hitched Northern BC’s source for everything bridal
2019 Edition
Step-by-step
Checklist
PAGE 23
Timeless dress planning How to work with a dress shop to find your style
to keep your wedding plans on track
PAGE 33
Q&A With Local Brides Learn from the experience of 3 local brides, with distinctively different weddings.
Page 7 Product of
How brides and grooms can set and enforce
Digital Rules PAGE 30
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04 Plan accordingly
Don’t let anything fall through the cracks with this vendor timeline
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07 Local brides Q&A
Learn from the experience of 3 local brides, with distinctively different weddings
08 Q&A: Amy & Kris 12 Q&A: Sunita & Jai
Destination Wedding: Temecula, California
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Traditional Hindu Wedding: Vancouver, BC
18 Q&A: Marianne & Dustin 23 Timeless dress planning
Local Wedding: Northern Lights Estate Winery
How to work with a dress shop to find your style
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Available on-line at:
www.pgcitizen.ca General Inquiries | 250-562-2441 Publisher | Colleen Sparrow Editor | Neil Godbout Director of Advertising | Shawn Cornell
A division of
201-1777 Third Avenue | Prince George, B.C. | 250.562.2441
Words you need to know to dress shop
28 30 32
Sharp Dressed Man
33
Countdown to your perfect day
Design & Layout | Grace Flack
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All about the dress
A men’s style guide planner
The ‘social’ guide How brides and grooms can set and enforce digital rules
We gather today How to choose the right officiant for your ceremony
Step-by-step checklist to keep your wedding plans on track
COVER IMAGE: Marianne poses with her bridesmaids at Northern Lights Estate Winery, where she had a beautiful and intimate gathering for her special day. Marianne answers questions about her local wedding day on page 20. Photo by: Northern Pixel Photography
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2019 } PLANNING
Plan Accordingly
Feeling overwhelmed by wedding planning? Ensure you stay on track and don’t let anything fall through the cracks with this vendor timeline By Carley Lintz CTW Interviews
Your new fiancé may have spent weeks (or even months) deciding how to pop the question, but now is when the real planning starts. Before you dive into the deep end of Pinterest, though, you need a
game plan to give you structure in the midst of chaos and prevent you from becoming completely overwhelmed. “There are so many details that go into planning a wedding. The time it takes to plan is like having a part time job and with all of the items to juggle it can be so easy to forget
something,” says Amanda Felsman, Wedding Stylist and Director. “Using a checklist can help make sure you aren’t paying for costly mistakes.” One of the biggest mistakes you can make is waiting too long to hire vendors. This can lead to extra rush fees, settling for subpar ser-
vice because your dream vendor is unavailable or, at worst, going without a vendor at all. Wedding planning has no room for procrastination, so to help you get started, here is a typical timeline, according to industry experts.
12+ Months Book your priority vendors
The average engagement lasts 12 to 18 months in the U.S., so there are vendors who get booked a year or more in advance. “You want to book the vendors that there are only one of as early as you can so you have the most options,” advises Sarah Agee, Owner of an event company. “Bakeries can make dozens of wedding cakes so that doesn’t need to be as high of a priority as the photographer for example.” 4
Top priority vendors should include the venue, photographer, videographer and planner. If you have a favorite vendor in mind for other services, such as catering or hair, you should also go ahead and secure the booking for your date. “I tweak the timeline depending on the couple and what is most important to them but the earlier you book vendors the more variety you have to pick from,” adds Felsman.
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9+ Months Plan the reception
Next on your list should be many of the major players for the reception, such as the florist, caterer and entertainment (band, DJ, etc.). Before you meet with potential candidates, though, ask your venue what their requirements are for vendors. You don’t want to book a caterer who needs access to an onsite kitchen or a band who needs plenty of outlets if your venue can’t accommodate it. Also, when interviewing any candidates, be sure you know exactly what you’re getting before you pay the deposit. “You want to make sure you understand the services you’re purchasing, such as the number of hours of their services you are purchasing or how you’ll receive the product after the wedding,” says Agee.
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2019 } PLANNING
8+ Months Choose your gown
Finding your dream dress takes time, so ensure you say yes to the right one by starting early. Plus, you’ll avoid rush fees for tailoring if you choose one early. If you are on a
time crunch, your best bet is buying a sample size or from a resale website.
6+ Months Select the bridal party attire
By the six-month mark, you’ll
want your bridesmaids and groomsmen (and, of course the groom), to have ordered their wedding attire. Like with the bridal gown, waiting too long runs the risk of not receiving something on back order or paying extra for last minute tailoring.
