewelry and more.

Llewellyn Emery is one of the main artisans of the Bermuda Craft Market. For 53 years and counting, his specialty has been working with cedar. Llewellyn’s cedar work items are made from local Bermuda cedar and are turned into candlesticks, jewelry boxes, bowls, table lamps, bookends, salt and pepper grinders, clocks and a number of other items.

“One of the most popular stations,” Llewellyn says, “is the one where the artisan makes banana dolls using all natural banana leaves and floral. A close second is the station manned by a gentleman and his wife who make jewelry using anything from gold and semiprecious gems to wire and stainless steel.“

Of note, the Bermuda Craft Market now offers a free winter program November-March where artists lead hands-on sessions with anyone who wants to learn how to make some of the displayed arts and crafts to then take home with them.

If you are looking to send gifts back home that are genuinely made in Bermuda, come to the Bermuda Craft Market to browse dozens of hand-made craft items.

The Bermuda Perfumery

The Bermuda Perfumery carries the gift of fragrance––suitable for everyone. Many of us think of giving fragrances as a highly personal gift––and it can be, but it really depends on the fragrance you choose. Owner, Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone suggests giving fragrances that are “mainstream and easy,” such as those in their unisex Water collection, if you are unsure. “You can’t go wrong with Fresh Water or South Water!” according to Mrs. Ramsay-Brackstone. If you are looking for something more masculine, she recommends 32° North (the latitude of Bermuda). For women, Coral is the most popular fragrance, with tender notes of wild freesia, ginger, juicy clementine and rose nectar. The Bermuda Perfumery also carries “Fragrance Libraries,” where your attendants can sample all of the scents in a beautifully boxed set of nine vials to find the one that suits them best. Mrs. Ramsay-Brackstone also mentions that a recent trend has been for brides to select fragrances as party favors and have individual vials for each guest on tables. Visit The Bermuda Perfumery and its quaint, romantic setting in historic Stewart Hall in St. George’s for the perfect gift of fragrance.

Blanc Limited

This bridal salon makes the sometimes trying process of finding the perfect dress seem effortless. With its plush interior design, vast 1600 square foot space, and amazingly personal customer service, “a bride can come in and feel like she’s really being catered to,” says owner Milika Seymour. Blanc Limited strives to eliminate the stress by “aiming to make the experience very service oriented. Once you make an appointment with us,” says Seymour, “you’re going to feel like you’re the only one there.”

At Blanc Ltd., Milika Seymour, also offers accessories including tiaras, haircombs, and jewelry that will surely make gift giving easy. Ms Seymour sees a trend in statement jewelry. For example, she says, “Bold cuffs have been very popular lately, as opposed to more dainty pieces.” She adds, “We carry many beautiful pieces that we change all the time, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to look glamorous!” These things make beautifully special gifts for a bride.

The Butterfield Bank

Butterfield is an ideal place to look for financing gifts including weekend getaways, honeymoons, and even wedding and engagement rings. One might consult the bank on smart money management on what can often be an expensive affair. Representatives at the Butterfield often meet with couples looking for financial consultation on such matters as purchasing a home or car, or even help with savings and investment plans. A practical gift that recognizes the challenges of starting a family in today’s economy is a savings account or investment plan.

In addition, Butterfield offers credit cards in partnership with two major airlines-American Airlines and British Airways.  When you make retail purchases using the Butterfield/AAdvantageR MasterCard®, you’ll earn AAdvantage® miles towards American Airlines flights.  When you use the Butterfield Visa Platinum® Card for purchases, you’ll earn BA miles towards British Airways flights. Use one of these reward Cards to make all of your wedding purchases, and start planning your dream honeymoon.

Try to find a fragrance that matches your style and personality. There is no secret way to find exactly what suits you and your skin. Do not let anyone dictate what you should wear. Your fragrance should reflect your mood and only you know what makes you feel beautiful.

I recommend that you try as many fragrances as possible and experiment with designers’ fragrances, but also with original niche fragrance houses. Small niche fragrance houses usually work with high quality essential oils and tend to do very different scents compared to what you find in department stores.

It is important that you try fragrances on your own skin and that your fiancé approves. Ask for samples to try the fragrance on your skin in your own environment. If you do not like it right away, go wash your hands. When it comes to fragrance, I believe in love at first sight! It should please you completely and become part of who you are. That being said, make sure Mr. Perfect approves, as you want him to love everything about you on your wedding day.

