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6 SET THE TABLE: Designing the perfect tablescape
8 Q&A: LYNZIE KENT
We ask all your décor questions
12 FOLLOW YOUR HEART
A pretty real wedding you’ll love
DESTINATION PLANNING
16 DESTINATION DETAILS: What do you need to decorate your away-from-home wedding?
22 ROSE COLOURED GLASSES: Pretty-in-pink décor, with lovely flowers.
28 DOMINO EFFECT: Classic black and white is so elegant!
32 PASTEL DREAM: We are here for the pops of colour!
40 DECORATE YOURSELF: These wedding dresses have all the details!
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A great wedding planner will help you develop the perfect décor for your wedding, including a gorgeous tablescape. But if you’re doing it on your own, or want to weigh in on all the bits and pieces that are involved, here are some tablescape tips you need to know.
When it comes to décor, mix up the textures, sizes, heights and colours – velvet, cotton or silk napkins, tablecloths or runners, mismatched plates, chargers and glassware, various heights of centrepieces and candles, and colours that complement each other well. Avoid all matchy-matchy everything to keep things interesting.
Personalized place cards (especially ones that guests can keep) are a thoughtful touch. Resin name cards are very popular and can later be used as home décor. Another great idea – and this one is a lot of work – is adding personal thank-you notes to each guest’s place. You’ll have to start months in advance, but guests will appreciate the gesture.
Dinner should be an enjoyable experience for all your guests, so be sure they are comfortable. Overcrowding the table with too much décor can be irritating when guests are looking for a place to set their drink down and can find a spot. Also consider table conversation. A large, awkward centrepiece that hides guests from one another can be frustrating. Opt for very low or very tall arrangements so your friends and family are able to interact with one another.
Flowers make such a big impact on your wedding décor, so think about them carefully. If your tables don’t have the room for large arrangements, try various bud vases with a variety of single blooms. The minimalism is pretty and charming. Also, be mindful of the scent! Lilacs or lilies can be overwhelming at a dinner table.
People like to plan ahead and know what’s coming. Include a menu on the table (including any info on late-night snacks) and, if possible, a program of the evening’s events, with names of the wedding party. You can also include special shout-outs in the program, like birthdays or out-of-town guests.
Pretty chair covers, with texture, patterns, bows or colour, will complete your perfect look. It might seem like a small detail, but the chairs will tie your room together.
Founder of Mad Bash Group, has designed just about every kind of event, with hundreds of weddings under her belt. She knows décor inside and out. She answered a few questions about where to begin when it comes to your wedding décor.
A lot of people feel disconnected to design/décor but ultimately each of us is making design and aesthetic decisions every day by choosing what we wear, how we present ourselves visually, how we décorate our homes, where we shop. I always think that paying attention to what you gravitate towards when it comes to fashion and interior design is a great place to start when trying to learn what your wedding style might look like. Another place that couples can start is by browsing wedding content on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram to open up a conversation about what aesthetically resonates with them as a couple – understanding how different rooms and set-ups make you feel and what message they send to you helps you define what you want and don’t want in your overall design.
One thing I really want to drive home to couples is that décor is literally not required for a wedding – it’s the fun part and it should be the part that is approached with playfulness and openness. You don’t need any of it and therefore if you forget something, it isn’t worth stressing over because it won’t affect the outcome of the day in a crucial way. All that being said, when you invest in design and décor, you are investing in an immersive experience that will create visceral moments for your guests and leave a lasting impression of your day in their lives and in your own. One thing that I find couples forget is lighting! Lighting can make or break your experience because not only is it aesthetically important, but it immediately affects the mood and ambiance of the day. If you are going to the trouble of having a stunning set up, light it appropriately so it gets the attention it deserves!
My philosophy is that a wedding is the opportunity to plan the party of your dreams so throw the rule book in the garbage.
As wedding designers, our team always begins with the couple’s love story. We take our design cues from their hobbies, favourite albums, travel experiences that mean a lot to the couple, proposal stories, and so much more. All of these key moments in relationships hold a visual story and so much of that visual story can be translated into a wedding design. Our biggest goal is to have guests walk into the room and ensure the wedding immediately represents the couple that is getting married and that the guests ‘get it’. Staying away from trends that hold no personal connection to the couple is one way to ensure we’re not including ideas “just because”.
My philosophy is that a wedding is the opportunity to plan the party of your dreams so throw the rule book in the garbage. I don’t care about any “Do Nots”.