4+ Months Finalize your vendors
Approximately four months out from the big day, you should be finalizing any other vendors on your list, including the hair stylist, makeup artist, baker and transportation. Of course, other details can still be made closer to the wedding, such as purchasing guest favors or ordering place cards, but you should aim to have all your actual vendors hired at this point. Not every couple takes a whole year to plan a wedding, though. 6
“We have planned weddings in as little as 3 months so it can be done,” says Felsman. “The average is about a year but if you are planning in 8 months or less you will have to be more flexible with your choices.” If you’re planning your wedding on a time crunch, be prepared to compromise. Less time means you might not have access to your first venue choice or favorite photographer. And once you find a good option, you have to be ready to pull the trigger. “You’ll have to be decisive. You need to make decisions and stick with those choices. You don’t have time to change your mind,” advises Agee. “Use vendors your friends have had good experiences with. This can save you time on the researching end of wedding planning.” © CTW Features
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2019 } BRIDE Q&A
Local Brides Q&A We understand planning your wedding involves time and research, so what better way to start planning your wedding than by asking three Prince George brides questions about their own wedding experience? Whether you’re planning a local wedding, traditional wedding or destination wedding, we’ve got you covered with this fun Q&A with local Brides. Q&A Starts on page 8
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Amy & Kris Destination Wedding:
Temecula, California
Meet Amy & Kris Smart. Their romantic destination wedding took place at Wedgewood Weddings Galway Downs in sunny Temecula, California. This intimate wedding highlights that all you truly need is the important people in your life to make your wedding special. Amy discusses destination do’s and dont’s and even shares a makeup mishap!
Hitched interview By Michelle Sandu
Q:
What did you learn from your wedding?
A: Enjoy all the moments. The
day or week, if it’s a destination wedding, goes really fast. You spend a year planning a wedding and the time goes so fast. Staying present and enjoying all the moments was so important. There were a couple times I grabbed my new husband in disbelief that all these people came all this way for us. I had to step back and really enjoy the time together and appreciate the love around us. Q&A Continues on Page 10
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Q: Did you have any bridezilla moments? A: I did! I like to think I only had one. When we got to
Temecula, I had to have a hair and makeup trial. The stylist was supposed to be coming to me at the hotel to do the trial. She called an hour before and said her day was too busy and I would have to come to her. I called an uber and turns out her shop was just under an hour away with traffic. Once I got there she was half an hour late and I was super grumpy knowing everyone was arriving at the hotel and I was missing it. She continued to do my hair and makeup and when she was done she gave me the mirror… it was awful and I don’t think I was being dramatic! I left in complete shock, blasting messages and selfies while I cried in the uber all the way back to the hotel. I stormed passed everyone in the hotel on my way to my room, not stopping to say hi. I washed all my makeup off before going to meet anyone still with a grumpy attitude. Bridezilla!
Q: What was your most memorable moment? A: The vows. It was important to us that they were traditional and heart felt. The officiant was amazing! We were worried they were going to be too long, and people would be bored. There were lots of tears and laughs- it was exactly what we wanted.
Q: What would you do differently? A: My speech. Everyone who got up and spoke had beautifully written speeches. When it was my turn, I fumbled through tears and ended up talking to whoever I made eye contact with. When I was done I realized there was so much more I wanted to say. I would definitely recommend writing a speech instead of winging it!
Q: Was there any where you would have spent less? A: Yes, the cake! No one eats the cake and we couldn’t bring it home. It was just for decoration in the corner of our reception. I could understand if you are a couple that are into sweets. We knew we weren’t, so we should have skipped this all together. We had a noodle station in take-out boxes at the end of the night that was definitely more popular than the cake.
Q: Where did you spend that you were glad you did? A: The flowers. I love flowers! They add so much colour and softness.
I could have had more flowers! At first it seemed like an easy place to skim costs and I’m so glad we didn’t. The venue was huge and the flowers helped fill the space.
Q: How was your overall experience? A: Amazing! Wedgewood definitely takes care of everything with the
wedding. We were able to show up, have a magical day and leave everything behind. I liked being able to visit with everyone before and after the wedding day. With a destination wedding people generally stay at the same hotel and it makes it really easy to have quality time with everyone. Photos: Leah Marie Photography
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2019 } BRIDE Q&A
Sunita & Jai
Sunita & Jai Traditional Hindu Wedding:
Vancouver, BC
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2019 } BRIDE Q&A
Say hello to Sunita and Jai Kaushal. After 8 years together, Sunita and Jai tied the knot with a traditional Indian wedding. Sunita walks us through the expectations of a larger wedding and shows us how important family, rituals and traditions are when celebrating your big day. This enchanting and vibrant wedding took place on July 27, 2018 at the Fraserview Banquet Hall and Taj Park Convention Centre in Vancouver, BC.
Hitched interview By Michelle Sandu
Q: What did you learn from your wedding?
A: I learnt that planning your
wedding by yourself is much more stressful then the wedding itself. I was able to learn a lot
more about my culture and the significance of every ritual and the meaning behind each one. I learnt that the most special day of my life, after waiting 8 years, went by so quickly and just like that I was married (and it doesn’t hit you right away). There are a lot of other things that I have learnt from my wedding, such
as, prioritizing, budgeting, working under pressure, delegating, and staying calm. You also learn how much work it is to keep a smile. After a little while, my face started aching and my lips were twitching while smiling. You’re also genuinely happy the entire day. Planning a wedding was like a second job! Q&A Continues on Page 14
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Q: Did you have any Bridezilla moments?