Each fragrance belongs to a family of scent which I will explain below. Most of us prefer one family of scent over another. Some of us will own ten different fragrances, and most likely nine of them will belong to the same family. Just like colors or clothing styles, we each have our preferences. Here are some of the most popular families:

Floral – For the romantic girl and by far the most popular family. There are a lot of fragrances in this family, from the complex floral bouquet, to what we call soliflore (only one flower is the main ingredient). Are you more of a lily of the valley, a jasmine, a rose, a gardenia, a tuberose or an orange flower.

Citrus – For the sporty and natural woman. These fragrances are perfect for a warm day and if you are having an outdoor and daytime venue. My only concern with citrus fragrances is that they are very volatile, so make sure you bring your fragrance with you to reapply your scent during the day.

Oriental – For the sexy woman. These fragrances sure make a statement and are fantastic for evening or winter weddings. Be gentle wearing an oriental, as it may be overwhelming. These fragrances tend to be woody with vanilla and spices. An oriental fragrance usually stays on skin for a long time.

One key point is to make sure that your perfume will not compete with your flower bouquet. Work with your florist to make sure you have the right combination. Sometimes those Casablanca lilies can take over the floor if you are not careful. Many of the roses, calla lilies and orchids used by florists are unscented and can be a great choice.

On your wedding day, put a few drops of your chosen fragrance in your bath water. Layer your scent with a matching lotion and try to wear “perfume “if you can as it will last longer on your skin. The great thing with pure perfume is that only a drop on your pulse points will diffuse magnificently for many hours. Try to keep your perfume in its original box and store it in a cool and dark place. This way, you will be able to keep it fresh for a good five to eight years after your wedding.

When you apply your perfume, be sure to apply it directly on your skin and before putting on any clothing. Fragrance can also damage jewelry, especially pearls, so keep your scent away from important pieces and be especially careful when touching up your fragrance after you’re dressed. If you’ll want to reapply your scent during the wedding, ask the salesperson where you purchase your fragrance for couple sample vials. She’ll be more than happy to accommodate you for your wedding day!

Every bride remembers the fragrance she wore on her wedding day. It is a very special accessory that you cannot leave to a last minute decision. Many years after your wedding, a whiff of that fragrance will take you right back to your special day. I have kept my bottle preciously since I married 11 years ago and although its content is now spoiled, it still brings me right back to when I walked down the aisle.

Choosing Gifts For Your Attendants: Unwrapping What Bermuda Has To Offer

They’ve amassed sky-high cell phone bills talking about table settings and flowers and the latest drama with your in-laws. They’ve paid the bill for over-the-top bachelor parties and feigned interest in cheesy shower games. They’ve ordered the mauve crepe de chine dresses and agreed (to your face, at least) that oh yes, we can definitely wear these again.

The point is you owe your bridesmaids and your groomsmen. They are your friends, brothers, sisters, and siblings-in-law, and you couldn’t have done this whole wedding thing without them. You can thank your attendants with a golf outing, a day at the spa, or with classes at a local yoga studio. Or, if you want to go the more tangible route, give them gifts they can use again and for years to come. Bermuda has plenty to offer in this department!

Once you’ve taken care of your wedding gown and bridesmaids dresses at either Occasions Bridal and Formal or Blanc Limited Bridal Boutique, look further at these two places because you’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that they also carry some great ideas for making your wedding party smile. Not only will you find everything you need in the way of bridal gowns and wedding party attire, but you will also find that accessories perfect for giving are available. Khaliah Nisbett of Occasions offers some inspired gift choices with the Bel Aire bridal line which includes graceful tiaras, hairpins made of freshwater pearls and sparkly crystals, and beautiful silver brooches. Nisbett recommends the En Vogue line of stunning bracelets––sure to be hit with your wedding party for years to come! At Blanc Ltd., Milika Trott-Seymour, offers accessories including tiaras, haircombs, and jewelry that will surely make gift giving easy. Ms Seymour sees a trend in statement jewelry. For example, she says, “Bold cuffs have been very popular, as opposed to more dainty pieces.” She adds, “We carry many beautiful pieces that we change all the time, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to look glamorous!”

