Wedding Essentials, Canada Lifestyle Edition | Summer/Fall 2017 by Wedding Essentials Canada

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Be inspired by fabulous gowns, With the to usethe of your smart phone, you can scan any one ments. flip through flowers, sweet treats and décor elements. Just flip through to the Table of Contents on and you’ll be carried he sameJust magazine that of the QR Codes in our Advertisers’ Directory and 12 and you’ll carried off on an off on an enjoyable journey of wedding planning. have the printbe version immediately receive the information that you need. You can Enjoy, ding planning. also scan the QR Code at the bottom of this letter and r publications, The Savvy John Webster | Publisher Enjoy, but we are on the n. e, you can scan any one Directory and n that you need. You can John Webster | Publisher of this8letter and Essentials 2 0 1 John Webster | Publisher | Wedding 6

8 | Wedding Essentials 2017

the experts Come through Wedding Essentials is here to help you with the important questions – like those related to planning a perfect wedding!

BACHELOR PARTY

My best buddy since kindergarten has asked me to be his Best Man for his September wedding. Neither of us is a “party-till-you-drop” type. Any suggestions for a bachelor party?

A. More and more people are trending away from the drunken bash of days gone by. Putting together a (miniature) golf tournament would be something different. It could easily be adjusted to become a “buck-and-doe”, involving the whole wedding party. Or these days, you could try pickle-ball – even though it’s often played by older folks, it’s indoors (so weather-proof), can be quite active, and the community centres have all the facilities, including lockers and showers. Anything from bowling, scenic hikes with a catered lunch or perhaps water park can help ease the feeling of needing to be surrounded in booze to all hours of the night.

MISSING RSVP CARDS

Help! I have nightmares about having to guess the numbers for the guarantee for our wedding dinner, because few of the guests have returned their reply cards. What can I do?

A. Sadly, this is common. A few weeks before the caterers deadline, make a list of those who haven’t responded, and call/email to ask if their invitation arrived, and if they plan to attend. Whoever knows the guest(s) best should do the contact. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the calls, so you can easily meet the caterer’s deadline for the head count/guarantee.

THANK-YOU NOTES

I hate writing letters. And I’m always so busy. Couldn’t I just phone to thank people for gifts?

A. No and no. Thank-you notes are not optional. They are a must, whether the wedding is traditional, or more casual. Each note should have a hand-written reference to the gift you have received. Your guests have taken the time to select something unique for you, and you want them to know that you are sincere in your appreciation of their gift. All thank-you notes should be sent out no later than two months after the wedding. The sooner, the better. Keep meticulous records of what has been received and when the thank-you notes were sent.

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Wedding Essentials V O L . 1 9 , N O . 1 | S U M M E R / FA L L 2 0 1 7

PUBLISHER John Webster | Publisher@WeddingEssentials.ca

CHAIR OF EDITORIAL BOARD David Jones | Editor@WeddingEssentials.ca

DIRECTOR

OUT-OF-TOWNERS

any of our guests will be coming from quite a distance M to attend our wedding. How can we let them know that we really appreciate their taking the time to join us on our special day?

A. A wedding-day breakfast or luncheon would be a nice touch. A friend or relative could host it. You and the groom are not expected to attend; neither are immediate members of your family. Consider something quite informal. Examples: a quiche for breakfast, with fruit and/or juice, and coffee. For lunch, what about sandwiches, cheese and fruit, coffee/tea/soft drinks. If your outof-town guests aren’t overly familiar with Southern Ontario, what about having a small goodie bag waiting for them at their hotel when they arrive? Include a map of the area along with suggestions or brochures for ways for them to enjoy themselves for a couple of days in this great part of the Province. The Ontario tourism offices are great sources for ideas.

Carolyn Ryan | Carolyn@WeddingEssentials.ca

DESIGN Priscilla Di Carlo | Design@WeddingEssentials.ca

ACCOUNTING Kelly McClatchey | Finance@WeddingEssentials.ca

ADVERTISING SALES JohnWebster@WeddingEssentials.ca Wedding Essentials is published by The Town Crier of Markham Inc. ©Copyright 2017 The Town Crier of Markham Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any form without the written permission of the publishers is prohibited. Wedding Essentials and Internet Bridal Show are registered trade names of The Town Crier of Markham Inc., and the unauthorized use of these trade names is strictly prohibited.

Have a question you would like to have answered? We would love to help get your questions answered by any one of our talented experts on hand. Whether the content be about any given wedding category, we will dig deep to find the answers you require. Please feel free to email you question to our editor and not to forget to include ‘Expert Answers’ in the subject line. We would love to hear from you! Email: Editor@WeddingEssentials.ca Subject: Expert Answers Instead you may choose to ask your question in our Facebook group ‘Wedding Survival for Ontario Couples’ for an instant response from not only us, but other Ontario brides around you.

The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, neither Wedding Essentials nor The Town Crier of Markham Inc. can or will be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed herein. FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CONTACT Wedding Essentials | 1 Town Crier Lane, Markham ON L3P 2T9 Phone: 416.498.4996 | Email: JohnWebster@WeddingEssentials.ca For more wedding tips, trends and information, check out our rapidly-expanding website at www.WeddingEssentials.ca Printed in Canada. Like us! facebook.com/BrideEssentials Follow us! twitter.com/BrideEssentials Pin us! pinterest.com/BrideEssentials Join us! instagram.com/BrideEssentials

Wedding Essentials 2017 | 11

contents 18

vol. 19, no. 2 summer/fall 2017

features 10

THE EXPERTS COME THROUGH Questions and answers from our readers and professionals.

WELL DESERVED PRE-WEDDING PARTIES Be sure to make some time for yourselves from all the planning.

KIDS OR NO KIDS? Kid-friendly choices to keep them – and you – happy at wedding celebrations.

5 TIPS ON PLANNING AN ECO FRIENDLY WEDDING There are many ways to let the fun begin while keeping mother nature in mind.

FACEBOOK FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Answers to common questions found on social media.

10 PRACTICAL TIPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE AND GET FIT It isn’t all about losing weight, but also about preparing the mind, body and soul.

WEDDING SPECIAL FX Wedding celebrations fireworks that dazzle and delight.

YOUR DOG IN YOUR WEDDING Fetching ideas to include your furry friend.

WEDDING TRANSPORTATION TO-DO LIST This helpful list will help you keep on track which will make a difference in the end.

DEALING WITH UNINVITED WEDDING GUESTS What should you do when uninvited guests turn up and gatecrash your wedding?

HOW TO AVOID WEDDING PLANNING FIGHTS A little advance preparation paves the way for smoother wedding planning.

LEGALITIES OF A MARRIAGE IN ONTARIO Although its not terribly romantic to work on this part, it is just as important.

3 EFFECTIVE TIPS FOR GIVING A CONFIDENT BEST MAN WEDDING SPEECH Many tips can leave you still unsure of the right words to say. These tips are sure to help.

10 TRENDY WEDDING THEMES FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY Planning your wedding becomes easier when a theme is involved.

106

HOUSE RULES Making the best deal. Saving the most money.

A free Gift for you

Wedding planner for Ontario brides

The Bride’s Survival Guide is a 128-page planner/organizer created specifically for brides in SouthCentral Ontario. It gives you detailed information on every aspect of getting married – from how to word your invitations to how to pack for your honeymoon. To request your FREE copy [a $39.95 value], complete and mail the postcard opposite page 82. Or you can complete the request form online at www.WeddingEssentials.ca. [Quantities are limited.]

12 | Wedding Essentials 2017

contents

105

102

inspirations 16

TOP 5 QUALITIES THAT MAKE FOR A LONG-LASTING MARRIAGE There are ways to make it work year after year.

WHY HAVING A DEDICATED SPACE TO GET READY IS SO IMPORTANT Before the rush and excitement of the day, take a moment for you.

COLOURFUL MIND SET WHEN PLANNING FLOWERS Everything you should keep in mind when selecting both your blooms and your florist.

40 GREAT WEDDING GIFT IDEAS Hopeful list to either pass on to your wedding party or begin your registry.

FLORAL FANTASY Fabulous flowers are key components of memorable weddings.

FASHION PASSION A perfect gown reflects a vision of the bride that will be cherished for a long time.

EDIBLE ART Decadently delicious concoctions figure prominently in wedding celebrations.

SAY GOODBYE TO THE TRADITIONAL WEDDING GUEST BOOK Tradition with a twist with guest books.

THE BRIDAL VEIL The veil transforms a woman wearing a beautiful white gown into a bride.

THE LORE OF THE WEDDING RING The wedding ring still has deep religious significance in today’s society.

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BOOKING A DRONE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER The highs and lows of aerial photography for you and your guests.

8 UNIQUE & UNPREDICTABLE WEDDING THEMES Great ideas that others have done in the past and you can do too!

100 6 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR WEDDING

REHEARSAL DINNER Helpful things to keep in mind when planning the night prior to your wedding.

102 LOVELY LIPS

…for luscious kissable moments.

104 THE BRIDAL GARTER

In ancient times the garter was a prize catch… but is it now?

105 SOMETHING BLUE

The meaning behind this custom has been lost in history but still carries on.

114 QUICK NLP TIP TO REDUCE WEDDING DAY JITTERS

It’s okay to feel nervous. Here is a way to handle that feeling.

88 14 | Wedding Essentials 2017

directories 108

reception reference guide A quick chart of Ontario’s finest wedding venues.

110

advertisers directory Contact information and QR Codes.

Top 5

Qualities that Make for a Marriage

Long-Lasting

If you love your significant other and hope to have a long, healthy relationship, there are ways to make it work year after year.

People marry for a variety of reasons, from companionship and fear of remaining single to pregnancy and money. However, statistics from a 2013 Pew Research Center survey suggests that love is still the number-one reason (88%) people marry. Nonetheless, many marriages still end in divorce. If you love your significant other and hope to have a long, healthy relationship, there are ways to make it work year after year. Here are five must-have qualities for a longlasting marriage.

Communication

The most important factor in a long-lasting marriage is good communication. Not just the type of good communication used to avoid conflict and resolve issues, but communication that allows two people to discuss everyday topics and enjoy each other’s company. Most marriage experts will tell you that the biggest cause for divorce isn’t money. It’s a lack of communication. In fact, many experts will tell you that couples are in a better position to save their marriage merely by improving their communication skills. Here are a couple of communication ideas you may want to keep in mind:  Make your marriage about “we” not “me”  Share yourself when you communicate ideas, feelings, fears, concerns, etc.  Commit to the conversation with your undivided attention

Keep in mind that communication is about talking and listening; this applies in particular to marriage.

Commonalities

While many say that opposites attract, to have a successful marriage it’s important to have things in common, if for no other reason than to have a topic of conversation. Having commonalities doesn’t require you to agree on everything. It merely suggests that you and your partner have similar goals, values, and interests. Differences are okay, too. However, it is important to consider if your differences diametrically oppose each other. For instance, if you are a meat-and-potatoes person and your partner is vegan, you can work around this difference easier than if you like to save aggressively and your partner wants to spend freely.

Trust

Trust in marriage isn’t just about fidelity. Trust refers to knowing that your significant other always has your back and will support you and your decisions regardless of the situation. Having that kind of support goes a long way toward allowing you and your partner to build a deeper relationship. Additionally, trust in marriage requires two people to focus on their relationship and not take each other for granted. With so many other obligations in your life - career, family, and personal activities - this can be one of the most difficult commitments to make.

Friendship

The smartest thing you can do is to marry your best friend. If the person you marry is someone you would want to have as a friend even if you weren’t in love, then you’re likely starting right. Your best friend is the first person you want to talk to whenever you have something important to share. Your best friend is someone whose company you enjoy even if you’re just riding silently in a car together. Your best friend makes you laugh and offers you a shoulder when you cry. Your best friend should be your spouse.

Compromise

Marriage includes two people, two opinions, two sides to every story. People usually get into arguments because they want to be right. Compromise will keep those arguments to a minimum, but it requires a conscious effort. You can do this by:  Keeping an open mind and listening instead of thinking about your next move  Letting things (especially past slights) go  Understanding your partner’s side of the issue Compromise doesn’t mean you should always give in. It’s about meeting your spouse halfway by finding common ground. Marriage isn’t for everyone. It takes effort. If you’re willing to take the time, put in the energy, and focus on these five qualities, it can be a fulfilling experience. WE

Wedding Essentials 2017 | 17

Well Deserved

Pre-Wedding Parties

Relax and enjoy! You might think that there’s no time for relaxation with all the planning and work that goes into making sure your special day is, indeed, special. But prewedding parties and showers are the perfect time for you to sit back, take your shoes off and savour just being with friends and family. After all, they’ve come together to wish the best in life for you and your fiancé. And after the parties are over, it just takes a moment to let your host know you appreciated their kindness. A simple gesture — flowers, a thank-you note, or a small gift — will convey the message that you love what they did for you.

Engagement Parties Unlike many of the get-togethers that are held before a wedding, an engagement party

18 | Wedding Essentials 2017

is something that you and your fiancé attend together. In general, gifts are not given at these gatherings. Although anybody can host, at least one set of parents is usually involved and sometimes both. The engagement party can be centred around a lunch, brunch, dinner or cocktails and light refreshments. Some couples even throw the parties themselves, using the opportunity to make the announcement to family and friends that they’ve set a date for a wedding. But use discretion before taking this route. You’ll know if your parents would be upset by this sort of announcement or if they would be pleased at the surprise. Your wedding should be one of the happiest milestones in your lives and you don’t want to start down that road by upsetting those near and dear to you with the style of announcement.

Bridal Showers In the months and weeks leading up to your wedding, it’s likely that friends and/or relatives will want to host one or more showers in your honour. The shower tradition has always been based on the desire to help a bride and groom outfit their new home or add to the bride’s trousseau. Among older engaged couples, co-ed showers are preferred and they’re a perfect occasion for friends and wellwishers to get together and have a good time. However, the more common shower remains the one given for brides by female friends and relatives. It is a given that shower guests bring gifts, as the idea is to “shower” the bride with things she’ll need in her new life.

Planning The host generally is a close friend, maid of honour, relative or bridesmaid. She arranges the location of the shower (usually in a home) and provides light refreshments. Although your immediate family may help, it’s not considered proper for them or the mother of the bride or groom to host the shower. Doing so can appear self-serving.

and a huge, affordable price range with a plethora of wonderful kitchen centres all over Southern Ontario. The hostess might consider personalizing this sort of shower even more by asking guests to come with a favourite recipe which could be saved for a scrapbook, especially if someone also snaps pictures. It can be helpful if you register at a store or stores for items you need.

Usually, people invited to the shower are also invited to the wedding. This doesn’t mean that hosts should arrange huge showers with everyone who’s invited to the wedding also being invited to the shower. This would come across more like a gift grab than a friendly gettogether. Small is the way to go. And intimate gatherings can be much more fun.

If the shower has been organized by some close friends, a theme like lingerie and personals can be a lot of fun. Gifts can include sexy loungewear, peignoir sets, camisoles, perfume and all sorts of special items designed to enhance your private moments together. Bedroom and bathroom is another possible theme for a shower.

In cases such as office showers organized by your co-workers, it may not be necessary to invite everyone to your wedding, as not every person there will be a close friend. Your co-workers will understand. In fact, when it comes to the actual guest list, it’s best if you and the host of your shower keep in close touch. That way no one’s feelings will be hurt at being left out and uncomfortable situations can be avoided.

If you and the host are having trouble deciding on a theme, talk to friends and relatives. The memories of successful showers stay with people and you’re bound to get some imaginative suggestions.

If the plan is to have more than one shower, make sure your hosts don’t invite the same people. You don’t want to cause financial strain for your friends and family. Because showers are meant to be easygoing, casual affairs, invitations to them can be verbal. Nevertheless, a written invitation is going to carry more weight and be more memorable. Commercial invitations — available at stationery stores — are perfectly acceptable. All you have to do is fill in the appropriate names, address of shower location, time and date. They can be plain or humorous. Be sure to mention a theme if you’ve decided on one and also request an RSVP. Mail them off at least a couple of weeks before the event. Following up with a phone call is a smart way to determine that there will be enough refreshments on hand. So be sure to supply your host with a list of all phone numbers. Theme Showers Themes are practical for showers. They can help prevent duplicate gifts, especially if more than one shower has been organized. And if you and the groom have been living together and have all your kitchen goods, a theme shower can give the gatherings a practical focus. For the bride and groom just setting up their first household, the sky’s the limit. Kitchen showers offer endless gift possibilities

Opening the Gifts It will be easier for you to enjoy yourself if you get someone to help keep track of who gave what. Tags can get misplaced in all the excitement. So ask your best buddy or favourite aunt to write down who gave what as soon as you’ve opened the gift. And if your helper is handy with a camera, have her take a picture of you with your gift and its giver. After the shower, you can send a copy of the picture with a thank-you note. Capturing the joy of the moment is something you’ll both appreciate. Otherwise, a few words from the heart on a card or note immediately after the shower will be more than sufficient in expressing your thanks.

Attendant Parties You may wish to thank your maid of honour, your bridesmaids, the best man and the ushers for their help and support as you both approach the big day by hosting a luncheon or dinner party. This can also be a good occasion for giving them their gifts. Bonus: It can ease some pre-wedding jitters if everyone meets socially and gets to know each other just a little before the wedding day.

Shower

Themes  OUTDOORS From sports items to recreational, barbecue and gardening goodies, the range of possibilties is wide. Examples: Tennis rackets. Ornamental flower pots. Patio lounge chair. Roller blades. Bike accessories.  KITCHEN If you’ve been to any modern kitchen outlet recently, you’ll know there’s a lot more out there than just toasters (although some of them are pretty snazzy.) Examples: Cookware. Decorations. Kitchen art. Utensils.  BEDROOM/PERSONAL Keep this theme for small gatherings of close friends. Examples: Lingerie. Perfume and aromatherapy items. Night table accessories like clocks and phones.  LINEN & TOWELS Tried and true. Couples can always use towels, facecloths, sheets, pillowcases, pillows and blankets. It’s best if the hostess can let guests know in advance what colour schemes are preferred by the bride and groom, as well as what size bed they’ll have and what kind of pillows they like.  OUT AND ABOUT Examples: Tickets to entertainment events, dinner theatre and sports events. Restaurant certificates. Maid-for-a-day vouchers.