A: I have heard of some crazy
bridezilla stories, so my goal was to keep that under control! I remember there were moments I would get really upset when the guest list would exceed the capacity of the hall (500 people max). This was after we had cut down from 600 people. I really had to be strict with my parents when we were deciding on whom to invite. A lot of people always told me they didn’t even know half the people at the wedding. That wasn’t the case for me- I knew every single one at the wedding! On the wedding day, during the bangle ceremony, I also had a moment of panic and frustration. My bangles had all been disorganized and were not put back in order of their size. The order of bangles have to go from big to small because
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Northern BC’s source for everything bridal
there are so many bangles that they are sized on your arm. I remember saying “Screw it, I’m not wearing them” because they couldn’t get the bangles on me because the sizing was all messed up and out of order. In our culture the bangles have a significant meaning so there was no way I was leaving the house without them on. Thank goodness for my bridesmaids who were able to cool me down and quickly get them on me (lots of Windex and lotion were used). I think back to it now and just laugh at the situation.
Q: What was your most memorable moment?
A: My most memorable moment
was walking down the aisle, anxiously thinking the entire time, wow this is actually happening! I finally get to marry my best friend of 8 years! As I was walking down the aisle everyone stood up and just stared at me and I honestly felt like a princess that day. The best was seeing Jai’s reaction when he looked at me,
he couldn’t stop smiling. I will always remember that look and the feeling it gave me.
Q: What would you do differently?
A: What I would do differently is
to definitely stress less and enjoy every moment, including all of the pre wedding stuff as well as planning and spending that extra time with my family. I think that could have easily been done if I didn’t plan my wedding and actually hired a wedding planner. In the end, everything still worked out. It also would have been nice if I didn’t get Norwalk virus and lose my voice right before the wedding. That was no fun, but another story to talk about and laugh at!
Q: Was there any where you would have spent less?
A: I wanted to save as much money as possible, especially because it was coming out of my pocket. The one cost that still bothers me and I am just not able to justify it, was the cost of flow-
ers. I bought fresh flowers for the garlands, bridesmaids and myself. The cost of those flowers was just under $600. I still to this day wish I had either bought fake flowers, or made my own bouquets the day before. My advice to any future brides would be to think of it like prom. Think about how much money you spent on prom and how much it really mattered to you after prom was over. Weddings are basically the same- just more memorable and with more meaning of course. My family had also gone to India for all my shopping which was 100 times cheaper than to purchase wedding stuff from BC. My other advice would be is to buy yourself a planner, which helped me budget for my wedding. I would write down the actual cost vs the budgeted costs, that way I knew to stay within my budget. When you have the actual costs written down, it really makes you think whether spending that much is necessary and if there is a different option that you could choose from. Q&A Continues on Page 16
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Q&A ContinueD FROM Page 14
Q: Where did you spend that you were glad you did? A: I am glad I chose the wedding hall that I did. The hall
was decorated beautifully and I was able to fit both sides of my family very comfortably. The hall served amazing food, both non-vegetarian and vegetarian, which was very important. The owner was amazing! He had sat down with me a few months before and discussed the entire menu with me as well as what the most popular menu items were. He also helped me plan out the itinerary and the timing of everything at the hall for the wedding day. This was the key to ensure that all of the ceremonies would be done on time so that we weren’t paying extra to the videographers/ photographers to work overtime. Timing was key! The hall provided us with a DJ as well as beautiful decor setup for the hall. Little things like putting up fans behind where we sat made a huge difference. We got married in July and it was extremely hot outside, even hotter when your gown is an extra 50 lbs! I truly believe the amount I spent in that hall was worth every penny and still way below my budget!
Q: How was the experience overall? A: I honestly can say my dream came true with my wed-
ding. Everything was as I had pictured if not even better. I truly felt and was treated like a Princess. Everything was perfect and memorable and I am still reminiscing every moment to this date. I still remember my teacher in high school telling me I was going to marry Jai, we weren’t even dating at the time! Photos: Studio 12 Movies & Photography Ltd
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Marianne & Dustin
Marianne & Dustin Local Wedding:
Northern Lights Estate Winery Marianne and Dustin were married on September 8, 2018 in Prince George. These newlyweds chose Prince George’s Northern Lights Estate Winery to celebrate their big day and ended their night at the Ramada Plaza and boy did it not disappoint. With handmade decorations and donuts instead of cake, Marianne shows us just how much simplicity really is the ultimate sophistication. Hitched interview By Michelle Sandu
Q: What did you learn from your wedding?
A: The day will be over in the blink of an eye. On the wedding day it was important for me to take
it all in and be present each moment. It won’t be perfect and your guests won’t notice the little details that weren’t exactly how you wanted them. What matters is that you and your guests have a great time celebrating. Remember that the wedding is just one day, and your marriage is a lifetime!
Q: Did you have any Bridezilla moments?
A: I never got too stressed about the details. We were only engaged for 8 months and had about 6 months to plan the whole thing once we finally decided on the wedding date. This actually
helped me to really narrow down the important things right away, to be efficient and cost effective. The coordinators at both of our venues were also amazing and very helpful. I highly recommend getting a decorator as well- they can help with a lot of the details and bringing your vision together. Q&A Continues on Page 20
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Q&A ContinueD FROM Page 18
Q: What was your most memorable moment?
A: There were so many great
moments it’s hard to choose. One moment that stands out for me was having the frizzante toast
right after the ceremony because it was a moment to greet lots of our guests and it also helped to calm my nerves and just enjoy the day. We also loved having a friend of ours as MC at the reception and this made for a lot of memorable moments and laughs.
Q: What would you do differently?