After you’ve gotten your groom and his men outfitted in styling formal wear from Anthony’s of Bermuda, check out their personalized cuff links as a gift-giving option for your groomsmen. These are a traditional and trusty way to thank your attendants, offering superior style they can wear with a tuxedo–– or later on with their business wardrobe. Your groomsmen will show off their fashion savvy when they step out in these impressive groomsmen cufflinks from Anthony’s!

For more unexpected attendant gifts, try the selection from the local artisans and craftsmen at the Bermuda Craft Market. According to Llewellyn Emery, the Craft Market offers the largest collection of local handmade products––everything from jewelry and needlework to prints, candles, and ceramics. For brides and grooms wishing to give gifts with some Bermuda flavor, the Craft Market has so much to offer. Mr. Emery recommends the handcrafted cedar trinket boxes in smaller sizes to hold earrings or cufflinks or in the larger sizes for your maid of honor and best-man. The Bermuda Craft Market also carries handcrafted wooden “Friendship Goblets,” with a single ring loosely attached to the stem. Other unique Bermudian gift ideas are beautiful painted sea glass and china or distinctive Bermuda silver charms.

Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery offers one-of-a-kind pieces that will put the twinkle back in your bridesmaids’ eyes if ever it was lost. Hand fabricated art jewelry, inspired by the motifs and colors of Bermuda, in silver and gold with precious and semi-precious gemstones are sure to please. Alexandra’s work teeters on the line between art, fashion, and sentimental gift. Ms. Mosher says she fully appreciates the sheer excitement and passion behind planning a wedding. “And of course,” says Ms. Mosher, “The most crucial part of that process is making sure the bride looks absolutely magnificent on the day.” What better way to adorn yourself and your bridesmaids on your special day than with a Bermuda-made art-jewelry piece that will be treasured as a truly memorable keep sake. Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery offers a beautiful collection of gift ideas to ease your search for the perfect bridesmaid present. These will not only tie in with your theme, but are classic enough to be worn forever. And as Ms. Mosher reminds us, “Don’t forget your flower girls, for we can adorn the teeniest of tots with a touch of artistic sparkle.” In addition, Alexandra Mosher Studio Jewellery Bridesmaids Packages are available for any brides buying their wedding jewelry. “We are happy to offer a range of discounts on bridesmaids gifts,” says Ms. Mosher.

The Bermuda Perfumery carries the gift of fragrance––suitable for all members of your party. Many of us think of giving fragrances as a highly personal gift––and it can be, but it really depends on the fragrance you choose. Some are personal, suited especially for your romantic sister-in-law or your sporty best friend, (see article on page 29) but with fragrances from The Bermuda Perfumery, you can be sure to find a scent that fits your bridesmaids and groomsmen perfectly. Owner, Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone suggests giving fragrances that are “mainstream and easy,” such as those in their unisex Water collection, if you are unsure. “You can’t go wrong with Fresh Water or South Water!” according to Mrs. Ramsay-Brackstone. If you are looking for something more masculine, she recommends 32° North (the latitude of Bermuda). For women, Coral is the most popular fragrance, with tender notes of wild freesia, ginger, juicy clementine and rose nectar. The Bermuda Perfumery also carries “Fragrance Libraries,” where your attendants can sample all of the scents in a beautifully boxed set of nine vials to find the one that suits them best. Mrs. Ramsay-Brackstone also mentions that a recent trend has been for brides to select fragrances as party favors and have individual vials for each guest on tables. Visit The Bermuda Perfumery and its quaint, romantic setting in historic Stewart Hall in St. George’s for the perfect gift of fragrance.
If it’s a personal and practical attendant gift you’re after, look no further than Pulp and Circumstance. Kristi Grayston offers a selection of gifts that will work for all members of your wedding party––bridesmaids and groomsmen. Ms. Grayson says, “Beautiful frames that can be personalized with an engraved silver plaque are very popular,” and she says that Filofax® organizers that are personalized have also been all the rage. In addition to personalized and practical gifts, Pulp and Circumstance is also the place to find an eclectic range of Bermuda-themed stationary, quality pens, and unique journals.

