Thursday, June 30, 2011

A Healthy Wedding Glow


It is common knowledge that a tanned physique is a thinner looking one, but these days getting a tan the old fashioned way via sunbathing or tanning beds are not the savviest "weight loss" solution. A safe and speedy alternative is the spray on tan!


Check out Vancouver Spray Tan for your faux-glow needs. Their mobile service brings spray tan artists who accentuate your facial and body features, creating that healthy wedding day glow. Make it part of your pre-wedding pampering, for you and your bridesmaids!


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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Wedding Wednesday: Tip of the Week...What the Pros Want You to Know, Part 7

DG's 12 Week Series of Tips from the Pros...

Emcee



Prepare an agenda for your wedding reception: Couples often spend more time picking out a wedding ring than they do thinking about how they want their wedding reception to flow. Yet the reception is usually the most memorable part of the wedding (hopefully for all the "right" reasons rather than all the wrong ones). A wedding reception that involves more than 20 guests moves into the status of a special event -- and one of the keys to the success of any special event is the creation of a solid agenda that identifies what's going to happen when and how the overall evening is going to flow. Just a movie needs a script, a wedding reception needs an agenda.


Choose a capable wedding emcee: An emcee can also make or break your wedding reception. He or she needs to fully understand what's required for the role -- and be able to preside over and take command of the event to ensure the evening unfolds as planned. While emcees can be taught the basics of how to perform in that role, it takes a person who is confident, articulate and organized to take charge of the event and lead the audience through it.


Brief your wedding toasters: It's a tremendous honor to be asked to make a wedding toast -- but unfortunately, many "toasters" fail to take the role seriously and don't do enough to properly prepare for their big moment. The bride and groom can address that by a) Lining up their toasters well in advance of the wedding (rather than the night before); b) Providing them with a copy of the agenda so they know when they fit into the program; c) Ensuring they know how many guests will be in attendance (the prospect of having to address several hundred people has a way of prompting speakers to get their act together); d) Letting their toasters know that the room in which the reception is to be held will be available for them to rehearse their toast prior to the actual reception (hint -- be prepared).


~ Tom Haibeck, "The Wedding MC: A Complete Guide to Success" and "Wedding Toasts Made Easy" available at Chapters or at WeddingToasts.com



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Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Your Wedding Playlist...

Need some inspiration for your song selection? Check out Al Lampkin Entertainment's Wedding Music playlist for every special part of the night, from first dance to father-daughter dance and more...


First Dance
  • A Whole New World - Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle
  • Always - Atlantic Star
  • Always and Forever - Heatwave
  • Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
  • Beautiful In My Eyes - Joshua Kadison
  • and more...


Father-Daughter Dance
  • Because You Loved Me - Celine Dion
  • Blessed - Elton John
  • Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle
  • Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Elton John
  • Have I Told You Lately - Rod Stewart
  • and more...

Bridal Party Dance
  • Give Me Forever (I Do) - John Tesh
  • It Had To Be You - Harry Connick, Jr.
  • Sea of Love - Honeydrippers
  • Shower the People - James Taylor
  • That's What Friends Are For - Dionne Warwick
  • and more...

Cake Cutting
  • Cut the Cake - Average White Band
  • Love and Marriage - Frank Sinatra
  • Love Theme From St. Elmo's Fire - David Foster Orchestra
  • When I'm Sixty-Four - Beatles

Bouquet/Garter
  • Axel F Theme - Harold Faltermeyer
  • Girls Just Want To Have Fun - Cindy Lauper
  • Love and Marriage - Frank Sinatra
  • Mission Impossible Theme - Lalo Schiffin
  • Oh Yeah! - Yello
  • and more...

Interactive Songs
  • Bunny Hop - Wedding Classic
  • Conga - Miami Sound Machine
  • Electric Slide Groove - Marcia Griffiths
  • Hands Up - Ottowan
  • Hokey Pokey - Ray Anthony
  • and more...

Current Wedding Favorites (Upbeat)
  • American Woman - Lenny Kravitz
  • Jump Jive & Wail - Brian Setzer Orchestra
  • Larger Than Life - Backstreet Boys
  • Man! I Feel Like a Woman - Shania Twain
  • Music - Madonna
  • and more...

Current Wedding Favorites (Ballads)
  • (God Must Have Spent) A Little More Time on You - N Sync
  • All My Life - K-Ci & Jo Jo
  • Amazed - Lonestar
  • By Your Side - Sade
  • I Could Not Ask For More - Edwain McCain
  • and more...

Find the rest of your music inspiration here...


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Monday, June 27, 2011

Monday's Montage: This week's theme...Fabulous Footwear!

