Today's Bride Magazine | The Giving Guide

6 DO ME A FAVOUR

Are wedding favours still a thing? What should you give?

8 THE PERFECT WISHLIST

Don’t forget to add these items to your wedding registry.

12 THANKS, BUDDY

Your wedding party deserves a nice thank-you gift.

STYLE

14 GIVING BRIDAL VIBES

These new dresses are hot off the bridal runways!

INSPIRATION

20 SHOWER ME WITH SUNSHINE

This colourful wedding shower will make you smile.

32 TAKE A CHANCE ON ME Wedding inspo with just a hint of disco? Yes, please!

26 BLACK TIE, WHITE DRESSES

This real wedding put a twist on the traditional – and it’s stunning.

TRAVEL

38 18 TRAVEL TIPS

These little pieces of advice will really help on your honeymoon.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR EXCLUSIVE CONTESTS, TRENDS, IDEAS, BEHIND-THE-SCENES PHOTOS AND MORE.

Do me a favour

ARE WEDDING FAVOURS STILL A THING?

According to 52% of our awesome Instagram followers, wedding favours are still a thing. But times have changed. Gone are the engraved matchbooks and random knick-knacks that end up in the junk drawer. If you want to say thank you to your wedding guests, here’s how to do it.

Something sweet

You can never go wrong with a foodie favour and appealing to the sweet tooth is a smart way to go. Chocolates, cookies, macarons – all delicious goodies that probably won’t even make it home. Small jars of maple syrup, honey or jam (especially homemade) are also yummy options. If you’re looking to take your sweet favour to the next level, custom labels will do the job. A chocolate bar with a wedding date wrapper, with the names of the newlyweds, will bring a smile to your guests’ faces

Something savoury

A sugary treat isn’t your only foodie option. Go local and source some hot sauce or barbecue sauce from your favourite neighbourhood restaurant or shop. It’s great exposure for a local business. Plus, giving your guests one of your favourite items is more personal than a random favour. Jarred spices, pickles or olive oil are pretty cool ideas, too.

Usable gifts

No, a figurine with your wedding date stamped on it is not a good idea. This is something that used to happen, believe it or not. And then your guests feel guilty about throwing it away, so it simply collects dust somewhere in their home. Instead, gift your people with usable items like bottle openers, mugs or candles.

Alcohol

Boozy gifts are always a hit –bottles of wine, small bottles of spirits, cocktail mix, shot glasses. If you do go this route, try to be aware of any of your guests who don’t consume

Charitable gifts

This continues to be a popular option for couples. Rather than spending a few dollars per guest on a gift, you can take the money and donate it to a charity on behalf of your family

simple, hand-written thank-you note is extra thoughtful (it’s also extra time-consuming, so start well before your wedding date).

Something sustainable

Late-night favours

Skip the tabletop goodies and opt for a late-night takeaway. As guests say their goodbyes, have bags of popcorn or fast food boxes waiting to go home with them. That Uber ride back to the house or hotel is much better with an order of fries.

Create the perfect wish list

When it comes to making life easier for your guests, wedding registries are a true lifesaver. Way back in the day, some people considered wedding registries “greedy”. “A list of things you want? Oh no! I will be getting you a romantic birdhouse mailbox, and you’ll like it!” (Shout outs to anyone who caught that reference from The Office .)

replaced. If you choose to see when gifts are purchased and by whom, you can actually get a jump start on thank-you notes, which you’ll be happy about in the long-run.

CHOOSE FOR EVERY ROOM

If you’re having trouble figuring out what to add to your list, go through your house room by room and select your items. A rug for the living room, a mirror for the bathroom, shelving for the basement and maybe even a BBQ or lawnmower for the backyard. There are more options than you think!

SPREAD THE WORD

Nowadays, registries are appreciated. In fact, it can often be annoying when couples don’t have one. Here’s how make the most of your wedding registry.

