Tie The Knot

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Tie the Knot * September 2019 * 1

Fall 2019

Vancouver Island’s

Wedding Guide to Venues, Gowns, Tips, Checklist and more BrIdal ExhIBITIon PrEVIEw Inspiration for your ideal wedding!

2 * September 2019 * Tie the Knot

Times Colonist

Your Wedding Countdown!

Planning a wedding takes a lot of effort, and no two weddings are alike. Keep this list handy and have fun planning your perfect wedding!

Once you’ve said “Yes” ❑ Officially announce your engagement ❑ Think about the type of wedding you’d like: Will it be formal? Casual? Big? An intimate affair? Outdoors? Destination? ❑ Select a tentative wedding date ❑ Start on a guest list ❑ Decide on a budget ❑ Start to compile a file of Wedding ideas.

Browse bridal magazines and websites, and visit bridal shows to explore options

12 Months Before ❑ After checking availability of your preferred venue and photographer/ videographer, finalize the wedding date ❑ Reserve your venue ❑ Book the photographer/videographer ❑ Choose a wedding officiate ❑ Decide on a DJ or live band ❑ Choose your wedding party ❑ Optionally, hire a wedding planner

❑ Begin shopping for a wedding dress

11 Months Before ❑ Choose and book a caterer ❑ Decide on a colour scheme ❑ Meet with your chosen florist ❑ Look at accommodation options for out-oftown guests

10 Months Before ❑ Set up a gift registry ❑ Finalize guest list

9 Months Before ❑ Order your wedding dress along with accessories such as veil and shoes ❑ Shop for bridesmaids dresses

8 Months before ❑ Plan and book your honeymoon (apply for passports if needed)

7 Months Before ❑ Order wedding cake

6 Months Before ❑ Decide on and order invitations and thank you cards (don’t forget stamps) ❑ Reserve any rental equipment that will be needed, such as tents, linens, chairs, dinnerware and glassware. ❑ Arrange wedding day transportation

❑ Buy or reserve groom’s and groomsmen’s attire ❑ Inform out-of-town guests of your wedding date so that they will be able to make travel arrangements

5 Months Before ❑ Shop for and purchase wedding rings ❑ Dance lessons?

4 Months Before ❑ Select and order stationery for menus, table numbers and place cards ❑ Buy a guest book and pen ❑ Finalize arrangement for hair and makeup ❑ Order wine, champagne and liquor ❑ Purchase bridal accessories such as lingerie and garter

3 Months Before ❑ Mail wedding invitations ❑ Apply for marriage license ❑ Finalize date and location for wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

2 Months Before ❑ Purchase gifts for your future spouse, the wedding attendants, parents and in-laws ❑ Finalize music selections and any special readings ❑ Prepare a photo and video shot list ❑ Pick up the wedding rings ❑ Schedule a test makeup and hair session with your stylist. Bring your veil.

1 Month Before ❑ Finalize music selections and review with your band or DJ ❑ Practice your first dance wearing your wedding shoes

2 to 3 Weeks Before ❑ Send final payment to all vendors (put gratuities in envelopes and arrange for a friend to distribute on the wedding day) ❑ Prepare a toast for the reception ❑ Organize any accessories such as ring pillow and ‘something borrowed, something blue, something old and something new’ ❑ Finalize reception details ❑ Confirm honeymoon reservations

1 Week Before ❑ Pick up your wedding gown, groom’s and groomsmen’s outfits ❑ Pack for your honeymoon ❑ Celebrate with your friends at a Bachelor or Bachelorette party ❑ Give marriage license to your officiate ❑ Attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner ❑ Write any cheques that will be required on the wedding day ❑ Choose someone who will be responsible for returning any rented items after the wedding

Wedding Day ❑ Have a good breakfast ❑ Go to hair and make-up appointments ❑ Give wedding bands to the Best Man and Maid of Honour ❑ Give the Best Man any cheques that will need to be handed out that day ❑ Breathe! ❑ Enjoy your big day!

Place your wedding announcement in the Times Colonist Sunday Celebrations.

Call: 250-386-2121 or email: classified@ timescolonist.com

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Tie the Knot * September 2019 * 3

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4 * September 2019 * Tie the Knot

Times Colonist

Get the most out of bridal shows and wedding events Bridal shows can provide inspiration to couples planning their weddings.

