“Spring is here, the sky is blue. Birds all sing as if they knew. Today’s the day we’ll say, ‘I do.’ And we’ll never be lonely anymore.” That 1964 hit song by the Dixie Cups captures perfectly the love and hope that brides and grooms feel as they plan for their special day. As winter melts away beneath the warming spring sunshine, days seem to fly by as the big day approaches. As time flies, details for the big day need to be secured and decisions must be made. Some brides have the luxury of time on their hands, and begin planning at the least a year before the wedding date. Other lovebirds are more spontaneous and leave themselves just months, or even weeks, to plan the event. Luckily businesses like Ssnippers, on Lake Street, and Carmela’s Bridal Shop and Formal Wear, on Main Street, are experienced enough to meet every type of wedding need- especially the impromptu celebrations. “It’s best to come between seven to nine months before the wedding,” said the shop owner Carmela Chiodo. This is due to the length of time it takes for ordered gowns to come in and the time needed for fittings. However, she does sell off-the-rack gowns, as well as veils, for brides working under time constraints. Everything a bride needs is available at Carmela’s, including jewelry, tiara veils, silk flower arrangements, shoes, garters, pocketbooks and bridal bags. They also carry mother of the bride gowns, gowns for the bridal party and flower girl, and tuxedos for the groom, his ushers and best man. “A lot of times if they get the entire bridal party (12 attendants and the bride and groom), the groom can have his tux for free or the bride can get ten percent off the wedding gown,” she said. Tuxedoes should be ordered at least one month in advance. Gwen Sheldon, of Ssnippers, said she too is able to handle the needs of spontaneous brides, and that if she is needed at the bride’s home the day of the wedding she should be booked in advance. “It makes it easier on them,” she added. “We have a number booked for the summer and fall months,” Sheldon said. Brides and their attendants often make a party of their appointment, bringing in champagne or breakfast or brunch items. “Between Justine (Sheldon) and I, we can do a bridal party of 10 in four hours. That includes the moms, the bride, attendants and flower girl,” Sheldon said. “The bridal season is starting now, with people getting engaged (for Valentine’s day),” said Chiodo. “We can always accommodate last minute weddings, as long as you can fit into one of the gowns on the rack.”
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