Some brides may prefer an outing that is restricted solely to the maid of honour and bridesmaids. Whatever you decide, these special friends will know and appreciate your gesture of thanks.

Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties The bachelor party has been around about as long as organized weddings. The bachelorette party is a more recent arrival, but both are designed to herald the end of the bride and groom’s “single” days. It’s probably best that

Wedding Essentials 2017 | 19

they be held at least a week before the wedding so that everyone has a chance to recover, as these parties can last well into the night. The bachelor party is generally given by the groom’s best man and/or his brother, or a close friend or relative, and can involve a night out “on the town” with a lot of drinking, toasting and the traditional smashing of the glasses after the toast to the bride is made. Some grooms may prefer a quiet night out with one or two friends. If so, he should make that plain to his best man. Those giving the bachelor party should consider the style and personality of the groom and let him celebrate the way he sees fit.

Bachelor Parties Drunken bacchanals do not have to be the order of the day. Consider a road trip to Montreal by train or van and spend a day together enjoying the sights, skiing or visiting museums and galleries. A tennis, golf or squash tournament can also be fun if the participants are “seeded” and trophies awarded at a pub after the event.

Bachelorette Parties Get away from the traditional shower by considering one of these:  A weekend at a spa. Hint: Ask about group rates.  Visit a psychic together  Rent a bunch of wedding videos such as Bridesmaids, Father of the Bride, Four weddings and a Funeral, Runaway Bride and My Best Friend’s Wedding, and have a casual day sitting around laughing and talking.

Bachelorette parties are usually hosted by your maid of honour or other attendants and generally only very close friends are invited. It may take the form of an adult slumber party with some toasts to the new life to come and some hilarious, all-night reminiscences. As an alternative, it may be an intimate dinner party at a favourite restaurant or a visit to some old “singles” haunts. Like the party for the groom, it’s best if the bachelorettes get together at least several days before the wedding so you are well rested for the big day. It’s also wise for you and your groom to discuss with each other what you plan to do at your single send-offs. You are starting new lives together and if any activities at these parties are troublesome to either of you, it’s best to talk about it. The only clouds on a wedding day should be the ones in the sky, the ones over which you have no control.

Rehearsal Dinner Regardless of when your rehearsal takes place, the rehearsal dinner happens the night before the wedding and is another occasion you can use to thank your attendants. It is customary for the groom’s family to host this party — although they might ask you or your mother for suggestions about the location, especially if they are not from Southern Ontario. If his family cannot or will not play hosts, it’s okay for your family to do the job. The degree of formality is the host’s call. It can be anything from a backyard barbecue to a

Tip:

Out-of-town Guests

20 | Wedding Essentials 2017

formal sit-down dinner. The basic rule is that the rehearsal dinner not be more formal than the wedding, especially if the groom’s family is giving it. For the rehearsal dinner, the guest list should include all the members of the wedding party (except the flower girl and ring bearer), the officiant, parents and grandparents of the bride and groom, and siblings of you both if they are not in the wedding party. If you or the groom have stepparents, they should be invited along with their spouses. However, they should not be seated next to their former spouses. Husbands, wives, fiancées, fiancés and significant others of the people in the wedding party should be invited — but not dates. Children from the previous marriage of the bride or groom can also be included unless they are too young. Feel free to include out-of-town guests, close friends, aunts, uncles and godparents if you want. Your invitation to the rehearsal dinner may be nothing more elaborate than a store-bought card on which you fill in the date, time and place. A handwritten note will also suffice, or you can simply call people on the phone. Use the occasion of the rehearsal dinner to present the gifts to your attendants if they have not already been given. This is also a good time for the attendants to present their gifts to you both. If you want to avoid having the rehearsal dinner drag on through the night, make sure that toasts are made during the dinner, not afterwards. The host — often the groom’s father — should make the first toast, welcoming the guests and expressing his feelings about the forthcoming marriage. The bride’s father usually follows with a return toast, and then the ushers, bridesmaids and anyone else who wishes to take part propose their own toasts. The attendant toasts are usually designed to be quite amusing, consisting of anecdotes, jokes and poems drawn from the couple’s past. Sometimes the bride and groom will themselves stand and speak about each other, ending by proposing a toast first to their respective parents and then to all their friends and relatives in attendance. WE

If you have out-of-town guests, it can be a welcoming gesture if your relatives or friends host a wedding-day breakfast or luncheon. You are not expected to attend on such a busy day, but this warm welcome can make your guests feel at home and know that you’re happy they could come. Immediate members of the bride and groom’s families are not expected to attend. Another welcoming gesture if your guests are staying for a few days would be to have a small gift basket waiting at their hotel when they arrive, along with a map of the area and perhaps some suggestions for ways they can enjoy themselves while in Southern Ontario.

Kids or

No Kids? Kid-friendly choices to keep them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and you â&#x20AC;&#x201C; happy at wedding celebrations

by Judy Johnson

22 | Wedding Essentials 2017

She wants kids. He doesn’t. We’re not talking about family planning here but one of the most controversial issues you will face when you are making the plans for your wedding. Everyone has an opinion, usually a strong one. Are you going to invite children to your wedding ceremony and reception? When making your decision, consider both the bride’s and groom’s points of view. Her memories of kids at weddings are golden ones - girls in pastel dresses, flower-bedecked hair, black patent shoes atop dad’s as they glide around the dance floor. She pictures little girls and boys all agog as they have their picture taken with the bride and groom. His experiences are a little different. He remembers tired, cranky little tikes running around the reception hall, careening by carefully decorated tables. He pictures little finger gouges in the cake he and his fiancée spent days (and two arguments) deciding on. The chocolate fruit fountain would be a magnet for the little ones- chocolate all over faces and clothes, annoyed mothers, messy tablecloths.

The Kids Are Coming You’ve talked it over and decided that it wouldn’t be the wedding you want without the children you’ve enjoyed so many good times with. Consider it like a mini-pregnancy (now there’s an oxymoron) and plan accordingly. You would want to control the situation as much as possible, plan ahead for the big event and get everything ready ahead of time so there are no unnecessary surprises and shortages of things you need. Ditto for the wedding day. Your mantra must be “keep the kids happy”. Busy children are happy children. Children who feel part of things are happy children. Children who aren’t too tired are happy children. And when the kids are happy, everybody’s happy. Tired, left-out, bored children are wedding disasters waiting to happen.

How To Invite Them Write the names of the children you wish to invite on the inner envelope, along with their parents’ names. Be sure to spell everybody’s name properly.

Child Labour Make ‘em work. Kids love small tasks that they can do well.

Wedding Essentials 2017 | 23

a changing table, with wipes, lidded trash container, baby powder, etc. Child-friendly tables and chairs are a must. Provide colouring books (with a bridal theme, if you wish), crayons and paint-with-water books (but no actual paints, in respect to those gorgeous little girl dresses and little boy attire). Video games for older kids are a sure bet. Pace the activities. For example, after colouring time, the sitters could pull out a big bag of pipe cleaners. Maybe in the colours of the bride, groom and wedding attendants so they could fashion the bridal party, or animals, or whatever. Buckets of Lego blocks are always hits.

Children could hand out the wedding program to guests just before they are ushered into the church. What about a bubble-blowing honour guard as you leave the church or enter the reception hall, flanked by all the children you invited to the wedding. Two or three older children could be responsible for making sure the adults sign the guest book. Children could hand out guest treats at the reception. Older children could be given disposable cameras at the reception and asked to take pictures for the bride and groom. What a unique opportunity to see your wedding from the viewpoint of the little people! These could become some of your most treasured wedding day memories.

Munchkin Munchies Kids like to be able to identify what they are eating and like familiar edibles. Have a special children’s plate option if the children are seated with their parents. You could have a kids’ buffet with choices of hot dogs and chips, grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken fingers and fries and fruit and cheese platters. An ice cream bar where they can decorate their dessert with caramel and chocolate sauce and sprinkles would be a mega-hit. What about “design-your-own-cupcake”? Supply cupcakes and an array of toppings. Juices, milk, bottled water and non-caffeinated pop make good beverage selections.

Just Kidding Bring in the specialists. Consider hiring childcare professionals to help kids with their meals and keep them occupied with games. What about having a kids only dining area and decorate it accordingly. Make the area as inviting as possible, perhaps using streamers coming down from balloons to create a merry-

24 | Wedding Essentials 2017

go-round type of “enclosure”. What about a picket fence, if it fits with your wedding theme? Centerpieces could be as simple as daisies for playing “she loves me, she loves me not” or boxes full of materials for activities. Have unique children’s favours, like bride cookies. Do kids love to dance? Is the sky blue? In a separate room or during the early part of the reception give the children the chance to strut their stuff. Have “kids” only dances where music could include the chicken dance and the twist. After dark, have an array of glow stick bracelets and necklaces. Have great prizes for everybody to avoid problems later. Do kids love to have their pictures taken? Is the grass green? Have a kids’ only session with the bride and groom. Every little girl dreams of becoming the princess the bride is on this special day and will be in awe of having her picture taken with her. Little boys love to whine about their shirts and suits but are secretly very proud of their grown-up look. Imagine playing “I spy” or a visual scavenger hunt at a wedding. You could do it with disposable cameras where paparazzi kids seek out a woman with long dark hair, a couple kissing and many other photo goals.

Just Spit It Out Ever found wedding speeches a tad long? Now imagine that from a kids’ point of view. If it takes more than two minutes, their focus is on doing other things, none of which will enhance this important part of the wedding reception. What about a separate, small room at the reception facility where the children can go during this time and for chunks of the reception? At the very least, have a far section of the reception hall cordoned off for a children’s area.

Colour Me Happy Experienced, trained babysitters could supervise a separate kids’ room. This could also be the place for

Goody bags for each child with activity materials and not-too-sweet treats are popular old-standbys.

Magical Moments Sometime during the reception, whether the kids are seated with their parents or in their own areas, provide them with a sheet or two of heavy drawing paper and a pack of washable crayons. Suggest they draw a picture of the bride and groom or anything else from the wedding that they would like. Ask them to take their drawings to a designated person where they can be included in a special kids’ “impressions of the day” book to be presented to the bride and groom. The person hosting this spot should be sure each drawing is signed with the child’s name, age and a special message for the wedding couple.

Send In The Clowns A kids’ only room makes a perfect place for kids’ entertainers to keep the little tikes entertained and happy. Kids love magic tricks, animals made from balloons, clowns and face painters. What about creating a little theatre? Have the child specialist you have hired create a story-line. Supply props such as necklaces, hats, old clothes and more to fit the theme. One corner of the room could be the video corner. Two or three popular videos for kids will keep them quietly occupied for a long time.

Nap Time A tired kid is a cranky kid. With all the excitement of the day, early rising and traveling to the church and reception, the little ones are going to get tuckered out at some point. Plan ahead for a place where they can rest. Perhaps in a corner of the kids’ only room? If the reception facility is a hotel, a guest room with a hired nanny makes a good option.

Child’s Play So, kids or no kids? Through careful planning ahead for the little ones at your wedding, you will help ensure that your memories of your wedding day include those magical, heartwarming, spontaneous moments that only children can create. WE

Inspirations for Your Autumn is when nature shows off its color and brings a crisp breeze into the air. For those who love fall, it’s the perfect season to get married. Here are some tips for making your fall wedding something spectacular.

Get inspired by color. Magnificent color displays are one aspect of fall that makes it a unique and gorgeous time of year. Use the colors of fall to inspire you when you are choosing hues for your décor, bridal party attire and other elements of your wedding. . Dark burgundy is a rich, stunning color that brings elegance to a formal or semi-formal affair. It looks amazing on bridesmaids’ dresses and ribbons.  Gold is a trending bridal color that offers a hint of luxury. A metallic gold is a lovely contemporary choice.  Rust orange is a wonderful color for a natural setting or a rustic themed wedding.  Deep brown is a warm alternative to black and is beautiful on table linens and décor.  Dark aubergine is an autumn purple that brings a regal feeling to your ceremony.

Choose incredible seasonal flowers. Some of the most breath-taking flowers are in season during the fall. Choose from a variety of extraordinary floral options.  Mums are the perfect fall flower. Their large blooms command attention, and they come in amazing shades of orange, red and yellow.  Dark burgundy dahlias bring drama to your bouquet and centerpieces.  For a rustic or country wedding, consider a collection of orange gerber daisies with a rust colored ribbon around the stems.

26 | Wedding Essentials 2017

Fall Wedding

 Asiatic lilies are pretty in a glass vase on a table.  Dark red roses are elegant at an evening wedding.  Sunflowers are the perfect choice for a barn wedding in fall.

Get creative with autumn details. Fall offers a number of lovely choices when it comes to adding unique details to your wedding décor. Take advantage of some beautiful symbols of fall by incorporating them into table decorations or bouquets.  Pumpkins are wonderful signs of the season. Consider carving out pumpkins to fill with mums or dahlias as centerpieces. You can also use different sized pumpkins on your cake table.  Add some sprigs of beautiful berries to your bouquet.  Use pale green artichokes in your floral arrangements.  Place acorns next to the centerpieces on your reception tables.  Decorate your hair with fresh flowers in reds and oranges.  Pretty pinecones bring a whimsical touch to your table décor.  Spray paint pumpkins, pinecones or other details with gold paint.  Use acorns, wheat or sprigs of pine leaves in the men’s boutonnieres.  Dip leaves or tree branches in gold paint, and add them to your bouquet or floral arrangements.  Have someone carve your initials into a pumpkin.

Send your guests with something special. Give your guests something with a

touch of autumn to take home with them after your special day.  Pinecone shaped candles are pretty and useful.  Leaf shaped bottle openers remind your guests of your wedding every time they open a bottle.  Candy apples are a fun way to celebrate fall.

Pay homage to the holidays. Fall is the beginning of the holiday season, so use your wedding to start the celebration.  Set up a cornucopia as a centerpiece on your table at the reception.  Incorporate orange and black into your décor as a nod to Halloween.  Decorate the alter with pretty poinsettias.

Make your wedding unique. It’s always fun to add a few little details to make your wedding an event that guests will always remember. Use these special additions to express your personality on your wedding day.  Have guests throw colorful fall leaves instead of birdseed or rice.  Have flower girls drop fall leaves for your walk down the aisle.  Serve spiced apple cider at your reception.  Get married in an orchard, and treat your guests to an apple picking excursion.  Get married outdoors next to a campfire.  Give guests snuggly blankets as favors.  Serve cider donuts during the cocktail hour.  Set up a hot cocoa bar with chocolate chips, whipped cream and marshmallows. Your autumn wedding can be a magical, magnificent affair. Use these ideas as inspiration for focusing on the fall season as you celebrate your love for each other. WE

Wedding Essentials 2017 | 27

Tips

on Planning an

Wedding So the hard part is over, right? He asked, you said yes and the ring of your dreams – a gorgeous, conflict free, eco-friendly Pure Grown Diamond – sits atop your finger. Now the fun begins! To match your eco-friendly engagement, it’s time to start planning your ecofriendly wedding.

To help get things moving, we present our Top 5 Tips:

The Invitations While fancy, ornate invites may grab your guests’ attention, there are a number of equally gorgeous alternatives that use 100% recycled materials. Some invites, like those from Botanical Paper Works, are even plantable – embedded with flower, plant or herb seeds. If you prefer, you can nix paper all together and stick to e-vites or your wedding web page to share details.

The Dress Cover your something old and something borrowed, by wearing your mom’s dress. If it’s not quite your style (hello 70s!), have it tailored to make it your own. As an alternative, check out local vintage shops for wedding attire. If you do buy a new gown, find a designer who uses sustainable fabrics – think organic cotton or silk.

The Pictures Digital cameras are a must for a green wedding. Have your guests snap photos with their smart phones – most of which take high-quality images these days – and share online. Provide weddingspecific #hashtags, so photos become searchable, or try an app like WedPics that provides an easy way for guests to share snapshots in a single digital album.

28 | Wedding Essentials 2017

The Flowers By choosing a local, organic florist for your bouquets, you’ll support both the environment and your community. Skip out-of-season blooms since they’ll have to be shipped (i.e., wasteful packaging, fuel, etc.). For the DIYers, why not craft boutonnieres and bouquets from paper (Paper-Source has easy crafting kits). For the reception tables, decorate with things you can reuse in your home after the wedding, like candles or potted plants.

The Reception Utilize nature’s beauty as the backdrop for your special day by choosing a local garden, park, or body of water as your venue. Look for a caterer who uses locally grown food to create an organic menu. Since the food is coming from a shorter distance, less fuel is needed to transport it. Ditch the wedding favors completely or give your guests a donation favor by planting a tree in their name instead. WE Author: TJ Walker, Pure Grown Diamonds

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FAQ’s from our Facebook group:

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Wedding Survival for Ontario Couples

's ide Br uide E G E FR vival quest r u r S on e up

WEDDING SURVIVAL

List of loc al Ontario Sho ws

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Wedding Essentia ls Newssta nd Edition Join our Ontario facebook group WeddingSurvival

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A great place where you can discuss, ask, sell, buy or research all aspects of your wedding with like-minded friends in Ontario. Proudly Canadian, we thrive on lending a helping hand. From the ‘Yes!’ to the ‘I do’ this group will be there for you every step of the way which will make things that little bit easier. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding day!