R

ecently engaged couples may be excited to get a jump on wedding planning. Bridal shows can be a great way for couples to meet and familiarize themselves with local wedding professionals, all the while introducing themselves to the terminology of wedding planning.

Though they’re a great source of information, contacts

and samples, bridal shows also can be a bit overwhelming.

Learning how to maximize time spent at shows can help couples plan their weddings as efficiently as possible.

• Start small. If the idea of large crowds is unappealing, attend the more intimate, boutique shows that are often held at local reception halls and restaurants instead of the larger installations at convention centres and hotels.

• Scout out vendors. Check the bridal show’s website for lists of exhibitors and see if your desired vendors are on the list. Even if they’re not, keep an open mind and use the show as a chance to compare offerings. If an event map is available, marking off must-visit booths can help save time.

• Pre-register. Preregistering for bridal events saves time at check-in, and doing so, may make you eligible for discounted tickets.

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• Come prepared. Chances are each vendor is going to ask couples for information so that they can follow up with a phone call or email with more detailed offerings and estimates. Couples attending the show can expediate the process by coming equipped with labels that feature their names, contact information and wedding date. They can then stick the labels on sign-in sheets or use them like business cards.

• Dress comfortably. Bridal expos involve a lot of walking and roaming around. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Consider a backpack or hands-free bag so you are not weighed down when collecting the swag and other handouts throughout the day.

• Ask questions. When face-to-face with vendors, rely on their expertise but don’t hesitate to ask questions concerning themes, colours, recommendations for honeymoon locations, invitation paper suggestions, and much more.

• Stay for the fashion show. Many shows will offer a runway experience to present the latest gown and tuxedo offerings. This can be an entertaining way for couples to formulate their wedding styles.

Wedding shows introduce couples to vendors and set them on the path to making decisions regarding the planning of their weddings.

—MC

Wednesday, September 18, 2019.

Tie the Knot is a Victoria Times Colonist Publication 2621 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8T 4M2 Readership: 214,000 To advertise in the next issue of Tie the Knot, contact: Sales, Phone: 250-380-5313 Submit editorial to: Jenus Friesen jfriesen@timescolonist.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Tie the Knot * September 2019 * 5

Dream location for your dream day E

njoy the natural splendor of BC’s West Coast at one of Vancouver Island’s premier wedding destinations. Olympic View Golf Club offers wedding couples an amazing venue at an amazing price. A world away, yet only minutes from downtown Victoria, Olympic View Golf Club is the dream location for your dream day.

Surrounded by rolling forested hills, lakes and waterfalls, this is the perfect location to host your ceremony and reception.

The newly renovated Ballroom comes complete with built in AV equipment, private bar and bartender, dancefloor, and of course the floor to ceiling windows for your guests to enjoy the beautiful view. Many inclusive services offered include: personalized event planning and day of coordination, ceremony rehearsal, multiple onsite photo locations, bridal room, tailored menus, cake cutting and more.

Wedding and banquet coordinator Katrina Milne

will help take care of the details leading up to and on the day of, so you can relax and enjoy your special day.

“I just have to take a moment and express how amazing this venue was for my in-laws wedding!

From day one, the communication, ease in making selections and finally and most importantly, the amazing support from event organizer Katrina Milne was second to none! Just when it felt like a detail was going to be missed, she was there like a fairy godmother waving her wand and making everything fall into place without missing a beat! The food was delicious, the views captivating and the venue itself beautiful and accommodating. I highly recommend Olympic View Golf Club!”

— Carla Holmes Contact: Katrina Milne | kmilne@golfbc.com | 250-474-3673 ext 252 olympicviewgolf.com

An Amazing venue with vistas + value.

6 * September 2019 * Tie the Knot

Times Colonist

The cost of getting hitched Getting engaged has and always will be a big deal. While marriage proposals are often steeped in tradition, some facts and figures about modern day engagements, courtesy of the Newlywed Report from WeddingWire, show just how much this special moment and all that surrounds it is changing.

The average cost of an engagement ring was $5,000.

Proposals might be changing, but getting down on one knee appears to be an enduring tradition that Millenials plan to keep in style. Eightytwo percent of Millenials indicated they got down on one knee to propose.

In addition, the tradition of asking for parents’ blessing also remains popular among Millenials, 72 per cent of whom sought such blessings before proposing marriage.