Choose your shoes to reflect your personal style and flair. Have fun with your wedding footwear, play with colour, fabric, sheen, and height. Just be sure you know how high you're comfortable to go before shopping for your gown, or making any alterations in length.

Find the perfect pair that will carry you throughout your special day! Be true to yourself, if you typically sport ballet flats, the higher the heel may not necessarily be, the better the feel.

If you've found your fabulous footwear but still need that extra bit of comfort and cushion, don't forget to enter DG's Monthly Giveaway from Stiletto Hardware. Simply 'like' the Stiletto Hardware Facebook page and you'll automatically be entered.


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Friday, June 24, 2011

Friday's Fabulous Find: Luxe Beauty Lounge & Mobile Spa



Looking to pamper yourself and your bridesmaids before the big day! Luxe Beauty Lounge & Mobile Spa provides manis & pedis, organic facials, massages, lashes, waxing and more...

Spend the day before your wedding with an indulgent, fun afternoon of pampering. You and your girls can enjoy the spa at their Beauty Lounge or at your preferred destination.

Luxe Mobile Spa Services offers Wedding Packages to suite your pre-wedding needs. Check them all out online
here!

Happy Pampering...


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Thursday, June 23, 2011

How to Personalize your Party!

Check out some great ideas from WeddingBells of how to personalize your wedding reception...


  1. Shake up your own cocktails: Meet with you venue's manager and have the bar concoct a special drink exclusively for your W-day. Suggestions: a slick martini or tropical fruit explosion. Whatever you choose, make it cool and colourful, and be sure all bar staff promote it to your guests.
  2. Make it a movie night: If either of your parents kept childhood film footage of you, break into the archives and play a reel or two at your wedding. Find a video pro in your area and have a movie made for the wedding - it makes a great backdrop during toast time.
  3. Make the day with flowers: As each guest arrives at your reception, have the bridal party present them with a small corsage or boutonniere. This little touch will brighten the evening by making people feel they are a special presence in your lives.
  4. Put guests in the picture: Designate a space at your reception for staging a whimsical photo shoot that puts your guests in the starring role. Have a host of vintage clothes, accessories and props on hand for people to dress up in, then have their mugs snapped by a pro photographer for a retro black and white photo to enclose with your thank-you note.
  5. Pay homage to your roots: Pick something that symbolizes your culture(s) and make it the focus of your event. If your background is Scottish, feature tartan throughout your wedding, from your bridesmaid dresses to the plaid tin stocked with shortbread biscuits you send your guests home with as a bonbonniere.
  6. Create a photo guest book: Instead of asking guests simply to sign your guest register, have an usher on hand to snap a Polaroid of them before they leave their autograph. After they affix the pic to your book, they can sign their name and message below.


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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Wedding Wednesday: Tip of the Week...What the Pros Want You to Know, part 6



DG's 12 Week Series of Tips from the Pros!

Invitations & Stationery

Always order 5-10% more invitations above your initial count. It pays to have those extras on hand! You'd be amazed at the in-laws and old family friends that come out of the wood work when a wedding is announced! Also, as the RSVPs from your initial set of invitees come back and you realize you have room for a few more it’s helpful to have extra invites available to invite additional guests.

Plan to send your invitation out a minimum of 8-10 weeks before your big day (and even earlier if you are inviting overseas guest or planning a destination wedding). With these dates in mind, count back and order your invitations at least 2-4 weeks before this time. And always allow yourself a little 'buffer' time (in all of your preparations) to keep your stress level down.

To create a grander, more complete look for your wedding, tie your theme to your wedding invitations (or conversely, tie your invitations to your theme). The invitations are the first glimpse your guests get of the special day to come so make a statement! Tying all of your pieces, from your wedding day programs and favours, through to your thank you cards creates a unified, complete look. Keeping your wedding day vision in mind as you select all of these pieces will ensure you get the day of your dreams.
~ Elaine, Orchid Creative

There are many things to keep in mind when ordering invitations and the best way to ensure a successful experience is to hire qualified stationers, but here are a few key ones to take special note of… When creating your guest list and providing your stationer with the total number of invitations required, be sure to count households and couples, not individual people. You would send only one invitation to each household.

Often, a guest will forget to sign the RSVP card before sending it back. To keep tabs on those guests, make a master list with each couple being given a number. On the inside flap of the reply envelope, using a pencil, put the number that corresponds with the guest. Then, in the event that you receive any blanks, you simply go to the number on the inside flap of the envelope and cross reference it to your master list to see who the guests are!

The trend in past years has been to put the letter M on the reply card line to indicate where to put your name when you reply to the bride (i.e. Mr. Brad Pitt or Mrs. Angelina Jolie). These days, we have simplified the process and put either "name" or "guests" where the M used to be.

