Friday's Fabulous Find...

Did Someone just say Macarons?

Yes, we sure did!  I have been coming across some great ideas and spots for stagettes, bridal/Jack and Jill showers or a place to host any celebration...even a proposal?!

I mean, imagine going to a Fench Macaron baking class with your partner and as you finish baking your very own macaron, he presents you with a french macaron box (see image below) with the ring in it! 

(insert melting heart here). 

Without further adieu, I introduce to you J'adore les macarons....

I mean...Who doesn't!

Well, if you are a macaron lover then this blog is for you.  I know Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe on Alberni Street makes pretty mean macarons (personally, one of the best places to enjoy a macaron in Vancouver).  But imagine learning to make your very own macaron in an exclusive macaron baking class! 

 

They may not end up looking like the photo's above, but it's worth a try!  Your private class would be with the very talented Connie Mar, who will take you through to learn a fool-proof recipe and show you secret techniques on how to make authentic and delicious tasting French Macarons that you too can replicate in your own home.  You'll learn how to color and flavor the macarons to your heart's desire!  The best thing is that the recipe and techniques have been modified by "moi" (Connie Mar) for home chefs and for home ovens.  Connie Mar will prove to you that one does not need a fancy oven or a commercial oven to ensure beautifully formed Macarons.

For some more ideas of why to take this class, other than having fun with your girlfriends, mother and mother n' law or with your sweetheart celebrating; it's a great class to take if you are having a DIY wedding and  to learn to possibly take on the art of making macarons as favors for your guests to take home.

 

So enjoy making macarons as you and your loved ones sip on 

champagne or a cappuccino while you pretend to be in the finest bakery in France.   

Click here to book your Macaron Baking Class

 Au Revoir Readers

By Sandy Pandher, Associate Planner with DreamGroup Productions

With her "hands on" energetic approach to planning, Sandy offers a perfect balance between assertiveness and calmness -- two qualities instrumental in qualifying oneself as a great planner. This smart, savvy and dedicated planner's passion is in building relationships and connecting with each of her clients so that their wedding day can truly reflect who they are as a couple and what their love story symbolizes. Sandy is best suited to the busy Urban couple looking for a knowledgeable and intuitive planner to help bring their wedding vision to life.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list!

We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!

Friday's Fabulous Find Leaves You Hungry For More!

Looking to plan a stagette or bridal shower and don't want to plan something typical?

Well, look no further, I introduce you to a flavor that is original, unique and very exciting. Did I mention delicious!

The Birds Nest Dining

Whether it's brunch, lunch or a dinner you want to plan for your Jack and Jill wedding shower or stagette, Chef M can accomodate your party for a private event for 10 to 20 guests.

To see just a few of Chef M's delectible creations, check this out...But before you click on the following link and begin reading, warning...it may cause your saliva glands to over produce and droolling may occur. ;)

http://birdsnestdining.com/edible-diaries/ .

Chef M can accomdate all menu requests from gluten free to vegan.

To reserve your next seat right by the window, don't wait another moment and reserve with Chef M today! Birds Nest Dining boasts beautiful natural light that leaves you full and inspired!

http://birdsnestdining.com/reservecontact/ 

Bon Apeitite Everyone!

By Sandy Pandher, Associate Planner with DreamGroup Productions

With her "hands on" energetic approach to planning, Sandy offers a perfect balance between assertiveness and calmness -- two qualities instrumental in qualifying oneself as a great planner. This smart, savvy and dedicated planner's passion is in building relationships and connecting with each of her clients so that their wedding day can truly reflect who they are as a couple and what their love story symbolizes. Sandy is best suited to the busy Urban couple looking for a knowledgeable and intuitive planner to help bring their wedding vision to life.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list!

We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!



Friday's Fabulous Finds You a Great Solution!

Brides and Bridesmaids...

Put on your Party Shoes!

Don't leave your beautiful wedding shoes to the side just because they might ruin if you wear them on the grass or gravel...

