2017 Wedding Extravaganza

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Find everything you need for a perfect wedding from these area vendors: Photography: Accommodation: Crowsnest Pass Holiday Homes Amber MacKinnon Photography Jessica Maunsell Photography Apparel and Accessories: Katalily Photography Ruffles Boutique Mill Canyon Photography Beauty: Seamstress: Ascent Dental Lynne DeCock Creekside Dental Transportation: Platinum First Student Florist: Venues and/or Catering: C&D Floral Castle Mountain Resort Giftware and Wedding Products: Crowsnest Mountain Weddings Christine’s Gift Shoppe Flint Rock Ranch Crow Works Engraving & Signs Great Canadian Barn Dance Liquor: Heritage Acres A&B Liquor Store Holy Trinity Catholic Church Marriage Licences: Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village Crowsnest License & Registry Par-Tee Restaurant Pincher License & Registry Pincher Creek Legion The Waffle Wagon Music: Capriccio Group Think local first!

March 15, 2017

Shootin’ the Breeze

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Make your proposal special and successful A marriage proposal is a couple’s first official step toward the altar. Traditionally, men pop the question, with their surprised, hopefully soon-to-be fiancées ultimately deciding if wedding bells will be on the horizon.

Proposing marriage can be nerve-racking. However, if the time seems right and love is in the air, popping the question can be exciting. Regardless of who is proposing marriage, the following strategies can help make proposals memorable and successful.

Turn the tides.

An old Irish tradition known as the lady’s privilege was established in the fifth century by a nun named St. Brigid. She decided to create an opportunity for women to propose marriage. This day fell on every leap year, Feb. 29.

Centuries later, women can still use this tradition as the impetus to take the marriage reigns into their own hands. But women need not wait for the next leap year to propose.

Many women view proposing as an empowering action that is tied to the evolving view of independent women. Couples are negotiating more in the marriage process, and the dissolution of commonly held practices is occurring more often.

Choose a sentimental location.

Couples will remember the proposal for the rest of their lives, so choose a proposal location that has sentimental connections.

Think about where the first “I love you” was uttered or where a first date occurred. These can be prime locations to pop the question.

Note her style.

Engagement rings play a big role in many couples’ proposals.

One person’s style is not necessarily what the other will like. Bigger isn’t always better.

Rather, choose a ring that reflects your partner’s preferences and personality. Take your partner jewelry shopping and see which types of jewelry he or she is most drawn to.

Certain preferences can serve as a jumping-off point for ring designs.

Ask for the family’s blessing.

A man no longer need to ask his girlfriend’s father for “permission” to wed his daughter.

However, asking your partner’s family for their blessing is a sign of respect and can add a romantic and heartfelt touch to the proposal.

Capture the moment.

Though we live in an age when every moment of people’s lives is documented with videos and photographs posted to social media, proposals still stand out as extra-special moments.

Hire a professional photographer to discreetly capture the proposal and your partner’s reaction so it can be cherished for years to come.

How to find the right wedding vendors Weddings are a careful balance of many elements that culminate on one special day. Making all the components of a wedding come together seamlessly requires a well-organized bride and groom and the co-operation of professional wedding vendors who understand their unique roles.

Vendors — including florists, transportation companies, musicians and dressmakers — are essential to a successful wedding. Competent wedding vendors will remove much of the worry and work from a couple’s shoulders.

But not every couple ends up with top-notch wedding vendors. Research, planning and verifying references are some ways to ensure your vendors make your wedding day that much more enjoyable.

Seek recommendations from trusted friends and family members.

Talk to friends and family members whose insight you value about which wedding vendors they used. If you attend a wedding or another party and find the flowers or the music particularly well done, ask for the name of the florist or band.

Quality wedding vendors will help make your dream wedding a reality.

Consult with a wedding planner.

If budget allows, work with a wedding planner. He or she will have an extensive list of wedding vendors you can contact. A wedding planner wants the job to get done right and efficiently, and many wedding planners have already vetted and verified certain vendors as quality workers.

Always ask for references and don’t ignore them.