An important stop on the way to any of your wedding purchases is Butterfield Bank. They, of course, offer a wide range of financial services–– including personal loans, consultations on smart money management, and savings accounts and invest ment plans. In addition, Butterfield Bank offers credit cards in partnership with two major airlines-American Airlines and British Airways.  When you make retail purchases using the Butterfield/AAdvantage MasterCard®, you’ll earn AAdvantage® miles towards American Airlines flights.  When you use the Butterfield Bank Visa Platinum® Card for purchases, you’ll earn BA miles towards British Airways flights. Use one of these reward Cards to make all of your wedding purchases, and start planning your dream honeymoon!!

Remember, when it comes to giving gifts to your wedding party, there are no rules set in stone. Try not to stress feeling that you need to go beyond your budget to get a big enough gift to honor your attendants. The value of the gift isn’t on the price tag, it’s in the fact that it comes from you, with thought given to who your attendants are.

Gifts and Jewelry are at the cornerstone of the wedding industry. As if the gift of love is not enough, we as guests give gifts to the couple getting married, or as the marrying couple, give gifts to the attendants who have stood by us as we took our vows or to one another as a token in memory of the wedding day. But despite this time honored tradition, the economy has caused many gift givers to become more prudent about
giving.

For this reason, value, quality, and originality have become the utmost important characteristics of wedding gifts and jewelry. Alongside Bank of Butterfield, Stationery Store, and Brown and Co., the old guard of gift acquisition, new vendors such as Blanc Limited and Clayworks are shaking up the age old practice of gift giving.

Bermuda Clayworks

Bermuda Clayworks is a full time production pottery and, with its onsite working studios, is one of the primary attractions at the Royal Naval Dockyard. In a “spacious old stone structure that was built by the British Naval Fleet,” Bermuda Clayworks is a collective gallery of many of the Island’s ceramic artists. The building itself houses both the production studio and a retail gallery. For this reason, certain customizable items are also available. Gift buyers who are looking for a gift that makes a big impact will be happy to know that Bermuda Clayworks utilizes “numerous onsite studio environmental practices”, and supports education in the arts through their apprenticeship program and professional development workshops.

A broad range of pottery items ideal for wedding gifts is offered in porcelain. stoneware and earthenware clays. For gifts between the bride and the groom one suggestion is the unique salt glazed stoneware of individual hand-thrown sculptural tableware items such as the contemporary slanted tea sets in blue, teal or oatmeal hues. For attendants there is a wide selection of ceramic handmade jewellery. However, by far the best selling wedding gift is the Bermuda Clayworks’ house plaque which is available in several sizes and completely customizable in design and script.

Because of the high caliber and quality of work offered, the gallery has become a prime shopping venue for locals as well as visitors, and boasts a high repeat customer base of collectors. Bermuda Clayworks is open year round, including holidays and weekends. International shipping and custom orders are available. House plaque samples, tableware items for registries and artist details can be seen on the Bermuda Clayworks’ website, www.bermudaclayworks.com.

Blanc Limited

Blanc Limited is a new bridal salon which makes the sometimes difficult process of finding a dress for the big day, seem simple. With its plush interior design, vast 1600 sq. ft. space and excellent customer service, “a bride can come in and feel like she’s really being catered to,” says owner Milika Seymour. Indeed, for family’s looking to give their engaged daughter something special in celebration of her upcoming wedding, hiring the staff of Blanc Limited to assist her in finding her dress is a generous and sentimental gift. Although dress boutiques can often be stressful and impersonal, Blanc Limited’s aim is to eliminate these erroneous elements: “Mainly what we’re aiming to do is make the experience very service oriented. Once you make your appointment with us, you’re going to feel like you’re the only one there, and you will be the only one there.” She continues, “you’ll
be greeted as with any other high end salon, seated, and we’re able to have a consultation with you and find out exactly what you want to look like on your wedding day.” Not only does Blanc Limited offer many high fashion bridal lines, including owner favorite Enzoani (modern styling with a touch of sparkle), they also carry high end shoes, specialty bridal undergarments and accessories including veils, tiaras, combs and jewelry. Although the bride is often charged with getting these things themselves, they can be beautiful gifts for the bride leading up to the wedding.