Group Member May 24 at 1:04pm I’m a worrier. I keep rerunning a picture of me slipping as I’m walking down the aisle or at the reception, looking like one of those most embarrassing moments videos you see created into a meme. My mom just says to calm down and stop worrying. Do you guys freak out with this worry too? Like  Share View more comments Wedding Survival for Ontario Couples Often brides and grooms try on their new shoes when buying them and then don’t take them out of the box until just before the wedding. So, those smooth leather soles end up being very slippery. Roughen up your soles with sandpaper so that you have some traction on a shiny floor. Practice walking in them until they feel very comfortable. You don’t want a pained expression on your face, as you dance the night away at your reception. Another idea is to calmly close your eyes and visualize yourself walking down the aisle all the way to the end. Even athletes use this tactic before performing and although they don’t seem like it...their worry is real too. While visualizing we can let our nervousness get the better of us and actually slip or fall in our visualization. If so, simply start again. Do this until you get the walk down the aisle perfect each day. This actually helps you to not get so worked up over it that you actually make it happen. Take the time every day to close your eyes and visualize your walk all the way to the end done perfectly each time. It will no longer be a worry when the day comes. Like • May 24 at 10:38am

30 | Wedding Essentials 2017

Group Member June 18 at 9:24am My best friend’s very expensive wedding dress split a seam during the reception. Now it’s my turn to be bride – this winter. Is there any way to avoid that type of problem? Like  Share View more comments Wedding Survival for Ontario Couples Often brides and grooms try on their new shoes when Put your wedding gown through its paces. Most brides-to-be put on the dress and walk to the mirrors, do a couple of turns and thats it. You need to go through movements youll be doing on your wedding day. Sit down, kneel, rotate your arms, put your arms above your head, bend over, pretend youre hugging or dancing with somebody. Does the fabric pull anywhere? Time to talk to your dressmaker. Like • June 18 at 10:24am

Group Member April 2 at 12:34am This will be my second wedding, but the first for my fiancé. I never had a white wedding the first time. I’d like to wear a traditional long white wedding gown and carry a gorgeous bouquet, but I’m not sure if this would be considered bad taste. Like  Share View more comments Wedding Survival for Ontario Couples Today a white wedding gown is considered a symbol of tradition, not of virginity. Every wedding is a new beginning and therefore is deserving of being celebrated in style. Not only can you wear a long white wedding gown, but an off-the-face bridal veil is also considered acceptable. However, long trains and long veils are still considered appropriate for first weddings only. Like • April 2 at 8:29am

Group Member July 12 at 4:19pm While we would love to host a big splash for the rehearsal dinner, our finances are simply too tight to do so. Do you have some suggestions for us? Like  Share View more comments Wedding Survival for Ontario Couples If the wedding will take place in the warmer months, a wonderful idea for a rehearsal dinner, relaxing and special, would be a picnic or barbeque. You have lots of scope for creativity here, using inexpensive decorations like balloons and candles to set the stage for an enjoyable evening. Its sure to evoke thoughts of warmer, sunnier climes. A great way to bring people together is to let them know the vibe of what they are walking into. If the dinner is hosted at a restaurant or event hall then many times certain ideas become expected. If you have a potluck at a home, this allow guests to know that you are looking for a more relaxed comfortable setting. The way that you set up the rehearsal get together in advance will be suitable for all involved as they know what to expect. Once your party attendants are informed they will dress accordingly and be happy to share this night with you in any way that you have chosen. Like • July 12 at 5:32pm

Wedding Essentials 2017 | 31

Planning the Perfect Wedding:

Why Having a

Dedicated

Space

to Get Ready is So Important by be conrad Whether you are deep into your wedding planning or just getting started, you know how complicated, and how stressful, the process can be. Planning a wedding is not one process - it is an endless series of small details. In order for the big day to come off without a hitch, all of those tiny interrelated details need to come together to form a cohesive whole. From the flowers in the bridal bouquet to the wedding cake on the table at the reception hall, you want everything to be perfect. No detail is too large, or too small, in your quest for the perfect wedding. In all the wedding planning chaos, it is important to have a relaxing oasis where you can relax, unwind and recharge your batteries. Creating a separate dedicated space where you can get ready for the big day, try on your bridal gown one last time and share secrets with your bridesmaids, is an essential part of the big day. If you are lucky, the venue you have chosen will have thought of everything, and they will

32 | Wedding Essentials 2017

have just such a space set up and ready for you to use. If you are one of those lucky brides, everything you need, from the makeup vanity and the full-length mirror and the steamers, will be right at your disposal. Unfortunately, many wedding venues do not have all these essential items at their disposal. If you are getting married at the local church or the hotel down the street, they may not have a dedicated space for you to get ready and perfect your wedding day look. In that case, you will need to create your own bridal oasis, but doing so is not as difficult as you might think. Many brides and wedding planners do not realize that they can rent everything they need for the big day. If the hotel does not have a makeup vanity in the room, you can rent one and have it brought in when you need it. Before you know it, you will look, and feel, like a movie star. By the time the photographer arrives for the first candid shots, you will look like a fashion model, and you will be proud of how you look in the wedding photos.

When it comes time to put on your wedding gown for the final time before the ceremony, you can use a rented full-length mirror to check out your look and make sure every pearl and every piece of lace is perfect. Instead of squinting into the tiny bathroom mirror at the hotel and hoping you look your best, you can know how great you look simply by glancing in the full-length mirror. You can even rent a wardrobe rack and a steamer to make your wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses absolutely stunning. Instead of wrinkling in the hotel room closet, your essential wedding wardrobe will be right there on the rack, waiting for you and your wedding party to put it on. Movie stars and fashion models understand the importance of a luxurious dressing room, and now brides to be can enjoy the same level of pampering and careful preparation. By making wedding day rentals part of the planning process, you can have everything you need at your fingertips, so you can relax and enjoy the ceremony. WE

Wedding Essentials 2017 | 33

Colourful MindSet

when Planning Flowers Flowers have long been connected with many of the most joyous occasions of life, such as births, anniversaries and other happy, special occasions. With their associations of beauty, freshness and rebirth, flowers are a natural complement to the ceremonies of life.

There is a tremendous amount of labour involved in making flower arrangements, decorations, floral bouquets for the bride and attendants, and floral accessories for other members of the wedding party and close relatives.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why flowers and floral decorations have traditionally been an important part of the wedding and the celebration of marriage. Whether your wedding is going to be styled along traditional lines or with a more contemporary theme, flowers will play an important part in the success of your nuptials.

Another factor to consider in hiring a professional florist is that, as your wedding day draws closer and certainly on your wedding day itself, you will be under a lot of time pressure, with functions to attend before the wedding and many arrangements to make for the wedding and reception. You would be hard pressed to find time to plan your floral needs properly.

Flowers are a complementary highlight to one of the biggest days of your life, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that the floral component of your wedding be executed properly and correctly. In addition, flowers and floral decorations comprise a considerable portion of the cost of the wedding, which is another reason to make sure you are pleased with the floral services you arrange.

Selecting a Florist It is generally best to have this aspect of your wedding handled by a professional. Even if you know something about arranging flowers or have a friend with some expertise, using the services of a professional is the best route.

34 | Wedding Essentials 2017

There is also considerable expertise required in selecting the correct flowers, making the arrangements and bouquets professionally, and delivering them on time. Professional florists have built up this expertise through their years of service and are not intimidated by the many tasks involved. The flowers and arrangements for your wedding will be their primary focus and that in itself is important. Even a friend who has some expertise may find it difficult to cope. One of the newer trends is the appearance of the floral design specialist who might be

described as a floral consultant. They are the floral equivalent of an interior decorator. Such a person may not be involved in the actual supply of the flowers, in which case there will have to be co-ordination between your floral consultant and your florist. This is something you could discuss with your florist, who may already be using the services of a floral design specialist.

theme such as Victorian or country-style. This will be an important influence in the suggestions made by the florist and will help that person to establish what can be provided within your budget. You might want to ask a florist if he/she would be willing to discuss the details of a wedding that is currently being worked on. You might like to take the same approach.

Setting a Budget

Do not be afraid to review your own ideas and preferences with the florist during this selection process — a good florist will welcome your input and probably offer some suggestions and insights to complement your vision. You can supplement your ideas by reviewing magazines, attending flower shows, visiting flower nurseries, reading flower arranging and floral gardening books, and checking out Internet floral websites.

Deciding on which florist you will use for your wedding will take some time up-front, but the peace of mind you will gain as well as the professionalism provided will make this time well spent. Check out the florists in the front section of this book. You also can ask for recommendations from friends and relatives. Before you talk to any suppliers, you need to establish a budget for your wedding’s floral component. This figure will play a part in your discussions. It will also help the florist to determine if he/she can do a good job for you at the figure you have in mind. However, in establishing a dollar budget you will need to be flexible; the florist may have good suggestions that could change the figure. Make sure you interview several florists before you make your choice. A professional will expect a preliminary discussion before being chosen to do your wedding. However, you should make an appointment with the florist and explain that you would like a preliminary meeting. Because such a meeting will take some time, a busy florist will not necessarily be able to take adequate time if you just drop in for your discussion. If possible, you should start your selection process six to twelve months in advance of your wedding.

Ask for Ways to Save Money You should ask to see samples such as photographs of what the florist has done for other weddings. Ask for suggestions on how you can get good value for the money you have budgeted. You might want to ask what flowers are available from local suppliers. Of course, it’s always a good idea to go with flowers that are in season, as this can influence cost as well as being a factor in freshness and colour. This aspect of your discussion is also part of ensuring that the florist is a good listener.

What the Florist Needs From You Flowers for your wedding fall into two main categories. First, there will be personal flowers such as bouquets for yourself and bridal attendants, corsages for mothers and grandmothers and boutonnières for the men. Second, flowers play a key decorative role in the wedding and the ceremony.

Flower Suggestions Bridal Bouquet It is important that your bridal bouquet suits your wedding gown, stature, complexion and hair colour. Establish early if you want a traditional type of bouquet or something more contemporary. You should also be able to carry your bouquet comfortably and the bouquet should be somewhat restrained. It should not be so spectacular that it distracts people from you or your gown. Bridesmaids’ Flowers Bouquets for the bridesmaids and the maid of honour should complement the colours and style of their dresses, but to some extent they should also complement the style and colours of the bridal bouquet. They will be smaller than the bridal bouquet.

Flower arrangements for both of these roles are a major element in creating the atmosphere or ambience you want for your wedding day. When discussing your wishes with the florist, you should prioritize the areas in which you would like to concentrate your budget. Also make sure that the delivery instructions for all the flowers and floral arrangements are reviewed in detail and are in writing. Location of Wedding The location of the ceremony is of primary importance, as well as details about whether it will take place in a church, synagogue or another place of worship, or whether you are having your wedding in your home. The location and nature of the reception area is similarly important, as is the information about whether you plan an indoors or outdoors reception. If outdoors, will the area have a nice garden, and, depending on the season, will there already be flowers of various types growing there?

Review Your Preferences

Details About Dresses You should be prepared to provide samples, or at least colour matches, of your bridal attendants’ dresses. The florist will also need to know what types of dresses they will be wearing particularly whether they will be long or mid-length. Details about your own gown will also be important.

You should outline the style of your wedding –meaning whether it is traditional, contemporary, or if it will have a particular

Armed with this information, the florist will be able to ensure that the bridal and

You must have a good comfort level with your florist. You want someone who gives you confidence and with whom you have a good rapport.

attendant bouquets will be appropriate and pleasing. Discuss whether you have any favourite flowers or colours. The number and dress style of the male wedding attendants should also be reviewed. If the wedding is formal, for example, it will govern the type of boutonnières the florist makes.

Wedding Essentials 2017 | 35

Flower Ideas for You

 How you and your female attendants carry or wear your bouquets is important from a consistency viewpoint.  Make sure men’s boutonnieres are restrained. They should not look like miniature corsages.  For a different touch, attach flowers to your veil.  As a thoughtful gesture, give a gift of flowers to parents or special helpers after the wedding as a thank you.  Send your florist a picture of your wedding. It helps him/her to have an up-to-date album. Plus it’s a nice way to say “thank you.”  Make sure you choose your bouquet for comfort as well as appearance.  Napkins at the reception can have little floral wreaths with ribbons as the napkin ring.  Arrange to have some helpers to assist with the placement of flowers and floral decorations.  Your wedding cake can be decorated with real flowers while keeping the cake itself simple and elegant.  You can decorate serving platters at the reception with a restrained touch of flowers.  For the reception, make sure the flowers chosen will not clash with the colour of the table linens.

Flower Girl The flower girl generally has a nosegay, or a small container for her flowers such as a floral basket. One tradition is that this basket also contains flower petals which the flower girl sprinkles on the floor of the church as the bride is leaving after the ceremony. You should check for permission with the church. Bear in mind that fresh petals are very slippery, so you might want to consider using the petals of dried flowers instead. Or the flower girl can have small flowers or buds in the basket which she gives out to various guests on the edges of the aisles as you leave the church. As an alternative to a nosegay, the flower girl could have a floral pomander on her wrist, or have her hair decorated with flowers. Mothers and Grandmothers These ladies generally receive corsages rather than bouquets. It’s a good idea to try to keep them about equal in size and value so that nobody’s feelings are hurt. The corsage can be designed to be worn on the dress or the wrist. Be sure to establish if the dress fabric will be suitable for attaching the corsage. It can be a thoughtful gesture to ask the mothers or grandmothers if they have any favourite flowers they would like to have in their corsages.

36 | Wedding Essentials 2017

Groom and Attendants The groom and male attendants wear boutonnières. Male attendants can include wedding party members such as the best man, ushers, and the ring bearer. As a general rule, boutonnières should not resemble a miniature corsage, but rather should be a single flower or single stem of smaller flowers. The groom will also wear a boutonnière, but you might want to ask that his be a little different from those of the attendants.

Flowers for the Ceremony These are a key element of your wedding. They are a decorative statement which can add great beauty and tranquility to the ceremony. As symbols of beauty and purity, flowers also represent new beginnings. There are a number of points you have to consider in planning the flower arrangements for the ceremony. Check With Site You should first check with the ceremony location in case there are rules or preferences about how flowers may be used. The choice of flowers will be influenced by whether the ceremony is being held during the night or daytime. For a nighttime ceremony, for example, lighter hued flowers are generally more attractive and suitable. General Décor Other influences on the choice of flowers for

the ceremony will be the general décor and architecture of the site as well as the type of lighting it has. There may be a lot of daylight coming through stained glass windows, for example, or the lighting atmosphere may be largely artificial light. Generally speaking, the altar will be the focal point for the ceremony flower arrangements. Check with the church or synagogue to determine what is considered appropriate.

Flowers for the Reception Here too you should check if there are any restrictions as to how the location can be decorated, although this will generally be a lot more flexible than a church or synagogue. Table Decorations Floral arrangements will be the principal decoration for the tables at the reception. It is important to establish ahead of time what the table arrangements will be because this will influence the nature of the floral decorations. If a smaller number of tables are used – with six to eight people at each, for example – the floral arrangements will be different than if the tables are long and in rows. Arrangements also should not overwhelm the table setting. The height of arrangements should also be low enough that people across from each other at the tables can easily see each other and talk. Similarly, the main

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Preserving Flowers

 Air dry: Hang the arrangement upside down in a ventilated dark space. Separate the flowers by type.  Freeze dry: Better for preserving colours and easier to display afterwards in a glass dome. Requires the services of a professional.  Desiccants: Easy but time-consuming. Buy the silica gel at hobby shops. Bury your bouquet in the stuff.  Potpourri: Dry the flowers and remove the petals. Mix them with fragrant oils, herbs and spices. Put in an airtight jar and shake once a day for six weeks.

arrangement at the bridal table should not be so high that it obstructs people’s view of the bride and groom. Alternative Approaches If the room is larger than appropriate for the number of people at the reception, you can use large rented potted plants or small potted decorative trees to section off the room and make it more cosy. Another way to add to the mood at the reception is to use candles in addition to the floral arrangements. Be sure to check whether fire regulations allow their use. Alternatively you can also use small white Christmas lights to add a festive atmosphere. If the reception is outside — particularly if it is at your home or that of a friend or relative — you will have more latitude for alternate ideas such as candles and special lighting.

Getting the Most for Your Money There are a number of ways you can maximize your floral decoration budget and a good professional florist will co-operate with you in this effort. One point is to ask the florist if the use of seasonal flowers could save money. Instead of a large bouquet, the bride can carry a single rose or some other elegant flower, or you can have a family prayer book decorated with a floral highlight. Remember too that the more people you have in the wedding party, the more you will have to spend on floral accessories. For every person you want to include, you will need to provide a bouquet, corsage or boutonnière.

38 | Wedding Essentials 2017

The variety of delightful inflatable decorations, often sold by florists for special occasions, is now considerable, and they can sometimes be saved for other occasions. Also, simple balloons in festive colours can add a fun touch inexpensively. Talk to your florist about having your flowers do double duty by using the flowers from the wedding ceremony at the reception. You also can economize by using silk or dried flowers that can be used again after the wedding. Consider renting potted live flowers in pleasing arrangements as well as small flowering trees in containers. The use of greenery can be used with the flowers to extend the range of the flowers you are buying. You might look at having your wedding during a holiday season when the church and reception location may already be decorated with seasonal flowers. Caution: Holiday seasons are a florist’s busiest times, and likely when flowers are most in general demand. This may affect service and cost. Ask whether any items can be rented. This is a very cost-effective way to get more décor for your money.

Preserving Your Memories As a special remembrance or memento of their wedding, some brides today are having their wedding bouquet preserved. This is one of the reasons for having a special tossing or throwing bouquet at the going-away segment of the reception. The bride keeps her main bouquet and preserves it.

While you can do this yourself, for a result you will really be pleased with you should have this done professionally. Talk to your florist about the different processes available and the cost. It is even possible to have your flowers preserved and arranged in a picture frame along with a wedding photo or a copy of your invitation.

Questions to Ask Your Florist 1. Can you show me pictures or samples of your work? 2. I want to bring in some colour swatches for you to work with. Will this be a problem? 3. Do you require a deposit? How much? When is the balance due? 4. Are you familiar with our ceremony and reception sites? Do you foresee any problems at either? 5. Are you able to co-ordinate the flowers for the wedding party, mothers and special guests? 6. Do you deliver? Is there an extra charge for this service? 7. What do your services include? 8. Do you provide any other decorating services? 9. Do you provide any rental services? 10. Can you preserve my bouquet or can you recommend someone? How much does it cost? 11. Will you set up the flowers at the ceremony and reception sites? Is there an extra charge for this service? 12. What happens if there are damages to any of your equipment or supplies? WE

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Wedding Essentials 20 1 7 | 19

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Wedding Essentials 2017 | 39

40 Great

Wedding Gift Ideas 40 | Wedding Essentials 2017

Weddings are a big deal and the gifts are just as important as the occasion. It can be overwhelming to pick out unique and great gifts that other guests at the wedding haven’t already picked. Luckily, there are some stunning gifts available both instores and online that won’t fail to wow the happy couple. Here are 40 great wedding gift ideas.