Busy wedding vendors should provide you with a list of names of satisfied customers. Talk with couples who used the vendors’ services in the past and ask the questions that are most important to your decision-making process. Unbiased feedback also may be available through online review sites, but direct contact with references may make you feel more comfortable.

Deposits should be a fraction of the total price.

Avoid wedding vendors who insist on hefty deposits. A deposit is a good-faith agreement to hold the date of the wedding, and it should be a small percentage of the overall cost of the services.

Do not pay balances too far in advance.

Many wedding vendors require that the balance be paid on the day of the wedding or shortly before. Good vendors realize couples will not want to pay the tally until they have received the products or services they signed up for.

A photographer may ask for the final payment when albums are delivered. The exception may be a caterer or reception site that needs the funds to order food and beverages a few weeks in advance.

Paying a vendor too early means you run the risk of that vendor having your money and then not coming through on the wedding day. It’s difficult to track down a person for a refund, plus you’re left with finding a replacement at the last minute.

Contracts are your friends.

Every agreement should be in writing. You have a better chance fighting for a refund or restitution in court when you have a contract in writing.

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March 15, 2017

Shootin’ the Breeze

Plan a perfect wedding in 15 steps

You’re getting married! Congratulations!

Now it’s time to plan the wedding. Here are 15 steps you should follow (not necessarily in order) so that everything is perfect on the big day.

Before you start, set your budget and stick to it at all costs. If you think you might lose your head, your best bet is to hire a wedding planner.

1. Decide on your theme. Hollywood glamour, car-themed, turquoise and white — you know the possibilities are endless!

2. Draw up your guest list and send invitations. Will it be a grand affair or an intimate gathering? Who do you want by your side on your special day? Make sure everyone can make it by sending out save-the-date cards and invitations early.

3. Plan the wedding procession. Who will you pick to be the best man, and who gets to be the maid of honour? Have you found a flower girl and a ring bearer?

4. Select the officiant and the type of ceremony. Courthouse wedding or religious tradition? Officiated by a priest or by a friend? Make sure that the option you choose welcomes your personal touch.

5. Find your venues. Where will the ceremony and the reception be held — in a church, at the beach, in a grand hotel, at the park or in a cozy cabin? Will you need to rent any equipment?

6. Dream up the floral arrangements and decor. Which flowers will be featured in the bride’s bouquet, the boutonnieres and the centrepieces? What kind of accents (balloons, candles, draperies) will create the perfect ambiance?

7. Prepare your registry and your gift bags. What household items do you and your partner need — a toaster, wine glasses, silk sheets? Open a registry to avoid receiving duplicate gifts. And remember to thank your guests with a personalized keepsake.

8. Secure an entertainment team. Do you need a master of ceremonies? Will a DJ, a string quartet or a rock band be in charge of the music?

9. Hire a photographer and a videographer. Who will immortalize your magical day? Take a look at several portfolios to find a pro that understands your vision.

10. Find a caterer and a bakery. What will be on the menu, and how will food be served? Will there be a candy bar, or even a chocolate fountain? Don’t forget the cake!

11. Plan your grand entrance. Will you arrive at the ceremony on horseback?

On your bike? In a limo, a sports car or a hot-air balloon?

12. Purchase your rings. What will the objects symbolizing your union look like?

Will they be golden, diamond-studded, massive or subdued? Choose wisely, because you’ll (hopefully!) be wearing them for life.

13. Shop for your outfits. Bow tie or regular tie? White gown or colourful sundress? Your attire for the event should reflect your personal style and make you feel absolutely stunning.

14. Book your beauty appointments. Have you called your hair stylist, your makeup artist and your esthetician yet? And what about the nail salon? Don’t forget to plan for trial sessions.

15. Write up your vows. What words will you choose to describe your feelings?

Time to brainstorm!

Remember to book everything as early as possible to avoid scrambling for a backup plan. And one last thing: where will you spend your honeymoon?

White isn’t your only option If, at a time in the past, the boldest move you could make when it came to the colour of your wedding dress was to pick off-white instead of a pristine snowy shade, that’s simply no longer the case.

