Wedding Planner 2018 by Postmedia Saskatchewan

Spring Wedding Planner

A Special Supplement to the

Northeast Sun

THE NORTHEAST SUN SPRING WEDDING PLANNER • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018

Four tips for a crowd-pleasing wedding meal Putting together a wedding menu that aims to please everyone is no easy task. Here are a few tips to maximize your chances of success. 1. Avoid strong-tasting meat. Not everyone is a fan of lamb, game meat or fish. Poultry, on the other hand, is usually a sure bet. Provide more than one meal option if you can. 2. Mix it up. If you’re serving beef as a main, consider vegetarian appetizers or seafood hors-d’oeuvres. Avoid serving the same protein in more than one course. 3. Trust the experts. Don’t be afraid to ask your caterer for suggestions. If you’ve hired a chef, include his or her speciality dishes on the menu. 4. Have a plan B. If there are children, picky eaters or people with dietary restrictions among your guests, try to accommodate their preferences as much as you can. They’ll definitely appreciate the thought.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • THE NORTHEAST SUN SPRING WEDDING PLANNER

A bouquet for every bride The perfect bouquet is one that highlights the bride’s attire without stealing the spotlight from her. Here are a few popular bridal bouquet styles to consider: • Round. Ideal if you’re on the petite side. Keep it simple, delicate and short. As a general rule, avoid dense foliage, cascading bouquets and long stems. That being said, longer stems can be flattering if you’re quite curvy. • Cascading. Perfect for tall, thin brides. Choose a bouquet with long stems and cascading foliage to highlight your waist. • White. Great if your dress is colourful; not so great if it’s white or off-white.

Brides should choose their bouquet according to their body type, their personality and their dress.

Eleven-step guide to the perfect wedding Every couple wants their wedding to be absolutely flawless. Achieving perfection, however, requires quite a bit of organizing. Here are a few things to remember when planning your big day. 1. Choose the date Make sure your closest friends and family members will be able to attend. If your sister’s pregnant or your best friend is planning a trip, choose your date strategically to avoid disappointment. 2. Draft the guest list Make a list of all the people you’d like to see at your wedding. But keep your budget in mind, as more people means higher costs. 3. Make your reservations It’s a good idea to book the venues for your ceremony and reception as soon as possible, especially if you’re getting married during the summer. Popular venues are often reserved up to a year in advance. 4. Send out invitations The earlier you send out your save the date cards and invitations, the better. Be sure to ask invitees to RSVP. This is also a good time to designate bridesmaids and groomsmen. 5. Draw up a floor plan Make sure to visit the venue as many times as you need to. If you’re planning to hire a band, display a slideshow or organize a karaoke session, confirm that the location allows it.

6. Decorate the venue Get in touch with your florist and decorator to discuss your ideas and ask for advice. If you’re on a tight budget, consider taking care of the decorating yourself — just make sure you start early. 7. Choose an MC Who will be the master of ceremonies for the event? Someone you know, or a hired pro? Also think about the music: band or DJ? 8. Shop for your attire Don’t forget about makeup and hair trials, and start shopping as early as possible so you can find all the best deals. Also think about how you’ll accessorize your outfit for the ceremony. 9. Go to the jeweller’s Choose your wedding bands wisely — after all, you’ll b e wearing them for the rest of your life! 10. Choose the menu Is your goal to please as many people as possible or to step off the beaten path? Do you need to plan vegetarian options or kid-friendly snacks? Deter-

mine what type of meal will be served at your wedding, and don’t forget drinks and desserts. 11. Immortalize the day Photobooths and disposable cameras are great for capturing candid memories, but you’ll probably want to have a professional wedding

A variety of ways to preserve wedding memories Couples’ wedding days are momentous occasions, and couples want their memories of the day they tied the knot to endure long after the final guest has departed.

embellishment from the gown and enclose it in the locket. Jewelry designers also may be able to convert a section of the gown pattern into metal through a casting process.

Weddings can be amazing, but they only last a few hours. Memories can be forever if they are effectively documented. The following are some ways for couples to permanently memorialize their wedding days.

