Friday's Fabulous Find: Frankies Candy Bar

After you purchase your assortment of glassware at this year's Bridal Swap, you will need something fun and colourful to fill them... candy!

Create you own DIY candy bar and bring out the kid in all your guests. It's a fun, interactive after dinner dessert for your guests to satisfy their sweet tooth!

Frankies Candy Bar is a chic boutique located in Kerrisdale, featuring candies, chocolates and gifts from all over! Select from over 50 bulk candies in the Pick & Mix section, English Cadbury treats, specialty licorice, crystal chandeliers and more!

This Fabulous Find can be found at 5305 West Blvd., Vancouver, or visit them online here!

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Make the Most of Your Brock House Wedding Show Experience!!

Some tips for you Brides-to-Be...

1. Register before the show! Advance tickets are $35 and $50 at the door (cash only).

2. Bring your fiance (if he'll agree!) or a helpful friend or close family member to offer that extra feedback.

3. Have a small pad of paper and pen to collect different ideas you don't want to forget.

4. Make note of the Fashion Show times: 1:00pm & 5:00pm.

5. Forgo your highest heels. You don't want to sit out a moment of it all due to tired soles!

6. Check out some of the vendors online before you come... Have an idea of what types of vendors you need for your wedding, but gather info from others as they may be just what you need!

7. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Visit with vendors and inquire about their fabulous services!

8. Use the show as an opportunity to gather inspiration for your wedding decor. Get ideas for your theme, colour palette and overall style.

9. And most of all, have fun and enjoy your day as a Bride-to-Be!

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Wedding Wednesday: Tip of the Week...DIY Eclectic Decor

With Bridal Swap right around the corner - November 20th, 2011 - check out some tips to create that eclectic flare with your wedding decor finds!

Use various types of vases and flowers in the same colour range.


Square vases, large martini glasses, apothecary jars all used together for your candy table give it that ornate, personal feel!


Hang funky frames and paint in your theme colours. Or use the glass in large frames or window panes to hand print your seating chart.

Have fun, be creative and we'll see you at The Swap!
Get your tickets HERE

Need to de-clutter your closets of wedding treasures?
Register for a table HERE

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Choosing your Wedding Gown

With the 21st Annual Brock House Wedding Show less than a month away, here are some tips from Martha Stewart on choosing your perfect dress!

Take these tips while enjoying the fashion shows and deciding on your preferred style...

1. Don't start trying on gowns until you've decided the time of year the wedding will take place, where the reception will be, etc... Just don't wait too long as it takes four to six months to have a dress made and fitted, sometimes longer. If you start shopping eight to twelve months in advance, you won't feel rushed!

2. Establish a budget, that way you don't get your heart set on something you can't afford.

3. Most bridal boutiques require appointments, which will ensure that you'll get the personal attention that is part of what makes buying a wedding dress so special... Bring someone who will enjoy sharing this experience with you, but don't show up with an entourage!

4. Learn about what dress silhouettes work best for you!

5. Decide on what dress is appropriate for the event you're hosting - semiformal, formal, and informal...

Get the rest of your tips here... And don't forget to order your tickets to

the Brock House Wedding Show today!

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Monday's Montage: Glassware DIY

With Bridal Swap right around the corner, this Monday's Montage will give you brides-to-be some inspiration with what to do with assorted glassware...

Fill with candy, flowers, fruit, and more. Be creative, and add that personal touch to your wedding decor!

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Friday's Fabulous Find: Kalev Fitness

As your wedding day approaches, you can rev up your fitness routine with the help of the Kalev Fitness team!

Kalev Fitness has a unique "3Dimensional" approach where you are given a team of specialists: a cardio specialist, a weight training specialist, and a nutritionist, all for about the same cost as one personal trainer.

Achieve your bridal fitness goals with 3D training for effectiveness all around!

For more information check them out at The Sun Tower: 102 -100 W. Pender, Vancouver; or find out more online here!

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Choosing your Perfect Cake!

Check out this gorgeous cake from Erin & Burke's June 2010 wedding (Principal Planner Geneve McNally) at the stunning Terminal City Club featured on Grace Ormonde's Cake Inspiration Gallery!