The only thing I think couples should not do is anything that doesn’t align with their values or anything that makes them feel icky or inauthentic – this goes beyond design.
I think that the most frustrating ask from couples is when they expect we can give them a particular aesthetic for less than its costs; I promise you we are scrappy and resourceful, but we aren’t willing to devalue the hard work of vendors. Another thing that can be frustrating is when we are asked to replicate the work of other designers.
Copying other designer’s work is a bit taboo and it’s best to use images as inspiration, but to find your own spin on a look.
Lastly, being flexible with floral varieties is something that all planners, florists and designers appreciate because we can’t expect the earth to grow flowers if it’s not their season!
DIY is a really personal thing. I think it’s a fantastic way to put your own stamp on your wedding look and I fully support couples who choose this route. It isn’t always for everything though. My recommendation is that couples don’t overwhelm themselves with too much DIY and bite off a few manageable chunks while leaving the rest to pros. I personally wish I took this advice 11 years ago when I got married because leading up to the wedding you have so much to deal with, let alone building all your own décor. I never recommend DIYing your flowers unless you are a florist and you own a proper floral cooler. These natural occurring beauties have a mind of their own and it’s best they are handled by the pros!
Care less. Care less about what your friends did and what your parents say you should do. Care less about what is trending on Pinterest and Instagram. Care less about ticking all the items off a list. Hire excellent vendors, take their professional advice and make choices that really feel right to you and your partner. You are getting married, which means you are starting a marriage and you want to build that foundation on a low-stress, fun experience that feels empowering. Listening to your inner voice about your design choices is one of the small ways that you can empower yourself and each other. When planning your décor, do “you” in the most authentic way that you can.
ARE THERE ANY “DO NOTS” WHEN IT COMES TO WEDDING DÉCOR THESE DAYS? OR ARE THERE THINGS THAT COUPLES ASK FOR THAT CAN BE FRUSTRATING?
EVER SINCE MEETING AT WORK AND GOING ON A COFFEE DATE, EMILY AND MARC HAVE BEEN INSEPARABLE.
Emily and Marc were excited to share their family tradtitions. “Being an interracial couple, it was important for us to incorporate both our Italian and Filipino wedding traditions into our big day,” says Emily. “We included the Filipino traditions in our ceremony with the veil, cord and candle rituals, and the Italian traditions in our reception with the traditional dancing and food.”
When it comes to her favourite details, Emily says it has to be the flowers. “When planning the wedding, I knew that I did not want the classic white floral and greenery vibe. I really wanted the pops of pink flowers to make a big impact, and I could not be happier with the end result. A second favourite detail was our custom seating chart, designed by our wedding planner RDTEvents. It was such a cool concept that came to life, and it doubled as a photo backdrop for guests.”
Wedding gown: Julie Vino, Superior Bridal Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Makeup: Jen Evoy Makeup Studio Hair: Cos4hair
Stationery: So Pretty In Print Florals: Wild Theory Florals Cake: Sammy Cakes
Tableware: Detailz Couture Event Rentals Videographer: Beautiful Life Studios
Sometimes your only décor options are what fits in your suitcase. Other times, your resort or property will be fully stocked with an abundance of beautiful options. Either way, creating your dream wedding day is tough from thousands of kilometres away.
✱ Speak to your on-site wedding planner and ask all the questions. They are your eyes and ears on the ground. They will walk you through all your décor options and tell you what you should and shouldn’t bring with you.
✱ If you’re having a resort wedding, be sure to meet with your planner as soon as you can after you arrive. Go through your selections to be sure everything looks the way you want.
✱ When florals are an option, more is better (within your budget, of course). If you’re in a tropical destination, then go with that vibe. The bright colours really make an impact. Additional florals can be pricey, so think about bringing some faux blooms with you. Fake flowers can look really beautiful, they are
lightweight and easy to pack. Just be sure you unpack them upon arrival and fluff them up to get rid of that just-came-out-of-asuitcase look. Flower petals, fresh or artificial, are an easy way to add colour to your aisle or table.
✱ If linen options are mostly neutral, bring a lightweight table runner. If you have many tables, just bring a runner for the head table. It will add a nice pop of colour.
✱ Little stationery items, like place cards, menus or mini welcome signs can be printed at home and easily transported to your venue. They add a personal touch.
✱ A cute cake topper is a small, but personal item that guests will most definitely remember and photograph.