· Have guests sign the label. Purchase a special bottle of wine or champagne and ask guests to sign the label or the bottle itself. Store the bottle until a special occasion, such as a memorable anniversary, and then toast to a happy marriage.

· Dry the bouquet. Wedding bouquets can be freeze-dried and/or chemically preserved so that the colors, textures and the volume of the blooms can appear just as vibrant as they were on couples’ wedding days. After preservation, the bouquet can be displayed in a vase or in a specially prepared shadow box with other mementos.

• Colourful. For energetic brides who aren’t afraid to turn heads. If your dress is also colourful, make sure you show it to your florist to avoid unfortunate clashes.

photographer on location as well. Lucky for you, your loved ones will be in charge of planning the bachelor and bachelorette parties. Make sure they know what you like!

· Create a custom locket. Brides can wear a piece of their wedding gown day after day with a custom necklace or locket. All they need to do is trim a small piece of the lace or other

· Make a cake replica. Ask an artist to make a miniature replica of the wedding cake out of pottery. Put the clay cake out for display or ask for it to be made small enough to serve as a Christmas tree ornament. · Teddy bear transformation. Have tuxedo fabric or wedding gown material turned into a keepsake teddy bear. Bowman Bears pro-

duces such bears, which can be passed down to future generations. · Create bouquet jewelry. Encapsulate favorite wedding flowers into a resin pendant, bracelet or earrings. · Frame the invitation. Display the wedding invi-

tation in a beautiful frame with custom matting. · Revisit the site. On their anniversaries, couples can visit their ceremony site or have brunch or dinner at the venue where the reception took place. Take an “after” picture to display with the “before” shot from the wedding

day. · Make an invitation ornament. Cut the wedding invitation into strips and place it inside of a hollow glass ornament. Seal the top and hang with a ribbon. · Design a greeting card scrapbook. Turn all

of those special handwritten messages and wellwishes into a scrapbook so that memories can be revisited time and again. The planning may take months and the wedding mere hours, but welldocumented wedding day memories can last forever.

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THE NORTHEAST SUN SPRING WEDDING PLANNER • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018

Wedding invitation essentials

Are you about to have your wedding invitations printed? Here’s a list of things you’ll need to include: The save-the-date card This optional complement to the wedding invitation should be sent out six to eight months before the event. It’s especially important for destination or multi-day weddings and should include the following information: • The names of the bride and groom • The date of the event • The city in which the wedding will take Location, theme, driving place

instructions — make sure your

The invitation card wedding invitations aren’t The invitations themselves should be sent out six to missing any key information. eight weeks before the wedding and contain further information on the event, including: • The date and time of the wedding • The location and schedule of the reception • Driving instructions • The wedding’s theme, if applicable • An indication of whether children are welcome or not • Contact info (email address, website, phone number) The RSVP card It’s crucial to include an RSVP card with your wedding invitations so that invitees can confirm whether or not they’re able to attend the event as well as indicate if someone will be accompanying them. Be sure to provide a self-addressed stamped envelope.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • THE NORTHEAST SUN SPRING WEDDING PLANNER

Ways to accessorize your bridal attire Jewellery and accessories have the power to take your wedding-day attire from dainty to absolutely dazzling. Here are a few runway-inspired trends to try for your big day.

On a day when all eyes and cameras will be trained on them, it’s natural for brides and grooms tying the knot to want to look their best. As a result, many couples invest a portion of their budgets into spa and beauty treatments, with many even hiring salon stylists to ensure their wedding-day looks are flawless. Women with short hair may lament that they do not have many options when styling their hair for their wedding days. Some may even consider growing out their locks. However, plenty of creative styles exist for ladies without long locks. Experiment with color One way to “tress to impress” is to experiment with s o m e c o l o r. Well-placed highlights, balayage treatments, ombre, or peek-a-boo underlights can add an extra spark to a bride’s normal hairstyle. Speak with a qualified stylist about what you plan to achieve with a wedding-day look, so color