I understand with BC weather, it's hard to determine if the grounds will be dry on the day of your wedding, well fear not because there is a solution to this problem!  You can still rock it down the aisle in your Manolo Blahniks or Louboutins!...

Heel Protectors also known as Heel Huggers

Every bride in BC needs to own a few pairs of Heel Protectors also known as Heel Huggers.  They keep your heels from digging into the grass so you can walk down the aisle with confidence!

I recently had a Bride who had a beautiful pair of Manolo Blahnik's to wear for her outdoor Wedding, but as the grounds were wet outside and still thinking of having an outdoor wedding, she was worried about her gorgeous shoes being ruined...Well, thank goodness we knew about Heel Huggers!

The heel protectors come in different colours with clear and black being the most popular colours. 
Just think...no more heels digging into the grass, slipping on the dance floor, getting caught on the deck and no more worrying about losing your balance on loose gravel.

The 2 websites I recommend for purchasing these very helpful heel huggers are:

www.originalsole.com  

www.thesolemates.com

DG Advice:

Have the heel protectors available for those guests wearing heels in a basket by the guestbook sign in table

(they come in 3 different sizes: classic, narrow and wide for all heel types)

And be sure to give a pair to each one of your girls in your Wedding Party, they will Thank You!

By Sandy Pandher, Associate Planner with DreamGroup Productions

With her "hands on" energetic approach to planning, Sandy offers a perfect balance between assertiveness and calmness -- two qualities instrumental in qualifying oneself as a great planner. This smart, savvy and dedicated planner's passion is in building relationships and connecting with each of her clients so that their wedding day can truly reflect who they are as a couple and what their love story symbolizes. Sandy is best suited to the busy Urban couple looking for a knowledgeable and intuitive planner to help bring their wedding vision to life.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list!

We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!

Friday's Fabulous Find Welcomes back....

Wedding Things

With their new and fresh location at 3950 Main Street (right beside Frocks), DreamGroup welcomes back Connie Mar and her showroom that displays all the beautiful and latest in invitations, wedding favors, wedding party gifts and ALL things wedding!

Wedding Things began in Yaletown in 1999, moved to New York and are now back with even more inventory! ...Here are just a few examples:

With macaroons all the craze right now and as you state your case about who has the best macaroon's in the city, let me show you a fabulous find:

A Macaroon Ring Box!

Whether it's a beautiful wedding ring in the macaroon box for the perfect proposal or whether it holds a gift for your wedding party with jewelry to wear on the day of your wedding, who wouldn't love receiving a beautiful macaroon box!

From invites, sealing wax, personalized ribbon, cake toppers of your choice, to cufflinks, personalized favors, guestbooks and garters, Wedding Things has it all!

Wedding Things is your one stop shop for decor wedding accessories

The website for Wedding Things has over 10,000 items that are themed and can be personalized!

Visit www.weddingthings.com to order if you have 4 or more weeks before your wedding or wedding shower

Visit www.weddingthings.ca to order if you have 4 weeks or less before your wedding or wedding shower

What are you waiting for....Shop till you drop!

By Sandy Pandher, Associate Planner with DreamGroup Productions

With her "hands on" energetic approach to planning, Sandy offers a perfect balance between assertiveness and calmness -- two qualities instrumental in qualifying oneself as a great planner. This smart, savvy and dedicated planner's passion is in building relationships and connecting with each of her clients so that their wedding day can truly reflect who they are as a couple and what their love story symbolizes. Sandy is best suited to the busy Urban couple looking for a knowledgeable and intuitive planner to help bring their wedding vision to life.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list!

We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!

 

Ask a Planner... "Should I FIRE my Maid of Honour?"

Hello Dreamgroup,

Question: Have you ever heard of anyone firing their Maid of Honour?  I’m really annoyed with mine!  She has not planned anything for my wedding, constantly complains about stuff like that I chose strapless bridesmaid dresses, and is just plain poopy all around.  I realize I could be coming across as a total bridezilla right now, but I’m seriously upset and quite disappointed with her.  Isn't the Maid of Honour supposed to plan your stagette and shower and offer to help with planning and be a positive force in your life?  Maybe that’s just in the movies. 