✱ Lighting can make a
big difference. Consider bringing very small strands of twinkle lights (you can grab them at the dollar store). Add them to your centrepieces, or along the middle of the table. The tiny lights are compact, but bright and magical.
✱ Do not mail boxes of décor ahead of time. Most resorts don’t have the storage space and they also don’t want the responsibility of keeping it safe for you. If you have your heart set on extra décor, bring it in an extra suitcase.
✱ Go local. If you have time before the wedding, hit the local markets to look for small décor items or favours. Your guests came to a destination to experience what that country has to offer, so give them that opportunity!
Stick to these rules to get started.The
Weddings in Mexico are rich in tradition, and couples can combine local food and time-honored rituals with Weddings by Palladium, personalized packages custom designed by wedding planner Karen Bussen to create an unforgettable destination wedding. Six beautiful beachfront resorts awaits couples seeking to create unforgettable romantic memories in Costa Mujeres, Cancun and Riviera Maya.
The five-star Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa and TRS Coral Hotel are ideally situated for a gathering of loved ones for a destination wedding in Mexico.
Located just minutes from the Cancun airport, both resorts are set apart from the busy Hotel Zone on the unspoiled beach of Costa Mujeres.
The family friendly Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa is large enough, with 673 rooms, to accommodate big weddings while still providing the attentive service that distinguishes Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts. Wedding guests without kids in
tow — as well as the bride and groom — may choose a stay at the neighboring TRS Coral Hotel, an elegant, adults-only oasis. Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort & Spa’s modern architecture, contrasted with the the blue Caribbean, surrounding mangroves, and the greenery fringing its pool and public areas, makes a beautiful backdrop for a wedding reception and ceremony. Vows can be exchanged on the beach or at a selection of venues, from the Nuestra Señora del Rocío Catholic wedding chapel to a lakeside deck or — for larger events or in case some “liquid sunshine” falls — the resort’s convention center.
Weddings by Palladium provides the plan ning and pampering to make every Costa Mujeres destination wedding special, from a dedicated wedding planner, the choice of a half-dozen wedding packages designed by Karen Bussen, the use of venues, and extra touches for the bride and groom like breakfast in bed, a wedding gift, honey moon amenities, turndown service and late check-out.
All of these wedding facilities are also available to guests staying in the 469 luxury suites at the TRS Coral Hotel, a quiet enclave with personalized service and special dining and entertainment options set aside for guests only, including the distinctive Helios, an Ibiza style beach club. Both hotels provide the signature Infinite Indulgence® all-inclusive amenities, includ ing unlimited dining, drinks, entertainment, and activities. And before and after the wedding the couple and their guests can enjoy the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Well ness treatments, the excitement of the Chic Cabaret & Restaurant dinner show, or play at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, and more.
EXCHANGE VOWS IN CANCUN’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ENCLAVETRS CORAL HOTEL GRAND PALLADIUM COSTA MUJERES RESORT & SPA GRAND PALLADIUM VALLARTA RESORT & SPA
Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a dream destination for weddings suffused with Mexico’s Mayan culture and fulfilling the vision of exchanging vows on one of the most beautiful and private beaches in the Caribbean.
Set on a quiet stretch of sand between Cancun and Playa del Carmen and in a private resort community are four distinctive, five-star all-inclusive resorts. The Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa blends a mix of traditional architecture with modern amenities while the Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa brings a hint of old Spain to the Riviera Maya. The Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa is surrounded by the lush foliage of the tropics, and guests will find an even more exclusive sanctuary at the adults-only TRS Yucatan Hotel.
Each resort has a dedicated wedding planner who ensures that every detail lives up to couples’ unique vision. Traditional
Mexican wedding elements can be seamlessly integrated with decor, dining, and entertainment through Weddings by Palladium, the ultimate resource for planning a timeless destination wedding surrounded by family, friends, and the unique culture of Mexico.
Couples can choose from wedding ceremonies and receptions centered around a romantic beach pergola, beach gazebo, or a religious exchange of vows at the colonial-style Nuestra Señora de las Nieves chapel. Unique wedding packages designed by planner Karen Bussen range from the flexible Palladium with Love and the budget-friendly Lovebirds package to Bliss in Bloom with its lush floral arrangements, the Timeless appeal of lilies, pearls, and crystals, the new Evermore for a ceremony framed in ivy and dendrobium orchids, and sun-and-sea inspired Waves of Love for an unforgettable beach wedding.