1. Earrings Asymmetrical earrings are all the rage this year, with some brides even choosing to sport a single, bold dangler. Feathers and other boho-chic touches are also on trend. 2. Shoes Decorate your feet with elegant ankle-strap shoes. This season’s most popular models are delicate and feminine and bear a resemblance to anklets. 3. Pearls Pearls are making a comeback. Include them in your ensemble with earrings, a necklace or pearlembellished gloves. 4. Black All-black accessories are popping up in weddingthemed fashion shows the world over. Surprise your guests with a black necklace, broach or belt. 5. Embellished gloves Long or short, gloves are definitely trending this season. Choose a pair that’s embellished with lace or rhinestones for an elegant, romantic touch.

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can be applied correctly. Retro glamour Brides may want to harken back to an era when glamour reigned supreme. Replicate one of the short styles of the 1940s or 1950s, paying homage to Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall, or Judy Garland. Braids and plaits Braids can add whimsy to shoulder-length or shorter hair. In addition, braids can anchor short locks when an up-do is desired. Braids can be placed into the front or rear crown of the head to look like a hair halo or crown. Use embellishments If short hair cannot be gathered into a braid or bun, you can opt for adorned pins, barrettes or headbands to add a touch of sparkle to the look. Ask a stylist to tease the crown of your hair to achieve a little more height and impact. Half-up style Many women with short hair find that using bobby pins to pin up select areas of their hair can help achieve a partial up-do look without the need for longer locks. Experienced stylists will know how to manipulate hair effectively to create this look. Small tendrils of hair can be left free and curled for a less structured, more natural effect. Brides-to-be with short hair do not need to fret nor make drastic changes to their hairstyles to look beautiful on their wedding days. Short hair can be manipulated into many camera-ready creations.

Frosting-free cakes the latest trend A new trend is taking hold both in with fresh blooms, gum paste-molded North America and on the other side flowers, edible pearls and gems, fresh of the Atlantic berries, and Ocean. Cakes much more. The are being pared Knot notes many Naked cakes may be the newest down so that naked cakes are trend, but make sure frosting and fongarnished with to pick the one that’s right for you dant coverings flavors that are are now nearly included in the absent from the cake, such as confections. chocolate chips, crumbs, cookie They’re called “naked cakes,” and dough, or candy sprinkles. these simplified desserts showcase the texture of the cakes and their fillings. Couples who are stripping down According to culinary experts, the idea their weddings to include more basics for the naked cake came from Chris- and natural effects may be drawn to tina Tosi, owner of Momofuku Milk these naked cakes. They’re also an Bar. It’s an award-winning bakery with option for those who find frosting, locations across the United States and buttercream and fondant too sweet Canada. Now many other pastry chefs for the palate. Naked cakes enable the and bakers are hopping on the naked interior flavors to really shine. cake bandwagon, with the trend being highlighted by the likes of Martha Stewart and the respected wedding resource The Knot. Just because these cakes may be short on exterior buttercream doesn’t mean they fall flat on flavor or visual appeal. Cakes can be embellished

Exploring some unconventional wedding menu ideas

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Traditionally, one of the more memorable aspects of wedding receptions is the food. Whether it was fun, tasty or something entirely new for guests, food tends to leave a lasting impression.

enhanced with the addition of trendy food trucks. These restaurants on wheels can inject burgers, sandwiches, international delights, crêpes, noodles, and so many more flavors into a wedding.

The experts at Boho Weddings say that, more than ever before, couples are seeking menu ideas that reflect their personalities as a couple as they seek to make a statement at their events. Celebrating with delicious, unique foods can make receptions that much more amazing.

High-end options Couples may want to give guests a taste of the lavish with olive oil and vinegar tasting stations, whiskey bars, French hors d’oeuvres, Kobe beef sliders, lobster tails, risotto stations, and more.

Bite-sized bursts Ta p a s a n d a m o v e m e n t toward small bites has started to take hold at wedding receptions. Such a choice allows guests to try many different flavors without filling up too quickly. From sliders to mini grilled cheese to soup shots to bite-sized pizzas, many of these small bites feature flavors borrowed from familiar comfort foods - just presented on a miniature scale.