OVER-REGISTER

You may feel as though you are adding too many items to your list, but you aren’t. Between engagement parties, wedding showers and the wedding itself, you’ll want your guests to have plenty of options. Looking to the registry only to find there are no items left can be a real pain for those looking to spend their dollars on you. So scan/ click away!

CHOOSE A RANGE

Add items to your list that fall under different price categories – all the way from the $5-whisk to the $400-luggage. People

love to have choices. Little gifts make for great wedding shower presents and those higherpriced items are perfect group gifts.

KNOW YOUR SEASONS

If you register a year ahead of your wedding, remember that some of your items may be out of season or discontinued by the time the big day rolls around. This could result in your ending up with half a set of towels or only half of your bedding. For seasonal items, return to your registry closer to your wedding date and make your selections.

MONITOR THE LIST

While you do want gifts to be a surprise, keep an eye on your registry. Check in every so often to see if you need to add more, or if items have been discontinued and need to be

At this point, it’s still not cool to send your registry information with your wedding invitation. Most people won’t mind, but there are still others who see it as rude. To avoid the awkwardness, make sure your wedding party and parents know where you are registered in case people ask. Plus, it’s totally acceptable to include the info in engagement party or shower invitations. Also, add it to your wedding website, where your guests will be able to track down your registries without even having to ask.

DON’T FORGET THE FUN STUFF

Most people go straight to the kitchen appliances when it comes to registries, but don’t forget to ask for some of the fun stuff, too. Consider including board games, holiday decorations, camping equipment, sports gear, video games and home décor.

Wedding Registry Gift Guide with

Shop the world’s largest selection to create your ideal wedding registry.

KitchenAid® Ultra Power® Plus Series 4.5-Quart TiltHead Stand Mixer

Modern Oval Pattern

Stone & Beam

Decorative Stoneware Vase, 11.1 Inch Height, Off-White

Coleman Instant Screen House Apple TV 4K (2022) Wi-Fi + Ethernet with 128GB Storage (3rd Generation)

Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro Countertop Convection Oven, Brushed Stainless Steel

Weber Original Kettle™ Premium 22” Charcoal Grill, Green

Vera Wang - King Sheets, Cotton Percale Bedding Set, Crisp & Cool Home Decor (White/Charcoal, King)

Walker Edison Saxon Modern Wood and Glass 4 Shelf Corner Console, 68 Inch, Birch

Q&A

What is Amazon Wedding Registry?

Amazon Wedding Registry helps couples and their wedding guests find the perfect wedding gift. Couples select items from our site to add to their wedding registry, and can share the registry with family and friends so they know exactly what gifts to get. Create your wedding registry today at www.amazon.ca/wedding.

Why register with Amazon?

HERE ARE THE TOP 5 REASONS TO REGISTER WITH AMAZON:

Amazon has the world’s largest selection and our wedding registry goes way beyond housewares! In addition to home and kitchen items, you can register for sports and outdoor gear, electronics, board games, a prime membership, or anything else you want to start building your life together as a married couple.

You can personalize your wedding registry by adding notes to items or highlighting the items you love most so your guests know what you really want.

Enjoy two day shipping on eligible wedding registry items! ✱

Amazon conveniently keeps track of who gifted what items to make sending thank you notes easy.

If you are the recipient, and a gift isn’t what you expected, you have 180 days to return your item. Returns are processed as amazon.ca gift cards.

How do I know what to register for?

Amazon’s Gift Advisor makes product recommendations based on your preferences and best sellers. When you input the number of guests for your wedding, this feature helps you pick the right number of gifts at a variety of different price points, so you have gift ideas ready to go for all of your upcoming bridal events.

How do I add items to my wedding registry?

Most products on Amazon.ca’s site are available to add to your wedding registry. There are two easy ways to add to your wedding registry:

On every product detail page, underneath the box with “Add to Cart”, there is a button that says “Add to Registry & Gifting”. Simply click on this button and select your wedding registry from the list.

Browse curated collections on www.amazon.ca/wedding, including “Shop by Room”, “Shop by Brand”, and “Shop by Category” to get inspiration and quickly add gifts to your wedding registry.