When you're 4-8 months out from the big day one of your planning steps is to start thinking about the type of wedding cake you would like to have.

Browse through inspirational websites and flip through wedding magazines to narrow down particular styles you are drawn to.

Meet with a cake maker to have a tasting, discuss details and pricing.

DreamGroup's Top Picks for Wedding Desserts:

• Sweet Thea
• Aeyra Cakes
• The Uncommon Cake
• Ganache
• April Cakes
• Culinary Capers Cakes
• The Bake Sale
• Coco Cake Cupcakes

DG TIP: An alternative to a real cake is to consider a fake cake for ceremonial and display purposes only. This is less costly and is a good idea if you are not planning on serving your wedding cake as your dessert with dinner.

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Wedding Wednesday: Tip of the Week...

DreamGroup's Top Picks for Personalizing your Wedding:

Photo Booth: This is ALWAYS a huge hit! Acts as a great alternative to a traditional guestbook AND is very entertaining for your guests.

• Photobooth
• Pixstar
• Snapbox
• Butter Media

Cake Topper: Maybe a traditional or humorous bride and groom figure or a monogram.

• Sparkly Monogram
• Bride & Groom

Temporary Graffiti: Choose a word, phrase, poem or monogram to adorn a mirror, bar front or even a dance floor.

• Wonderful Graffiti

Stylish Umbrellas & Parasols: Great accessories for the Bride & Bridesmaids.

• Bella Umbrella
• Pamela's Parasols

Confetti: A fun way to personalize a table top or add them to your thank you cards.

• Photofetti

Ice Sculpture: Ice affords you the opportunity to get really creative. Ice luges are a fun way to add an interactive element to the bar!

• Cool Creations

Aisle Runners: Walk down the aisle in style! Incorporate a painted monogram, phrase or quote on a runner in your chosen color.

• Aisles with Style

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Add a Sweet Touch...

Check out the top 5 fragrant flowers for your beautiful bouquet courtesy of WeddingBells!

(source)

Honeysuckle vines for that sweet nectar scent.

(source)

Gardenias have a light, classic fragrance.

(source)

Chocolate Cosmos add a delectable vanilla touch.

(source)

Calming and charming are the fragrant lavender stems.

(source)

And of course, the timeless, always sweet scent of roses.

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Monday's Montage: A New Season...

For this week's Monday's Montage we look to the charming season of fall for inspiration when planning your "i do's!"

Check out some Good Things for Fall Weddings courtesy of Martha Stewart...

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Friday's Fabulous Find: Vie Derma Clinic

At Vie Derma Clinic their philosophy is to prevent, correct, and rejuvenate. You will receive an initial skin examination and appropriate treatment tailored to your exact needs.

This Fabulous Find offers a wide range of services to help you look and feel beautiful!

Take it from DreamGroup's Principal Planner, Geneve McNally, who experienced the attention and care provided by Vie Derma Clinic, skincare and rejuvenation at its finest...

My skin did feel and look so much more radiant after just one session! You reminded me that I need to take care of myself better.

It was without a doubt the best and most results driven facial I have ever experienced. I'm certainly a client of Vie Derma!

You can find Vie Derma Clinic at 1150 West Hastings Street, Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel, or visit them online here!

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DIY Weddings: Planning your Own Wedding?

Get a little Guidance along the way...

These services are perfect for clients that are able to tackle the planning of their own wedding…but need some guidance along the way…

-Sarah Shore

Blue Print Package

A popular option amongst couples looking for a little guidance before tackling the planning of the wedding on their own. The Blueprint Package is perfect for the couple that has the time, energy, and desire to fully immerse themselves into the planning of their own wedding, but is looking for some direction on how best to get started. Knowledge is Power, afterall. Spend two-three hours with one of two DreamGroup Principal Planners. Ask questions, develop a plan, exchange ideas, and discuss potential costs. Couples will come away from this productive meeting with a much stronger understanding of Vancouver’s wedding market and of the tasks that will require their attention over the coming months.