Like most rules, the one that dictates the colour of your wedding dress is meant to be broken — and more and more brides are taking the plunge.

Read on for some inspiration.

Did you know that the white wedding dress has only been popular in North America since the 19th century? Before then, it was customary for the bride to wear — you guessed it — a colourful dress!

Today, the brightly coloured dress is making a comeback and designers from around the world are reinventing this vintage trend.

While shopping for a non-white

wedding dress might have been a tricky task a few decades ago, boutiques are now stocked with gowns in every colour of the rainbow — and then some.

Whether you’re in the market for an electric-pink ball gown or an emerald-green A-line, your bridal boutique of choice is sure to deliver the goods.

On the fence about your colour choice because you fear you’ll shock your guests by choosing an unconventional gown?

Remember that this is your day and that you have the final say on what you wear. That being said, there are ways to compromise: you could incorporate a coloured sash or veil in your look or choose an all-white dress with colourful stitching.

So, will you let your true colours shine through with your dream wedding dress?

Did you know?

According to the 2015 Real Weddings Study from the multi-platform wedding resource The Knot, the most popular month for couples to get engaged is December. Sixteen per cent of survey respondents became engaged in the final month of the calendar year.

The survey also found that the average length of a couple’s engagement is now 14.5 months.

Where June once was the most popular month of the year to tie the knot, today’s couples are now heading down the aisle most often in October. Seventeen per cent of weddings now occur in October, closely followed by 15 per cent in September.

And at what age are couples saying “I do”? The average marrying age is 29 for a bride and 31 for the groom.

Be the best-dressed wedding guest with a fashion statement from

Ruffles Boutique Add that extra sparkle with jewelry, accessories, shoes and designer fashions by

403-627-4640 803 Main Street Pincher Creek Open Monday to Saturday – 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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Selecting a comfortable wedding gown Many brides-to-be visit bridal shops with specific goals in mind regarding the style of their wedding gowns. Some women come equipped with magazine tear-outs or pull up ideas on their mobile phones. Others may have an entire scrapbook filled with various ideas they’ve been compiling for years.

Much consideration is given to wedding gowns. The cost and silhouette of the dress may garner the bulk of that consideration, but brides might want to spend more time considering comfort.

Depending on the time of day their weddings take place, brides can spend 12 hours or more in their gowns on their wedding day.

However, when shopping for their gowns, brides may prioritize beauty over comfort, even though it’s entirely possible to find a gown that’s both stunning and comfortable.

When staff and friends or family who have come along to offer advice start to blush over wedding gowns, brides-to-be may feel pressured to downplay any discomfort they feel.

To make sure brides look flawless and elegant but are still comfortable in their wedding gowns, consider the following tips.

Know what to highlight and what to cover up.

No two body types are the same, and many women feel certain parts of their bodies are their best assets while they want to downplay others.

Try on gowns that play up your best features. If you have shapely legs, consider a dramatic gown with a slit to show them off. Certain gowns can enhance the décolleté or show off an hourglass shape.

Remember, many gowns can be modified so that you feel secure and confident.

Sleeves can be added or fabric placed to cover up any perceived flaws. Confidence and pride are important parts of the comfort factor.

Get sized correctly.

Bridal gown sizes do not coincide with street sizes. Depending on the manufacturer, brides may have to select gowns that are several sizes larger than they would normally wear. This should not be a cause for alarm. Brides should go by their measurements.

Attempting to squeeze into a dress that is too small will only lead to discomfort on the wedding day.

Purchase the right undergarments.

Improperly fitting bras, shapewear and other undergarments can lead to discomfort as well. Some seamstresses can sew in supportive cups to remove the need for separate bras.

Brides can explore various options to reduce the visibility of certain accoutrements.

Move around in the gown.

Brides should not just stand in front of the mirror and smile when trying on gowns.

Put them through their paces. Try sitting, bending and even a little dancing. Make sure the dress is comfortable to move around in.

Try different options.