➻ PlayStation 4 is a Rounded Entertainment System This console can seem like a very odd gift to give for a wedding, but in reality, you will be gifting the couple a very well rounded entertainment system. Not only does it play games, but it streams movies and shows through Hulu, AmazonPlay, and Netflix. It can even play videos on YouTube directly on the television.

➻ Alexa, the New Personal Assistant Amazon has developed the newest version of the automated personal assistant, and her name is Alexa. She can play music directly from a library featuring thousands of songs and artists as soon as she is commanded to. She can also order groceries, read recipes, set timers and alarms, set calendar reminders, read ebooks out loud, and do some basic math. You’re basically gifting the couple a personal assistant, calculator, calendar, library, media player, and cookbook all in one simple gift.

certain cocktail. Even to add more to this gift depending on the amount of money you would like to spend, you could add a few bottles to begin their bar choices.

➻ Cards Against Humanity This is a game that has taken groups by the storm. It’s a fun and adult-friendly game for small and large groups. The newly-wed couple can use the game to entertain guests in a devious and fun way. Mind you, some of the terms and topics in this game are not quite for the faint at heart.

➻ Instax Mini Camera With the FujiFilm Instax camera, the couple can capture their new memories instantly on Polaroid film. The camera is currently trending with Millennials and crafty couples. They can even begin a scrapbooking hobby with this camera. When providing this as a gift, be sure to add many re-fill cartridges as well. This way it will take a while before they run out of images.

➻ Bathtub Tray There are many beautiful handy trays that will serve the couple well on spa nights. Thay can be used for keeping books dry and safe while reading or setting food and meals down without worrying about dropping it into the tub. Many are versatile and some even come with a wine glass holders.

➻ Spa Set

➻ Self-Healing Cutting Board

When it comes to wedding gifts, most guests think about home appliances and goods, but they never consider the stress levels the couple just went through. Weddings can bring about high stress, which is why gifting them a small spa set for two can really go a long way. This can be purchased either from a Spa itself or even your own hand selected spa set of all your favourites!

Chances are, another guest has already given the couple a kitchen cutting board, but it is probably a traditional wooden one that easily stains. Give them the better vision, a self-healing flexible cutting mat. They are dishwasher safe, stain-proof, and even antimicrobial.

➻ Movie Gift Card Give the gift of being able to go out on a date outside of the house. Newly wed couples spend a lot of time together at home and giving them a movie gift card lets them spend time together in a traditional movie theater. They can even use the gift card to buy a bucket of popcorn while they’re there.

➻ Bartending Set Allow them to take the bar to their home by gifting them a bartender’s tool kit. They can make their own cocktails at home without having to pay a ridiculous price. They will even invite you over for margarita night. Another gift that can go along side of a bartending set could be particular glasses that are for a

➻ Bath Bombs Let them take spa night to a higher level with bath bombs. They will fizz the couple’s worries and stresses away with their decadent scents and relaxing essential oils. This gift could be paired with a waterproof book and plastic champagne/wine glasses.

➻ Air Conditioning Tower As a young newly-wed couple, they probably won’t be able to afford many luxuries or home fixes. If their central air conditioner stops working, this handy freeze tower can become a quick fix for those hot summer nights.

➻ Waterproof Speaker A portable waterproof speaker can be used at a pool or in the shower. Regardless of its waterproof capabilities, it can be used as a

normal speaker in the home to give smaller entertainment systems a quick and easy volume boost.

➻ Glass Kitchen Containers This is the more grown-up edition of Tupperware containers. They’re made of durable and heat-resistant glass with silicone tops. The couple will be able to safely store and heat meals or easily bring a baked dish practically anywhere.

➻ Hand Blender Gift the couple a step up from a standard blender with a hand blender. So many recipes call for hand blenders since most basic blenders can’t handle hot meals or large amounts of ingredients. A hand blender can also be washed quicker than a basic blender.

➻ Stainless Steel Measuring Utensils No more messy and stained rubber or silicone measuring cups. It’s time for the couple to upgrade with stainless steel measuring cups and utensils. There are 13-piece sets that range from 1 cup size down to a ¼ teaspoon.

➻ Adventure Fund Bank There are many glass and/or wood frame that work as a classy piggy bank that will help the couple save up for a vacation or maybe just a simple date night out on the town. It’s a unique and classy gift for couples who are adventurous. Best to provide an opening amount inside the bank.

➻ Projector A movie projector doubles as a television set and mood enhancer for movie night. They can project their memories, movies, shows, and games on a screen, wall, or even a white bed sheet. This is a handy gift that every home can use, but many don’t have the money to invest in as it is considered an ‘extra’.

➻ Cinema Light Box This is a cute little detail to have around for movie date night. The couple can set this up to set reminders for each other or just to announce the movie they will be watching later that night on Netflix. The Cinema Light Box allows up to 90 characters at once. Regardless of what they use it for, it’s really cute.

➻ Fire Pit Not every home comes with a fire pit already built into the backyard. Many that are already in the backyard are just that… pits. There are many gorgeous metal rings that have cut outs to depict either a hobby, a scene or even have their names designed onto it. These are becoming the new trend in backyard or cottage patio sets.

42 | Wedding Essentials 2017

➻ Microbrewing Beer Kit They say the best gifts you can give are alcohol or hobbies. Why not give them both with a beer brewing kit? This kit would allow them to get creative and brew up their own unique beer brew.

➻ Local Handmade Soap Set Sometimes soap from the grocery store doesn’t cut it. You can gift the couple a luxurious handmade soap set featuring novelty scents and ingredients. The best part is, handmade soap lasts longer than the generic variety, so you know they’ll be using it for a long time.

➻ Closet Organizers For those with an established house together, you may see or hear them speak of particular issues within the home. Things like closet organizers are pricey but worth every penny. However after paying for their wedding, this investment would be low on the priority list of bills but greatly appreciated.

➻ Family Size Breakfast Station Nostalgia Retro Series 3-in-1 Family Size Breakfast Station set comes with a toaster oven, a coffee maker, and a non-stick grill. All the couple has to do is turn it on and get their breakfast meals ready. This station can also be used for parties and to serve guests.

➻ Dish Rack A two story dish rack and drainer will save the couple space in their kitchen. It’s not sanitary to leave dishes drying on the counter or in the dishwasher rack. With this dish rack, they can properly dry off dishes while saving space and maintaining cleanliness. There are many dishes that should not make it into the dishwasher so a rack is a handy tool to have.

➻ Cookware Set Newlyweds and even those how have been established in their homes could always use a new cookware set. You can’t forget the utensils and lids to ensure a well rounded set.

➻ Magic Bullet Technically you will be gifting the couple a high-quality blender, mixer, and smoothiemaker with this gift. The magic bullet is handy in the kitchen because of its high-speed blending process. It can even blend ice without water in a matter of seconds.

➻ Waterproof Mattress Protector Newlywed couples are always adventurous, and who knows what goes on in the bedroom, especially on the mattress. This can prevent liquid spill disasters from staining the mattress. Not only is it waterproof and antimicrobial, but it’s comfortable, unlike most crinkly plastic protectors. This gift can

be provided as a practical part of a joke when paired with a fun bedroom couples game.

➻ Personal Mini Fridge A stylish mini fridge can fit in small compartments or corners of a room. It can even be fashioned on top of a desk or countertop. The couple can use one to store their drinks and wine bottles without having to leave their bedroom, living room or patio.

➻ Spice Rack Complete with Spices You’re basically gifting the couple an international flavor vacation right in their kitchen. If they ever need to spice up a meal, they will always remember this gift you gave them.

➻ Outdoor Beverage Cup Set A lot of newlywed couples have a mix and matchup of beverage cups in their kitchen. After the wedding many guests have helped the couple out in that area. However, what about the patio? Every home needs a proper beverage and drink set for outdoors. The great thing to remember when purchasing cups are shatter and break proof.

➻ DIY Handmade Soap Kit Another great hobby-starter set is this handmade soap kit. They can experiment with different scents, colors, and ingredients to make soap bars they will truly love. If they end up loving the process, they might even adopt a soap making hobby, all thanks to you.

➻ Animal Lovers Every couple thinks about adopting their own pet as a precursor to children. They might even decide to never have children and just adopt an adorable family of dogs and cats. Encourage them by gifting them a donation in their name to an animal shelter of your choice.

➻ Game Sets A full range of tabletop games are available in complete sets that come with up to 15 different classic games for couples and groups to enjoy. If they ever want to host a board game night, then this is the perfect gift.

➻ Hot Sauce Sampler The hot sauce sampler is a marvelous gift for the adventurous foodie couple that loves a nice kick in every meal. With this set, you can help them discover new spicy flavors and combinations. The one we have in mind is ‘The Good Hurt Fuego’ Hot Sauce Sampler Set by Thoughtfully: A Collection of 7 Spicy Hot Sauces from around the World.

➻ Glass Tea Set Nothing is as beautiful as blooming tea blossoming within a glass tea pot. Purchase a glass tea set that is heat resistant and comes

with drinking classes. The couple can enjoy brewing a cup of tea in the glass tea pot, courtesy of your generosity. There are many different sets that can be purchased. Many will let you mix and match the different types of teas to provide with the set as well.

➻ Dry Erase White & Cork Board A dry erase whiteboard with a cork section can help the couple set reminders or keep organized. They can pin notes on the corkboard side or add sticky notes. If they like, they can draw a calendar on the dry erase side.

➻ Hide & Drink’s All Purpose Canvas Bag This waterproof canvas bag by Hide & Seek is styled like the traditional brown paper lunch bag. Its aesthetic is adorable, but the utility has been bumped up to adult all-purpose use with its canvas, waterproof material. Providing a couple with a few of these can help as regularly used bags or even as a unique storage container on bookshelves for many grouped items.

➻ Classy Bottle Opener If you want to keep this gift classy then you will want to shop around for the perfect bottle opener. Something like the extra benefit of it having a glass container at the bottom to catch the bottle caps and is easily emptied out. This type of bottle opening could be paired with a wine bottle opener and possibly a decanter as well.

➻ Silicone Baking Mat A silicone baking mat is currently trending on bakers’ wishlists. They have been used on television and tutorials due to its easy cleanup and multiple purposes. This is the perfect gift for the couple that likes to bake their own sweet treats.

➻ First Aid Kit At first, this seems like a really odd gift to give a newly-wed couple, but in the long run they will be grateful as at some point it will become handy. Most families don’t have a proper or updated first aid kit available in their home. Give them the gift of security should they ever need such items quickly.

➻ Deluxe Hotel Bedding and Bathing Set Who doesn’t love the bedding and covers when staying at four and five-star hotels? Often times, people are tempted to steal the bedding/robes/towels that comes with the room. Now you can just gift the hotel-style set to the newly-weds. There are many styles and variations on what is deemed to be a hotel set. This is where it is best to know the style of the couple. If that is tricky, gift cards are always best when in doubt. WE

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Floral

Fantasy Bridal Bouquets Blooming passionâ&#x20AC;Ś choose wedding flowers that express your individuality

44 | Wedding Essentials 2017

Remember as beautiful as you wish for your bouquet to be, you will need to keep the function in mind. This will be in your hands, being passed around and need the ability to lay on its side without becoming crushed.

Wedding Essentials 2017 | 45

Centrepieces & decor Centrepieces can really accent your theme and design. Things to keep in mind would be the weight and height as well as the scents that the centerpiece might omit at the dinner table while guests are eating.

46 | Wedding Essentials 2017

Floral archways are a beautiful focal point that will not distract from the happy couple. The photographer will love the ease you have just allowed for such a keepsake image.

Wedding Essentials 2017 | 47

Practical Tips to

Few occasions can motivate a woman more to get fit than her wedding day. It isn’t all about losing weight, but also about preparing the mind, body and soul for the planning and execution of the perfect big day. Most women will feel like they need to tone up a bit and look fabulous in the wedding dress, which will generally be the most expensive dress they ever buy – and the one that they will wear only once, but they will also need to survive the experience and come out sparkling.

Help You

Prepare and Get Fit

for Your

Wedding Day

Fitness is not all about maintaining appearances. Planning a wedding requires a sharpness of mind; clarity for making decisions – and lots of them – and it requires staying power, determination and a certain prowess for clearing your mind, and your life, of those who are placed in your way to thwart your best choices. These people are often those you love most in the world, and the knowledge that your choices and decisions may be scorned is hard to bear unless you are switched on, fit and ready to fight your corner. As you embark on your ‘get fit and ready for your wedding day’ journey, here are a few tips to get you started – and motivated.

Practice Yoga or meditation in some form

 Clearing the mind during stressful planning sessions can be not only useful but also empowering for the Bride-to-be.  Yoga or meditation can help to relieve stress through controlled breathing techniques, and can also help to improve your posture, which can lead to tightening of muscles in all the right places.

48 | Wedding Essentials 2017

Give yourself some easy goals for weight loss

3 2

Have a selection of herbal teas on hand  Herbal tea can be a soothing, calming solution for stress, and is much better for the body than caffeine-loaded tea or coffee.  Tea and coffee can also lead to staining of the teeth, and this is not good for wedding day beautification.

 The average weight loss most women can realistically expect is around 2lb per week.  Worrying about losing any more can just result in a feeling of inadequacy, which is simply no good for the soul.

Consider joining a group, either real or virtual, to get advice about exercise  Find out what the latest trends are, whether there are new methods to try, and most importantly, to learn what is most appropriate for you, your age group or your ability.  If you are prepared to splash out a little, get a personal training session underway to point you in the right direction.

Keep yourself ‘regular’ by replacing white bread with wholemeal or high-fibre alternatives

Being constipated can lead to lethargy and bloating, neither of which are going to be doing you any favours on wedding-dress-trying-onday or on days where you need clarity in your decision-making. Make sure you maintain this part of your diet if nothing else.

Wedding Essentials 2017 | 49

Look after your hands

 Your hands are going to be on display on your wedding day and in the photographs that you will keep, show to your grandchildren and look at forever.  During the months and weeks leading up to the wedding make sure you use hand creams regularly and avoid strong cleaning products that will destroy your skin and nails.  Wear gloves when working in the garden and pay close attention to your nails in the last few weeks.

Don’t forget about sunscreen

8 Be careful not to get sick  This sounds like an odd tip, but it is easy to catch a germ or two when you are stressed out.  If a friend wants to come and wish you well before the wedding, but her kid has a cold picked up from playgroup, then politely decline and tell her the truth as to your reasoning.  If no one gets that, then tough. You will be berating yourself if you are drowning in Night Nurse the night before your wedding, and feel rubbish during the ceremony.

50 | Wedding Essentials 2017

 Everyone loves a tan, but be careful not to give yourself tan lines in all the wrong places.  Bear in mind the style of your dress and take care not to present unsightly white lines or red-raw skin to the wedding guests or the photographer.

Draw up a list of helpers for the wedding day  During the wedding day itself, you will need a few rock-solid allies to keep you on track, and to deal with the niggles that inevitably arise to test your patience.  With a pre-determined list of the most trusted people you know to be reliable, you can relax on the day and focus on your priorities.

VOL .17, NO.2 | WINTER/SPRING 2016

PUBLISHER

John Webster | Publisher@WeddingEssentials.ca

EDITORIAL

EDITOR Judy Johnson | Editor@WeddingEssentials.ca CDon’t O P Y & W Eget D D I N Gtoo W I S D Odrunk M EDITOR David Jones | David@WeddingEssentials.ca

immediately before or day

Aduring R T D I R E C T O Rthe wedding Mark Tzerelshtein | MarkintoshDesign.com 

In these times of social media exposure, your wedding photos will undoubtedly be online before you have even had time to call T.P. Black | Jonathan Barratt | Lynne Callaghan | Marcia Chandler yourselves Mr and Mrs.  Make sure those images, that will reside in PHOTOGRAPHER CONTRIBUTORS the etheric internet forever, portray a beautiful Ally Kristensen Photography | Claire Morgan Photography | Collective 67 day of fun and love, not red-faced sweatiness Destiny Dawn Photography | Dia Saleh Photography | EarlGray Images and unflattering, lashed poses. CONTRIBUTORS

ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS & PRODUCTION MANAGER Carolyn Ryan | Carolyn@WeddingEssentials.ca ACCOUNTING Kelly McClatchey

ADVERTISING SALES Advertise@WeddingEssentials.ca Wedding Essentials is published by The Town Crier of Markham Inc. ©Copyright 2016 The Town Crier of Markham Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any form without the written permission of the publishers is prohibited. Wedding Essentials and Internet Bridal Show are registered trade names of The Town Crier of Markham Inc., and the unauthorized use of these trade names is strictly prohibited. The information in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, neither Wedding Essentials nor The Town Crier of Markham Inc. can or will be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed herein. FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CONTACT Wedding Essentials | 1 Town Crier Lane, Markham ON L3P 2T9 Phone: 416.498.4996 | Email: Mail@WeddingEssentials.ca

Themore final tip is tips, not trends one that is concerned For wedding and information, checkwith out overdoing the alcohol, whether you havewebsite the right people in place, or whether you are our rapidly-expanding at www.WeddingEssentials.ca constipated. It is purely about love, and realising what you and your husband have achieved together.

Printed in Canada.

Like us! facebook.com/BrideEssentials The day will fly by in a blur, and you will watch it at some point and realise that you, through careful, thoughtful planning, have Follow us! twitter.com/BrideEssentials created this occasion. Take those few minutes with your new spouse and enjoy it together – be Mr. and Mrs. – and then live Pin us! pinterest.com/BrideEssentials happily ever after. WE Join us! instagram.com/BrideEssentials

Wedding Essentials 20 1 6 | 11

Wedding Essentials 2017 | 51

wedding special fx

Wedding Celebrations

Fireworks that dazzle and delight

by Alicia Stewart

52 | Wedding Essentials 2017

FIRE… Newlyweds have been saying I do to fireworks for centuries. The first recorded use of fireworks in England was for the wedding of King Henry VII to Elizabeth of York in 1486. Chrysanthemums, peonies, palm trees, Italian butterflies and intertwined hearts are only a sampling of the fireworks bridal couples can select for WOW moments at their wedding celebrations.