Something isn’t quite right with my gift; how do I return?

Returning items from your wedding registry is easy! If you are the gift recipient, we will process your refund as an Amazon.ca gift card. To return items, simply go to your wedding registry, select “Thank You List”, find the item you wish return and select “Return or replace gift”. Then, follow the instructions to complete the return.

Thanks, buddy!

YOUR WEDDING PARTY DESERVES ALL THE PRESENTS, DON’T THEY?

Sure, it’s an honour to stand beside you on your big day, but that isn’t enough payment for the time, energy and money that your wedding party will spend on making sure your wedding is one to remember. So, pay them back accordingly with a personal, thoughtful gift of thanks.

Who’s on the list?

Make sure everyone who deserves to be recognized receives a token of your gratitude. This includes all members of your wedding party (flower girls and ring bearers, too), possibly close friends or family who have helped out but may not actually be a named member of the wedding party, and your parents.

No wedding stuff

A thank you-gift should be something personal that is not about your wedding. That means skipping the matching earrings for the bridesmaids and the cuff links for the groomsmen. Admit it: those matching robes/PJs for the morning of the wedding is more for your photos than a thoughtful present. If you choose to purchase coordinating items for your party, that’s on you; if you DO want them to wear matching jewelry, you shouldn’t ask them to foot the bill. Those accessories are not a replacement for an actual thank-you gift. Chances are your groomsmen aren’t wearing cufflinks on a day-to-day basis, so get a little more personal.

Get the good goods

So what do you purchase for these invitation-stuffing, shower-hosting, bachelorparty-throwing super heroes in your life? It’s tough to show exactly how you feel, but just about any form of gift is appropriate – if it is accompanied by a thoughtful note or card. So once you have the words down, here are a few gift ideas to go with them.

A keepsake: If sentimental is what you’re going for, consider jewelry, a watch or maybe a Christmas ornament – something they can keep for years and when they look at it, they will remember those days you drove them crazy with wedding tasks.

Housewares: Seems impersonal? Not at all. A home-chef would love a new appliance or charcuterie board. The bartender might love some new monogrammed whisky glasses or champagne flutes. The homebody could use a beautiful throw or blanket to snuggle with on movie nights. If they have a pool, a set of beach towels might be a nice idea.

No need to match

You don’t have to get each bridesmaid/groomsman the same gift. Not everyone is in need of an engraved flask or a designer purse. Purchase each gift specifically for each person. Does this take more time and effort? Heck, yes. But it’s worth it. These are (or should be) the closest people in your life, so choosing a personal gift shouldn’t be too hard. One size does not fit all!

An experience: Whether you join them or not, consider giving an experience rather than an item. Think concert or theatre tickets, take them to a baseball game or give a spa gift certificate. If they have kids, a family pass to a waterpark or zoo might be nice, too.

Couple gifts: If you have a couple in your wedding party, think about buying them a joint present (this way you can combine your per-person budget and get something pricier). A gift card for a hotel or bed and

breakfast is a thoughtful gift. Or try a subscription so they receive gifts year-round – a monthly flower, wine, beer or cheese subscription, for example.

Usable items: Some trinkets will just go to waste, while everyday objects are actually really appreciated. Insulated water bottles or travel coffee mugs (monogrammed, of course) are excellent ideas. Other options include makeup pouches, tote bags, travel items, wireless speakers or even gym bags.

Photo: Purple Tree Photography Inc.

Giving bridal vibes

April is the best time of year for bridal fashion. The new looks have dropped and these gowns are just a taste of what to expect in the next year. It looks like off-theshoulder is a popular trend from the runways, along with floral embellishments and spaghetti straps. Whatever vibe you’re trying to go for, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect gown to suit your style.