The pressure to make marriage proposals extraordinary appears to be on the rise, at least for Millenials. Of the nearly 18,000 respondents who shared their stories via WeddingWire’s 2017 Newlywed Survey, 72 per cent of Millenials said they feel pressured to make their proposals highly unique, while only 45 per cent of Gen X respondents indicated feeling such pressure.

The pressure to pick out the right engagement ring appears to be subsiding.

That’s because 50 per cent of survey respondents indicated they picked out the ring together.

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Married-couples-to-be appear to like comparison shopping in regard to engagement rings. The majority of purchasers looked at between two and seven rings before making a purchase.

While online shopping has changed consumer behaviour in a myriad of ways, couples still prefer brickand-mortar stores when buying engagement rings. Thirty-one percent of purchasers bought rings online, but 63 per cent made their purchases in-person at brick-and-mortar stores.

Christmas Day is the most popular day to pop the question, followed

by Valentine’s Day. Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve round out the top five.

How to spread the news of an engagement is perhaps the biggest change surrounding engagements. Engagement parties were once the go-to way to spread the good news, but just one in four couples now have engagement parties.

Nowadays, 86 per cent of couples spread the news via social media.

In fact, 10 per cent of parents find out about their children’s engagements via social media.

The days of a short engagement seem to be a thing of the past.

The average engagement now lasts 13 months, and 28 per cent of couples are engaged for 16 months or longer.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Tie the Knot * September 2019 * 7

Before and after the big day

S

Whether new or pre-owned, your wedding gown needs to be clean, wrinkle-free and ready to help you shine.

ince it all starts with the dress, don’t let the memories end after your wedding day.

Let’s face it. Weddings can be hard on a gown. Some stains dry up and become invisible to the eye but continue to eat away at the fabric.

Keeping your wedding gown in the best possible condition should be a primary concern. One Hour Cleaners in Victoria has the tools and technology necessary to clean your gown without ruining it in the process.

Cleaning and Preservation Cleaning and preserving your wedding dress is very important in order for it to survive and look great for generations to come.

Whether you want to preserve your memories that blossomed with your wedding day or you decide to sell your gown and recover some of the cost — every gown needs to be cleaned after the wedding.

And if you plan on keeping your gown, your wedding gown preservation by a certified wedding gown specialists is essential. victoriadrycleaning.com

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8 * September 2019 * Tie the Knot

Times Colonist

Wedding transportation

W

The

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ith so many vehicle options to choose from, L.A. Limousines has just the right vehicle to transport you and your guests on your special day. From Mercedes Sprinter vans for shuttle service, luxury sedans for the Honeymoon transfer and limousines, SUV limousines and limousine buses for the bridal party, L.A. Limousines is your full-service wedding car service.

Wedding packages come with ice and glassware, linens and decorations in your wedding colours as well as a ‘Just Married’ heart. L.A. Limousines, ‘it’s how you get there’!

Weddings are momentous events for the couple tying the knot as well as all of the friends and family invited to share in the big day.

Before couples can tie the knot and cut a rug at their receptions, everyone, couple and guests included, must arrive at the location (or locations). There are ways to make the process go smoothly for everyone.

Map out your needs. Everything should be built around the ceremony. Once the ceremony time has been set, the rest of the day can be arranged around that time.

Determine how much time is needed to travel from the ceremony to the reception.

Allocate time before the cocktail hour to allow for traffic, photos and other needs that take time. You don’t want to feel rushed.

Once the timing has been orchestrated, couples can figure out which types of transportation are required.

Book personal transportation first Happy couples make their own transportation their top priority. Arrange

this between five and seven months in advance of the wedding. It could be preferable to book it even further in advance if a couple is getting married around a holiday or during prom season when limousines and party buses are in high demand. Unless the bride-to-be plans to be seen by her groom, couples will need separate transportation to the ceremony site.

Factor multiple vehicles into the wedding transportation budget.

Explore your personality Brides and grooms have transportation options at their disposal. Never feel penned in by tradition, especially when something else makes you feel remarkable and the budget allows for it.

Consider others’ needs Have the names and phone numbers of taxi or ridesharing services available for those who may not be able to drive after the party. Elderly or disabled guests appreciate prearranged transportation as well.