BE REALISTIC

With all the special effects used in movies and television, sometimes couples have unrealistic expectations. This is where the experience and expertise of your fireworks supplier is very valuable - explaining what can work with your venue and what cannot.

SHORT & STUNNING

Longer isn’t necessarily better. Experts in wedding fireworks recommend the display be anywhere from 3 minutes to a maximum of about 7-10 minutes. If you have a large budget

for fireworks, it might be possible to see exactly what your display will look like through fireworks visualization software.

pyrotechnicians? Can you see references from bridal couples who have used their services?

SPARKLING ADVICE

INDOOR PYROTECHNICS

If fireworks are a priority for you, be extremely venue-conscious. For example, there might be restrictions on setting off fireworks from a parking lot outside an urban venue. Venues with large expanses of outdoor space work best for fireworks; country clubs, vineyards, lake-front properties and rural settings usually have the necessary acreage. Established wedding fireworks companies book up early so be sure to start the process of selecting a supplier early. It’s also essential that all the municipal permits have been obtained well ahead of time. You might assume that fireworks can just be set off from any dock in cottage country, but that isn’t accurate. Check that the supplier will arrange for the necessary permits, that they have adequate liability insurance, that they will meet with the venue staff to be sure that enough space and other concerns are dealt with well in advance. What is the accreditation of your supplier’s

Indoor pyrotechnics can be sensational effects for specific parts of the reception, such as the first dance or the entrance of the bride and groom. When considering indoor pyrotechnics, be sure your vision is achievable. Rock concert pyro just can’t be downsized for a smaller venue and budget. Regulations are in place that help ensure security and safety for all concerned, including your guests. Choose a reputable company to do your display. Be sure you choose a venue that can accommodate what you imagine. You don’t want to set off fire alarms or sprinklers. You will also need a minimum amount of space between the fireworks and the nearest guest. Work closely with the supplier, wedding planner and venue to be sure there are no negative surprises at the last moment. WE

Wedding Essentials 2017 | 53

Fashion

Passion

A wedding gown is much more than a beautiful dress. Her perfect gown reflects a vision of herself that a bride has cherished for a long time. The moment when the bride is first seen in her wedding gown is very emotional and is often greeted by tears, including her own.

Lili ya By Galia Lahav Victorian Affinity Collection

“Victorian Affinity” is inspired by the outstanding Victorian era in England and its parallel phase in France, “Le Belle Epoque”. These periods were characterized by changes and innovations in various fields, such as the Industrial Revolution. In this context, we dedicate this collection to Jeanne Margaine Lacroix, a designer who challenged the Victorian style, in it’s era and made a change of how we perceive femininity. There is great emphasis on games of volume in one garment, creating a chimeric silhouettes and endless trains. The color palette is of soft porcelain ivory, dusted silver, washed pinks, smoky blush and cream that completes the touch of this collection. To add our touch of romance and admiration to the feminine body we used delicate textured laces, deep colored backgrounds and paid careful attention to details (such as detachable elements and a lot of crystals), alongside varied Victorian motifs of high collars. More of this beautiful collection can be found at galialahav.com

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GEORGIa By Galia Lahav Victorian Affinity Collection

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CHARLIE By Galia Lahav Victorian Affinity Collection

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A sculptural French lace mermaid gown with Victorian mutton sleeves, a V neckline and multiple seams with a rouched lace frill detail. The gown has a matching waist cincher made of an antique embroidered lace with a Victorian rose motif.

In the Morilee by Madeline Gardner’s Blu Collection, the designs find the perfect harmony between classic and contemporary. So while you’ve always pictured yourself in that beautiful white dress, there’s no reason you can’t blend the newest trends or styles while you’re at it. In this collection, there is a blend of traditional styles like the mermaid or the ball gown with more modern and sleek trends such as the fit and flare and illusion neckline dresses. If you’ve been starry eyed over your mom’s amazing long sleeve ensemble from the 70’s but you’re wondering how to incorporate that vibe into your stylish up to date wedding, consider the long sleeve, off the shoulder look. The body hugging sheath style, with its lace appliques and tight bodices, is another fabulous choice to keep things both elegant and trendy on your big day. More of this beautiful collection can be found at morilee.com

mirella wedding dress By Morilee Madeline Gardner Blu Collection, Style Number: 5567

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mindy wedding dress By Morilee Madeline Gardner Blu Collection, Style Number: 5570

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KASSIDY WHITE By ELLE ZEITOUNE Dazed in Daydreams Collection

Offering an exclusive range of gorgeous feminine cocktail, evening, bridesmaids and bridal dresses, Elle Zeitoune captures the very essence of femininity and elegance. Each garment created by Elle Zeitoune fits to perfection and finished using a combination of classic silhouettes with a modern edge ensuring you make a lasting impression, whatever the occasion. More of these beautiful collections can be found at elezeitoune.com.au

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mia WHITE By ELLE ZEITOUNE Dazed in Daydreams Collection

bernice WHITE By ELLE ZEITOUNE Dazed in Daydreams Collection

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Your Dog

in Your Wedding Fetching ideas to include your furry friend by Imari Gower

An emerging trend shows more bridal couples wanting to invite “man’s best friend” to wedding celebrations. Pets are a very important element of many people’s lives. Some dog owners cannot bear the thought of their beloved animal not being present at one of the most momentous occasions of a lifetime. Before you put on Fido’s leash and go for wedding walksies, here are suggestions that will give you a leg up when making plans to incorporate your dog pal into your wedding celebrations.

Venue The day of the wedding is not a good time to discover that the venue you have chosen does not allow dogs on the premises. Ask about pet policy before committing. Some venues give pet owners the opportunity to not only enjoy the wedding celebrations but also the honeymoon with their well-behaved canine companion, even supplying a doggie welcome basket. Can we say pampered pooch?

Temperament & Maturity We’re talking about your pet’s temperament here, not yours! How does your dog handle crowds? How excitable is your pet? Take a realistic look at your dog’s maturity

level. Some dogs think and act like puppies forever. There are super bed and breakfasts for dogs...choose one of those for your pet’s holiday while you are enjoying your wedding celebrations and your honeymoon.

wedding to look absolutely top dog. Be sure to mention any special attire the dog will be wearing. You can also opt for specialty dog tints – a splash of colour on your dog’s hair or a touch of bling, like a heart on the ear.

Wedding Guests

Putting on the Dog

Give a heads-up to your guests so they are prepared. Some folks are allergic to dogs and you may have to choose between your treasured pet and a treasured friend’s attendance.

There are more choices here than you might at first realize. Tuxedos are a popular choice for all sizes of dogs from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, but you can also have an outfit custom made to suit your wedding’s theme. Specialty collars and leashes with jewel swatches or colours to match the wedding theme are also options. Engraved pet tags or charms add personalization.

The Role You need to decide exactly the role you want your dog to play. Is your dog starring as the ring-bearer? Does a bridesmaid lead the pet down the aisle as an honorary bridal attendant?

Celebration Dogsitter The usual primary caregiver for your dog is you or your groom. Both of you are going to be too busy on your wedding day to look after your dog. Sign up someone who isn’t involved in the celebrations to care for your pet. Better yet, source a professional who will also escort your dog to various locations for photos.

Big Day Grooming & Special FX Pet spas and groomers suggest a thorough grooming for your dog a week before the

Whatever your dog wears, get your pet used to it ahead of time to ensure no doggie temper tantrums at the wedding.

“Sit, Stay, Good Dog!” After consideration you might decide that you cannot incorporate your dog into your ceremony in dog-person, but still want to honour the pet in your wedding celebrations. Think special photo sessions, signature drinks named for your pet, cake decoration that incorporate your love of your whippet or lab. There are lots of opportunities. Think outside the cage! WE

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Wedding Transportation

To-Do List

It is easy to feel overwhelmed by all the details when planning a wedding. There are so many items to keep track of, decide about, and coordinate that it is a challenge to stay on top of everything. To do lists help keep you organized and on track so that you can take care of the numerous details, which really do make a difference in the end. Books, websites, and wedding coordinators are great resources for finding wedding planning checklists that fit your style and needs. To assist you in your wedding planning adventure, here is a wedding transportation checklist along with some tips and questions to ask.

Transportation To Do List

 Choose the type of vehicle you want.  Check transportation company references and make sure they are licensed and insured.  Decide on a transportation company, if you want to use one.  Arrange wedding day transportation for the couple to the ceremony and reception sites

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as well as any other picture locations.  Arrange “day of” transportation for the wedding party and immediate family.  Sign the transportation service contract and mail it with your initial deposit.  Inform the transportation company of parking restrictions at the ceremony or reception locations, if applicable.  Create a schedule of arrival and departure times and distribute it to the transportation company, any additional drivers, and guests who will be picked up.  Designate people to drive the bride and groom’s personal vehicles back home if necessary.  Contact a shuttle service to provide rides for guests from the hotel to the wedding events and back, if desired.  Arrange transportation for the honeymoon, including to and from the airport or other destinations as required.  Create a list of addresses, directions, and contact numbers for all the drivers.  Confirm your transportation arrangements before the wedding.

 Pay the remaining balance to the transportation company.  Gather cash tips for the drivers and place them in marked envelopes.  Give the tip money to the person responsible for tipping the drivers.  Fill with gas any personal vehicles that will be used for wedding day transportation.

Transportation Tips

Explore your options when you are looking for wedding day transportation and choose something that complements the style of the day. Limousines are classic, but a horse-drawn carriage, the tram, a helicopter or balloon ride, or a vintage car are just a few of the more creative and fun ways to arrive at your wedding. Inspect any vehicles you plan to rent prior to hiring the transportation service. Ask your photographer to take pictures of your arrival as you step out of the vehicle and any other transportation related shots, like a picture of you inside with your groom. Check with your transportation service about any

Thoughts behind the colour!

restrictions if you are planning to use a rented vehicle for a getaway car, then pass these on to your wedding party.

Transportation Questions

 What vehicles are available?  How many people can be accommodated in the vehicle?  Is there a required minimum number of hours?  What is the rate and does it include gratuity?  What amenities are included?  How many hours are included? meaning to your floral choices by choosing Add If the rate isto hourly, doeschoices it beginby aschoosing the Add meaning your floral driver leaves their ”home base” or not until flowers that represent your birth months. flowers that represent your birth the passengers are picked up? months. Carnation JANUARY: What is the refund policy? JANUARY: Carnation FEBRUARY: Are there other Violetfees, such as a gas FEBRUARY: Violet surcharge or cleaning fee? MARCH: Jonquil  Are food, drinks, and alcohol allowed in the MARCH: Jonquil vehicle? APRIL: Sweet Pea APRIL: Sweet Pea MAY: Lily of the valley UsingLily thisof checklist can help make your MAY: the valley JUNE: Roseplanning wedding transportation experience JUNE: Rose less overwhelming. Staying organized JULY: Larkspur JULY: Larkspur helps you keep track of what needs to be AUGUST: Gladiolas done and AUGUST: minimizes Gladiolas the potential problem of forgetting something important. While SEPTEMBER: Aster SEPTEMBER: Aster there will always be many things that need OCTOBER: Calendula attention during wedding planning, to do OCTOBER: Calendula lists like this can help you stay on top NOVEMBER:one Chrysanthemum NOVEMBER: of everything Chrysanthemum so that you experience less DECEMBER: Narcissus stress and can enjoy the process. WE DECEMBER: Narcissus

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Weddings:

Dealing with Uninvited

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ou’ve planned your wedding down to the last detail. You are on a tight budget and have been ruthless with your guest list. The invitations have been sent and the RSVP’s are dropping through the letter box almost every day. It is going to be “nearest and dearest only” to the ceremony and wedding breakfast, with your friends, neighbours and colleagues invited to kick their shoes off in the evening. But what happens if uninvited guests turn up and gatecrash your wedding and what should you do about it?

When did they arrive?

If uninvited guests turn up and expect to stay for the wedding breakfast, you should ask them to leave. You will have given the wedding coordinator and caterer your final guest numbers. Adding someone at that late stage will cause problems for everyone in terms of place settings at the table and extra portions of food which the caterer may not have.

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After the ceremony and wedding breakfast, if you do spot someone at your wedding who you haven’t invited, then discreetly ask your best man to find out who they are and how they know you. If you realise you have met them before and they are not causing a problem, then you could just greet them and let them stay.

Good or bad intentions

Generally, it is considered rude to gatecrash a wedding. But the reasons why someone turns up at your wedding uninvited can be very different. Some people mean well, others don’t and set out to spoil the entire event by settling old scores at the most inappropriate time. Jealousy plays a big part in this, and former partners who are yet to move on might be unable to accept that the bride or groom has found new love and decided to settle down. A long-lost relative may just want to come

along, discreetly wish you well, and be happy to leave very soon afterwards. If they happened to be one of the people you culled from your original guest list, then you might feel more charitable towards them and could treat them to a drink.

Professional Gatecrashers

For some, gatecrashing weddings and even funerals is almost a hobby. They do it to see how long they get to stay before they are discovered. They will help themselves to food and drink, and do their best to blend in with the crowd, just because they can. But this is at the expense of everyone else and is very disrespectful. Get the venue staff to escort them out immediately.

Just plain nosey

Weddings are big business and every bride and groom want their own wedding to be perfect. One way of ensuring they’ve made the right choices is to turn up uninvited to

In some cases your dress nightmares can be caused by youratretailer. You canvenue protect another wedding their chosen with your self at the outset by dealing with the sole intention of seeing if the service stores than have been as in business for a providers are as good their word. long time and have a solid reputation. The best way to find out whom you can trust is This is entirely inappropriate and is no to ask your friends. If your wedding gown excuse for crashing anyone’s wedding. is to be custom-made or heavily altered, Perhaps a subtle suggestion to them you should insist on a written contract. that you might crash their wedding in return might do for: the trick. Key points to look The date the contract is signed. A detailed list of speciﬁc

Who should deal the items and prices. The datewith the gown is to be uninvited delivered. A list guest? of payments including the

Traditionally, groom willishave chosen his initial deposit.the How payment made best manorand ‘wingmen’ on the strength (cheque credit card numbers). The date of their long-standing reliability. the balance is due. Afriendship statement and of the vendor’s cangroom, cellation policy. (Example: As bride or the last thing you want to Whatwith happens if the wedding is is called off or deal on your wedding day uninvited the vendor backsisout?) Price escalations. guests. If there a problem, instruct one of your trusted friends to discreetly deal with pay the billmanner, in full before youdrawing have itNever in a quiet, calm without to and never paysituation. cash. If the dress store attention to the suddenly closes its doors and you have record of payment, you could Ifnoyou are worried that there may be be left out in the cold. Keep cancelled cheques someone wanting to resolve unpleasant as proof of payment or — better still — issues on your wedding day, alert your pay by credit card. Many credit card coordinator and ensure there isofsomeone companies offer you a degree who can deal swiftly and effectively with protection should the vendor not provide anyone whoasshould not be there. Your the goods promised. Check with your wedding daycompany should be day of credit card forthe thehappiest nature of the your life, soitmake sure it’s memorable for all protection offers. the right reasons. WE

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Edible

Art

Decadently delicious concoctions figure prominently in wedding celebrations. Cake bakers, chocolatiers, candy makers, and other creators of edible art produce gustatory and visual masterpieces. Here is a sampling of feasts for palate and eye, sensational treats designed to delight and dazzle while tantalizing taste buds.

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Your theme, style and colours venture onto your desserts as well. From the minimalist cakes, decadent chocolates and the ornate edible art designsâ&#x20AC;Ś on your wedding day you CAN have your cake and eat it too!

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Naked cake in all its glory! There are many variations to this idea of keeping it simple, but beauty always remains.

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Say Goodbye

to the Traditional Wedding Guest Book Weddings have a way of bringing out the traditional side to even the most modern of couples. Many people never consider straying from long-standing wedding rituals. Many people will utilize a creative theme and still adhere to certain traditions, such as the wedding song and sign in book. The guest book usually finds its way to the back of a long forgotten closet, never to be seen again. There are some beautiful alternatives to the sign in book, many of which can be used as dĂŠcor in your new home.

Get Back to Nature Forget the use of paper to remember your wedding guests. Bring a little of the outdoors into your sign in table. Varied smooth stones can be signed by individuals and placed in a decorative glass bowl or jar. Be sure to provide a permanent marker to keep the signatures from fading. Encourage guests to write an inspiring message on the opposite side. This will make a lovely and memorable coffee table centerpiece. Pieces of wood can also be used for signatures and messages to the couple. Be sure to sand them down to avoid splinters. These can later be arranged on the wall or fit together and placed in a frame. These items will become a part of the home instead of hidden away.

Get Creative If you have a large wall available at the wedding venue, you can get the guests involved in creating an original piece of art. Hang up a large canvas and provide markers or other art mediums. Invite guests to sign their name and write messages anywhere on the blank canvas. The more creative guests may even leave some unique artwork behind. Invite children to participate. Their drawings will add a special touch. Make sure the canvas is a proper size for hanging somewhere in the home. Every time you walk past the wall hanging, you will remember the wonderful people your wedding day was shared with.

Memories The family and friends attending your wedding will most likely have some fun stories of your past together. Get people involved prior to the wedding by requesting that they bring an old photo representing your relationship. Prepare for the photos with a blank sheet of paper or a string with clothes pins. The pictures can be hung up and used to decorate the venue for the reception, or used to create a collage for the home. A photo album can also be made with signatures and photo descriptions as guests arrive. For a photo book, provide pages, photo safe glue, and pens. Each guest can adhere their photo and write a description under it. Have a family member assemble the book before the reception and pass it around for everyone to see.

Sew it up If you are fortunate enough to have a quilt maker in your family, get out those fabric squares. Guests will be provided with a permanent fabric marker and a bowl of colorful squares to choose from. Each square with a signature can later be combined to make a beautiful memory quilt. You can also use a simple pre-made blanket and spread it out on a table for guests to sign. Those with a knack for working with fabric may want to embroider over the signatures for a more enhanced look. This idea can be as simple or complex as you feel like making it. Your wedding day will be well documented when you take home a piece of art created by the people you love. Take the time to think of something that will complement your home and personality. The guests will enjoy getting involved and there will be no book to guiltily hide away afterwards. Start your own new creative tradition. Your wedding will be one to remember.