A: Honestly there are not a lot of
things I would do differently and I enjoyed doing a lot of the work myself. Looking back I would have shortened the guest list a little more. We tried to keep it to just close friends and family but still ended up with almost 90 guests. The day went by so fast, and I wish I had been able to interact with each guest even if just for a few moments.
Q: Was there any where you would have spent less?
A: From the beginning we both
wanted to save as much money as possible and so throughout
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the entire process we made it a point to only spend money on what really mattered to us and not get carried away with the extras. Just a few examples of ways we saved money: we didn’t go crazy on decorations- we borrowed/made what we could, we had donuts instead of a cake (donuts were not only cheaper but tastier!), and we decided to make our own music playlists for both the ceremony and the reception (DJs are expensive!). I think if I did it all over again I would cut down on food cost. We had a large buffet selection and in the end I don’t think it was necessary to have so many options. What people don’t know won’t hurt them!
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2019 } BRIDE Q&A
Q: Where did you spend that you were glad you did?
A: We were so thrilled with the
winery as our ceremony venue - gorgeous and absolutely what we wanted. Having photos of the entire day, from getting ready all the way through the reception events, was important to us. The day ended up going by so fast that we were able to relive a lot of the moments that flew by. Also our photographers were really fun and very talented! Looking back I am so glad I had a decorator because I didn’t have to worry about setting up
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the night before and day of, and cleaning everything up afterwards. I trusted her completely and she really helped my vision come together. It was affordable and saved a lot of hassle on my end.
Q:
How was the experience overall?
A: The overall experience of plan-
ning the wedding was much easier and less stressful than I had anticipated. The wedding blew me away and it was so fun to celebrate the first day of our new life together with all of our friends and family.
Photos: Northern Pixel Photography MOre photos on Page 22
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2019 } DRESSES
Timeless Dress Planning How to work with a dress shop to find your style – and make sure it’s a style that’s both on-trend and timeless Story on page 24
Image courtesy Codrean Photography; Dress by Mignonette
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When it comes to wedding dresses, it’s all about striking balance. There’s finding that balance between allowing just a tad of wiggle room in your budget and completely blowing it, balancing a look you feel “you” in while also looking like a bride, and balancing what’s “in” today with what you hope will still be “in” 10 or 20 years from now. By Renee Lee Wege CTW Features
While it might sound like an oxymoron, with the help of a few pointers, brides can find a dress that combines the best of both worlds -today’s and tomorrow’s, with a dress that’s both modern and timeless. What Stands The Test of Time? Confidence At Aisle Chic, consultants work one-on-one with brides (and their entourages, of course) to pair brides with the dress of their dreams. The shop, which opened in 2016, is strictly sample dresses only, featuring a variety of designer dresses available for a discount for savvy brides. When it comes to finding a dress that brides will love for the rest of their lives, Melissa Russell, one of Aisle Chic’s owners, says the most important thing brides should note is how they feel in a dress. “You should feel beautiful and confident while also remaining true to your personality,” Russell says, adding that a gown should help turn bride into the bridal version of themselves (and not feel like a costume). And the best part about wearing a dress that brides feel great in? Unlike bridal trends, which are always changing, she says “confidence will always stand the test of time.”
Stay Away From Anything Too Trendy Sure, it’s great to be trendy, but what happens when trends fade into fads? Kpoene’ Kofi-Nicklin, custom dress designer and owner of Mignonette Bridal, regularly cautions brides about following trends too closely, finding its best to avoid trends. If you keep seeing a certain dress style in magazines, Kofi-Nicklin says, it might end up feeling dated when you look back on it in wedding photos 20 years from now. “We do a lot of heirloom gown revamping so we see a ton of puffysleeved, high-necked dresses that are all from the same period, the 70s and 80s, and it’s because brides shopped for what was trendy,” the dress designer says. Incorporate classic elements that never go out of style Mignonette, which Kofi-Nicklin opened in 2011, offers brides a variety of options when it comes to dresses: choose from a collection of gowns including the latest designs and perennial Mignonette favorites that brides can try on in-store; work with Kofi-Nicklin to create a unique gown made just for you; or go with heirloom revamping to modernize a dress that’s been in the family.
“You should feel beautiful and confident while also remaining true to your personality.” Melissa Russell, bridal salon co-owner
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Esma Wedding Dress by Devotion Dresses
No matter the route, Kofi-Nicklin starts by having brides try on a variety of shapes and styles. For those looking for classic elements, she says A-line gowns are always a timeless shape while details like tulle skirts, and fabrics like Chantilly or Alencon lace, or silks like satin, chiffon, or organza never go out of style. “Anything with strategic sheer panels, super-tight mermaid skirts, or anything too boho will probably not stand the test of time — and might horrify Grandma!” Kofi Nicklin says. Aisle Chic’s Russell agrees that lace elements have always been in style. “From the wedding day looks of Grace Kelly to Kim Kardashian, lace can be styled very differently, but it
will always feel bridal,” she says. Breathe Modern Life Into A Classic To create a dress that’s a literal interpretation of modern yet classic, brides can look at restoring and customizing mom or grandma’s wedding dress. Working with heirloom gowns is the best because the dress is already special to the bride and her family, says Kofi-Nicklin. While wedding dresses are always special, shes says, an heirloom gown is a symbol of even more than that -- it’s a piece of family history. To modernize a vintage dress, Kofi-Nicklin says it can often be as simple as removing a puffy sleeve (goodbye, 80s look) or lowering a neckline to bring a gown back to life. © CTW Features
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2019 } DRESSES
All About the Dress Words You Need to Know to Dress Shop By Matthew M. F. Miller CTW Features
Justin Alexander dresses promote ‘Be You’ body positivity for brides-to-be.