Butterfield

Bermuda’s banks, such as the Butterfield, can be an important stop on the way to gift purchase. The bank is an ideal place to look for financing all sorts of gifts including weekend getaways, to honeymoons, even the wedding or engagement rings. Indeed, one might consult the bank on smart money management on what is often an expensive affair (wedding, reception, and honeymoon totals can grow to staggering numbers). Representatives at the Butterfield often meet with couples looking for financial consultation, “looking at the future, to purchase a home, if they’re looking to purchase a car, we’ll help them with savings plans and investment plans.” Indeed, one innovative and inexpensive gift could be a mentor scheduling a specialized appointment with a financial advisor for the couple, as they embark upon their life together and take on different fiscal responsibilities. Yet another gift that recognizes the challenges of starting a family in today’s economy is a savings account or investment plan as a gift. Although these sorts of gifts are less sentimental, they are practical help which will be valued greatly by the recipient.

Stationery Store

At the Stationery Store, you can find a nice selection of wedding invites with traditional boarders of silver and gold, which are blank inside. This gives you an opportunity to print a personalized message in whatever
style you desire. The invites are sold in convenient packages or 25 or 50. It is a great one-stop shop for simple and elegant stationery. We also have Calligraphy Sets so that you can give your invites your very
personal touch.

Brown and Co.

Brown & Co, located in the heart of Hamilton, is Bermuda’s # 1 gift store and a place where you find the unexpected. The store offers unique gifts and accessories that represent the elegant lifestyle of Bermuda. Interesting goods for the home and personal fashion, of high quality and great value, the perfect place to find that special wedding gift!

Every woman can remember the first wedding she attended as a guest during her childhood. Filled with excitement and awe, I remember seeing the beautiful bride and the flowers that she carried, as she seemed to float up the cathedral aisle past me in the wooden pew.

I was thrilled to study every detail of the reception, and examined the monogrammed napkins during the cocktail hour, and the matchbook covers near every place setting. Wedding couples strive to make their wedding personal and meaningful for their guests. And today, brides are searching for unique ways to express gratitude to their guests for coming to the wedding celebration. Stylish remembrances have evolved from napkins and matchbooks to elaborate gifts with distinctive messages.

The Internet will provide any bride with countless ideas for wedding favors or designer paper products for the special day. Most wedding planners will encourage the bride to begin to think about these special extras early in the planning stages. Once the wedding theme, monogram or motif is determined, the bride and groom will begin to decide how to thank their guests for attending that day.

Ideas abound with categories of edible and non-edible gifts often highlighted. Living favors have become popular in recent years, with plants or flowers in individual vases forming centerpieces at reception tables, used as gifts for each couple at the table as they leave for the evening. Custom imprinting with captivating phrases such as: Love is brewing attached to tea bags, mint to be on monogrammed tins, or Love is blooming on seed packets are other choices.

Many companies offer custom chocolates or chocolate bar wrappers, as well as imprinted favor boxes or bags for candy treats. Some brides offer a candy table with an assortment of sweet items and empty boxes to fill with guests’ own selections.

Monique Bridgewater, Professional Bridal Consultant for Sweet Dreams says, “For 2008, monogramming on invitations is big.” She offers menu cards, wedding celebration programs, dining accessories, such as place cards and even thank you notes. “With today’s demands growing, having everything accomplished at one stop makes for a nice experience,” says Monique.

Bridgewater provides for weddings “Just Married” car decorations, with the bridal couple’s vehicle decorated in custom white ribbons, while the bridal party vehicles are decorated in the colors of the wedding. Sweet Dreams will help with Bermuda welcome bags for special guests traveling to the ceremony. By using a canvas bag filled with rum cake, gingerbread, sand or Bermudian remembrances, Bridgewater creates a special thank you.

Kay-Annie Reid-Young, weddings and event planner for Kreative Koncepts is “in the business of catering to the bride’s every need.” She works with every bride to find something for the guests to admire while they are celebrating with the couple at the reception. “The trends now in wedding favors are definitely non-edible items,” says Reid-Young. Plant seeds, items made from organic materials or something made from recycled paper can be designed for the environmentally friendly couple.

Kreative Koncepts will also help the destination bride choose something representative of the island for her guests. “For the most part, the most popular wedding favor is still a beach themed item, like an Adirondack chair, silver starfish place card holder, personalized messages in bottles filled with sand, or even flip flop photo frames,” says Reid-Young.