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How to Avoid Wedding Planning

Fights

A little advance preparation paves the way for smoother wedding planning. A wave of love, romance, and anticipation overwhelms you when you become engaged. Reality quickly settles in, however, as you begin to plan the wedding and the many things to get done build up. For all the excitement of the planning stage, it requires a lot of work and often results in stress and tension, which can lead to fights. Prepare before you begin planning by working through some of the common problem areas with your partner to help you avoid the disagreements that many couples face. While completely eliminating fights is difficult, dealing with issues early on in a healthy way makes for smoother, more enjoyable wedding planning.

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Divide the Tasks You and your partner are a team, but sometimes one person has better organizational and planning skills or more time for planning. If this is the case, it makes sense to put that person in charge of the process. Decide before you begin planning if one person is in charge or if you want to split up the responsibilities. In the latter case, figure out what that will look like. Will you divide the tasks evenly? How often will you check in with your partner? Create lists separately about what you think is important, then compare the two lists and use them to split the tasks so that you can each work on some of your priorities. Refer to these lists as you plan and update them as needed, checking in with each other and adjusting tasks when necessary. Think of this as an opportunity to practice asking for help and expressing your needs, while graciously listening to your partner express theirs and making amends for any ways that you accidentally excluded or overburdened them.

Decide What Needs to be Done Together There are areas of planning you are likely to want to work on together. For some couples, this includes most aspects of the wedding, while others would rather divide the decisions. Your priority lists can help you decide what areas you want to focus on together or individually. For any responsibilities that you divide, create a plan for how to make

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decisions. Some people like to research areas separately, but still make the final decisions together, while other couples prefer to let one partner decide about certain things. Either way, you will want to make some of the decisions together and figuring that out beforehand lessens friction while you plan.

Create a Budget Few people want to begin wedding planning by talking about money, but having a clear budget helps guide your planning and can prevent misunderstandings later. Figure out who is contributing to the budget and how much money you have to spend. Take some time to talk about what is important to you and which things you are willing to spend more on. For example, maybe food is important to you, but the venue is not, so you want to find a nice budget venue and splurge on a great caterer. Remember that what you think is important may not be a big deal to your partner while things that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a priority for you may be important to them, and be understanding and flexible in your discussion.

is ideal, while others would rather plan a little each day. This is also true long term: one approach is to spread out the planning over the months before the wedding to avoid feeling overwhelmed, while another is to get everything done as soon as possible so you can relax before the wedding. You and your partner donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to agree on the same style, but try to create a balanced approach that incorporates your strengths and works for both of you.

Weigh the Opinions of Others

Make a Plan

Few weddings are planned by the bride and groom alone; parents, siblings, friends, and relatives often share opinions on how things should be done. Discuss how involved you expect family members to be before you start planning. Remember that if any parents are paying, they deserve a say in the budget. Talk about who you expect to have opinions, whose opinions are important, and how much those opinions matter. Relationships are important and often complicated, starting to work through them beforehand helps during the planning phase and as you begin your life together.

You and your partner probably have different planning styles and ideas about how the planning should proceed. Planning styles range from detail oriented to relaxed to organized, and all styles add to the planning process. Your approach to dividing the time spent planning is likely different also. For some, setting aside a chunk of time to plan

Wedding planning is often a challenge, but taking time to work through these areas helps make your planning phase more enjoyable. Remember that you both have the same goal, to get married; so try to relax and enjoy this special time in your relationship. WE

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Free book means less stress when you plan your big day 82 | Wedding Essentials 2017

Planning a formal wedding can cause stress in the most serene of women. But you can plan yours with a minimum of frayed nerves, thanks to this FREE book from Wedding Essentials. The Bride’s Survival Guide gives you detailed instructions on planning every aspect of your big day. This 128-page manual (a $39.95 value) offers insider advice on the engagement, the advance preparations, the budget, the ceremony, the reception, the honeymoon, and your first home together. You get tips on saving money, answers to your etiquette questions, solutions to tough family problems, and ideas on how to make your wedding unique. Plus …we show you how to get the best deals from suppliers. Without sacrificing quality. This unique manual has helped more than 70,000 Ontario brides over the past 20 years. Let us send you your own personal FREE copy. Mail the postpaid request card opposite this page. Or complete the form online at www.WeddingEssentials.ca. We’ll be pleased to help you remain calm every step of the way to the altar.

Wedding Essentials www.weddingessentials.ca Your wedding. Your vision. Your choice.

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Legalities of a Marriage in Ontario

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not terribly romantic, of course, but your marriage requires some discussion of legal and business matters. There is the marriage licence to consider, the question of what name you will use after you are married, and the possible need for a prenuptial agreement.

Getting Married in Ontario First of all, you must be 18 years of age. You can marry at 16 or 17 (no younger) with the written consent of a legal guardian unless you are a widow, widower or divorced person. If any person whose consent is required is unavailable or refuses to consent, an application may be made to a judge to dispense with consent. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the drill if your marriage was dissolved or annulled: a) If the marriage was dissolved or annulled in Canada, you will need to show the original or a court-certified copy of the final decree, judgement or certificate of divorce. b) If the marriage was dissolved or annulled outside Canada, you will have to get the authorization of the Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations. c) Where the earlier marriage of one of the parties was terminated by the presumed death of a spouse, a court order declaring the presumed death of the spouse must be obtained. An issuer of marriage licences can provide more information on the matter.

How One Marries A marriage may be solemnized under the authority of a marriage licence or the publication of banns. 1. Marriage Licence A licence to marry may be obtained from the issuer of marriage licences at your local municipal clerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. At least one party to the proposed marriage must apply in person. However, the application must be signed by both applicants. The issuer may require proof of age of either party. If only one party is applying, he/she must bring proof of age of the other party. All minors must submit proof of age. There are no requirements respecting residency, pre-marital blood tests or medical certificates. A marriage licence is valid for use anywhere in Ontario and there is a fee. The licence expires three months after the date of issue. 2. Publication of Banns A marriage may be solemnized under the authority of the publication of banns where both parties to the proposed marriage worship regularly at their own church in Canada. However, this cannot be done if there was a previous marriage (dissolved or annulled). A member of the clergy can give you further information on this option. Who Can Officiate A marriage ceremony in Ontario may be performed by: a) A minister or member of the clergy registered under the Marriage Act.

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Caution: The prenup

It’s always a good idea to start off a marriage with a free and open discussion of things like roles and money. However, it may be a sensitive subject, especially if he is not bringing much to the union in the way of assets. A good attorney can deal with such sensitivity in the wording of the agreement. Certainly it’s better than the alternative – hiding your assets. Who wants to start off a relationship with secrets and paranoia? A union that is based on a fear of losing assets is a union that is doomed.

Caution: Overlooked Expenses

When planning a wedding, expenses can often skyrocket because certain major items have been overlooked. Here are some key ones that many brides miss:  Trips home to consult with family.  Long distance telephoning.  Additions to your wardrobe for parties, luncheons, etc.  Prenuptial dental, legal or financial expenses.  Manicures, makeover, diets or exercise programs.  Entertainment for visiting relatives and friends.  Appreciation gifts for people who helped you along the way.  Rental cars.  Gift baskets for hotel rooms of out-of-town guests.  Tickets, tokens, chits or rentals for guests to get to ceremony and/or reception.  Dinners out because you are too tired to cook.

b) A judge, justice of the peace or municipal clerk. Local court offices and municipal offices can give you some names. Civil Ceremony A civil ceremony by a judge, justice of the peace or municipal clerk may only be conducted under the authority of a marriage licence. The applicants must arrange for two witnesses to be present at the ceremony. There is an additional fee for civil ceremonies. Changing Your Name Should you use his name, keep your own or adopt a combination of the two? As you are not legally required to take your husband’s name, this is something you might want to think about. Your personal situation will dictate which option works best for you. Considerations in making the choice: Professional status. Ease of spelling and pronunciation. Desire to retain the family name. Tradition and commitment. Children. Social ease. The Name Choices  1. Keep your maiden name. If this is your choice there is no need to inform anybody.

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Simply sign that name to the marriage licence and all legal documents as before.  2. Use maiden name professionally. If you are well known in your job, you might want to keep your maiden name and use your husband’s name socially. Caution: Avoid mixing the two on legal documents and income tax forms. Stick with your maiden name. However, Revenue Canada may ask for proof of your marriage.  3. Hyphenate. Use your name first, then his. Fine for legal documents but in social situations you might want to use his name.  4. Husband’s surname. Start off by signing your marriage certificate with that name and use it on all future documents. Get the forms necessary to make the change in all legal and official records.  5. Both take your surname. This is not common but can be a necessity if you cannot change your name for professional reasons and you both want to have the same last name. Or if your husband’s surname is difficult to spell or pronounce.

Letting People Know Some of this can be done before the wedding. A few organizations may require a copy of the marriage licence in order to record the change Here’s a basic list of items that may have to be

Ontario has laws that give a widow or widower a minimum interest in the other’s property when his or her spouse dies, regardless of what the will says. But when a couple enters into a prenuptial agreement, they do so before either of them has a legal claim to the other’s property by virtue of marriage. They are therefore not subject to Ontario laws governing the division of property when the marriage ends, whether by death or divorce. A prenuptial agreement takes effect when the parties marry. It may be revoked or altered at any time, provided both parties agree. Although the courts are reluctant to set aside the terms of a prenuptial agreement, they will not hesitate to do so if one of the parties concealed assets at the time the agreement was made, if one of the parties was “forced” to sign the agreement and therefore did not give a free and informed consent to the agreement, or if the terms of the agreement are such that one of the parties would be grossly cheated if the agreement were honoured.

updated to your new name:  Social Insurance Number.  Driver’s licence.  Car ownership.  Voter registration.  Do this next time you renew your passport.  Employer or school records.  Bank accounts. Change or open joint accounts.  Stocks and/or bonds.  RSPs. Records and/or changing beneficiaries.  Wills. Create one or change beneficiaries on your existing will.  Insurance policies for cars, home, health.  Pension plans.  Property titles or leases.  Charge accounts and credit cards.  Subscriptions and club memberships.  Canada Post regarding new name and address.  Ontario health card.  Life insurance policy beneficiary change.

Prenuptial Agreements A prenuptial (or antenuptial) agreement is a contract, entered into by a couple planning to be married, which specifies their individual property rights throughout the marriage and if their marriage should end.

Do You Need a Prenup? Such a document may be a wise choice if you find that your situation is similar to any one of the following:  If you have children from a previous marriage and are entering a new marriage with assets that you wish to keep for them. A prenuptial agreement can stipulate that your spouse may make no claim to those assets in the event of a divorce or upon your death.  If your spouse has substantial assets. A prenuptial agreement can ensure that you receive support during the marriage and in the event of your spouse’s death. Your prenup may provide that certain property be transferred to you upon the end of the marriage or left to you in a will when your spouse dies. It may also provide that your spouse carry life insurance for your benefit. And it may arrange for support, or limitations on support, in the event of divorce.  If you have inherited property or expect to do so. A prenuptial agreement can stipulate that your spouse shall make no claim on these assets and will allow you to give them to other family members or to whomever you choose. Other Prenup Considerations If you are considering writing a prenuptial agreement with your future spouse, or are asked to sign one, note that the law does not condone such agreements as a method of avoiding marital duties. Both parties, therefore, must fully inform each other of the nature and value of their property. A prenuptial agreement is not valid without such disclosure. For that reason, many prenuptial contracts contain a list

of the property that each party is bringing to the marriage. Make quite sure that you and your future spouse understand the meaning and the terms of the agreement. A prenuptial agreement that is signed through coercion, ignorance, or trickery can be declared invalid. Both parties are required to act in good faith. lf one party is at a disadvantage because of youth, inexperience, or other circumstances, a court may not enforce the agreement. To be on the safe side, have your lawyer review the agreement. Make sure that you will be adequately provided for whenever the marriage ends. The courts do not favour one-sided prenuptial agreements that leave one spouse destitute or encourage divorce or dissension by unduly enriching one partner if the marriage ends. WE

Note:

Prenup Essentials Here’s what should be covered under the terms of your prenuptial agreement:  All assets and property owned separately or jointly.  How assets and liabilities will be handled in the event of divorce.  Specific details of chequing and savings, credit cards, loans, cars, jewellery, art, real estate and other property.  How the right of inheritance will be handled (optional).  How new assets will be divided.  Who keeps the house or leased apartment, and how equity or deposits are divided.  How future income will be shared. For example, if one spouse has put the other through school, that person will want a share of the law practice in the event of a divorce.

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The

Bridal Veil

The wearing of a veil is one of the oldest wedding traditions, popular centuries before the appearance of the wedding gown. The bridal veil is iconic. By putting on a veil a transformation takes place - a woman in a beautiful white gown becomes a bride...a transcendent moment.

Symbolism For centuries, when a groom lifted his bride’s veil and he symbolically took possession of her. A man “took a wife” and that a bride was “given away”. Modern brides often lift their own veils, a tacit statement of equality in the marriage relationship. Multiple Choices To veil or not to veil - that’s the first decision. Next, decide how long the veil will be. Will it be simply chic or embellished? Embellishments vary from lace to crystals. The veil should complement the bridal gown but it is not necessary to “match” it.

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Veil Verbiage If you’ve been shopping for a veil, you’ve already discovered that different terms are used by various designers for similar veils. These descriptions might help in your search. A Cathedral Veil is a very long, formal veil that extends well beyond the train of the gown, ideally suited for an elegant wedding in a grand location. This regal veil looks best when walking down a very long aisle and requires at least one bridal attendant to arrange and manage the veil throughout the ceremony. Chapel or Sweep Veils are full-length veils that drop right to the floor and even extend beyond the hem of the gown. This length is formal but very “walkable”. Waltz Veils and Ballet Veils, extend from just below the knee to just above the ankle and are very versatile. Fountain, Cascading or Waterfall Veils include folds of different lengths to achieve fullness or can be a single layer with cascading folds.

by Alana Douglas

Fingertip Veils, Waist Veils, Elbow Veils and Shoulder Veils are named for their length, ranging from 46 inches to about 20 inches long. Blusher Veils can be just long enough to cover a blushing bride’s face. When choosing a blusher, be sure that when it is lifted for that breathtaking bridal kiss, it will sit back nicely. Other Drop Veils that also sit close to the head and fall over the face, can be of various lengths and shapes. Birdcage Veils are small veils that may only partially cover the face. They can be worn at many different angles and manipulated to create fullness or worn close to the head. They can also be worn alone or with feathers, flowers, bows or other embellishments. Mantilla Veils originated in Spain, where women tend to wear them over high combs. Often trimmed in lace, in North America these single-tier, non-gathered veils are worn flat to the head. They can be long or short and range from informal through extremely elegant. WE

The Lore of the

Wedding Ring

Of all modern marriage traditions, the oldest is the use of a wedding ring to seal the marriage contract. Unlike the engagement ring, the wedding ring has a deep religious significance in today’s society. Tying the knot…In Egyptian hieroglyphs, the symbol for eternity is the circle, an endless shape. The first rings were made of bone, ivory, leather, even braided hay, reeds or grass. Ancient Northerners used the lovers’ knot to show love, faith and friendship, weaving their beloved’s hair into the ring-knot. The wedding ring or wedding circle symbolizes perfection, a love union with no beginning and no end. Some believe it represents the sun, earth and universe; for others the circle means peace, perfection and holiness. RING RITES The ancient Romans used the ring as a token of a marriage pact, made of simple iron set

BY JUDY JOHNSON

with adamants - hard stone and hard metal indicating the lasting nature of the contract.

tradition of wearing the wedding band on the right hand.

Early Christian churches considered the ring to be a remnant of pagan superstition. Times change; today’s wedding ceremonies usually include a wedding ring for the bride and for her groom. They are given as a token of fidelity.

Whether there is time to shop or the ring is forgotten in the rush to get the church on time, in a Church of England marriage a ring is a necessity; it can be of any metal and any size. Curtain rings and church-key rings have been used. The Duke of Hamilton was married at May Fair with a bed-curtain ring. In 1860 a ring of leather, cut from a finger of the groom’s glove, was used as the wedding ring.

Pope Innocent III in the 12th century declared that marriage ceremonies must take place in church and must include a marriage ring. Old Anglo-Normans used the middle finger of the right hand as the ring finger; by the latter 17th century the thumb often sported an elaborate Elizabethan wedding ring. It was King Edward VI of England who declared the third finger of the left hand to be the ring finger. In 1549 The Book of Common Prayer designated the marriage hand to be the left hand. But even today many European women follow the 18th century Roman Catholic

Fools rush in…simple rings made of reeds or rushes were used to seduce naive young women into mock marriages in England in olden days. The Bishop of Salisbury stopped the practice in 1217 when he declared such a rush-ring contract legal and binding. That undoubtedly cut down practice sessions of ring-weaving by enterprising, unscrupulous young men! WE

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Things to Consider Before Booking a

Drone

Wedding

Photographer Booking a wedding photographer is high on the list of things to do when planning a wedding. Family and guests are likely to take their own pictures on the day, but this is no substitute for a professional wedding photographer. One of the additional services some professionals are beginning to offer is aerial photography with a drone, and this is worth considering if you have a suitable venue. Using a drone for wedding photography opens up exciting creative possibilities. Photographs and video footage shot from the air have a cinematic quality, and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better way to capture the grandeur of a wedding venue. Large groups of guests shot from above look more interesting than traditional lines of people shot from the ground. Wedding photography with a drone is becoming increasingly popular, but there are some things you should consider before booking a service. The following tips will help you understand the things you should know about drone wedding photography. ď&#x201A;&#x2020;

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1) Not all wedding venues are drone friendly. Unmanned aircraft are still a

relatively new development, and not all wedding venues will permit them to be flown. Noise, invasion of privacy and the risk of damage to property or injury to people are some of the concerns. It may be possible to convince your venue to allow the use of a drone if your photographer agrees to work within specified guidelines. A professional drone pilot will operate to a health and safety policy, and this should satisfy most venues that the risks are minimal.