Thanks…

Susie, a super annoyed bride to be!

Hello Susie,

Thanks for reaching out… This is a tough one because friendship is at stake.  It’s hard to “fire” a bridesmaid or maid of honour without seriously compromising your relationship so you will certainly want to think carefully about how you will proceed. It is true your bridal attendants are supposed to be pillars of support during the planning of the wedding and on the day itself.  The idea is that when choosing your bridesmaids you appoint girlfriends that are already supportive and caring contributors in your life to begin with so that the transition to “wedding cheerleader” is not too much of a stretch. The Maid of Honour’s role is often a bit more hands on whereby they are expected to take the reins and initiate the arrangements behind all the “bridal occasions” that are celebrated leading up to the wedding.  I once had a client in a similar situation and gave her the same advice I will now share with you.   

The first thing you should do is arrange a time to sit down with your friend over coffee or a glass of wine and politely and calmly share your feelings with her.  Tell her you are feeling a little hurt by her attitude and that you wish she would step up a little bit and help initiate some of the plans for certain events surrounding the wedding.  If she is a true friend (which she likely is if you asked her to be your MOH) then she should understand where you are coming from.  She may be a little hurt or even surprised as most likely she is simply unaware of what her actions (or lack thereof) are doing to you.  Perhaps she has never been in a bridal party before and just doesn’t realize what the “job” of MOH entails.  

In the event that you talk it out and she doesn’t agree with you (in that she should be more supportive and take on some of the wedding responsibilities) then the next step will be to consider asking her to step down as MOH.  I would take a few days to think it over to be sure it’s the best step for you.  I realize this is a drastic course of action so what you need to do is fast forward to your wedding day and picture yourself walking down the aisle and standing up at the alter with this friend standing right next to you.  If she is going to conjure up feelings of frustration or resentment during what should be a very romantic and special moment in your life then I think the answer is obvious and you need to ask her to step down.  I think it’s important to ensure that the people standing up there with you are indeed your friends and your biggest supporters.  In my client’s case she appointed a childhood friend to the role of MOH because she felt it was the right thing to do, but later realized that she was no longer the close friend she was years ago.  My client ended up asking her friend to step down from the role and in the end she didn’t even come to the wedding (her choice).   

In summary, if you feel that this person is someone that you would not want to lose as a friend then talk it out and be honest as that’s what friends do.  If she does happen to be someone that perhaps is no longer meant to be a part of your life then asking her to step down will be a difficult, but in the end appropriate decision.  Best of luck!  Take care.  

Wedding Planner signing off!  Until next week… keep those questions coming in!  Submit your questions by emailing us at askaplanner@dreamgroup.ca

Cheerio,

Genève 

Click here to See Inside the Book

Genève McNally, Principal Planner, DreamGroup Productions

Genève first began her wedding career in 1999 as the Catering Manager for one of Vancouver’s most sought after wedding venues, Brock House Restaurant.  In 2004 Genève and college friend Sarah Shore ambitiously started up what is now one of Vancouver's longest running and most trusted wedding planning companies, DreamGroup Productions Inc.

These days, in addition to working with her clients in a full planning capacity, Genève focuses her attention on the sales and marketing aspects of the company and is most often the friendly voice you will chat with when first inquiring with DreamGroup.  Genève is known to inspire and excite both clients and industry associates alike with her exuberant personality and joie de vivre!  Her ability to be refreshingly candid and her in depth knowledge of the wedding industry have earned her the friendly moniker “Two-Cents McNally”.  Genève also teaches the Wedding Planning classes offered through the dg Academy and is the chief correspondent behind DreamGroup's weekly Blog feature Ask a Planner.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list! 
We promise to inspire, inform and indulge!

Friday Fabulous Finds brings you a whole lot of SUGAR!

Did someone say Sugar?...

For the right Wedding, here is the perfect favor...