During your search you may hear the old adage that the more dresses you try on, the more you look the same. So instead of tackling the gown project for months and months, you may be best served by attacking a small window of time. Like everything else wedding, your budget is vital to crossing the dress off of your planning list. If you have a budget of $1,000 for your gown, there’s no sense in spending your time trying on a $3,000 gowns when you’re not going to purchasing one and, more importantly, you could be trying on a dress that fits your budget and style. Stay focused till you find that perfect one. Some dress shops may require appointments, so be sure to schedule your shopping extravaganza if needed. FYI, “closed shops” keep the dresses in a storage area offlimits to shoppers; a sales associate brings the gowns to you in a private fitting area. “Open shops” display the dresses on the sales floor.
Chic Styles It’s easy to get misguided by the models you see in magazines. But remember: What looks good on another woman might not be the best look for you. This is the time to play up your strengths! Here’s a look at some of the modern styles and fabrics that brides are going for: Strapless gowns Paired with a swooping neckline, these perennial favorites give any bride a slimming silhouette. These dresses work well for brides with sloping shoulders, which may cause spaghetti straps to fall. A-line gowns Taking the place of the princess ball gown, these modern gowns hug the body through the bodice then flare out below the hip, accentuating the waist. Sheaths and Columns With narrower silhouettes in vogue, brides are embracing these looks that drape the female form in sophistication. This style begs for vintageinspired lace overlays, such as corded or Chantilly lace. Continues on Page 26
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Short Gowns Designers are rolling out higher hemlines for a fun, fresh look, which work great on their own or as a second, “reception” dress. Designer Amsale even has a whole collection of “little white dresses.” Price is dependent upon intricacy. The more lace, beading and embroidery a dress has, the pricier it will be. Today’s trends are gearing toward clean lines and minimal but dramatically placed details; ornaments, mainly crystal and embroidery, are concentrated on bodices and hems. Consider these fabrics: Organza: A thin, sheer, plain weave fabric made from silk, its lighter feel makes it ideal for summer-style weddings. Taffeta: A crisp, smooth woven fabric made from silk or synthetics that is known for its slight sheen
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and lightweight. Thin enough for ruching, taffeta can add texture without bulk. Tulle: A lightweight, fine netting that can be made from silk, nylon and rayon, which gives gowns stunning, flowing skirts. Charmeuse: A lightweight fabric usually made from silk or polyester. It’s smooth, soft and drapes beautifully. Chiffon: A plain, sheer woven fabric with a soft drape. It can be made from silk, polyester or rayon. Dupioni: A plain weave using yarns to create a fabric with surface slubs. In silk, it has a distinctive rustic and sleek luster. Georgette: A lightweight fabric usually made from silk or polyester that’s heavier and less transparent than chiffon. The fabric’s fibers are twisted, which gives it a springy quality. Peau de Soie: Made from silk or polyester, this fabric is medium to heavy. Its dull luster is more flattering to curvier women than high-luster satins. Polyester peau de soie also doesn’t water-spot as
easily as silk. And don’t think you have to default to white, either. Shades of ivory and champagne are popular among brides looking for a nonwhite option, and they flatter most skin tones. White sometimes draws attentions to veins or makes certain skin tones appear jaundiced, which is why a bride might opt for one of the neutral tones, or even light pastels like pale yellow and pink. Colorful sashes and embroidery are another way for brides to add a splash of brightness to the big day. © CTW Features
Top: Image courtesy Micah Sedmak Photography; Middle and bottom: Images courtesy Samantha James Photography
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hitched 2019 } MEN
Northern BC’s source for everything bridal
Sharp Dressed Man A Men’s Style Guide Planner By Renee Lee Wege CTW Features
While brides have seemingly endless sources of wedding inspiration, from bridal magazines to Pinterest boards galore, there’s not too much for the other important piece of the newlywed puzzle – the groom. That’s where guides like this come in. Make sure your groom looks like the dashing, handsome prince he is with this lowdown on every part of a groom’s wedding style. First Off, The All-Important Question: Suit or Tux? When it comes to men’s wedding wear, there’s one big question that’s always looming. Will it be a suit or a tuxedo? Just as brides take their wedding venue into consideration when picking a wedding dress (you probably wouldn’t wear a short, polka dot tealength dress for a black-tie ballroom wedding, would you?), couples should look at the style of their wedding before deciding whether to go suit or tux. Carmen Ramundo, owner of a menswear store, says he always starts with asking customers about their wedding venue. He also looks at the bride’s dress as an indication of the big day’s formality. “If the bride is wearing a long, formal dress and it’s a formal event, it’s a question of, ‘do you want to stay with formal for the groom too, or go more casual?’ Casual would be a suit, and if you want to go more formal, you go with a tux.” Kamau Hosten, a blogger and fashion brand consultant, says that when going through options for wedding attire, grooms should consider the formality level, venue, and location as the most crucial factors in determining what to wear. 28