Having four hotels to choose from means a Riviera Maya destination wedding with Palladium Hotel Group can accommodate as many guests as you desire. Families are welcome at the Grand Palladium White Sand Resort & Spa, Grand Palladium Colonial Resort & Spa, and Grand Palladium Kantenah Resort & Spa, while the TRS Yucatan Hotel is reserved for adults only. Each of the hotels provide signature Infinite Indulgence® all-inclusive amenities, including unlimited dining, drinks, entertainment, and activities, and all guests can enjoy the pampering body treatments and other experiences offered at the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness center.
When it comes to romantic vibes,
can’t get any better than pretty shades of pink.
Planner
Floral
The
When you think of the perfect honeymoon, Hawai‘i must be at the top of the list. It is has something for every couple –the adventurous, the laid-back, and, of course, the romantic.
This epic prize includes round-trip airfare by Air Canada and a six-night stay at Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa, on the Kona Coast of Hawai‘i.
You’ll experience all that Hawai‘i has to offer: the stunning sunsets, the warm ocean breeze, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Jump in the water and snorkel with manta rays, tour a coffee farm, hike a volcano or partake in a whale-watching excursion to view the beauty of the humpbacks.
In your downtime, chill by the pool or get a massage (you can even get one in your own room!).
Enter to win this trip of a lifetime.
*No purchase necessary. The contest begins at 1:00 PM EST August 1, 2022 and ends at 11:59PM EST December 31, 2022. The decisions of the judges are final and not subject to appeal. Winner must be a legal resident and must have reached the age of majority in their province of residence. Winner must not be an employee, a representative of Hawai‘i Tourism Canada, Air Canada or Outrigger Kona Resort & Spa and their subsidiaries and affiliates, media partners, advertising and promotional agencies.
Winner must not be a member of the immediate family (parents, children, siblings and spouse, regardless of where they are domiciled) of any of the aforementioned and persons with whom any of the aforementioned are domiciled.
Reservations for flight must be booked, within 4 weeks of the winner accepting notification of their prize pack.
Valid for travel on Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge scheduled flights only. Space is subject to availability in Q (Economy) Class at time of booking, and all travel is to be completed by 31 December 2023. Flights does not qualify for Aeroplan mileage accumulation or for mileage accumulation in another frequent flyer program.
If the travellers are unable to travel in accordance with the above or unavailable date restrictions, the winner shall be deemed to have forfeited the prize and another winner will be chosen. Please see remaining rules and regulations online at todaysbride.ca/contests
At Beaches® Resorts you can celebrate the most special time of your life with the people who mean the most to you. Best of all, after your magical wedding day, the two of you can slip off to a private honeymoon in some of the most romantic suites in the Caribbean. Enjoy every land and water sport under the sun, including a scuba program* voted Top 5 in the Western Hemisphere by PADI®. Indulge in 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining at up to 22 exceptional restaurants serving unlimited pours of premium liquors. Even the tips, taxes, and Beaches transfers* are included. So while you celebrate your love, your loved ones will enjoy their own unforgettable celebration, too!
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Planning:
Beaches® Resorts makes it easy for you to test drive your dream destination wedding and experience our 5-Star Luxury Included® Resorts firsthand. Be our guest for up to two nights at an exclusive rate starting at $250 per couple, per night*. Plus, if you book your WeddingMoon® group of 5 rooms or more, under a group code or contract, you’ll receive up to $600 in credits, complimentary group inclusions, and more!*
Aruba is the picture-perfect backdrop for your dream destination wedding or honeymoon. Nestled outside the hurricane belt, u e
Aruba is the picture-perfect backdrop for your dream destination wedding or honeymoon. Nestled outside the hurricane belt, u e
Discover Aruba’s special wedding and honeymoon packages.
Aruba is the picture-perfect backdrop for your dream destination wedding or honeymoon. Nestled outside the hurricane belt, u e Discover Aruba’s special wedding and honeymoon packages.
www.aruba.com/us/why-aruba/romance
www.aruba.com/us/why-aruba/romance
Discover Aruba’s special wedding and honeymoon packages. www.aruba.com/us/why-aruba/romance
When it comes to wedding dresses, embellishments can take your gown to the next level. Some brides do appreciate a more subtle, understated look, but others will explore the uniqueness of lace, bows, appliqués, embroidery and beading. If you’re a “more is more” kind of bride, then take a risk and decorate yourself!