The gown brides have in mind may not be the one they ultimately go home with.

Explore different styles and materials. Choose cooler, breezier fabrics and lightweight gowns, like crêpe, georgette or organza, for summer weddings. Heavier fabrics, such as brocade, may be more comfortable in the winter.

Wedding gowns can be both beautiful and comfortable for those who know how to shop.

Have a successful engagement photo shoot Engagement photos vary depending on the couple. Often reserved for save-the-date cards and now commonly used to spruce up wedding websites, engagement photos can range from formal shoots in which couples are dressed to the nines to more laid-back shots featuring couples in everyday attire.

When planning an engagement shoot, couples should give themselves carte blanche with regard to style, as the photo shoot need not follow many of the more accepted rules that the wedding itself will ultimately adhere to. Once couples have settled on a style for their photo shoot, there are additional ways to ensure the session is a success.

Find a photographer who shares your sensibilities.

Photographers can vary greatly in style, and an engagement photo shoot will be most successful when couples find a photographer whose style matches the theme they are envisioning.

You likely would not hire a nature photographer to photograph a basketball game, so don’t hire someone who specializes in posed shots if you want your photos to be more lively and spontaneous.

Before you hire anyone, ask for sam-

ples of each photographer’s work to be certain you’re getting someone who has experience shooting the type of photos you want to take.

Solicit ideas from the photographer.

Some couples already know exactly where they want their engagement photos to be shot and which poses they want to be arranged. However, many couples have little or no experience with professional photo shoots, so should solicit ideas from each photographer they are considering hiring.

A skilled photographer should propose several ideas. Be wary of photographers who offer little input, as you may ultimately be dissatisfied with their work once the shoot has come and gone.

Avoid studio shots.

Many couples prefer their engagement photos be taken somewhere they have a personal connection to, such as the site of their first date or a park they frequently visit.

Studio photo shoots might provide the best lighting, but couples have no connection to such spaces, and down the

See PHOTO SHOOT, continued on page 13

Want a Unique and Rustic Wedding?

Celebrate your union at the Great Canadian Barn Dance Give your guests a one-of-a-kind experience that they will never forget!

Featuring world-class entertainment, a family friendly campground, picturesque barn, country-themed bed and breakfast, top-notch catering, wagon rides, large pond with canoes and a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains. Our facility has it all and you have the flexibility and freedom to make your day exactly as you envisioned it.

We are here to help make your day just as you want it!

2 miles northeast of Hill Spring Please contact Tanya Wilson Toll Free 1-866-626-3407

barndance@gcbd.ca www.gcbd.ca

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Leave Your Reception

In Our Capable Hands Spend your special evening in our warm and inviting atmosphere!

Delicious meals, dance floor and stage for live music.

Beautiful surroundings at the Pincher Creek Golf Course with outdoor deck.

Venue Seats 50 to 165 People Please call for available 2017 dates

Par-Tee Restaurant 403-627-2162

Pincher Creek Golf Course

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Shootin’ the Breeze

Bouquet toss 101 It is customary for the bride to share her good fortune by tossing her bouquet into a crowd of single female wedding guests. With a bit of luck, whoever catches the flowers will, legend says, get married within the coming year.

If you want to go through with this classic custom during your own wedding but aren’t sure exactly when the ideal moment is, read on for some insight.

If a photo shoot is planned for after the ceremony, hang on to your bouquet to include it in your pictures.

You’ll have plenty of time to toss it later on during the reception, once the ambiance has warmed up and your guests are ready for a friendly floral fight.

After enjoying a delectable meal — most likely interrupted by several tender kisses — keep the fun going by gathering all eligible dames on the dance floor. Get into position and launch away! Your legendary toss is sure to put a smile on someone’s face and kick off an unforgettable evening.

If you’re attached to your magnificent bridal bouquet and don’t want to part with it during the tossing, the solution is simple: ask your florist to prepare a second, more modest bouquet specifically for the toss. This way you can carry on the tradition while saving your gorgeous bouquet for yourself!