Personalized chocolates are a specialty offered at Surprise, owned by Corrine Parris. Along with these decadent sweets, cake boxes and napkins are made to coordinate with the wedding theme. Other choices could be tiny Satin bags or sachets that could be filled with sand or shells for the beach themed event.

Some favors will be personalized with special messages from the couple, and The Paper Pomegranate can help with favor tags or other monogrammed paper or designer stationery. Meghan Correia, Art Director and Designer for the company says, “Our designs can be ethnic based for couples wishing to respect their diverse backgrounds. We have designed Asian, Persian and Egyptian products for their special days.” Correia’s website www.thepaperpomegranate.com showcases thirteen designs that can be selected for invitations or other printed items used for the day.

Another unique way bridal couples have expressed gratitude to their guests is by donating to their favorite charity in the names of those attending the wedding celebration. Each guest would receive a card, saying thank you for their participation, with a notation about the gratitude donation. Anthony’s of Hamilton Bermuda offers these cards and numerous other items, including menu cards in the shape of beach chairs. Many beach themed items for the reception, such as, seashell place cards and tinted craft sand for table arrangements are featured on their web page: www.anthonysofbda.com. Of course, their specialty is tuxedos for the bridal party.

Adenike Simmons of All in the Details says, “Brides like to incorporate colors of their maids’ dresses into the many products we supply for wedding planning.” Her studio provides all the necessary printed items for the wedding celebration, as well as many extras. “I supply design, printing, and assembly for everything from save the date cards to table numbers, seating and menu cards,” says Adenike. Every bride has a unique outcome with All in the Details, as the paper line of products offers special elements for each bride and groom. With over 1000 fonts, Simmons says, “We can match almost any color ink and offer decorative cardstocks, translucent papers and tissues.”

Joanne Veney, managing director of Destination Bermuda Limited promises, “We have a team of experts who work to fulfill the wedding wishes of our brides and grooms.” Their business will arrange everything from favors and invitations to entertainment and even the minister for the ceremony. Some of her most popular items include specialized gift baskets which include Bermuda rum, chocolate, fruit and cheese. Other brides use the beach theme and provide sun block and towels for their out of town guests.

Other ideas for special wedding extras include: a monogrammed guest book or photo matted frame for guest signatures, personalized CD’s with the bride and groom’s favorite song, a pocket size book titled The Art of Kissing, confetti for each guest, monogram cookies, or even custom M&M’s. At the Stationery Store, Bill McKenna can help the bride select personalized paper goods to help her create a style for the moment of her lifetime. While Tanya Gordon of Artcetera offers an outstanding selection of Calligraphy pens for thank you notes from the bride and groom.

With so many ways to make the wedding celebration personal, the bride and groom must begin this process of selection early. Take some time to reflect on the style of your wedding, and decide how to communicate that message to your guests. Center on the theme and use the colors of the bridesmaids’ dresses in your line of printed items, favors, flowers, and room decorations. With help from the creative vendors listed, the wedding becomes a celebration for all those who attend.

~ AMY MILLS

Gifts and Jewelry in Bermuda

Gifts and jewelry – they are central ceremonial pieces for the wedding participant or guest. Whether it is a groom looking for a small token of remembrance for their groomsmen, a mother and father of the bride giving a gift that their daughter will remember fondly for her lifetime, or simply the guest of the wedding, appreciative for the invitation to come and celebrate the couple’s special day, bearing gifts and good wishes.

Gifts become tokens to memorialize a special day, a special memory, or a special relationship with the bride and groom. Bermuda’s best gifts can be found in bridal boutiques, department stores, or even at banks. At Occasions, a small bridal boutique which specializes in bridal wear and accessories, there is a large selection of jewelry as well as novelty gifts for brides and others. The shop carries Bel Aire Bridal, AA Bridal and EnVogue Bridal Accessories brands, all of which specialize in headpieces, veils, tiaras, jewelry, brooches, hair accessories and birdcage veils. Occasions Owner Khaliah Nisbett says that the necklace and earrings set make a great purchase for brides. The sets vary in styles – freshwater pearl and Swarovski crystal sets at the high end and rhinestones and plain crystals on the more modest end. These sets are ideal for brides, and in some cases, for the bridal party. Although Occasions is primarily a bridal boutique, carrying dresses and accessories for brides, bridesmaids, flower girls and mother of the bride’s (they do carry little boy’s tuxedos as well), they do also have a smaller selection of gifts by Weddingish that are for grooms, and novelty gifts like tee shirts that say “groom,” “maid of honor,” and other wedding titles. Alongside the wide selection at the shop, the Occasions website, www.occasions.bm, offers a wider array of bridal gifts and accessories.