Opposite page: Mira Zwillinger, Justin Alexander

Signature, Lee Petra Grebenau

This page: Rami Al Ali (top), Lee Petra Grebenau (bottom), Mira Zwillinger (right)

This page: Reem Acra (top), Mira Zwillinger (bottom), Justin Alexander Signature (right) Opposite page (clockwise from top left): Madeline, Ines Di Santo, Theia, Theia, Madeline

Vow to smile on your wedding day with Crest Whitestrips. Get that extra boost of confidence before walking down the aisle. Take the tissue test to see if your teeth can get whiter leading up to the big day

SHOWER ME WITH SUNSHINE

Wedding showers go above and beyond these days, and can be nearly as beautiful as the wedding itself. Devon Ludgate’s shower was filled with all things colourful, fruity and sunny.

Planning: Christina Fantozzi

Photos: Laura Patchett Photography

Venue: Village Loft Events

Florals & linens: Have a Seat Events

Table numbers, place cards & acrylic

signage: Pink Sapphire Co.

Tableware: Splendid Settings

Artist: Lauren Pearson

Cakes & sweets: Nadia & Co.

It’s the specifics that truly make the difference when it comes to a wedding event. In the case of this shower, no detail was spared. “The table settings were my favourite,” says Devon. “Everything came together so beautifully.”

The games and the décor stood out for the bride, but Devon says that when guests look back, they will probably remember the sweets table and the illustrator who created unique, take-home works of art.

LoveBEGINS

Love

BEGINS HERE

HERE

PLAN THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS

PLAN THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMS

Whether it’s sleek sophistication, quiet elegance or an unexpected touch of adventure, Niagara Parks Weddings has the perfect answer. Exchange your vows in a garden so magnificent it will take your breath away, then celebrate your love at a reception venue like no place on Earth.

Whether it’s sleek sophistication, quiet elegance or an unexpected touch of adventure, Niagara Parks Weddings has the perfect answer. Exchange your vows in a garden so magnificent it will take your breath away, then celebrate your love at a reception venue like no place on Earth.

Trust our experienced event specialist to help you create memories for a lifetime at one of our spectacular venues. From showers and engagement parties to weddings and anniversary events, look to us to help bring your dream to life.

Trust our experienced event specialist to help you create memories for a lifetime at one of our spectacular venues. From showers and engagement parties to weddings and anniversary events, look to us to help bring your dream to life.

Along our 56 kilometres, Niagara Parks offers nine picturesque ceremony locations and four stunning reception venues.

Along our 56 kilometres, Niagara Parks offers nine picturesque ceremony locations and four stunning reception venues.

Black tie, white dresses

IT WAS A TWIST ON THE TRADITIONAL FOR THIS COUPLE.

Madison Strabac and David Di Tommaso shared their wedding day with 140 guests and created a unique experience for all of them. From the tequila bar, to forgoing a head table, to a signature cocktail inspired by Madison’s late father, the brides’ and groom’s personalities easily came through. And even though the live music was a favourite and the endless flowers wowed the crowd, Madison says, “The best part of the day was first seeing each other down the aisle. It was magical.”

Photography: Mango Studios Ceremony venue: Spencer’s at the Waterfront, Burlington, Ont.

Reception venue: The Pearle Hotel & Spa, Burlington, Ont. Planner: Plum Stream Events

Ceremony gown: Divine Atelier Reception gown: Theia Couture Suit: Garrison Bespoke

Bridesmaids’ attire: Fame and Partners Hair & makeup: Jen Evoy Makeup Studio, Vibrant Beauty

Day-of stationery: Designer Dance Floors Florals: Jodi Leigh Designs Cake: Planted in Hamilton

Tablescape & rentals: Special Event Rentals, All Pretty Events & Decor

Ceremony trio, DJ, band: Yours Truly Live Entertainment

FEEL THE MOMENT

What makes for a magical honeymoon? It’s playing together in a place where anything seems possible… where days and nights blend seamlessly because they’re fi lled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. It’s fi nding romance in suites that defy imagination, savoring cuisine that transports guests to another world and cocktails worthy of a toast or two At Sandals® Resorts, the magic is found in the details and makes honeymoon dreams come true.