Although couples can arrange for transportation as a courtesy to others, they don’t need to make arrangements for everyone.

L. A. Limousines has been serving Victoria and Vancouver Island since 1989 and are the largest fully diversified ground transportation company on Vancouver Island. Their fleet includes late model Lincoln, Lexus and Mercedes sedans, Lincoln Navigator luxury SUVs, vans, stretch limousines and Navigator SUV limousines. The have Vancouver Island’s only luxury limousine buses with seating capacity of up to 26 passengers. lalimo.ca

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Tie the Knot * September 2019 * 9

The First Dance A

first dance song at the wedding reception often sets the tone for the upcoming festivities and can exemplify just how newlyweds feel about each other.

Couples may agonize over which song to choose, but there are many different resources available that can help couples narrow down their options. Spotify, the popular streaming music service, has compiled a list of the most popular wedding songs for 2018, based on global respondents.

Their top pick was “Perfect,” by Ed Sheeran — a song that many suspect was composed with wedding dances in mind.

Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud,” Etta James’ “At Last,” John Legend’s “All of Me,” and Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” filled out the remaining top five spots on Spotify’s list.

Simple Elegance Affordable wedding venues for your intimate wedding with delicious catering.

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10 * September 2019 * Tie the Knot

Times Colonist

Let them eat Wedding Cake W

edding receptions culminate when the happy couple stands before their tiered and towering wedding cake to cut the first slice.

The tradition of wedding cakes has endured since ancient times, and cakes have been presented in many incarnations since their introduction. In fact, some have not been cake at all. One of the first wedding “cakes” was made in ancient Rome and was comprised of bread. This bread was broken over the bride’s head to symbolize future fertility and good luck for the couple.

Until the 19th century, wedding cakes were actually bridal pies. A “bride’s pie” was made of flaky pastry and filled with oysters, pine kernels, cockscombs, lambstones, sweetbreads, and spices. According to Gastronomica, a journal of food studies, humble versions of wedding cakes were also created with mutton and mincemeat.

Bridal pies eventually gave way to sweeter offerings, including fruited cakes that served as symbols of fertility and prosperity.

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Today, wedding cakes run the gamut from all-white, fondant-covered confections to simple sheet cakes. Some couples even opt to serve their guests cupcakes or cookies.

Although white is the preferred colour of wedding cakes, couples may opt for hues that evoke the colour schemes of their weddings.

Queen Victoria of England was one of the first people to have pure white icing on her wedding cake. It is believed that this is how “royal icing” received its name.

Wedding cakes are usually priced by the slice, and prices can range anywhere from $1.50 per slice and upward. Couples can budget around $300 to $500 for moderately priced wedding cakes for parties with 150 to 200 people. According to the wedding resource The Knot, the most expensive wedding cake commissioned to date was made by Buddy Valastro of Carlo’s Bakery.

At the request of New York City socialite Devorah Rose for her diamond gala event, the $30 million cake was topped with jewels.

—MC oohlalacupcakes.ca

250-385-0707

OohOoh La La Cupcakes in Victoria makes gorgeous festive wedding cakes as well as cupcakes.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Tie the Knot * September 2019 * 11

From start to finish, the wedding planner at the Royal Canadian Legion in Langford can help make your wedding day perfect and complete.

A perfect wedding day, from start to finish

By Bea LeBlanc Ways & Means Chair langford Legion

T

he other day, I was approached by a woman who wanted information about renting our hall for her son’s upcoming wedding. I provided her with our catering menu and costs for renting the auditorium.

The next day she emailed me and asked if I could meet with the bride, as she was interested in seeing the hall and finding out more about our venue.

Two days later, I met with not only the bride but her mother, the mother-in-law and two bridesmaids!

They were very pleased with the size of the hall and started talking about how the decorations could be placed. It was like they saw it as a large, blank canvas to decorate at will. I told them that we also had a decorator and DJ that we could recommend if they needed either of these services.

Once the availability of the hall for the date they wanted was confirmed, we started to discuss the menu, bar service and room set-up, colour theme, etc. We were able to make changes to the menu that suited her needs and also fell within her budget.

During the course of this discussion, I discovered that they still hadn’t decided

where they were going to have the ceremony.

As this was a small wedding, I suggested that they have the ceremony here, as the hall could be divided in such a way that the ceremony could take place at the back of the hall and the reception at the front.