Milestone Meetings

With the Blueprint Package helping you establish a realistic and organized plan for your impending wedding there is yet another way to ensure you stay on track and continue to make savvy wedding planning decisions with our Milestone Meetings! These two hour meetings ideally take place every 2-3 months along your planning journey and offer couples the luxury of sitting down with an industry professional who will answer any questions that have come up, offer advice, support, and insight, and provide candid and honest feedback about your plans and direction for your wedding. In order to keep the experience as cost efficient as possible the client may choose how many Milestone Meetings they wish to book. Each Milestone Meeting can be book on an "as needed" basis along your planning journey. In offering these "mini planning services" DreamGroup is able to help EVERY bride and groom work towards creating a fabulously efficient, thoughtful, and pleasantly memorable wedding day experience for them and their guests!

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Wedding Wednesday: How to create your personal bridal style!

Tailor your bridal style to a T! Check out tips from Frugalbride.com on choosing a seamstress to tend to your dress. The right alterations will enhance your bridal beauty and make that extra impact...

1. Get referrals from friends and family who have recently been married. Also ask at bridal shops and on on-line forums such as FB for recommendations.

2. Does the seamstress specifically work on wedding attire? Is it her full time profession? Although making drapes or children’s clothes requires the skill of sewing, it also requires its own skill set. No one can be an expert at everything.

3. Is the setting professional? Is it clean? Are there pets or small children in the work area? Do they smoke? Do you feel comfortable in their surroundings? Do they have a specific area for fittings and changing?

4. Do they have any sort of business insurance? Your gown will be left there for what could be several months. What happens if there is a flood or a break in? Will your gown be covered?

5. Do they let you know how much the work will cost before starting? A good seamstress should be able to tell the amount of work involved from the start. It shouldn’t keep adding up to more work unless you specifically ask her to do more work than originally agreed upon.

6. Do they offer other services you may require like gown cleaning/steaming or pressing? What about crinoline rentals? You do not want to be going to several locations for all these items.

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Wedding Shoe Shopping!

When shopping for your shoes really keep in mind the amount of territory you will cover on the big day. From the walk down the aisle, to the post-photo session, and making it through to your last dance; a comfortable shoe is more than likely going to carry you through it all. Even if those beautiful, crimson pumps, which painfully pinch your toes, are calling your name, resist the urge! Put the shoes down and keep on shopping...

The higher the heel, the better the feel - not necessarily! If you're not a high-heeled veteran, consider the more modest, yet timelessly stylish, kitten heel. However, if you would put even Victoria Beckham to shame with your high-heeled skills, then shop away!

If you're the traditional bride, an elegant silk or satin finish will complete your classic look. However, the shoes have become the Bride's opportunity to really spice up her ensemble and bring that extra flare. Be it ruby red, sequined platforms or leopard print peep-toes, have fun with your footwear selection and make it your own!

If your love for footwear was heightened by the coveted closet of Carrie Bradshaw, this DIY tip is for you! In a memorable episode of Sex and the City, Carrie peers through a shop window at a pair of pink petal Christin Louboutins and utters "Hello lover..." She had found her perfect "solemate" for a night on the town with Mr. Big.

If these beautiful shoes are beyond your budget, this DIY from stylish blogger Maegan, is for you! Start with the following materials in your choice of colour:

• Strappy Sandals
• Polyester sheer fabric
• 6/8" satin ribbon
• Double stick velcro

Cut leaves out of the fabric, and three larger bases for each (don't worry, they don't have to be perfect!). Next, measure the ribbon so that there's enough space to fold over each end under the strap.

Stitch on bases, pinching a bit to pucker - add leaves on top of the bases using the same method and build up to your desired fullness!

Measure and add Velcro, add a few stitches, and strap on your chic creation... Carrie Bradshaw approved!

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Monday's Montage: Tea Time!

Looking for a chic, fun second dress or reception dress? Real Weddings suggests the growing trend of the tea length short dress!

You'll still look and feel like a beautiful bride in a more relaxed, comfortable dress so you won't have to sit out a single song!

Take a cue from today's Montage and find inspiration in the styles of Marilyn, Audrey and Grace...