PHOTO SHOOT,

continued from page 12 road they may regret not taking the photos someplace that’s a little more meaningful.

A photo shoot outside the studio affords couples and their photographer more opportunities to experiment and improvise, which can produce a wider array of shots than a studio shoot is likely to deliver.

Don’t forget candid shots.

Candid photos can make the session more fun and loosen couples up a little bit.

Many engagement photos will never be

seen by anyone other than the photographer and the couple, so don’t be bashful during candid shots for fear of being embarrassed down the road.

Have fun with the candid shots, and your other photos are likely to come out better as a result.

An engagement photo shoot should be fun and reflect the personalities of the couple. A few simple strategies can ensure couples’ shoots accomplish both of those things.

Crowsnest Mountain Weddings Crowsnest Pass, Alberta

Want a spectacular mountain wedding with no worries about the weather?

Offering both indoor and outdoor options, the setting at SpringBreak Flower Farm and catering by Country Encounters will make your big day absolutely incredible!

SpringBreak Flower Farm

Country Encounters Hospitality

www.springbreakflowerfarm.com

www.countryencounters.com

Val – 403-563-0929

Dawn – 403-563-5299

Heritage Acres provides a unique wedding experience offering a historic church for the wedding and the rustic barn loft for the reception along with a beautiful horse-drawn carriage to add character to your ceremony and photos. We also provide catering.

Popular for both country and cowboy-themed weddings.

Located just outside of Pincher Creek Call 403-627-2082 to book your special day Visit Heritageacres.org for photos

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Incorporate flowers in various ways Weddings are special moments for couples and the guests they invite to share their happiness on their big day. Beautiful weddings require substantial planning, as every last detail must be considered for couples to enjoy the wedding of their dreams.

Flowers play a big role in many weddings, and couples can add beauty and ambiance to the event by using floral arrangements in various ways. Modern floral arrangements are stunning, and many couples may not know that herbs, spices and flowers have been used in weddings for centuries.

Today, flowers are used to decorate wedding venues, impart sweet fragrances and complement formal attire, but in ancient times they were used differently.

Flowers were used to bestow good luck on the couple and keep bad omens away.

Brides carried aromatic flowers and spices to keep evil spirits from spoiling the festivities, and some even tucked bulbs of garlic into their bouquets.

In ancient Greece and Rome, both the bride and the groom wore garlands made out of strong-smelling herbs and flowers around their necks or heads. These wreaths were considered gifts of nature, and thus very appropriate for a wedding.

Traditionally, bridesmaids would be responsible for fashioning these floral components. In ancient Sweden, young girls would carry small bouquets of fragrant herbs down the aisle and the groom would put thyme in his pocket. These aromatics were thought to help keep trolls at bay.

Besides warding off spirits or hungry trolls, flowers also served more practical purposes throughout history.

During the Middle Ages, people bathed less frequently than today. Bathing might have occurred only twice a year, once during summer and then again at

Christmastime.

Because many weddings took place in the spring, flowers were used to mask bodily odours. Not only were flowers and herbs carried, but they also would be sewn into clothing.

Modern brides and grooms may no longer see their wedding days as times for opportunistic evil spirits. But that doesn’t mean that couples cannot borrow from ancient traditions and incorporate flowers into their weddings in various ways.

Wreaths and garlands — Ask the florist to weave small flower buds, berries and vines to a headband, wreath or piece of twine so that the bride and groom can wear these flowers in the way they were worn by ancient Greeks and Romans.

When coupled with Grecian-styled wedding gowns, a bride can look like a beautiful goddess on her wedding day.

Fragrant favours — Tuck dried rose petals and other fragrant flowers into sachets that are embroidered with the wedding date and the couple’s names. Guests can use these sachets to keep clothing smelling fresh in drawers or as subtle air fresheners around the house.

Edible flowers — Ask the caterer to make meals flower-friendly by including some edible blooms in the salad or as a garnish on meals.

Raining petals — In lieu of bubbles or birdseed, guests can shower the newlyweds with rose petals after the ceremony.