The arbour could be decorated with her colours, covered chairs with matching sashes could be set up in two rows with a carpet down the centre.

Once the “I do’s” were completed and the bridal party left for pictures, the guests who needed somewhere to go before dinner could utilize the lounge or games room while waiting until it was time for the reception.

A Designated Driver was also made available to ensure guests made it home safely.

When the family returned to the branch the day after the wedding to pick up the decorations, etc., they couldn’t say enough as to how appreciative they were about the quality of service they had received, right from the planning stages, and all the way through to the clean-up the day after their event, and how it had made their special day one to remember.

Prince Edward Branch 91, Royal Canadian Legion, Langford rcl91.ca

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12 * September 2019 * Tie the Knot

Times Colonist

A wedding day shaving guide for grooms G

rooms can take steps to look handsome and polished, but may wonder what they can do to put their best feet forward when all eyes and cameras are facing their way.

Addressing skin care and proper shaving techniques is essential. Although shaving is a seemingly simple task, some men struggle through the process because they haven’t mastered the basics for a clean, comfortable shave. Grooms who do not already have beards should be clean shaven for their wedding days.

Brickell Men’s Products advises that the first step to a good shave is to shower before shaving. The warm water and steam will open up pores and follicles, allowing the hair to protrude as much as possible out of the skin. The more it sticks out, the cleaner the shave will be.

Many men fail to prep their skin before shaving. It is important to rinse the face with a pre-shave soap and warm water to remove excess oil and dead skin that clogs razor blades.

Try a non-lathering or natural shave cream that does not contain the potentially

irritating chemicals that create the lathering effect, but will still offer lubrication to help get a closer shave.

The right razor can make all the difference. While an electric shaver can serve in a pinch, come the day of the wedding, work with a traditional razor, either disposable or cartridge style. Start with a fresh, new and sharp blade so it is effective. Some men prefer a single blade for a close shave, while others like razors with multiple blades. Grooms should use what has worked for them in the past, as now is not the time to experiment.

While shaving, go with and against the grain, or what feels comfortable to take off the hair without having to go over areas repeatedly and risk irritating the skin. Gillette advises rinsing blades often during shaving.

However, do not tap the razor against the sink to dislodge the whiskers, as this can damage or dull the razor.

Finish up by rinsing with cool water and applying a moisturizer or specially designed aftershave product. It can take up to 48 hours for skin to heal after a shave and keeping it hydrated can diminish irritation. —MC

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Grooms are often content to let their brides-to-be shine on their wedding day. But weddings are a showcase of the two people getting married … and grooms matter!

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Tie the Knot * September 2019 * 13

Handsome Things for Him

Tuxedo renting: The basics

As a traditional watchmaking company, Longines has been producing exceptional timepieces since the very beginning. Today, the Longines Master Collection is the perfect illustration of this corporate ethos, as can be seen from the success enjoyed by this range since it was launched in 2005. All fitted with self-winding movements, the various models in this collection offer sophistication.

The Longines Master Collection brings together classical elegance and excellent quality which never cease to delight those who appreciate exceptional timepieces.

The right fit can help a groom and the groomsmen look like a million bucks come wedding day.

B

rides-to-be may invest thousands of dollars into their wedding day ensembles.

Online wedding resource The Knot says that the average cost for a wedding dress is $1,469. Grooms generally have a much easier and less expensive experience with their wedding day attire. In fact, grooms often rent their tuxedos for minimal cost.

Renting a wedding tuxedo has its advantages, namely in the cost savings.

However, it’s easy for a guy to fall into the trap of renting something that will not help him look his best if he isn’t educated about the process. Looking sharp involves a little more than just showing up to the shop and picking a tux off the rack.

Choose your retailer wisely Many stores sell or rent suits and tuxedos. As is the case with many aspects of wedding planning, getting a recommendation from friends or family members can help grooms identify the shops that offer exemplary service. When attending others’ weddings or special events, pay attention to the look of the groom and his groomsmen.

Find out where they got their tuxes. Price alone should not dictate where to shop.

Once bridesmaid dresses have been selected, the groomsmen can begin to shop around for tuxedoes. This way ties and vests will coordinate. Initial tux selection should begin between four and six months before the wedding.