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Friday's Fabulous Find: Mollie's Minis & Treats

Looking for a delicious addition to your wedding or special event? Mollie's Minis is Vancouver's Premier Fried Treats Caterer dishing up gourmet mini donuts and more!

This Fabulous Find will bring their mini donut machine to your event, and make them hot while your guests watch. And, Mollie's Minis will tailor their presentation to suit the theme and colours of the event!

In addition to their delicious donuts they offer deep fried candy bars, Oreos, candy apples, candy buffets, mini corn dogs and fries with delicious toppings too!

Find out further information here!

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Throwing a Shower?

Are you in the works of planning a shower and need some fun ideas? Check out some helpful inspiration from Canadian Bride...

Lingerie Shower
Some women love great lingerie. If the bride is one of those women, she'll love a lingerie shower.

It may make sense to collect money ahead of time and have one or two people do the shopping to avoid duplication. Her best woman, being the closest to her, is a good choice for the shopping, because she will know her friend's taste.

Room Assignment Shower
Assign each guest a room, and each can choose a gift that contributes to the furnishing of that room (ideally making their choice from the couple's registry).

Have each person attach a poem about why that room is special.

A small appliance for the kitchen, towels for the bathroom, placemats for the dining room, pillow slips for the bedroom... the list is endless and the poems create a little fun during the gift opening.

Honeymoon Shower
A honeymoon stag-and-doe may hit the nail on the head. If the couple has registered with a travel agent, this will be a gift they will appreciate.

Couples might want to register their honeymoon details so guests may view their page and then purchase pieces of their honeymoon for them.

Throw the stag-and-doe party in the theme of the honeymoon destination, and have guests come dressed for the honeymoon venue.

Check out the rest of the fun shower options here!

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Wedding Wednesday: How to create your personal bridal style...

Are you planning your 2012 nuptials? Check out the top 5 trends for 2012 courtesy of Weddingbells....

1. Sexy Structure. According to Fang, most brides are still loving strapless styles, which means an impeccable fit is paramount—there’s nothing worse than a bride hiking up her gown all day. To that end, White on White’s latest gowns have more built-in (hidden!) structure to ensure you are lifted and cinched in all the right places.


2. 3-D Beading. Brides can’t get enough elaborate, dramatic beading, says Fang. At White on White, ribbons, rosettes, pearls and crystals are all incorporated by hand. The “Valentina” gown with its blinged-out bodice (see photo above) is a perfect example of this hot trend.

3. Luxurious Lace. Thanks in part to Kate Middleton’s lovely lace wedding dress, this traditional bridal fabric is having a major moment. Indeed, Fang has noticed more brides asking for lace accents. Speaking of which, a little bit of lace on the bodice of your dress is a great way to incorporate this trend if you don’t want to embrace it wholeheartedly (à la Kate’s full-length sleeves).

4. Two-in-one Looks. Want to switch up your outfit for the reception? You’re not alone. Fang says more and more brides are asking for gowns with removable trains and straps, as well as dresses with matching boleros and jackets. This is a budget-friendly trend if ever I saw one—why buy two dresses when you could have one that does double duty?

5. Tulle Accents. Tulle is the ultimate girly fabric, and it’s big for 2012—literally! Look for ballgowns with massive layered skirts and fluffy ruffles galore, says Fang.

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Eco-Chic Tuesdays: For the Dollar-Savvy Bride!

Today's earth-friendly tip comes courtesy of Budget Dream Weddings... Enjoy!

Flower seeds make a great wedding favor – especially if you are having a floral themed wedding or an outdoor wedding. The great thing is that seeds can also be a very affordable wedding favor. You can buy a bulk pack of seeds for around $40-$50 and little bags to hold individual bunches for about $3 for 50. Martha Stewart has a few really cute ideas for packaging seeds as a wedding favor – including printable templates.

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Monday's Montage: This week's theme... A Wonderland Wedding

"If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?" - Alice

Take that quirky appeal of the Wonderland discovered beyond the rabbit hole, and design your wedding with a Mad Hatter approach. Create your own off-kilter world of whimsical, wedding wonder!

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