2) Drone photography will be an additional cost. Traditional wedding

photographers are beginning to offer aerial coverage, but it usually comes at a cost. A photographer may hire in a drone pilot rather than invest in his own aircraft, equipment and training. Limiting the aerial photography to a few specific shots is one way of keeping the costs down.

3) Drones can be disruptive. Video footage

captured from the air has a serene quality, but the aircraft recording it can be noisy and disruptive. The engine and propellers are particularly noisy during take-off and landing. It’s not a good idea to have a done in the area during the wedding ceremony or other intimate moments during the day. Give the aircraft operator specific times when the drone should be on the ground.

4) You must schedule time for aerial photography. Most wedding days

run to a tight schedule, so consider if there’s time within this specifically for aerial shots. It takes time to organize guests and arrange groups, and this will be in addition to the work a wedding photographer will carry out on the ground. There are also health and safety issues for a drone pilot to consider when working with people, and this adds to the time required.

5) Unmanned aircraft can’t fly in all weather conditions. With very few

exceptions, drones can’t be flown in the rain. Water and electronics don’t mix. Smaller aircraft can’t fly when winds are gusting, and fog and mist can also present challenges. When booking a drone wedding photography service, remember that weather conditions may result in cancellation by the pilot on the day. Developments in drone technology offer an exciting new way to capture memories of your wedding day. Aerial photography should be regarded as an additional service rather than a replacement for a ground-based wedding photographer. If you have the budget, wedding photography with a drone is a unique way to record moments from your special day. WE

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Effective Tips for Giving a Confident

Best Man Wedding Speech

Remember that glorious day when your best bud slapped you on the back and bestowed upon you the honor of serving as best man at his wedding? It was months ago, of course. The two of you likely christened the arrangement by cracking a few cold ones, and you immediately got down to business the business of planning a high-five-worthy bachelor party. But now the bachelor party is over and the wedding day is fast approaching. And you have yet to start crafting your best man speech. There’s no shortage of tips and advice available for how to write a great best man speech. Don’t write it the night before. Don’t drone on for 20 minutes. Don’t read straight from a piece of paper. Don’t say anything that might humiliate the happy couple. This is all good advice. But many of these tips can still leave you scratching your head as you search for the right words to say, and they do little to ease the tense feeling building in your stomach. Here are three specific, effective methods that will help you go into your speech with confidence and deliver a top-notch toast.

1. Start with a story Not a long story. Not an inappropriate story. Open with a brief, lighthearted, possibly humorous anecdote that in some way relates to the bride and groom. Perhaps you recall the day your pal first met his future bride.

Or maybe there was a moment when you realized he had gone completely head over heels for his special lady. Starting with a story serves several purposes. First, stories don’t generally require you to memorize lines word-for-word. You’ve probably spun this yarn before, or at least you’re quite familiar with the details, so there is room to fumble around with words without the entire speech unraveling. Second, your greatest value as best man is that you know the groom better than just about anyone in the audience does. Tell the crowd something it doesn’t know. Above all else, do not, under any circumstances, use a generic opening line that you pulled from a Google search. Nothing will have guests gulping down wine and staring at the tablecloth faster than an opener such as, “OK folks, I’ll keep this brief - you know, about as long as Travis will last in the sack tonight....”

2. Buffer your humour with sentiment Should you try for laughs? A few humorous touches can make a speech entertaining, and it’s not like you’re addressing the United Nations. This audience is ready to have a good time. So sure, go for it! Just remember: It’s a toast, not a roast. This isn’t the time for a rapid-fire takedown of the groom (or, even worse, the bride), and it’s not the place to launch your standup career. Excessive teasing, even if it’s brilliantly funny, can give your speech a sour note. Of course, being too

funny isn’t nearly as horrifying as not being funny at all. To avoid taking a wrong turn down the humour highway, add this simple safety valve to your speech. Every time you plan to say something humourous, follow it up immediately with something from the heart. If you’re joking about Travis being the world’s worst golfer, you might add that there is no one you’d rather spend seven hours with on a golf course. While humour can be hit-or-miss, expressing some sentiment will usually earn universal approval from the wedding crowd, and sprinkling in a few fuzzy compliments can be an effective insurance policy against a runaway comedy session.

3. Exercise your speech Once you’ve written your speech or you have created a rough outline of what you’d like to say, it’s time to practice. But don’t do it in front of a mirror. In fact, don’t even rehearse out loud. If you exercise regularly, you already have the perfect time built into your day to work out your speech in your head. People often feel less anxiety when they’re working out, and it can benefit you to practice when you’re in a calm state. Repeating the speech in your head allows you to master the words without becoming distracted by how you sound or how you look when delivering it. Finally, remember that there are only two people you absolutely need to please with your speech. As long as the newlyweds enjoy it, you should consider it a success. WE

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10 Trendy Wedding Themes for Your Special Day

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Choosing a theme for your wedding is a great way to show who you are as a couple, and it gives you the structure to make wedding planning a bit easier. Many different themes have been popular over the years. Here are ten that are trendy now. Do any of them fit you and your spouse-to-be?

Dress your wedding party in ivory or another pale neutral so you don’t overwhelm the lights. Stick with white or ivory linens and flowers.

Vineyard

Celebrate the glamour and romance of the 1920s with a roaring ‘20s wedding party! This theme is sometimes also referred to as a Great Gatsby theme, and it involves sleek gowns and black and gold decorations throughout the venue.

For people who appreciate a great glass of wine, there are few places more romantic than a vineyard. Whether you have a local favorite or search out one that will be beautiful in pictures, a vineyard makes an excellent location-based wedding theme. Don’t stop at choosing the vineyard as your location, but incorporate other details into your ceremony and reception as well. Get married under a trellis of grape vines, and use wine barrels as decorative details and as cocktail tables. Serve several different types of wine at your reception, or splurge for a wine tasting station. Send your guests home with a small bottle of their own.

Cherry Blossoms Sakura, the Japanese cherry tree, has delicate, pink blossoms that perfectly represent pure, innocent love. Cherry blossoms make a beautiful wedding theme, guiding the choice of color and décor. Cherry blossoms are particularly stunning in large groups, so you’ll want to decorate for your ceremony with branches or trees that are in bloom. Depending on the time of year, this can be an expensive proposition. If you cannot afford to put cherry blossom branches all over your wedding venue, try using just a few in centerpieces or opting for a sugar version cascading down your cake. The soft pink color of a cherry blossom should be your guiding inspiration when it comes to dressing the wedding party. Choose beautiful, pale pink gowns for your bridesmaids, and select a wedding gown in blush.

Soft Illumination For a twilight or evening wedding, candlelight can create just the right ambiance. Hang white lights on the ceiling or across trees for an outdoor ceremony. Place tiny, white candles throughout the venue and on the tables at your reception. Hang candle lanterns from trees or rafters.

Roaring 20s

Use sequins as details on clothing and tablecloths, and serve guests with black and gold stemware. String pearls through your bouquet and floral arrangements.

Favorite Team Many couples who share a love of sports choose a wedding theme that puts the spotlight on a favorite team. Whether you love baseball, football, hockey or something entirely different, you can focus on your love for sports during your ceremony and reception. Start by using your team’s colors in details like the attendants’ vests or sashes. You can even put a colorful sash on your wedding gown, or weave colorful ribbons through your flowers. Make the event truly special by surprising your spouse-to-be with a visit from your team’s mascot.

Indian Indian culture is very popular because of its bright colors and beautiful symbolism. Even if you don’t have an Indian background, you can use this excellent theme in your own wedding. Get inspired with bright pinks, golds, purples and teals. Decorate your space with statues of Indian gods and elephants. Give your bridesmaids colorful bracelets to wear with their gowns. You can even hire an elephant to bring you and your beloved to the ceremony.

1950s The ‘50s is considered a decade of innocent fun and old-fashioned values. You can pay tribute to this time in history with a 1950s themed wedding. Start with a wedding gown that features a full skirt and fitted bodice. Dress bridesmaids in the same style but in yellow, blue and pink pastels. Put the men in your wedding party in

light gray suits with cummerbunds that match the ladies. Of course, you’ll want to play classic ‘50s music at your reception and decorate with as many period antiques as you can find.

Romantic Blush Surround yourself with delicate, romantic pale colors for a blush wedding that your guests will remember as the most beautiful they’ve seen. The blush theme requires you to have the discipline to deny yourself any bright colors at all. Your bridesmaids’ dresses, table linens, flowers and any details should all be blush pink, ivory or white. Use pearls and just a few rhinestones to add some sparkle.

Backyard Picnic The backyard picnic has become the theme of choice for those brides and grooms who want a laid back, family friendly experience when they say their vows. This is a simple theme, but don’t fool yourself into thinking it will be easy. You’ll still need a lot of prep to pull this off. Find a backyard that is large enough to handle your event. Rent picnic tables for seating, and cover them with checkered tablecloths. The wedding gown should be simple and could even have a country flair with a hint of lace or some cowboy boots. Dress the wedding party casually in short dresses, khakis or even jeans. Find a caterer that specializes in traditional picnic food like burgers, potato salad and coleslaw.

Tropical Beach weddings have always been popular, but the theme has recently been adapted into setting up a tropical paradise. Whether you’re getting married by the sea or in a regular venue, decorate with details that remind you of the tropics. Use bright pinks, oranges and yellows, and make sure you have hibiscus and bird of paradise floral arrangements everywhere. Use pineapples and palm trees as details. These ten trendy wedding theme ideas will help you begin planning the perfect wedding. When you choose a theme that represents you and your partner, you’ll always remember what a personal and distinctive day you had. WE

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Eight Unique and Unpredictable

Wedding Themes Do you want to throw a wedding that will surprise and thrill your guests? If you want your wedding to express your own special style and show the world who you really are as a couple, consider a unique wedding theme. Here are eight ideas to inspire you. Boardwalk Take your guests to the laid-back, carnival atmosphere of a boardwalk along the ocean. Have your wedding by the beach, or create your own boardwalk in your venue. Hire street performers to juggle, walk on stilts and perform acrobatic routines that will leave your wedding guests stunned. Serve boardwalk food like fries, pizza, popcorn, funnel cakes and ice cream. Set up games like ski-ball, ring toss and balloon popping for guests to enjoy, and offer prizes like stuffed animals.

Literature Are you and your partner bibliophiles at heart? Why not have a literary wedding? You can choose a general literature theme by decorating with as many books as you can find. Name tables after various classic novels, and create a cake that looks like books stacked on top of each other. If you and your spouse-to-be have bonded over a particular book, choose that as your wedding theme. Create your own Hogwarts to celebrate Harry Potter,or let our your inner Jane Austen with a regency wedding based on Pride and Prejudice. Have bridesmaids carry books with flowers on top, and give away a copy of your favorite novel as a favor.

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Comic Book Comic books are back, and many people love them. If you and your partner are comic book enthusiasts, you can use this as your wedding theme. Choose one or more comic book heroes, universes or specific groups, and decorate with those colors and symbols. Take pages from a comic book to make paper flowers to use in your bouquets, and give action figures as wedding favors. Get masks for you and your beloved, and dress your wedding party in capes. You can even hire a real superhero to make an appearance at your reception.

Punk If mohawks and piercings are your thing, have a punk rocker themed wedding. Dye your hair several different colors, and choose a wedding gown with some edgy black details. Put groomsmen in black leather pants and concert t-shirts. Serve food on black and purple table settings, and decorate your cake with skulls.

Haunted A haunted wedding is a fun theme for Halloween or any time you’re feeling like partying with ghosts. Start with a venue that is rumored to be haunted. Make sure everyone knows the story by printing it on the invitations. Decorate your venue completely in black with a limited amount of lighting. Use projectors to place ghosts in various areas of the reception venues, and create bouquets out of black and red roses or dried flowers. If you’re feeling especially spooky, have your wedding ceremony in a cemetery.

Fairies Have a magical, enchanted wedding with a fairies theme.

Create your wedding from the inspiration of a deep forest as home to bewitching creatures who fly through the trees when no one is looking. This theme works best at an outdoor wedding, but it can be adapted to an indoor venue as well. Bring in some real or faux trees for the right atmosphere, and keep the lighting soft.

camping pots and plates, and be sure to have a fire where everyone can roast hot dogs and marshmallows.

Choose colors like green and purple for flowers and decorations. Don’t forget to add a bit of glitter to give everything a magical sparkle.

Glitter and Glitz

Find some short and flirty bridesmaids dresses and then spray paint some costume wings to match. The bride can be the fairy queen with glittery white wings and a crown. To get the most fun out of your fairy wedding, hide little fairies or fairy sized items around the room. Guests will love finding miniatures arranged to show that the fairies have been there.

Camping Combine the rustic outdoors with the oldfashioned fun of camping, and you have a great wedding theme. Book a campground for your wedding, or make your venue look like one. Use pretty wooden signs pointing the way to the ceremony and reception. Serve your guests with traditional

Set up a pretty tent with an awning you can stand under when you say your vows. Save time and money on décor by letting the great outdoors take care of it for you.

Some brides are all about the bling, and they believe that there is no such thing as too much sparkle and shine. If you share that opinion, consider a stunning glitter and glitz wedding theme. Your two most important items in pulling off this wedding theme are glitter and rhinestones. Spray glitter on all your décor from signs to flowers, and drape strings of rhinestones everywhere. Make sure the bridal gown can compete with all the sparkle by buying a dress completely encased in rhinestones and sequins. Set tables with white and clear items, so they don’t overshadow the shimmer. Focus lighting so it bounces off the glitter, creating even more sparkle. Your wedding can be anything you want it to be. Consider what makes your relationship tick and the hobbies that the two of you enjoy together. Use that to create a theme that is all your own. Use these eight unusual theme ideas to spark your imagination. WE

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6 Things to Know About Your Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Kick off your wedding festivities with a fun and beautiful rehearsal dinner. Typically, this is a time to enjoy a meal together after the wedding rehearsal and thank your friends and family for their help and support. But don’t be afraid to have a rehearsal dinner even if you aren’t planning to rehearse the ceremony. It’s a great way to start mingling with guests, give your families the opportunity to get to know each other better, and develop a positive vibe for the weekend. Here’s a look at the basics of planning your wedding rehearsal dinner.

Hosting the Rehearsal Dinner Traditionally, the groom’s parents host the rehearsal dinner, which usually means they plan and pay for it. This is still common, but as with most wedding traditions, there is greater flexibility nowadays. The couple often chips in or takes charge of the dinner; the bride’s parents or a friend or relative are also common. Both sets of parents hosting together is another option. Whoever hosts, let them plan the dinner as much as possible. As a couple, you can have input on the feel of the event, but give the hosts free rein in planning.

Timing of the Dinner The rehearsal and dinner are usually the day before your wedding, although some couples prefer a day or two before the wedding. Try to schedule the dinner early enough that you won’t have a late night out, but late enough that people can arrive after work. Remember you’re going to need time to sleep before your

wedding and a late night out won’t leaving you feeling your best. If dinner doesn’t fit well with your schedule, consider having a cocktail hour or breakfast instead.

for creativity, but it shouldn’t get too elaborate. You don’t want to take away from the wedding itself or create another event that requires lots of planning and preparation.

Inviting Guests

Sending out Rehearsal Dinner Invitations

There’s plenty of flexibility regarding the guest list. Immediate family, the wedding party and their partners, and the officiant make up the basic guest list, but larger events are also common. Inviting grandparents and other relatives is nice, as well as friends helping with the wedding. This is particularly courteous if you are having a destination wedding and people have come from out-oftown to help out. Speaking of which, inviting out-of-town guests extends an extra welcome to those who have traveled. Be considerate of the hosts when creating your guest list; keep the number of guests within their budget. When working with a limited budget, or if you want to keep your rehearsal dinner more intimate without excluding out-of-town guests, consider inviting a larger group to join you for dessert or cocktails after the dinner.

When you send your invitations varies. For guests who live close by, a month before is fine. If your guest list includes out-of-town guests, send the invitations two or three months before the dinner so guests have time to make travel arrangements. Including information about the rehearsal dinner with your wedding invitations is one way to go. Phone calls or personal invites are appropriate for small, casual rehearsal dinners.

Giving Attendant Gifts

Choosing a Venue

Give your bridesmaids and groomsmen their attendant gifts at the dinner, along with a thank you for their part in your special day. Gifts and thank yous for both sets of parents are also appropriate, as is a thank you to the rest of the dinner guests. You don’t need to give elaborate gifts or make a big speech, but something meaningful is appreciated.

The hosts usually choose a venue, but you may be involved, so remember to keep it simple. Restaurants are an obvious choice, as are hotels and clubs. These are great venues because they have staff, furnishings, and food all ready to go. Small rehearsal dinners can be held at a friend or relative’s home. A barbecue at the park is also a fun, casual option. There are many possibilities with room

The rehearsal dinner brings together family and friends, encourages conversations, and gives you a moment to relax and begin to celebrate. After months of wedding planning, the big day is finally here. You’ve worked hard to prepare for this day, so enjoy every moment as you celebrate your love and commitment surrounded by friends and family. WE

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Lovely Lips ..for luscious kissable moments BY T.P. BLACK

Smiling, kissable, provocatively pouting, exquisitely erogenous...LIPS...

 Hydrate. Drink at least eight, 8-10 oz. glasses of water each day.

Every bride wants to have perfect lips for her wedding day. More than any other day in her life, her lips will be on display and in action. Here are some pointers to be sure that lips look their best for all the wedding celebrations and photos.

 Humidify. Canadian winters wreak havoc on lips, with frigid temperatures outside and dry air inside. Be sure the air in your bedroom has adequate humidity; use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

 Moisturize. Use quality lip balms or moisturizers to keep your lips well moisturized. Apply products just before you go to bed for maximum benefit.

 Be Gentle. Whenever you are treating lips or applying lipstick or gloss, be very gentle so as not to damage them.

 Protect. Unlike skin that contains more melanin, lips lack protection against UV rays. Use a good lip sunscreen and always carry it with you.