TAKE A CHANCE ON ME

We love a good theme and disco is fun, colourful and quirky – just the way we like it.

Photography: Ashley Rozycki Photography

Planner: Melanie Phyllis Photography

Venue: The Vintage Loft

Bridal attire: Sinders Bridal

Makeup: Lubu Makeup

Tablescape & floral design: Amuse Mains

Hand Lettering: Stone Street Beach

Cake: Sugar & Love Bakery

Party supplies: Three Sparrows Balloons

Shimmer panels: Shimmer Tech

Photo Booth: Photobar Events

Charcuterie: The Rustic Board

Brides: Tashonna & Savanna

The Dominican Republic may have set the standard for unmatched service. And this only accentuates the breathtaking views and phenomenal food that keeps people coming back again and again to this island oasis. For couples looking for an all-inclusive experience ripe with unique detailing, magical moments, and a team dedicated to exceeding your every expectation, Punta Cana is your perfect honeymoon destination. Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Bavaro allows you to enjoy all the advantages of staying at a large beachfront resort, while immersing yourself in an additional level of exclusivity with premium service. What do we mean by exclusive and premium? Here are a few clues: Suites in an unrivalled location, with tranquillity offered in areas on the beach and by the pool designed specifically with you in mind, alongside a 24-hour concierge service, one-of-a-kind buffet with show cooking, priority booking at the restaurants and premium wine selection. Complimentary snacks at the beach club and lounge. And what about the advantages that are offered at a large resort? You have all the services and facilities of Iberostar Selection Bávaro Suites at your fingertips, with endless culinary options and common areas. Because a wedding without a honeymoon is like a birthday without cake.

TO ENTER CONTEST AND TO VIEW FULL RULES AND PRIZE DETAILS VISIT todaysbride.ca/contests

Terms and Conditions:

*No purchase necessary. The contest begins at 1:00 PM EST January 9, 2023 and ends at 11:59PM EST July 31, 2023. 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 Iberostar Hotels and Resorts and their subsidiaries and affliates, media partners, advertising and promotional agencies.The winner will receive a 8-day 7-night, all-inclusive stay for two, in a Junior Suite at Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Bavaro. This voucher is non-transferable, and is subject to availability at time of booking. The prize will be awarded in the form of a gift certificate, and all terms and conditions specified on the certificate shall apply, including blackout dates. The prize voucher will be provided to the winner(s), within 2 weeks of receiving the winner's name, and address. Airfare is not included. The approximate value of this prize is $3,000.00 USD; Based upon double occupancy. All other incidental charges are the responsibility of the certificate holder. Confirmation based upon presentation of the voucher. No cash value. Any unused portion may not be refunded. Package amenities may not be replaced by any other amenity. Other restrictions may apply. The prize will be awarded and the winner will be notified. Airfare not included.

A honeymoon to Coral Level at Iberostar Selection Bavaro in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic*

to

Get Inspired DreamDifferently

We believe your wedding should be done your way & we are committed to making that happen. We focus on versatility, sustainability, and hand-crafted customization.

As a leader in destination weddings, we pride ourselves on:

• Proving that sustainable weddings are stunning and leading change through responsible events.

• Peeling back the packages to ask you what you want instead of telling you what we have.

• Enhancing the wedding experience for everyone involved by creating week long experiences of bonding and memory making for you and your guests.

For more information:

www.iberostar.com/weddings

@iberostarweddings

TRAVEL TIPS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED

After an overwhelming wedding process, you’ll want your honeymoon to go as smoothly as possible. Being the wedding travel experts, we have some advice for you.

1

Make sure your passport is up to date. This means it won’t expire in the next six months. Some airlines and countries won’t accept a passport that expires within six months.

2 Pack a towel and a facecloth. Some resorts can be stingy with towels, or they are too small. And many downsouth properties don’t even have facecloths!