Memorial — Some couples like to honour departed family members. Floral arrangements with small placards can make for fitting memorials.

Flint Rock Ranch

Photo by Gio Ledda

Book your dream wedding at Flint Rock Ranch

Picturesque setting for an intimate country wedding Located 25 minutes north of Pincher Creek, Flint Rock Ranch offers an indoor or outdoor ceremony option, full-catering kitchen and chef and rustic banquet and dance space. We also have some lodging available for the wedding party!

Contact Bette for more information!

www.flintrockranch.com

Have a Bright Smile for Your Special Day We offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry to suit every bride’s needs BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

The right way to wear a boutonniere

Dr. Greg Steed Dr. Mark Leishman

Many grooms choose to follow the tradition of wearing a small floral accessory called a boutonniere on their wedding day. If you’re about to put a ring on your sweetheart’s finger, read on to find out how you should wear your boutonniere.

First, know that this accessory isn’t an essential part of the groom’s attire and that many prefer to opt for the subtler handkerchief. So don’t worry; you’re free to wear whatever you think looks best. If you do choose to say yes to this floral adornment, here’s how to wear it: — Attach it to the lapel of your suit or jacket.

— Always pin it on your left side, above your heart.

— Choose a delicate or magnetized fastener to avoid damaging your jacket.

— Make it match your bride’s bouquet. This is not optional!

— Match it to your wedding’s colour palette.

Choose a perfect hairdo for your perfect day A wedding day that’s also a bad hair day is one of the million preoccupations of most brides-to-be. Choosing how you’ll wear your hair on the big day is no easy task, either.

Here are some tips for picking the perfect do for saying “I do.”

Make an appointment with your stylist for a hairdressing test (or several) at least a month before the big day.

To prepare for your appointment, browse through magazines or search online for inspiration. Make sure you have a good grasp on your likes and dislikes when it comes to your hair.

Be ready to clearly and accurately express your preferences, expectations and

even worries to your stylist. A good stylist will help you find a style that’s suited to your personality and physical features.

He or she will consider several factors to create the most flattering of dos, including your personal style, your dress, your face shape, your hair type, and when and where your wedding will take place.

When the big day finally arrives, remember to take your dress and your veil with you to your hair appointment so you can get a clear picture of your final look.

Take some friends along, and don’t forget your camera to immortalize the affair!

bettemitchell@icloud.com

403-627-3290 1-800-663-5041 www.ascentdental.ca 978 Kettles St. Pincher Creek

Crowsnest License and Registry is happy to help you fill out all the paperwork to get a marriage license.

Stop by our office and talk to one of our agents.

Crowsnest License & Registry

403-562-2011

12731 20th Avenue

Blairmore

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Holy Trinity Catholic Church

Our recently renovated hall is the perfect venue for your Crowsnest Pass wedding!

Seating for 155-165 * Fully functioning kitchen with five-burner stove for your catered events * Stylish new bar * Beautiful chandelier

Taking bookings for 2017!

A & B Liquor Store presents

The

Wedding Planner

A complete wedding package to ensure your new beginning is full of joy and worry-free

Please call 403-562-2103 13126 21 Ave., Blairmore

Newly Engaged or Already Have a Date?

Ask us for details!

Amber MacKinnon Photography Call me to book your wedding session 403-628-3051 Like Amber MacKinnon Photography on Facebook

Capriccio Group Flexible String Ensemble

Tynan and Shelly Groves 403-563-2003 shelly.groves@gmail.com www.capricciogroup.com

Worried About Wedding Paperwork?

Stop by

Pincher License and Registry We’ll help you start your marriage off right!

Ranchland Mall Pincher Creek

Guest Shuttle Services • Waterton • Crowsnest Pass • Ranches • Pincher Creek Buses seat up to 40 guests

Contact Sharon Roberts to book your shuttle 403-627-3060

LOOKING FOR THAT TRULY UNIQUE CATERING OPTION FOR YOUR WEDDING OR REHEARSAL DINNER? Let the Waffle Wagon provide a memorable experience for you and your guests!