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Level of formality on its own, however, may not mingle well with other factors such as time and location. “I know a tuxedo is de rigueur at many weddings since it’s regarded as the most formal a man can look, but I find black tie to be severe for, say, an 11 a.m. garden ceremony,” Hosten says. Instead, if formality is called for at something like a beach wedding, a white dinner jacket is a smart option. For other more relaxed settings, a two or three-piece suit would suit well, according to Hosten. With a three-piece suit, a groom can leave his jacket hanging on a chair during the reception yet still look put together. When it comes to suit options, Hosten recommends grooms lean toward fabrics with texture, like a nailhead or birdseye and steer clear from anything you’d find in a boardroom. “Pinstripes can feel very bankeresque, and less special and warm,” Hosten says. “Remember, you’re not closing a deal on your wedding day.” Hosten, who knows his way through all things men’s fashion (the founder of fashion blog The Ideal Pursuit won Vanity Fair’s International Best-Dressed Challenge June Users’ Choice award in 2013), suggests that if a tuxedo is the route, a classic two-button look with a peak (pointed upward) or shawl (curved) lapel, are “dashing” choices. Now That I’ve Got My Suit (or Tux) and Tie … Once you’ve got the big decision out of the way, it’s on to the details. While most brides opt for a white wedding dress, grooms have much more color to play with. Ramundo, who’s seen many fashion trends come and go during his tenure at Peppe Ramundo (the eponymous menswear shop opened by his father in 1967), says over the past few years, it’s been all “gray, gray, gray” along with navy blue for suits and tuxes. To go along with the ensemble, Ramundo is seeing grooms opt for the more sleek look of having a black bow tie, no vest, and no cumberbund. That’s in contrast to the more traditional, maybe more
old-fashioned look of grooms and groomsmen with long ties and vests that match the color of the bridesmaids dresses. Speaking of groomsmen, there is such thing as being too matchymatchy. Hosten says that groomsmen should echo, not match, the groom -- after all, it’s his day (and doing a slightly different tie color is a perfect small touch for him to stand out). In that same vein, the groomsmen should also echo, but not match, the bridesmaids. Things can come off “prom-y” when everything is over-coordinated. Opt, instead, Hosten says, for a more organic look, such as a pocket square that ties the ensembles of the two supporting casts together. If The Shoe Fits Grooms are increasingly adding their own personality with accessories like shoes -- just look at all of the Pinterest posts of grooms wearing Converses or Nikes. For a more traditional look, Hosten recommends going with a plain loafer (with socks, he adds, because showing a bare ankle disrupts the clean line from trouser to shoe) or a simple oxford. At Ramundo’s shop, he’s seeing grooms going beyond black shoes, instead pairing tan or brown shoes with trendy gray or navy ensembles. Topping Off The Look With Jewelry … Yes, Jewelry Jewelry may not be the first thing men think of for their wedding look, but don’t underestimate the power of accessories like cufflinks or a classic timepiece. A french cuff, or one that folds over, is the most elegant choice for a groom, says Hosten, and the look can be personalized with heirloom cufflinks that can be a nice touch (so long as they’re subtle and elegant). “Jewelry should be, in the most general terms, simple and tasteful,” Hosten says. “Nothing should stand out on its own, but rather work together as a story. The same is true of the timepiece a man opts for on the day of his wedding. It should be on the dressier side; today isn’t the day for a massive diving watch with subdials and helium release valves.” © CTW Features
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2019 } SOCIAL
The ‘Social’ Guide for Brides & Grooms How to set and enforce digital rules for your wedding
By Kristen Fischer CTW Features
Your wedding, your rules. But not everyone knows what you want – and don’t want – posted online. Want to set the social media boundaries firmly to ensure your big day goes off without a reveal that you don’t want? Think about your wishes, and then find a way to let guests know. Otherwise, you could have some inadvertent spoiler alerts spoiling the event. Privacy, Please Brittny Drye, editor-in-chief 30
of Love Inc., says to convey that some couples want to preserve that moment when they’re first seen. This is why it is important to request that wedding party participants do not post it online. “The first look is a really emotional moment for a couple, whether that happens right before pictures or as you make your way down the aisle,” Drye says. “Make sure that moment is fully savored by communicating a strict no-posting rule as you get ready with everyone who sees you and have your wedding party reinforce it.”
