WeddingDay Exclusive with Randy Fenoli

As a child on a cattle farm in Southern Illinois, Randy Fenoli used to daydream about Marlo Thomas and her television show, “That Girl.” He started sewing at age nine with a Marlo Thomas McCall’s dress pattern. 

 

Today, Fenoli is a television star in his own right, with millions of viewers watching TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress” every Friday night. He is the creator of the popular reality show “Randy to the Rescue” and is author of “It’s All About the Dress”. He’s working on a pilot for a new show.

 

While he has catapulted himself into one of the leading bridal consultants in the country, Fenoli’s simple message that everyone is beautiful and deserves respect is one that appeals to all kinds of people. 

 

His life philosophy is based on three tenets:  education, elevation and empowerment. He talked in-depth about his life and his beliefs in a presentation at Century Bride at Century Center South Bend in late fall. 

 

“Teachers need to be compensated,” Fenoli told the applauding crowd. “The only reason I’m here today is because of the great teachers I had.” He said his speech and biology teachers, in particular, influenced him to believe in himself and dream about somewhere outside the cattle farm in Illinois where he and his siblings were raised.

 

“We only use 10 percent of our brain,” he added. “If we had more education there would be less bullying, less hurtful words, more acceptance and less wars.”

 

Many brides and women, in general, have body image issues, Fenoli said, speaking to his particular philosophy of elevation. He said magazine models and Hollywood stars might be inspirational to brides, but perspective is needed as is acceptance. The “f” word he doesn’t allow is the word “fat,” preferring ‘curvy.’

 

Fenoli’s down-to-earth style resonates with brides and non-brides; old and young, men and women.

 

 

Some "Randyisms" from his South Bend Presentation

• Don’t be half naked in a religious place. Do that on the honeymoon! A shrug, bolero or capelet is a nice accessory that can be removed at the reception. 

• Tell your story at your wedding, whether it be by serving sushi, vegan or whatever else you love.

• Find your look, even if it means wearing fairy wings, as was the case with one bride who met her future husband while working at Archie comics. If you want rustic princess chic, you can have it

• I can’t go to weddings anymore as I don’t want to take anything away from the bride

• Every dress is cut differently and will look different from person to person. TRY IT ON!

• One of the reasons strapless dresses are so popular is that they allow a certain freedom of movement that you don’t find with sleeves. 

• Spend money on accessories that you’re going to be wearing again.

• I don’t believe in Bridezillas. You want to look your best on your wedding day and why shouldn’t everything be perfect?

• Bring your mom to your appointment to find a dress. She generally has your best interests at heart.

• Stay within your budget and don’t try on anything that is over what you’re willing to spend. 

• Don’t bring anyone along who might say something like “that dress makes your hips look wide.”

• Suits and tuxes should be fitted properly and not be oversized or baggy.

• Silhouette and proportion are key; try to keep a balanced look.

• In my opinion, the 80s were the worst decade of fashion ever. 

• Princess Kate got everything just right. The dress was long-sleeved, but it looked like it was painted on her body

• Good alterations are a must. 

• When choosing bridesmaids dresses remember– these are your friends!

• Your wedding is like a roller coaster, you can either put your arms up in the air and enjoy the ride or throw your head over the side and puke!

• I love watching the ice skaters in the Olympics. You realize that a fall on the ice doesn’t define you. It’s getting up and going on that does.