Weddings, Princeton style

The Nassau Inn to roll out the red carpet for annual bridal expo

By: Kristin Boyd
   Attention brides-to-be: Here’s what you need to know while planning your big day.
   Chocolate brown is the new black.
   Cascading flower bouquets are making a comeback.
   Black-and-white wedding pictures are in high demand.
   Need more tips before you walk down the aisle? Stop staring at your sparkling rock and register for the Nassau Inn’s annual bridal show, scheduled for Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
   An estimated 175 people are expected to attend the event, which will include a fashion show, more than 30 bridal exhibitors, hors d’oeuvres, cake samples, prizes, gifts and musical entertainment.
   Couples will receive a copy of Brides Magazine as well as a gift bag including coupons, brochures and special offers. Prize baskets will be awarded following the fashion show.
   As newlyweds can attest, a wedding to-do list can stretch blocks once couples jot down everything they’ll need — from flowers and dresses to invitations and hairstyles.
   Don’t forget: decorations, menus, rings, clergy, transportation, and the honeymoon destination, too.
   It can all be quite overwhelming. That’s why it’s best to visit a bridal show for advice, tips and one-stop comparison shopping.
   Bridal Show Producers International, www.bspishows.com, says brides-to-be should speak up during bridal shows. Now is not the time to be shy — ask questions, collect information, register for prizes and try samples.
   Richard Kisco, owner of Le Fleur Flowers in Princeton, enjoys interacting with bridal show attendees. Brides-to-be often ask him which flowers are seasonal and which hold up best. Most also ask about price ranges, he says.
   "Mini calla lilies are huge," he says. "They’re simplistic, clean and crisp, like a 1920s look. Brides love them." Eclectic bouquets featuring orchids and bright colors are also popular, he adds.
   For 2007, chocolate brown seems to be overtaking black in all aspects of wedding design, from dresses to wedding cakes, Mr. Kisco says. Brides are accenting browns, whether truffle or fudge, with pastel colors, such as salmon, lime green and light blue.
   While browsing at a bridal show, brides-to-be shouldn’t be pressured into purchasing services right away, unless they’re positive they’re making the best choice. Remember, some deposits are non-refundable, the Bridal Show Producers International Web site advises.
   Also, the Web site recommends carrying a roll of self-adhesive mailing labels for exhibitors’ mailing lists. It’s much easier to peel off a few stickers than rewrite your name and address 50 times.
   Lewis Kassel, owner of Kassel Photography in Hopewell, always brings a yellow pad with him to bridal shows so he can collect contact information.
   When it comes to capturing special wedding moments, he says, brides-to-be are often interested in black-and-white photos and "photojournalistic-style" pictures, which are candid instead of posed shots.
   "I’ve been doing the Nassau Inn show since its first year. It’s a huge source for me because it’s local," says Mr. Kassel, who also brings photo samples, promotional materials and a sunny disposition.
   In addition to Mr. Kisco and Mr. Kassel, the following exhibitors will be in attendance at the Nassau Inn Bridal Show:
   Accel Video Productions; Barton Paul Photography; Chez Alice; Cosmo Blue Salon; Details of I Do; Franklin & Alison Orchestra; Jeff Tisman Photography; Life Mosaic Studio; Masterpiece Weddings; Princeton Music Connection; Nassau Inn; Reisbord Video Scott Lewis Photography; Simon Pearce; Sound Choice Disc Jockeys; The Bridal Suite; The Pampered Chef; Touch of Class Limousine; and Ultrax Entertainment.
If you go …
What: Annual Bridal Show
Date: Sunday, March 11
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: The Nassau Inn, 10 Palmer Square, Princeton.
Cost: Free, but registration is requested. Walk-ins are welcome.
Registration: (609) 688-2639
Information: (609) 921-7500, On the Web: www.nassauinn.com.