Hashtags: A How-To Another digital rule is to use a hashtag for your big day. Make sure you pick one that’s completely unique and let wedding guests know what it is, so your pictures aren’t filed under multiple hashtags. When people are not on board, pics can get lost in the mix and live online forever without being properly filed. That’s why a handy sign posted when people enter the ceremony and reception space can be such a benefit. “Before creating a hashtag, search for it on Instagram to make sure it’s not already in use so when you
search, only photos from your wedding weekend will pop up,” Drye says. Got the perfect hashtag in mind for your big day? You have to then let guests know before they start posting under another hashtag. “Share your wedding hashtag with guests via your wedding website, on treats in the welcome bags, a custom Snapchat filter, or signage décor,” Drye says. You can even specify the hashtag prior to the big day, she added. Unplugging Want to skip hashtags and social
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2019 } SOCIAL
“If you want an unplugged ceremony, there are some really cute messaging options to put on a sign for guests to see as they enter.” Brittny Drye, editor-in-chief of Love Inc.,
media posts all together? Some couples are opting for a wedding day – or at least a ceremony – that is not broadcasted online. The key to that is letting guests know ahead of time, because they may not know about your wishes for a private affair. “If you want an unplugged ceremony, there are some really cute
messaging options to put on a sign for guests to see as they enter,” Drye says. One example she likes: “Oh Snap! There’s plenty we don’t want you to miss…please NO photos until after the first kiss!” Keith Phillips, a professional photographer, has another sign idea: “Unplugged Ceremony, Please
reframe from using your phone during our ceremony, we want everyone to be present and in the moment with us. Thank you!” He also has seen couples place a small disclaimer on their programs to get the point across. “It’s also a good idea to have the officiant make a statement at
the beginning of the ceremony to politely reiterate your request,” Drye added. “Once your ceremony is over, you can let everyone know it is okay to use their phones by putting signs around the reception venue,” Phillips says. © CTW Features
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hitched 2019 } OFFICIANT
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We Gather
TODAY How to choose the right officiant for your ceremony
By Kristen Fischer CTW Features
The person who performs your wedding can be as important as finding the right dress or venue. What are the rules for choosing an officiant? To Find and to Hold Not sure who should marry you? Ask the other wedding professionals that you’ve clicked with and hired, as they likely know folks who would be your right fit, suggested officiant Bethel Nathan. “You can also ask your friends who have gotten married recently in your area about who they found, especially if they were looking for a ceremony style and priority similar to yours,” Nathan says. No matter whom you choose, it should be a fit that the couple is comfortable with. “Remember that the ceremony is the ‘why’ of the wedding,” Nathan says. “It’s what makes that wonderful party into a wedding – and often sets the tone for the whole rest of the party.” Well-Defined Wishes Emily Sullivan, an event planner, says most of her events are at churches were the couple are not members. “The first question to ask is whether or not you want your ceremony to have a religious or civil tone as officiants typically lean towards more than the other,” she says. Not in for a religious ceremony? That doesn’t mean you can’t get married in a church – but you’ve got to follow their rules. “The most important thing is to be sure that you have all of the cor32
rect information upfront and able to meet all of the requirements,” Sullivan says. That means going along with their rules for paperwork, whether it is proof of baptism or divorce. Be sure to work with the church coordinator and understand what other rules may be in effect such as photography and who is in charge of ordering the ceremony. Some officiants will take charge of how your processional enters, while others will let you take the lead. Regardless of where you tie the knot, Sullivan says that many officiants will customize the ceremony for you. Tailor Your Event Officient Mandy Canfield, says to meet with a few officiants once you know what kind of ceremony you want. Ask if their ceremony style is more on the spiritual side or the secular side. See if they use a standard script, or if they’re open to letting you personalize one. You should go online to confirm that the person is, in fact, a registered officiant and legally allowed to sign your marriage license. “If you have specific expectations for your ceremony be sure to make that clear to the officiant and confirm that they can accommodate before booking,” Canfield says. Also, let your officiant know whether you want them to conduct and coordinate your rehearsal or if you would like them to attend your rehearsal dinner or wedding reception. “It is nice to have a clear line of communication of your expectations and theirs,” she says. © CTW Features
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2019 } CHECKLIST
Countdown to your perfect day Here’s a step-by-step guide to help keep the stars in your eyes, your feet on the ground and your wedding plans on track 9-12 months before your wedding ❏❏ Choose your wedding date. If you plan to be married in a church, temple, mosque or in a religious service at home, clear the date and time with your clergy. ❏❏ Announce your engagement in local newspapers. ❏❏ Set your budget. Take time for a heart-to-heart talk with your fiancé about the budget and style of your wedding, reception and wedding-related parties, and who pays for what. ❏❏ Enlist help. Consider hiring a
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❏❏ ❏❏ ❏❏
bridal consultant. If your budget won’t stretch that far, ask relatives and close friends to assist you in specific tasks — selecting a dress, interviewing caterers, locating a reception site — especially in areas where you feel you need support. Compose your guest list. Let outof-town guests know your wedding is in the works so they can make travel plans. Reserve your reception site. Choose your wedding attendants. Select your wedding gown, shoes and accessories. ContinueD On Page 34
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hitched 2019 } CHECKLIST ContinueD FROM Page 33