Get a proper fitting The experts at Men’s Wearhouse say that it is important to be fitted for a tux or suit properly. Their professionals can handle the measurements, or men shopping elsewhere

Available at Lugaro Jewelers in Victoria.

can use a tailor of their choosing. Shoulders should be close to the body in the jacket but not restrictive. Sleeves should fall so that they show a quarter- to a half-inch of shirt sleeves when arms are at the sides. An ill-fitting suit or tux can make a gentleman look sloppy. It is key to pay attention to sizing and use a shop that has a variety of styles that fit various body types.

Choose a classic style No one wants to look outdated in their wedding pictures. By choosing a classic cut and color in a suit or tux, guys will look stylish no matter the year. Fun can be had with vest colours or bow ties.

Confirm the order The entire wedding party can visit the tuxedo shop for selections and fittings. The groom should call the store at least a month prior to the wedding to ensure that everyone has been fitted. Tuxes should be picked up a few days in advance of the wedding and tried on to ensure that everything fits and all accessories are included. This way last-minute alterations or substitutions can be made.

Grooms and groomsmen can look dapper by selecting a classic suit or tuxedo, having it properly fitted and confirming that all wardrobe components are ready to go in time for the big day.

Capital City Tuxedo Rentals deliver only the best quality. Their suits are sourced from the best manufacturers in the industry. They provide a superior fit and level of comfort not normally associated with a rental. Their rentals are available to buy, ensuring everyone coordinates and everyone’s budget is accommodated. citytux.com

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14 * September 2019 * Tie the Knot

Times Colonist

What if something should go wrong?

E

very couple should consider PAL Insurance Brokers’ (Canada Ltd.) unique product called Weddinguard for their big day. Weddinguard is an insurance product that provides insurance coverage for the bride and groom’s wedding essentials, such as: • bridal attire • rings • wedding gifts • wedding cake and flowers • wedding photos and video • wedding stationery • rented property • loss deposits • wedding cancellation expenses • honeymoon cancellation expenses • liquor liability coverage for three • 24-hour periods, such as rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception, and gift opening.

The two most common questions related to PAL’s Weddinguard insurance are: “Why do I need this insurance?” and “What does this insurance cover?”

The team at PAL asks future brides and grooms the following questions

when considering the need for a Weddinguard insurance policy: • What if your wedding dress is ruined before your wedding?

• What if your wedding photographs do not turn out due to loss or damage of the original film, negatives or damage to digital media on which the images are stored?

• What if the church and/or establishment cannot hold your ceremony/reception?

• What if your fiancé or anyone in your family falls ill or worse?

• What if Dad loses his job before the wedding bills have been paid?

For most brides and grooms, the answers to the above questions are often unknown and can create anxiety and concern. A PAL Weddinguard policy provides peace of mind in relation to these concerns.

The average amount spent on a wedding today is around $40,000 and can increase dramatically from there. For most people, weddings are a major investment and take months of planning. Weddinguard

Did you know?

I

n adherence to traditional wedding wardrobes, brides wear white and veils to complete their ensembles. While many people may view veils as a symbol of purity and chastity, various sources indicate veils had a more prominent purpose.

Cosmopolitan magazine indicates that veils first became popular in ancient Roman times, when brides were covered head-to-toe in a red sheet called a flammeum. The sheet was intended to scare off any evil spirits that might ruin the wedding. Veils eventually replaced the flammeum to disguise the bride from those naughty spirits. Veils also were used to hide brides’ faces from grooms in an era of arranged marriages when grooms had never seen their brides before their wedding days. Thankfully, today’s veils are more about fashion than function.

—MC

protects this important investment and provides protection against many adversities that can occur on or before the wedding day, including cancellation from most causes beyond the bride and groom’s control.

Removing the fear of the unknown from your wedding day reduces your risk that your day will be ruined by certain factors that you have no control over. A PAL Weddinguard policy can greatly reduce those risk factors while protecting your investment in the most important day of your life.

A PAL Weddinguard policy covers a great deal of potential issues that can occur on or before the wedding day. This means that if any bridal attire, including bridesmaid and groomsman attire, gets damaged or lost before your wedding day, a PAL Weddinguard policy will cover the cost to repair or replace it.