We offer catering options for receptions, dessert stations, after-wedding snacks and a variety of edible party favours.

Impress your guests with our Belgian Waffles, freshly baked in our Waffle Wagon in front of your guests.

CALL ME TODAY SO WE CAN CREATE A UNIQUE PACKAGE TO MEET THE LOOK AND FEEL OF YOUR SPECIAL EVENT.

Lieve Parisis 403-627-4965 thewafflewagon@hotmail.com www.facebook.com/thewafflewagon

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Different roles for the father of the bride Popular movies and televisions shows give the impression that the job of the father of the bride in a wedding is ultimately about making sure the festivities are adequately funded. In the movies, fathers fret about the costs of everything from flowers to photos.

But gone are the days when the father of the bride bankrolls his daughter’s entire wedding.

The 2014 Real Wedding Survey by The Knot reported that, on average, the bride’s parents contribute 43 per cent of the total cost of a wedding; the bride and groom contribute another 43 per cent; the groom’s parents spend 12 per cent; and the remaining two per cent is paid for by family members or friends.

That frees up Dad for other roles in wedding planning. With some creativity, couples can find ways to incorporate the father of the bride into the festivities in even more productive ways.

Wedding sites — Assign the important task of looking at potential wedding reception sites prior to visiting them yourself. He may have certain connections through work or attending business or leisure occasions at catering halls and other venues.

Dad’s connections can pay off. Let him impart his negotiating skills and find the best deals with the ideal backdrop for the festivities.

Wardrobe — Let your father assist the best man and other groomsmen in securing their tuxedos or other wardrobe essentials.

Dad also can step in and return rented items following the wedding.

Beverages — Dad may be fitting to keep tabs on what is occurring at the bar during the reception, ensuring that guests’ needs are being met.

He also can keep an eagle eye trained on anyone who may have overindulged and needs to take a break.

Speech — Give your father an opportunity to shine by letting him make a speech. Remember, this is a momentous day for Dad as well, as he may be trying to come to terms with his daughter starting a new life.

Father-daughter song — Let Dad pick the father-daughter song and go with his choice even if you had something else in mind.

Ceremony — Even if you prefer a less traditional wedding ceremony, let your father walk you down the aisle. This will likely be a moment he’ll remember for years to come.

Expand the father of the bride’s role in the wedding by assigning him tasks where he can put his style, experience and excitement to good use.

Tips for a special mother-and-son dance Weddings celebrate the unions of happy couples ready to pledge their lives to each other. In theory, the wedding day spotlight should be shared equally by brides and grooms.

But brides often eclipse their grooms, as guests are drawn to stunning bridal gowns.

Though grooms might play second fiddle for much of their wedding days, there is one moment when all eyes are on the groom and a special lady in his life.

The mother-and-son dance is a wedding tradition that many grooms embrace as their opportunity to show their mothers how much they love and appreciate them.

It is an ideal time to create a special moment, and the following are some tips to personalize the dance.

Precede the bride and her father.

Make your own tradition and switch up the timing of the dances. Be the first to take a spin on the dance floor and set the tone for the other traditional songs to come.

Create a photo montage.

Work with an entertainment company or photographer to create a slideshow of images showing you and your mother together and separately.

If possible, include some

photos that were shot during the wedding ceremony, asking the photographer to capture the look on your mother’s face during pivotal moments of the ceremony.

Show off your dance skills.

One increasingly popular wedding trend is for fathers and brides to choreograph the father-and-daughter dances.

Grooms and their mothers can follow suit, particularly if you both have some stellar dance moves.

Let Mom choose the song.

Give your mother the opportunity to express her sentiments to you, as mothers of the groom do not typically toast their sons during weddings or even rehearsal dinners.

Invite other son-mother duos up.

If the idea of dancing alone with your mother is a bit intimidating, give other mothers in attendance an opportunity to share the spotlight. Celebrate all mothers in attendance, encouraging any mothers and sons who are present to dance together.

Grooms may not garner the bulk of guests’ attention on their wedding days. But they can take steps to make their special dances with their mothers more memorable and unique.