Example RSVP Card:
Please respond by January 5, 2008
Name(s)
Delighted to attend
Regretfully decline


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Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Your "Must Have" Wedding Countdown Checklist!



Check out an excerpt from DG's Step by Step Guide to Planning the Perfect Wedding...just a taste of what you can expect from DG's Principal Planners!

1-2 Weeks Prior:
  • Pay final Vendor balances and confirm “on day” payment amounts due.
  • Assign your Guest Seating Arrangements.
DG TIP: Start by grouping like guests together (i.e. VIPs, work friends, parent’s friends, family, etc.) and then...

Monday, June 20, 2011

Monday's Montage: This week's theme...Vancouver!

Following the disappointing loss last Wednesday, the crowd of loyal Canucks fans stood in Rogers arena and saluted their team by waving their white towels proudly. Our Boys in Blue brought such a sense of community to a large city like Vancouver. Driving down streets, our team flags were spotted on numerous cars, kids on streets stood with signs of hope for their team's victory, jerseys and all forms of Canucks wear were being sported by people of all ages.

It was a great time and a great season. Although we were left with the outbreak that occurred in our downtown streets, our city has risen from these events and is showing the world our true spirit and pride in Vancouver.

We live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and if you're a bride to be, why not embrace these scenic surroundings, whether as your reception or ceremony backdrop or simply for your wedding photos. Downtown, on the shoreline, in the parks, against the mountains, where can you go wrong?

We love you Vancouver!












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Friday, June 17, 2011

Friday's Fabulous Find: The Velvet Room


Have your bridesmaids been plotting the perfect bachelorette party? Now that the details of the evening are all coming into place, it's time to find your outfit! Or perhaps you're looking for chic, fun bridesmaids dresses or even a stylish design for your mom.

The Velvet Room should be at your must-stop-and-shop place when choosing these ensembles. This local boutique presents an extensive collection of the finest Canadian-made fashions and accessories.

You will find everything from classic looks with a twist, signature pieces and unique high-fashion accessories.

The Velvet Room can be found in fashionable Kerrisdale, 2248 West 41st Ave, or check them out online here!


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Thursday, June 16, 2011

Blogs to Follow!


Are you taking the initiative to incorporate some eco-friendly aspects to your wedding or even your overall lifestyle? Check out the Shoo-foo Blog for some great green tips, products and events.

The highly-anticipated Fall Bridal Swap was recently featured, a great green event where past brides can pass along their wedding treasures to eco-conscious brides-to-be.

At Shoo-foo, they love bamboo! This earth-friendly resource is abundant in nature and regenerates naturally. Their passion for bamboo has led the way to designing, manufacturing and promoting the use of home linens derived from this 'green' plant on a daily basis.

Check out their online store here, you can even sign-up for their wedding registry!


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Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Wedding Wednesday: Tip of the Week...What the Pros Want You to Know, part 5

DG's 12 Week Series of Tips from the Pros!

Your Marriage Commissioner


The most important thing to note in working with an officiant is the timing. It’s important to be aware and respectful of the fact that your Officiant likely has another wedding taking place within one-two hours of yours so starting the ceremony (or rehearsal) at the expected time is crucial (although a 10 minute delay is common and forgivable).


One way to manage the ceremony and ensure that you are able to start on time is to invite guests a ½ hour earlier than you intend the ceremony to begin. It gives everyone a bit of time to chat and take their seats without rushing and also allows the late comers to not be disruptive to a ceremony already in progress. I will rarely allow one client’s tardiness to affect the next client and so if a wedding is running late I am most often forced to cut back the length of the couple’s ceremony and sometimes exclude certain elements so that I am able to make it on time to the next event.

~ Reverend Marilyn Knipp


When working with a Justice of the Peace it is important to be aware of several facts. The first is that JPs are not paid by the hour for their work and they are not government employees. The fee associated with hiring a JP is split between the JP and the government. Travel costs and gratuity is expected to be paid on top of the flat fee. JPs are not required to meet with a couple in advance (although the good ones often do) or attend rehearsals (can be arranged for an additional charge of $30.00).

~ Anonymous Justice of the Peace (they are not permitted to advertise)



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Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Whistler Baskets...Welcome Baskets for your Guests!


Do you have out-of-town guests coming to your upcoming nuptials and want to show that extra bit of gratitude for making the trip out? Or perhaps you want to provide something special for your bridal party?

Whistler Baskets is a BC gem that serves Whistler, Pemberton and Squamish. Their quality service is strongly reflected in their product! They successfully strive to create unique gift basket creations, suitable for many occasions.

They cater to all budgets and tastes, and include delivery or offer reasonable delivery, because no one likes extra costs! If you need your baskets pronto, same day delivery is also available!