If your wedding venue suffers a financial failure or if your wedding entertainer cancels, a PAL Weddinguard policy will cover the loss of your deposits. If your

wedding rings are lost or damaged, a PAL Weddinguard policy will cover the repair or replacement of your rings. If your wedding cake or flowers are lost or damaged, a PAL Weddinguard policy will cover the repair or replacement of them.

If your rented property, such as outdoor tents, tables or chairs, etc., is damaged, a PAL Weddinguard policy will provide for reimbursement of such property.

If your wedding or honeymoon has to be cancelled because of the illness of an immediate family member, for example, or because of a major weather disturbance, a PAL Weddinguard policy will cover the cancellation expenses.

Please note that all of

the above-mentioned circumstances are subject to the level of coverage purchased and are governed by PAL Insurance’s Weddinguard wording. None of these portrayals are meant to be exhaustive or comprehensive, and this article is meant for information purposes only.

PAL Insurance offers various levels of coverage under its Weddinguard program in order to fit the needs of all engaged couples. Silver Packages begin at $200 and coverage levels increase in the Gold, Diamond and Platinum Packages. Worldwide coverage is also available, subject to restrictions.

Consider a PAL Weddinguard insurance policy for your wedding day. Protecting your investment on your big day is the top priority of PAL Insurance.

Please contact us at: 1-800-265-8098 or go to: palcanada.com for Weddinguard package details, online quotes and immediate policy issuance.

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Tie the Knot * September 2019 * 15

Get schooled on wedding terminology

ouples about to embark on their wedding journeys will likely learn a thing or two about party planning once their engagements are over and they are newly married. Wedding planning can seem overwhelming and a tad confusing at times, but a crash course in wedding terminology can help couples make more informed choices along the way.

Blusher: A short, single-layer veil that covers the bride’s face before the ceremony.

Boutonnière: A single flower bud worn by the men in the bridal party.

Branding: An excuse to place your new monogram on…everything. A stationer can create a wedding logo that embodies your wedding aesthetic and it can be placed on invitations, cocktail napkins, koozies, the dance floor, you name it.

Canapés: Bite-sized appetizers served during the cocktail hour of a reception.

Escort (seating) cards: Printed cards that direct reception guests to their seats.

Full Bar: Let the champagne flow! Full bar means full beverage service open to all— supply of liquor, beer, wine, and beverage selection.

Fondant: A sweet, plyable product used to decoratively cover layered cakes. It can be used in lieu of straight buttercream.

Handle wrap: Ribbon or fabric that wraps around the stems of a bouquet the bride and wedding party carries.

Maid/matron of honour: The title given to the woman who assists the bride and stands closest to her at the altar. “Maids” are those who are unmarried, while “matrons” are women who are.

Master of ceremonies: An individual who will work with the DJ or band to announce the various components of the wedding reception.

Cathedral Veil: Think Lady Di processing Westminister Abbey. It’s a formal veil that extends past the wedding dress train measuring around 120 inches.

The name originates from dramatic veils processing long, Cathedral chapel aisles.

Nosegay: A small bouquet or flower arrangement typically given to the mothers of the bride and groom before the ceremony.

Civil ceremony: A marriage ceremony conducted by a council official or justice of the peace at a municipal location rather than in a house of worship.

Receiving line: A line of the key people in the wedding who welcome and greet guests.

Processional/Recessional: Musical pieces that mark the entrance and exit from the wedding ceremony.

Cocktail hour: Typically an hour-long interlude between the wedding ceremony and the main dinner of the reception.

Guests have time to arrive and mingle before being seated.

Signature Cocktail: Gives your guests the opportunity to sip your favourite poison. At the recent royal wedding, guests sipped the “When Harry Met Meghan,” which featured a hint of ginger—a nod to the Prince’s famous red hair.

Corkage fee: A fee some establishments charge to allow guests to bring their own wine.

Stationery: All of the paper products used at the wedding, including invitations, programs and enclosures.

Dais: A podium or platform raised from the floor where the bride and groom are seated.

Tablescape: A word that describes the multiple components of centerpiece designs.

Deposit: A percentage of the total cost of service given to a vendor to secure a date for their services.

Dragées: Round, small edible balls of sugar that appear on wedding cakes.

Here’s a crash course in wedding terminology to help you make more informed choices along the way.

Learning some basic wedding terminology can simplify wedding planning.

—MC

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Offsite table and chair rentals available.

www.metchosinhall.com

16 * September 2019 * Tie the Knot

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