Childhood favorites When it comes time for dessert, some couples opt to avoid or downplay wedding cakes in favor of something simpler. A cookie-and-milk bar, doughnut holes, soft pretzel stations, pie pops, or dessert shot jars push creativity and sweetness to new levels. Do-it-yourself dessert stations, such as s’more-making and ice cream sundae stations, also can be big hits.

Comfort stations and bars Couples who love comfort food can put it on display with a crostini station, a mashed potato bar, a chicken and waffles station, a gourmet popcorn snack station, or a ramen noodle bar. Food trucks/carts Outdoor weddings can be

Couples are increasingly feeling less beholden to traditional wedding reception menus as they look to infuse their personal tastes into the foods they plan to serve their guests. Many catering managers and chefs welcome the chance to work with couples looking to create unique reception menus

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THE NORTHEAST SUN SPRING WEDDING PLANNER • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018 • THE NORTHEAST SUN SPRING WEDDING PLANNER

Choosing a date for a bachelor party One of your duties as best man is to plan the groom’s bachelor party. But before you book the venue, you’ll need to carefully consider the date on which the party is to take place. The wedding’s success might depend on it! Tradition states that the future groom say goodbye to his single lifestyle a few days before he gets married. But beware — planning the event for the weekend before the wedding is a bad idea. Your friend might be too stressed out by lastminute preparations to fully enjoy his evening. And you can forget about making it the night before the big day: no one wants to walk down the aisle with a hangover. Your best bet is to set the date two or three weeks before the wedding. Survey your guests about their availability and be sure to consult with the bride-tobe. She’ll be a valuable ally, especially if you’re planning a surprise.

Deciding on wedding colour palettes Some brides may feel beholden to the color white on their wedding days, at least in regard to their gowns. Those who do often embrace the opportunity to showcase their personal styles and set the mood for their nuptials by embracing various colors throughout their ceremonies and receptions. Color can be a critical component when establishing the ambiance for a wedding. Color can evoke certain moods and set the tone for the day. Some colors work better together than others, so while choosing a color scheme may seem like an easy undertaking, some couples may find it requires more careful consideration than they first imagined. According to the bridal guide A Practical Wedding, wedding colors can give couples a starting-off point for all of the other details of their weddings. This ensures the wedding ultimately has a cohesive look. Colors need not necessarily match, but borrowing on similar hues can make it easier to plan wedding party wardrobes, flowers, table linens, and much more. Colors can come from anywhere, but many couples try to coordinate their color schemes with the season in which the wedding takes place. In fact, couples who are finding it difficult to decide on a palette can look to seasonal colors for inspiration. For example, pastels and blooming flowers can set the scene for spring weddings, while jewel tones and rich reds and greens may be fitting for winter ceremonies.

Some couples opt for more loosely defined color palettes, such as neutral and natural colors. Country and garden weddings can borrow ideas from the landscape, with natural linens paired with wildflowers. Using whites, grays and beiges enables couples to add a pop of color without overwhelming the setting. Brides magazine suggests that couples avoid choosing too many colors. A maximum of three with one metallic can ensure that things look cohesive without being over-the-top. Also, brides and grooms needn’t feel pressured by the “hot” colors of the moment. As with clothing and hairstyles, trends change. It is better to select colors that will stand the test of time and look good for years to come. Couples may have to incorporate colors already at their wedding venues into their style. Fortunately many reception sites are outfitted in neutral tones to enable customization. The wedding resource The Knot also says having a basic knowledge of the color wheel can help. Typically, colors that pair well together are those that are opposites on the color wheel. Also, colors that share proximity on the color wheel will have similar tones and play well together. Examples of opposite colors include purples and yellows, reds and greens, and oranges and blues. Couples should not be afraid to take some chances with their color palettes, especially if they want to make a bold and modern statement.

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Contact the bridesmaids as well to find out when the bachelorette party is scheduled. Planning both events on the same day is a good idea. The two groups could even get together at the end of the night.