Contact Whistler Baskets today to find your perfect "Welcome" or "Thank-you" basket, or customize you very own basket that suits your special requirements.

Whistler Baskets can be found at 7258 Spruce Grove Circle in Whistler, or call them direct at 604-932-8864.


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Monday, June 13, 2011

Monday's Montage: This week's theme...Lace

From Grace Kelly...


To Kate Middleton...


Following the "Wedding of the Century," lace has been re-embraced by the modern bride. From all the details that were highly scrutinized by the many eyes on the royal wedding, the lace detail on Kate's dress was something to be remembered.

Perhaps you may not be looking to replicate the full lace sleeve, but including this delicate, ultra-feminine touch can create a classic look, fit-for-a-princess!

Whether it be a lace applique, lace detail in your invitations, vintage lace wrapped around your bouquet, or used in any aspect of your decor, this timeless fabric will surely be a growing trend following Kate Middleton's walk down the aisle.

Will you be adding a lace touch to your wedding day?






Maybe add some striking black lace for a classic contrast to the traditional white wedding!









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Friday, June 10, 2011

Friday's Fabulous Find: The Daily Method


Looking for a fun, new way to break a sweat for your pre-wedding workout? The Daily Method is a unique combination of ballet barre work, core conditioning and stretching exercises.

Come for an hour-long, challenging class that strengthens, tones and lengthens the entire body! Using ballet work and light weights for a full-body blast workout! Get a sleek toned physique without trudging away on the treadmill.

Get out of the gym and try something different! The Daily Method provides a great workout while also giving you improved aliment and posture.


You can find The Daily Method at 3584 W. 41st Ave., Vancouver or online here!


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Thursday, June 9, 2011

June Sale!


Isabelle's Bridal is having a 'Deal or No Deal Sale' for the month of June! Find your perfect wedding dress and offer up your best price... If the Banker says Deal, then it's yours!

The sale includes all of their stock wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, mother of the bride (and groom) dresses, flower girl dresses, veils, jewelry, and shoes.

Call 604-986-5200 to book your appointment... There is one of each dress in store, so call soon to choose from the best of the best!

Isabelle's Bridal is located at 220 West Esplanade, North Vancouver.

Happy Shopping!


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Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Wedding Wednesday: Tip of the Week...What the Pros Want You to Know, part 4

DG's 12 Week Series of Tips from the Pros...


Cakes


When looking for a cake maker, make sure you share the same vision by bringing in lots of information to your consultation such as color swatches, themes, invitation sample, photo of wedding gown, florist’s contact information, sample monograms, etc.


Ensure that you hire a qualified and experienced cake maker. They should have a proper example of past cakes presented in either a portfolio or on a website gallery. Also, pay attention to how the cake maker presents themselves. Is their work area clean and organized and are they knowledgeable and helpful and able to answer your questions? The environment in which they work says a lot about their health standards and what you can expect from them product wise.


And just because a cake maker has nice looking cakes doesn’t mean they taste good so be sure to ask for a sample or attend a tasting session unless you happen to already know through your own experience or through word of mouth that their cakes are indeed delicious. It’s beneficial to hire someone who is known in the industry as you will then be able to feel more at ease about trusting them to show up on the day, on time and with the correct cake order!


~ April Bellia, April Cakes



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Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Monthly Giveaway!


These + pumps = zero sacrificing of sky-heel heels!

(Rock these pumps minus the pain!)

Thanks to Stiletto Hardware, women will no longer have to forgo their beloved heels when pain strikes! These ingenious insoles were developed out of a frustration over the insoles that are currently available for women, specifically for high-heels.

Have you purchased your bridal pumps and want to make sure you won't be sitting out songs at your wedding due to tired feet and sore heels? Check out Stiletto Hardware for their product selection and how to purchase.

Want to win a pair of these cushy insoles? To enter this month's giveaway simply 'like' the Stiletto Hardware Facebook page to be entered. Good luck!


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Monday, June 6, 2011

Canada Post Strike


With Canada's first postal strike since 1997 now upon us, Brides with their beautiful invites have been left in the lurch! Currently, Canada Post is on a rotating strike and places that will be affected will be updated regularly on the Customer Information page on the Canada Post website.

If you do have guests traveling internationally to attend your wedding, and you want to ensure they have ample notice of your upcoming nuptials, then it may be beneficial to take a trip across the border. The USA Postal Service workers are functioning as usual and will ensure your invites reach your guests out-of-country.

Depending on how the Canada Post strike plays out, brides may have to get a little tech-savvy and embrace different means of communication. Whether it be email, wedding websites or a form of social media, it may be option to consider in the interim.

Judging by your timeline and deadline for RSVP's there is always the reliable (and personal) telephone invite!

Keep up-to-date on the latest happenings of the strike here.


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