4 Throw some air fresheners into your bag – the plug-in kind, or even fabric softener sheets. If you’re headed somewhere with high humidity, it helps to cover up the damp smell in the room.

5 When choosing a security or check-in line at the airport, try not to go behind a family, especially if you’re in a rush. Chances are they will take longer getting through.

7 Use your honeymoon status to your advantage and ask about upgrades with your airline and resort. If you can’t be bumped to a suite, etc., ask your resort if they have any special perks for honeymooners. You might score some Champagne and rose petals, or maybe a free couples massage.

Purchase “damp bags” for your clothes. These are bags in which you hang your clothes when you’re in a tropical location. They help to suck the moisture out of your garments, so they stay fresh. You know how some humid locations can be – nothing ever dries! You can purchase the bags on Amazon.

8

Don’t forget a mini first aid kit. Have all the essentials on hand: bandages (in a few sizes), antiseptic, tweezers, etc. You’d hate to have your vacation ruined by a blister on your foot!

9 Use Uber or Lyft to get around. Your app should work in many countries and ride share programs are often much cheaper than taxis. Also, don’t be afraid of public transportation! The Collectivo in Mexico, for example, is a really cheap and efficient way to get from place to place.

10 Bring a reusable water bottle. First place it will come in handy: the airport! Fill it once you’re past security and bring it on the plane. This way, you aren’t at the mercy of the flight attendant and their tiny cups of H2O. You’ll also want it for any resort excursions. When vacationing down south, your best bet is to ask for your bottle to be filled at a bar or restaurant to be sure the water is safe.

left paying for it in cash. Book insurance through your travel agent or through companies like CAA.

indulge in some local cuisine and experience life in that country.

13

Invest in a powerbank for charging your electronics on the go. You don’t have to go extreme; a small, lightweight bank will come in handy when you’re off resort for the day and do the trick just fine.

11

Do not skimp on the travel insurance! This is something that will haunt you for life if you require emergency medical treatment and are

14

Get off the resort! You don’t go to a foreign country to stay away from the culture. Speak to your concierge and ask for safe ways to tour the area. Check out the shopping,

15 Always, always pack extra clothes in your carry-on bag. You don’t want to be left high and dry if your luggage is lost. Wear running shoes on the plane and put flip flops or sandals in your carryon, along with a bathing suit and two days’ worth of clothing. Hopefully that will be enough to get you through until your luggage arrives.

16 Always. Wear. Sunscreen. Make sunscreen your

Read online reviews, but take them with a grain of salt. We tend to believe the bad reviews and ignore the good ones. Reading negative reviews of a resort you’ve already booked can cause unnecessary stress. So either avoid reviews altogether, or understand that everyone’s travel experience is different, and we all have varying degrees of expectations when it comes to resorts or vacation properties.

new religion. Going to the tanning salon prevacation does not give you a “protective base”. And just because you don’t wear sunscreen at home in Canada (which you should), doesn’t mean you should skip it in a tropical climate. A sunburn can ruin a vacay in a hurry.

17 Create a balance of relaxation and adventure. Yes, take the time to recover from wedding planning. Get a couples massage. Lay on the beach. Suntan. But set aside some time to do something unforgettable, like ziplining, four-wheeling or scuba diving. Have an experience you’ll remember for years to come.

When you get to your destination, make the best of it, whether it’s exactly what you imagined, or not. Flight delays, room mix-ups, lost luggage – it can all put a damper on your festivities. But a honeymoon is what you make of it. Don’t let hiccups bother you and ruin your trip. A positive attitude goes a long way.

A Honeymoon to Remember

BEGIN YOUR NEW LIFE TOGETHER IN PARADISE and we’ll make your honeymoon everything you dreamed it would be. With endless land and water sports, gourmet dining at up to 22 exceptional restaurants, unlimited pours of premium liquors, and nightly entertainment, Beaches® Resorts is all-inclusive, all the time, anytime. From the most beautiful beaches to the most romantic suites in the Caribbean, your honeymoon will be perfect in every way.