Planning a kid friendly wedding Are there children on your wedding-day guest list? If so, make sure the event is as fun for them as it is for the adults. Hire a babysitter Employing an experienced babysitter will allow parents to fully enjoy the day themselves. A good rule of thumb is one babysitter per five children, but this will vary depending on the kids’ ages. During the ceremony Don’t seat all the kids together. Instead, ask that parents keep their children close by to ensure they stay calm and quiet. You may also choose to ask kids to participate in the ceremony, for example by throwing rose petals or blowing bubbles as you walk down the aisle.

your menu. They’ll prefer well-known dishes like chicken or pasta. Also, request that they be served first — to most kids, a five-course meal is a long, boring affair. Help them stay patient by providing some toys or colouring books. During the evening Make sure the children have a c c e s s t o a quiet, comfortable spot where they can play while the adults finish their meal. You may also want to bring a few movies for the little ones to watch when it starts to get late.

During the reception Take care of your young guests as soon as they arrive. If the reception is taking place outside, set up bouncy castle or an obstacle course. Makeup artists, clowns and magicians are other options to keep the little ones entertained. During the meal Keep children in mind when planning

Goodies to keep the party going If you’re worried about an empty dance floor at your wedding reception, why not treat your guests to wedding favours that’ll get them in a festive mood? Bubbly duo Give your guests a bottle of sparkling wine to open during the evening and attach a jar of bubbles to complete the gift. Kids in attendance will have a ton of fun with the bubbles while the adults raise their glasses. For breathtaking photos, request that attendees blow bubbles as you start your first dance. Slippers Put slippers at your guests’ disposal. As the evening progresses, those in high heels will be happy to have something more comfortable to wear on the dance floor. DIY cocktails Give each guest a personalized glass to take home. Include a miniature bottle of liquor and a note inviting

Glow sticks! Streamers! Beach balls! Provide your guests with fun party accessories and watch the dance floor light up.

them to create their own cocktail. All that’s left is a trip to the bar to find some mixers. Late-night bites Whip up a homemade treat to munch on as the evening nears its end. Lay out cookies, chocolates or assorted candies for the sweet-toothed among your guests, and prepare seasoned popcorn (try dusting it with curry, paprika or chili powder) for those who prefer a salty snack.

Wedding costs: what to expect Newly engaged couples may experience an array of emotions when they sit down to plan their weddings. Some couples cannot wait to jump into planning and want to catalog every aspect of the process, while others may proceed with caution because they don’t know what to expect - particularly in regard to cost. Many couples find it difficult to create their wedding budgets because they have no previous experience to draw on. The wedding planning advisor CostofWedding. com indicates the average wedding cost in the United States is $26,720, with most people spending between $20,000 and $34,000. Seventh Heaven Event Catering states that, in Canada, the average wedding costs around $30,000. Such costs can vary greatly depending on couples’ preferences, including where they hope to tie the knot. By breaking down wedding expenses, couples can get a clearer picture of how much they may need to pay for their weddings and where they may need to cut costs. · Reception site: According to The Knot, a premiere wedding planning resource, couples can expect their receptions to eat up the largest chunk of their wedding budgets. Wedding reception venues may cost between $10,000 and $15,000. The average price for catering per person is roughly $70. Bar service may be around $2,000 for a three- to four-hour party. Some reception sites combine the room cost with the food and beverage costs, while others have à la carte fees. · Cake: Wedding cakes tend to be multitiered intricate designs, so they will cost more than birthday cakes. According to Statistics Brain, wedding dessert will come in around $390. · Music: The Knot says wedding bands cost around $3,500, which is more than twice as much as hiring a deejay ($1,200). Soloists or ceremony musicians may cost around $650.

· Wedding planner: Many couples employ wedding planners to make planning their weddings easier. Wedding planners cost an average of $1,300, says Thumbtack, a company that matches professionals with people who require their services. · Transportation: Limousines and other transportation prices vary depending on the vehicle(s) couples choose. The Knot notes that budgeting between $400 and $500 for transportation might be wise.