 Exfoliate. Remove dry, dead skin from your lips with a gentle exfoliation. Purchase a a ready made product or create your own. Among mixit-yourself recipes is a mixture of equal parts of brown sugar, honey and olive oil or a paste of

 Nutrition. Eat foods rich in anti-oxidants think colourful vegetables and fruits. Omega-3 fatty acids are another key, so include fatty fish, walnuts, avocado and olive oil in your menu on a regular basis.

LIP TIPS

 No smoking, picking or licking. Never lick your lips; the enzymes in saliva will dry them out. Picking at dry lips exacerbates the damage. Smoking reduces oxygen going to your lips, drying them out, aging them faster, creating fine lines around the mouth and adding nicotine stains.

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white sugar and honey. Apply to your lips then wipe off very gently with a wet cloth. Follow with a lip moisturizer or balm.

The

Bridal Garter The garter toss is one of the oldest surviving wedding traditions. In ancient times the garter was a prize catch, since it was believed that if a man gave a bride’s garter to his lover her faithfulness to him would be guaranteed.

A TALE OF TWO GARTERS

Today’s brides often choose two garters, a keepsake one that can become a treasured heirloom and a tossing garter for the reception.

Garter Gab

Be as classy, creative or kooky as you wish with your garter choice. Here are a few possibilities.  Soft, misty feathers, white satin and lace  Cameo centered on bow treatment  Victorian with clouds of lace accented with tiny pearls  Crystals and beads on a stretch narrow ribbon backing  Rhinestone brooch for a vintage look  Polka-dots, gingham, a touch of burlap for a country look  Goth purple and black accented with a skull pendant  Black leather band with Harley Davidson motorcycle charm  Tulle accented with handmade flowers daisies, roses, forget-me-nots  Add garter charms such as a pendant engraved with names and dates, or crystal hearts  Accent garters with ribbon tails with messages for you and your groom to discover together

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The wearing of a garter may be a once-ina-lifetime experience. For the bride on her wedding day, it is also her little secret. Her keepsake garter can be a private pleasure in the midst of what is a very public day, unseen except by her groom when he removes it after the day’s festivities. Deliciously decadent, luxurious and seriously sexy!

BY JUDY JOHNSON

In ancient days people believed that a bride was especially lucky on the day of her wedding. They would even tear pieces from her dress as good luck tokens to take home with them. Later some brides cut up their garter and “tossed” the pieces to guests as good fortune souvenirs.

GARTER CHOICES

You can purchase a garter off the shelf or have one hand sewn and custom designed especially for you. Make a careful selection of your garter, a “tie” that you share with countless brides throughout the ages. The style of your bridal gown will affect the garters you choose from. A full-skirted gown means you can go ornate. If you will be wearing a mermaid style or bias-cut, form-fitting gown, a sleeker, tailored garter will be more appropriate.

Historical & Hysterical Facts

Perhaps you want to give a nod to your groom through your choice of garter. Is he a sports fan, a Harley rider, a comic-book junkie, a computer whiz? Whatever his interest, your garter can be customized to reflect it.

Originally brides tossed a garter, not a bouquet of flowers, at the celebrations following the wedding. By the 1300s, brides had had enough of rowdy, drunken men trying to remove the garter, so the tradition of tossing a bouquet of flowers emerged. The bride would then remove her garter herself and throw it to the guests at the wedding for good luck.

MAKE MINE BLUE

Long, long ago - long before the fashion gods invented pantyhose, both men and women wore stockings, often knitted from wool (ugly, hot, scratchy, ugh!). They were held in place by ribbons or bands, called garters.

The garter toss came from a much earlier British tradition called “flinging the stocking”. On the wedding night, the bride and groom were accompanied to the wedding bedroom by the guests who waited until they undressed, or “helped” them undress. After they removed the couples’ stockings guests took turns “flinging” them at the newlyweds, standing with their backs to the couple who were in bed. Whoever was first to hit the bride or groom would be the next to marry. Sort of gives new meaning to the phrase “the sweet smell of success”, no?

“Something blue” is considered lucky for the bride and so blue is often incorporated into the bride’s garter. Blue is the colour of faithfulness, purity and loyalty. One legend says that the garter evolved from The Order of the Garter, the oldest order of Knighthood in Europe. Among its regalia are a star, collar and a blue velvet garter, although British royalty has embellished the garters with masses of diamonds and other precious gemstones. Until the 1980s, only males were entitled to become members of the Order of the Garter, the exception being a female monarch. This has given rise to the belief that a bride, who surely is a “queen” on her wedding day, wears a blue garter, entitling her to royal treatment on her special day. WE

Something What bride hasn’t heard the lines “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe”, from a poem from the Victorian era?

Blue

BY IMARA GOWER

Reception blues could be wedding favours tucked into blue boxes, blue embellishment and details on the wedding cake, a blue signature cocktail. WE

Wearing something blue on your wedding day is said to ensure love, good fortune and fidelity throughout your marriage. Whether you call it tradition or superstition doesn’t matter - for most brides, the meaning behind this custom has been lost in history.

The History

In Biblical times the colour blue depicted fidelity and purity. A bride wore an item of blue clothing for her wedding. A blue band encircling the hemline of her dress was another possibility. In Roman Empire days blue borders trimmed robes; that represented love, modesty and faithfulness. Before the 19th century, bridal gowns were often blue. “Marry in blue, lover be true” was an old proverb. Young brides often adorned their tresses with blue ribbons to show their faithfulness.

Blue Notes

Today’s bride can get very creative when incorporating “something blue” on her big day. She might choose something that everyone can see such as a blue sash for her bridal gown, a hint of blue in gown or veil or blue shoes. Her bridal bouquet might incorporate blue crystals, blue flowers or blue ribbons. For dazzling blue jewels, think blue topaz, aquamarines or blue sapphires. For her special day, perhaps the blue note might be for private enjoyment. She might opt for blue garter or blue details on a white garter - a ribbon bow, blue crystals or a blue charm. Embroidering or sewing the date of the wedding and the couple’s names in blue on the inside of the bridal gown could be perfectly personal. A blue bow on a white lace thong or pale blue lingerie are possibilities.

Wedding Essentials 2017 | 105

House Rules

Making the best deal. Saving the most money. By Rita Callahan Buying a new house is an important personal decision and a big financial commitment – perhaps the most significant money decision you will ever make. Here are the questions that can help guide your buying process so you get the best house – and the best deal – possible! 1. First, what do you want in a dwelling? Do you want a bungalow, or a two-storey house, or does it matter? How many bedrooms? Will you be working out of your home and does that create special needs? Do you like the idea of suburban living, or do you prefer to be in the city? You and your partner should discuss these kinds of generalities before the buying process begins. 2. Can you prearrange a mortgage? Knowing in advance how much you can spend comfortably helps focus your search. (Also, be careful if you have a house to sell. Make sure you have a conditional agreement on your new home while you sell the existing one.) 3. Have you got all your ducks in a row? The experts you may need will vary, but usually include your banker/financial consultant as well as your realtor, builder, appraiser, lawyer, home inspector and insurance broker. 4. Are you doing adequate research? Browse through newspapers, magazines and industry/ government publications. Consult with family, friends and co-workers. Attend consumer seminars and check the Internet. Visit model homes and talk with builders and salespeople. 5. What’s your builder’s background and financial record? Of all the people you’ll be dealing with, the builder is key. There are many reputable, professional builders in the industry who provide great homes and great service – how do you know if yours is one of them? Is he a member of any home-builders’ associations? What is his reputation for after-sales service? How long has he been in business? Ask for names of past clients – and contact a few to find out how their dealings went. 6. What do you want in a neighbourhood? And how do your life-goals fit into the different

neighbourhoods you are researching? For example, if there are children – in your future or living with you now – consider the proximity of your proposed new home to suitable schools, churches and shopping. While this is a lifestyle consideration, it will also affect the resale value of your home down the road. 7. Once you’ve identified an attractive neighbourhood, what types of subdivision restrictions are in place? (particularly important if you’re considering a condominium) Have a good look at other homes in the area. Find out minimum square footage, and the types of dwelling allowed. You want to make sure the home you are considering fits in with others that may be built there. 8. What do you know about the lot location? There are many ways to change the look of your house, but you’ll never be able to change the location. A lot on a quiet court or crescent is always attractive. If there’s no house behind or alongside you yet, check the property stakes of that yard to envision how the house will sit on the lot, and how it will affect your house. If there is an empty space nearby, check its designation and zoning. What looks like a pretty meadow may be planned for a townhouse complex. 9. What do you love about the house? If you’re interested in one of the model homes, make sure you truly love its floor plan – and not just the fabulous furnishings provided by the builder’s “stager”. Envision the home with your furniture and accessories. Thinks about room size an setup (doors, windows, fireplaces and so on) as well as traffic patterns in the house. 10. Have you prepared a list of questions for the builder? What is the base price versus the price of the model home? What is included in the standard house and what is not? What is the extra cost for each upgrade? What is possible and what is not? What about start and completion dates? What can you expect from after-sales service? 11. Have you double-checked the “spec” list? Look closely at the quality of the builder’s home and what’s included. Ask to see samples of the standard features included in the base price, along with the description and cost of options the builder offers. When viewing a model home, try everything – window fixtures, door swing, drawer and closet hardware – everything!! And look into every nook and cranny. 12. Can you have your own plan priced by the builder or must you select an existing plan? If changes are incorporated prior to signing a purchase agreement, will they be done at cost or is a premium charged? In terms of upgrades and finishes, balance what’s important to you and what would enhance the

resale value of your home. 13. Do you understand the price of the house? Check the builder’s specification sheet to see what’s included in the price on behalf of the builder, and what’s extra. Will after-sales service respond promptly to your requests for changes or additions? 14. Do you understand all the other costs you will incur? Get detailed prices and estimates on everything involved in buying a home. Add costs of securing a mortgage, taxes and so on. Ask your lawyer to give you a detailed breakdown of closing costs, including land transfer taxes where applicable. Call movers for estimates. Do you need to

buy new appliances, window coverings or furnishings? 15. Have you checked the fine print on the warranty? Ask your builder to explain how the warranty works so you can be sure you are getting the coverage that you want. Ask to see a copy of the warranty document before you sign a contract. Have your lawyer review the warranty. 16. Have you found what you want, so that you can say “Yes” at the right moment? You’ve taken all the time you need, and now you’re ready and able to commit yourselves to the right home and the right builder. Congratulations! WE

You’re Getting Married

How to find the Home that’s Right for You! I offer you Peace of Mind by using Buyer’s Services ✓ A Home is the BIGGEST INVESTMENT most people make. ✓ I will conduct a BUYER INTERVIEW with you so you will fully understand the buying process. ✓ I will get you PRE-APPROVED for the lowest mortgage rate possible ✓ I will find the BEST HOME at the price you CAN AFFORD.

David H. Chalmers Sales Representative

CALL or TEXT

Office: 905.471.2000 | Cell: 416.910.9968 dchalmers@sutton.com Sutton Group – Heritage Reality Inc. Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated

161 Main St. North, Markham ON L3P 1Y2 SERVING THE GREATER TORONTO AREA AND SURROUNDING REGIONS Wedding Essentials 2017 | 107

Reception Reference Guide

A quick chart to help you to compare Ontario’s finest upscale wedding venues. All information is subject to change without notice. Some offerings may be available only on a limited, seasonal or by-request basis. Unless otherwise noted, alcohol charges, gratuities and taxes are extra.

NORTH OF TORONTO Page



Guests

Included In Price

Ceremony On Site

Outdoor Area

Special Menus

CHATEAU LE JARDIN CONFERENCE & EVENT VENUE 905.851.2200 30-1300 $75-160

A B F I J M N, open bar, antipasto bar

F G It P

CHRISTIES MILL INN & SPA 1.800.465.9966

AIMBFJNRGOSUHLPT

Yes

Ca Ch G H In It Ja K P V

CRANBERRY GOLF RESORT, LIVING WATER RESORT & RESIDENCE 2-220 $30-100 CU Page 102 705.446.3253

Yes

Ca G In It Ja P V

PATTERSON-KAYE RESORT AND SPA 705.645.4169 20-200

Yes

YEs

Yes

AFGHOP

Yes

Ca F G H In Il P V

THE BRIARS RESORT, CONFERENCE CENTRE & SPA 905.722.3271 Ext. 2730 up to 150 $125-135

ABCFGJNOPRSTU

Yes

Ca Ch F G H In It Ja P V O

WOODINGTON LAKE GOLF CLUB 905.936.9523 Ext. 232 PAGE 13

AFGIJOPRUW

Yes

Ca F G P V

Included In Price

Ceremony On Site

100

$35-150

$60-130

FGHIJPRU

SHARON TEMPLE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE AND MUSEUM 0-88 Page 103 905.478.2389 TABOO MUSKOKA Page 116 1.800.461.0236 Ext. 5796

20-200

60-300

$150-250

$70-125

SOUTHEASTERN ONTARIO 

Guests

DEER CREEK GOLF & BANQUET FACILITY 905.427.7757 Ext. 300 50-540

$ $75-125

ABCFG

Yes

Outdoor Area Yes

Special Menus F In H Ja V

TORONTO AND GTA Guests

Included In Price

Ceremony On Site

840-1400

$95-110

ABFGIJNOPU

Yes

Ch G H In Il K P V

CASTLEFIELD EVENT THEATRE 905.851.2200

25-1100

$79-169

ABCFGIJMNOPRSU

Yes

F G It Ja P V O

DISTILLERY EVENTS: 416-203-2363

80-300

$2,500-22,000

AIJNROP

Yes

Ca Ch F G In It Ja K P V O

 ATLANTIS

• ARCHEO

416.260.8000

416-203-2363

• THE FERMENTING CELLAR 416-203-2363 • THE LOFT

416-203-2363

MARKHAM MUSEUM 905.294.4576 Ext. 3171 Page 3 THE EGLINTON GRAND 416.485.5900 THE OLD MILL INN AND SPA 416.236.2641

108 | Wedding Essentials 2 017 108 | Wedding Essentials 2017

Outdoor Area

Special Menus

AIJNROP

Ca Ch F G In It Ja K P V O

AIJNROP

Ca Ch F G In It Ja K P V O

AIJNROP

Ca Ch F G In It Ja K P V O

50-100

Yes

We welcome all caterers.

240-400

$115-126

ABFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

Ch G H In Il K P V

12-650

$99-138

ABFRCOU

Yes

H It P

SPECIAL MENUS

Ca — Caribbean Ch — Chinese

F — French G — Greek

H — Halal In — Indian

It — Italian J — Jamaican

K — Kosher P — Portuguese

V — Vegan O — Other

INCLUDED IN PRICE A. B. C. D.

E. F. G. H.

Dinner wine Champagne toast Chair covers Disc jockey

I. J. K. L.

Wedding cake Hors d’oeuvres Bridal suite Gift for couple

Late-night buffet Non-alcoholic punch Limousine Engagement photo

M. Chocolate fountain N. Sweet table O. Limited bar included P. Tasting for two

Q. R. S. T.

U. In-house wedding co-ordinator V. Wedding invitations W. Centrepieces

Valet parking for two Late night coffee/tea Wine and fruit for bridal suite Breakfast

SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO Page



Guests

Included In Price

Ceremony On Site

Outdoor Area

Special Menus

ANCASTER MILL 905.648.1828

18-205

$89-150

AIQFJNRGOUP

Yes

BANQUET ROYALE LTD. 905.238.5335

80-250

$69-99

ABCFGIJNOPQRUW

Yes

H It K P V O

BENMILLER INN & SPA 1.800.265.1711 PAGES 25

10-120

$39-60

NRWGUPT

Yes

Ch G It V Other-Celieac

BEST WESTERN PLUS STONERIDGE INN & CONFERENCE CENTRE 519.652.6022 Ext. 575 10-200 $98-115 AIMFRCGOUPT

Yes

� V Other-Custom

CAMBRIDGE MILL 519.648.1828 Ext. 2

24-200

$89-150

AIFJNRGOUP

Yes

CARLISLE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 289.795.0426

50-200

$99-250

ABCFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

G H It P V

CENTURY PINES GOLF CLUB 289.795.0426

50-200

$99-250

ABCFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

G H It P V

up to 375

wknd rental

Yes

AIMQBFJNRWCGOSUDPT

Yes

Ca F G H In It P V

COWAN PARK BANQUET HALL 519.421.0030 Ext. 34

DELTA LONDON ARMOURIES HOTEL 519.640.5054 20-180 FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON LONDON 519.681.0680 Ext. 8208 50-500

$30-140

ABFJNRWCGOUHPT

Yes

GRAND METROPOLITAN OF MISSISSAUGA 905.624.4009 168-500

$60-86

ABFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

Ch G H In It K P V

GRAND VICTORIAN CONVENTION CENTRE 647.990.8468 50-600

$98-189

ABFGIJNOPR

Yes

Ca Ch F G H In It Ja K P V O

HESSENLAND COUNTRY INN 1.866.543.7736

10-180

$57-125

ABFJRGOUPT

Yes

V Other-German

KURTZ ORCHARDS 905.468.2937

100-300

$100-200

FJNRP

Yes

Ca Ch F G H In It Ja K P V

LIONHEAD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 905.455.8816

80-400

$99-160

ABCFGHIMR

Yes

H In K V, Vegetarian

MOHAWK INN & CONFERENCE CENTRE 905.854.2277 20-130

$35-100

OUHP

Yes

NORTHRIDGE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE 519.756.6345 Ext. 211 50-160

$30-50

AIBFJNRCGOSUDP

Yes

It V

ROYAL NIAGARA GOLF CLUB 289.795.0426

50-200

$99-250

ABCFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

G H It P V

ROYAL ONTARIO GOLF CLUB 289.795.0426

50-250

� $99-250

ABCFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

G H It P V

SPENCER’S AT THE WATERFRONT 905.633.7494 Ext 2

150

$99-150

AIQFJNROUP

Yes

THE STRATFORD COUNTRY CLUB 519.271.4212 Ext.231

10-165

$62-80

AWUP

Yes

THE WINDERMERE MANOR 519.858.1414 Ext. 432

80-120

$90-100

AGOUHT

Yes

V Other-Custom

Yes

WESTOVER INN 519.284.2977 WHISTLE BEAR GOLF CLUB 519.650.2327 Ext. 2

$45.00 170-440

$79-136

AIFJNRGOU

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