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Distributed weekly to Town and MD of Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Brocket, Hill Spring and Glenwood

March 15, 2017

Host a successful reception Special occasions call for special venues. Catering halls are capable of hosting big and small parties, making them worthy of consideration for hosts looking to impress.

While catering halls are most often associated with weddings, such venues can host everything from birthdays to religious rites of passage to anniversary parties and more. Catering hall staff can guide clients through the booking, preparation and hosting of their events.

Many couples prefer to leave much of the hosting work to the professionals, feeling it reduces the stress associated with hosting while ensuring hosts they will have the time to mingle with guests and enjoy the festivities.

Working with a reputable and reliable caterer is the first step toward ensuring a party will be successful and enjoyable. The following tips can help anyone develop a good relationship with a caterer en route to hosting a fun and memorable party.

Think about the size of the venue.

Catering halls can cater to parties of various sizes. When choosing a venue for the party, couples should keep the comfort of their guests in mind. Guests should be able to move around and not feel as though they are sitting on top of one another at the tables. Halls can be too big as well. Rooms that are too large for the guest list can feel uncomfortable and make guests feel isolated.

Lynne DeCock ~ Seamstress

Develop a budget.

Budget should factor into couples’ decisions regarding a catering hall. Speak with the catering manager prior to booking and be sure there is a package that will fit your budget. When examining catering packages, couples can discuss if certain substitutions or amendments can be made to packages to meet their needs and the needs of their guests.

Consider the banquet hall location.

Guests should be able to get to and from the venue with ease. Try to find a catering hall that is not too far from home.

This way you can communicate with the banquet manager and be able to pop in to drop off centrepieces and favours easily or handle any other last-minute issues that pop up.

Explore the amenities.

Amenities such as outdoor gardens or gazebos for photo opportunities can add to the experience of throwing a party at a catering hall. Couples should compare amenities at the catering halls they’re considering, and factor in the benefits of having those amenities versus the disadvantages of choosing a venue without them.

Don’t forget the food.

Food should not be overlooked when choosing a catering hall. Be sure to tastetest the menu to determine if the food is up to par. Catering halls can be beautiful, but the food should meet couples’ expectations as well.

Specializing in Wedding Gowns Bridesmaids’ Dresses Graduation Dresses References Available

403-628-2043 or 403-627-7939

PINCHER CREEK LEGION A great location to hold your wedding reception!

Hall holds up to 120 people, with catering and bar service available.

We also rent linen tablecloths.

For more information, call 403-627-4024 691 Main Street Pincher Creek

The WOW Factor

Create the perfect look for your special day!

for Your Wedding

Hairstyling • Lashes Waxing • Gel Nails

Beautiful bridal bouquets, reception florals and ceremony arrangements Call to book your complimentary consultation with a floral designer!

C&D Floral

Ranchland Mall

403-339-3133 748 Main St. Pincher Creek

Pincher Creek

Put your best smile forward on your wedding day!

Call for a whitening appointment today!

Creekside Dental Clinic Dr. David Baker 403-627-4900

1035 Hewetson Avenue Pincher Creek * Babies * Family * Grad * Holiday Minis * Engagement * Wedding * Boudoir * Events

Ellen DeCock

403-627-4704

kootenai brown pioneer village Let us help you with your special day!

Rent our beautiful grounds for a breathtaking and unique photo shoot setting or for a quaint outdoor wedding!

Tents, tables and chairs also available for rent.

403.627.3684 www.kootenaibrown.ca 1037 bev mclachlin drive pincher creek

Jessica Maunsell* PHOTOGRAPHY

It’s your moment! jmaunsellphoto@hotmail.ca 403-632-5479

Christine’s Gift Shoppe Located in Pincher Office Products Check out our huge selection of wedding gifts and accessories

Book your wedding date with Katalily Photography today!

New Wedding Stock!

403-563-0805

Community bridal and shower pools can be found here

www.katalilyphotography.com

403-627-2628 750 Main St. Pincher Creek

Available for travel