Together in HarmonyWedding bands crafted of two...

Together in Harmony

Wedding bands crafted of two metals are fast replacing plain gold bands among engaged couples. The hottest choice is the combination of white platinum and yellow 18-karat gold, notes Erin Oates, spokeswoman for the Newport Beach-based Platinum Guild International. “It’s a different, more versatile look that fits ‘90s sensibilities. With platinum, the cost is a little more, but the value lies with its strength and durability.” Couples are opting most for a brushed, matte finish, she adds.

Usher in Color

It’s no longer up to bridesmaids to brighten a wedding. Groomsmen can suit up in primaries with Lord West’s Color Works collection. “An injection of color makes for a festive look in the spring and summer,” notes Bernie Toll, a spokesman for the formal-wear label. “But select one (color). We don’t advocate a rainbow wedding--that goes back to the ‘50s and ‘60s when parties looked like a package of Lifesavers.” As for the groom, Toll suggests the elegance of cream, ivory or black.

For Marital Bliss

The thrill of getting married: Endless hours spent finding the right florist, makeup artist, caterer, musician, photographer and videographer, and dealing with everything from invitations to limousines. It’s enough to push a couple into eloping. Enter Carolyn Campbell and Linda Patterson, who founded in 1990 Thee Wedding Library, a one-stop, 3,000-square-foot bridal resource in Orange that offers free referrals to fill every need imaginable. Each vendor is screened, has 10 references and most have at least five years’ experience. “We accommodate brides who need hand-held guidance and those who prefer to shop the library on their own,” says Campbell.

Filled with Memories

A piece of lace from Grandmother’s gown or a button from Mom’s can add to a unique Victorian bridal purse (about $136) by Donnalynne Shaw. The Massachusetts designer, who began collecting buttons at age 3, uses antique fabrics and notions as well as silk flowers to custom create hair ornaments, shoe clips, cuffs and more. “There’s a lot of memory pulled into one item,” she says. Her drawstring pouches are also made for bridesmaids (about $76).