❏❏ Select bridesmaids’ dresses. ❏❏ Determine the theme or mood you’d like to establish with the food, table settings, flowers and entertainment at your reception. ❏❏ Interview caterers, musicians, florists, photographers, videographers and bakers. Get written estimates of their costs. Keep track of discussions and bids in a notebook or with wedding-planning software. 6 months before your wedding ❏❏ Choose your caterer. Remember to get a written contract. ❏❏ Choose your musician(s). ❏❏ Book your photographer and/or videographer. ❏❏ Select your baker and order the cake. ❏❏ Choose your florist. ❏❏ Decide on your color scheme. ❏❏ Shop for wedding rings with your fiancé. ❏❏ Decide on your honeymoon destination. Work with a travel agent to book your travel and accommodations. ❏❏ Select your wedding invitations. Don’t forget to purchase personal stationery for the thank-you notes you’ll need to write. 4 months before your wedding ❏❏ Register for gifts at one or more bridal-gift registries. ❏❏ Help both mothers to coordinate and shop for their wedding-day attire. ❏❏ Select music for your ceremony and reception. ❏❏ Choose readings for your wedding and write your vows. ❏❏ Plan the rehearsal dinner for members of your wedding party, your family and out-of-town guests. Reserve the location. ❏❏ Arrange hotel accommodations for members of the wedding party who live out of town. Reserve a block of rooms for other outof-town guests, and let them know the rooms are available. Remember to ask for any group discounts or special packages. ❏❏ Reserve your wedding-day trans34
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portation and any other weddingday rental needs. ❏❏ Make appointments for gown fittings. ❏❏ Check the requirements for a marriage license. ❏❏ Make sure contracts and arrangements are complete with all of your service providers. 3 months your before wedding ❏❏ Carefully prepare directions, including simply drawn maps, if necessary, to help guide guests to the wedding and reception, and to hotels. For guests who will travel a long distance to your wedding, consider assembling an information package on fun things to do and see in your area. ❏❏ Begin addressing invitations and announcements. Select a special stamp at the post office. Invitations should go in the mail six to eight weeks before your big day. ❏❏ Give the caterer or other food suppliers a close idea of the number of guests you expect. ❏❏ Make sure all reservations are in place for honeymoon travel. ❏❏ Check with bridesmaids to make sure they have their gowns and are getting them adjusted. ❏❏ Shop for gifts for your bridesmaids. Offer to help your fiancé select gifts for his attendants. ❏❏ Select your “going away” outfit and special items for your trousseau. ❏❏ Make a date with your photographer for any formal portraits you desire. ❏❏ Make an appointment to have your hair done just before your portrait session and again the day or so before your wedding. Consider including your bridesmaids in a “spa day” before your wedding, with manicures/pedicures, hair styling, massages and makeup sessions. 2 months before your wedding ❏❏ Mail out your wedding invitations and announcements. ❏❏ Have wedding portraits taken. ❏❏ Send bridal portrait and wedding announcement to newspapers for publication. ❏❏ Finalize the music that will be played during your wedding ceremony.
❏❏ Meet with musicians who will provide entertainment during your reception and orchestrate precisely what you want and when you want it played. ❏❏ Don’t be shy to voice your preferences, down to the volume, favorite songs you’d like to hear or even songs you don’t want played. ❏❏ Plan your rehearsal dinner and a brunch or fun activity for out-oftown guests to enjoy on the day following your wedding. ❏❏ Purchase special accessories for your wedding-day attire. ❏❏ Plan a luncheon for your bridesmaids. ❏❏ Make appointments for a hairdresser, makeup artist and manicurist. ❏❏ Finalize honeymoon plans. If you’re traveling overseas, check again that your passports are current and that you have any necessary visas. ❏❏ Gather necessary birth or baptismal certificates you may need for your wedding license. 1 month before your wedding ❏❏ Get your wedding license. ❏❏ Have a final fitting of your gown and make sure your attendants have theirs. ❏❏ Check that your menu selections and service plans are in place with the caterer. ❏❏ Purchase a special book to keep track of wedding gifts as they arrive. ❏❏ Keep writing those thank-you notes on a daily basis! ❏❏ If you plan a formal dinner for your reception, it’s time to draw up a seating plan and make up place cards. ❏❏ Check with your florist to confirm dates and times of flower deliveries. ❏❏ Review your wedding-day transportation plans and make sure drivers are clear about addresses, times and number of passengers. ❏❏ Make name or address changes official on documents, including driver’s license, Social Security forms and financial accounts. Fill out change-of-address forms at the post office. ❏❏ Meet with your photographer to specify the formal shots you want taken of the bridal party, as well as specific, candid shots you’d like
taken during the reception. ❏❏ Review the video plans with your videographer. 2 weeks before your wedding ❏❏ Keep writing those thank-you notes for wedding gifts! ❏❏ Pick up your wedding rings. Make sure any special engraving appears precisely as you wished. ❏❏ Begin packing for honeymoon. 1 week before your wedding ❏❏ Make final checks with all your vendors: officiant, musicians, florist, photographer, videographer, limousine or other transportation provider, caterers and baker. ❏❏ Ask a friend or family member to arrange for gifts that may be brought to your reception to be delivered to your home or an arranged spot. ❏❏ Wrap gifts for bridal attendants and have them ready for the rehearsal dinner. ❏❏ Purchase travelers’ checks and reconfirm honeymoon travel and hotel plans. ❏❏ See that checks are written and ready to be handed out to vendors at the agreed-upon time. ❏❏ Inform your caterer of the final number of guests. Confirm that out-of-town guests are set with hotel accommodations, transportation and wedding-day directions. The day before your wedding ❏❏ Traditionally, this is the day for your rehearsal ceremony and rehearsal dinner. Have fun! ❏❏ Turn in early for a good night’s sleep. Your Wedding Day ❏❏ Allow plenty of time for dressing, makeup and hair styling. ❏❏ If you plan on photography before the ceremony, allow ample time so you’re not rushed. ❏❏ Relax, and remember: This is your special day, the result of all your careful planning. Now it’s time to enjoy. Take a deep breath. Refuse to let any glitch get to you. Savor every moment and let your joy and happiness shine through. Best wishes! © CTW Features