Bermuda’s banks can also make an ideal place to procure a gift. For example, Butterfield’s Head of Consumer Credit, Shawnette
Griffin, said “the Bank is an ideal place to look for financing for things as small as a weekend getaway for the couple, all the way to the wedding or engagement rings.” Indeed, one might consult the Bank on smart money management on what is often an expensive affair (wedding, reception, and honeymoon totals can grow to staggering numbers). Butterfield rarely receives visitors who are looking to finance a gift purchase, but Griffin says Butterfield Associates often meet with couples looking for financial consultation, “looking at the future, to purchase a home, if they’re looking to purchase a car, we’ll help them with savings plans and investment plans.” In today’s rocky economic climate, a gift might be as simple as making an appointment for the couple to meet with a financial advisor. Yet another gift that recognizes the challenges of starting a family in today’s economy is a savings account or investment plan as a gift. Although these sorts of gifts are less sentimental, they make up for what they lack in emotive power in serious practicality.

Bank of Bermuda is another financial institution that would be an ideal place to find financially oriented wedding resources. Although like with other banks gift resources are limited, Bank of Bermuda is ideal for gift givers thinking outside the box. One such gift might be a mother or father of the bride cosigning on a loan. Perhaps the couple might be interested in a mortgage – a closely related gift giver might use that as an opportunity to meet with one of Bank of Bermuda’s mortgage specialists to learn about the mortgage process and help to guide the new couple through the sometimes intimidating experience. Practically, Bank of Bermuda credit or debit cards are always useful whilst shopping for loved ones tying the knot.

Over at the At Last Bridal Boutique in Pembroke, Julianna Stovell prides herself on showcasing a remarkable number of designers, including Mon Cheri Bridals, Alyce Designs, James Clifford, Rina di Montella and Sophia Tolli. “Each gown depends on the individual taste of every single bride, obviously varying with each.” For the mother of the bride or groom, under the Mon Cheri umbrella, she also carries the exquisite Cameron Blake and Montage lines.

Julianna’s patience and time allows each bride to thoroughly research beautiful creative possibilities. “They aren’t so nervous, as simply overwhelmed, with wedding chores. The bride tends to stress out three or four months before, when the groom will stress out about a week before a week before!” Julianna “tries to offer a more personalized service” to assuage nerves, reminding the bride that gowns take 12-14 weeks to make. “Remember gowns are cut smaller, your size 6 is really an 8 or 10 in a wedding gown!”

“Key colors: ivory, champagne, nude or blush, and gowns definitely are floor length. The train length is also an individual preference, whether it be a brush train, or full length. The Mon Cheri bridal gowns offer detachable trains, removable at the reception, via a clever velcro attachment.”

“My first bridal shoppe visit was overwhelming… so much stock, so many looks…now I offer a more personalized service, getting to know the bride’s taste, through catalogues and chatting.” Her brides choose dyable white and ivory satin from the Benjamin Walker collection. Jewelry from Sassy South in Atlanta, emphasizes chandelier styles. Beaded gowns do not need much around the neck, otherwise necklaces, pearls and rhinestone earrings are popular.

All of the above shops and emporiums of beauty and fashion are delighted to create your special dream wedding look! For classic notes and invitations The Stationary Store is sure to inspire. Selections range from silver to gold borders or images of flowers and rings. These are blank so you can fill them with your own calligraphy or print them out yourself. Quantities can be purchased in packaging
of separate envelopes and stationary.

One of Bermuda’s premier department stores, Brown & Co., is a great shopping experience for tasteful and thoughtful wedding gifts including perfume.

They offer many options for that special wedding gift as well as a large selection of “Hallmark”cards.

The Bookmart, which is Bermuda’s largest bookstore is another section of Brown & Company. While you are shopping for that special gift
take a moment at the “Birdcage Cafe” and enjoy gourmet coffees, sandwiches and snacks.