Living centrepieces can set receptions apart from others Living centerpieces set receptions apart (405 words, US, UK, CAN) Weddings are special occasions for all involved. Guests may look forward to the ceremony and festivities to follow, and couples who are hosting do not want to disappoint. Brides and grooms often look for new and innovative ideas to set their weddings apart from ones they may have attended in the past. While budget often determines what couples can and can’t do at their wedding receptions, brides- and grooms-to-be can prioritize certain components if they are looking to impress. Centerpieces are one aspect of the reception where couples can get creative without breaking the bank. Flowers are popular centerpieces at weddings. But even with cost-cutting measures, such as choosing in-season blooms, bumping up the filler-toflower ratio and opting for low-profile centerpieces instead of towering alternatives, couples can expect to pay around $2,000 on wedding flowers, offers The Knot, a go-to resource for wedding planning. But opting for the following clever living centerpiece alternatives might not only impress guests, but also do so on budget. · Choose potted plants. Potted plants can serve as both favors and reception centerpieces. Live plants also can be an eco-conscious decision for couples who are interested in incorporating “green” elements into their weddings. Couples tying the knot in the autumn can place mums inside of a hollowed pumpkin or gourd. Spring and summer weddings can be enhanced by miniature rose bushes. Winter weddings may be dressed up with small evergreen trees or potted holly. · Marine life draws attention. Couples can opt for inexpensive freshwater fish to add ambiance and a focal point for the reception tables. Small goldfish bowls can be decorated with gravel that matches the color of the wedding theme. One lucky guest at each table can take home the miniature aquarium after the festivities. · Butterflies are whimsical. Some cultures or religions view butterflies as a symbol of endurance, change, hope, and vitality. Incorporating butterflies into reception centerpieces can make guests feel like they are stepping into a living garden. Small, mesh-lined cages filled with foliage and butterflies might add that special touch. Living centerpieces offer something different from floral centerpieces. However, because live plants and animals may be part of the display, couples need to account for their welfare. This means ensuring they will be cared for after the wedding, or in the event of butterflies, released into the evening sky.

· Wedding gown: Brides-to-be should expect their gowns to cost around $1,100 and the veil or headpiece to be roughly $120, according to the Association of Bridal Consultants.

Floral Designs & Gifts

· Photography and Video: Preserving wedding day memories costs around $2,800 for video and photography services, based on data from Statistics Brain. The smaller details, such as accessories, gifts, officiant fees, stationery, spa services, and favors can quickly add up as well. Couples should be sure to leave some wiggle room in their budgets for incidental expenses that may pop up

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THE NORTHEAST SUN SPRING WEDDING PLANNER â&#x20AC;˘ FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2018

According to the results from the 2014 BRIDES American Wedding Study, the importance of personalization when planning for weddings continues to rise, even when it comes to how couples will incorporate tradition. For example, 37% of couples are choosing to write their own vows and best men are still being chosen, but so couples opt for best women. Despite the fact that the average cost has increase, more couples are paying for their own weddings than ever before. Take a look at some of the other results from the survey: $3,378

57%

Photos/ video

Average wedding cost:

$461

$28,202

Cake

Down $229 from 2012

Have a ring bearer

Engagement ring

$1,297 Music

Have a ďŹ&#x201A;ower girl

99%

(+$1,213 from 2012)

$5,002

43%

of couples have bridal attendants, and 98% have groomsmen/ ushers

of wedding costs!

$1,727 $12,343 Reception

Have a maid of honour

43% of all wedding costs!

Average amount spent on accessories:

average age of the groom

of brides use social media to connect with wedding brands or products

use Pinterest

average age of the bride

63%

ask guests not to post any wedding pics to social media

Average length of engagement:

14.7 months

92%

wear a veil

of brides choose either white or off-white dresses

34%

provide activities outside the wedding

December (19% of all engagements)

66%

64%

have engagement photos done

61%

of grooms wear a tuxedo

60%

of couples provide gift bags at check-in

11%

are choosing to wear cocktail dresses, separates, jumpsuits or a colour other than white purchase a second dress for the reception

are destination weddings