Brides,

Want SWEET memories for your wedding?  Seriously consider having 

SUGAR & CO. at your wedding! 

Sugar and Co. has so many fun ideas for a candy table and Wedding favors all of which can be personalized to the theme of your wedding! 

Other wedding favor ideas are JAM! Yup that's right, jam from the berry capital of the world!

They use a small batch copper pot tradition with every jam made, while using berries picked at the height of their ripeness from the Fraser Valley berry fields. 

Sugar and Co. is located in North Vancouver #159 1233 Lynn Valley Road.  When you walk into the beautiful shop, you will feel as though you have entered a Leave it to Beaver episode, the only difference is everything is in color!  The friendly and very helpful staff is ready to guide you as feel overwhelmed with all the candy that is before your eyes!  There are children in the shop with eyes popping out of their face with looks of uncontrollable delight, with no time you too will resemble the children in the shop!  I know I do!

Attention Bridesmaids...

Looking to add some entertainment at your stagette or bridal shower?

I suggest ordering a pinata from Sugar and Co. called the Chocolate Smash Cake!!

For more information please visit their website: www.sugarandco.ca

Wishing you very sweet memories for your wedding!

By Sandy Pandher, Associate Planner with DreamGroup Productions

With her "hands on" energetic approach to planning, Sandy offers a perfect balance between assertiveness and calmness -- two qualities instrumental in qualifying oneself as a great planner. This smart, savvy and dedicated planner's passion is in building relationships and connecting with each of her clients so that their wedding day can truly reflect who they are as a couple and what their love story symbolizes. Sandy is best suited to the busy Urban couple looking for a knowledgeable and intuitive planner to help bring their wedding vision to life.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list!

We promise to inspire, inform & indulge!

 

Ask a Planner... "Wedding Party Attire... Who Pays?"

Hiya DreamGroup! 

You guys are awesome for doing this! It’s so nice to have a place to ask my question!  We are debating whether or not to pay for my bridesmaid’s dresses and the guy’s suit rentals.  Is it totally taboo to ask the wedding party to pay for these themselves?  I’ve heard a lot of different opinions from the peanut gallery but figured you’d know better than anyone!  Thanks!

Jenn B.

Hi Jenn,

This is a great question and a commonly debated one at that!  My personal opinion is that being in a wedding party (especially as a bridesmaid) can be very expensive once you add up all the money that your loyal girlfriends will need to spend over the duration of your “year in the sun” – there’s engagement party gifts, bridal shower gifts (and in some cases the expense of hosting the shower itself), stagette costs, wedding day hair and make-up fees, the dress of course, and sometimes even a wedding present.  I have a good friend who has been a bridesmaid about 8 times and figures she has spent over ten thousand dollars being a dutiful "lady in waiting".  That’s a lot of money!  My thoughts are that if you are financially able to pay for the dresses and tuxedos please do so.  It’s the polite thoughtful way to go.

In the event that you simply cannot afford to cover this cost than do the next best thing and keep the cost of the dress to under $200.00 all in with alterations (or offer to pay a portion thereof to keep the price near that amount) or better yet allow your bridesmaids to choose their own off the rack dress providing some specific colour and/or style parameters which will keep the look unified and complimentary.  You might even plan a shopping day with each of your bridesmaids separately which can be fun not to mention a savvy damage control plan of action (as not everyone’s version of medium pink or soft green is the same).  Black cocktail dresses are a fabulous alternative if appropriate with your colour theme and ceremony environment.  And who doesn’t need an excuse to go out and buy a fabulous new black cocktail dress?! Apart from the dress, the same rule applies to hair and make-up, any jewelery or shoes you specifically ask your bridesmaids to purchase, etc.  Just be considerate and either cover the cost or keep costs and requested wedding party purchases to a minimum.

As you have likely noticed I did not talk much about the groomsmen, but the same rule applies… if you can afford it, cover it, if not, than keep costs as reasonable as possible without resorting to the $99 hot & stiff polyester “may burst into flames any second” suit/tuxedo.  AND… whatever you do don’t allow the groomsmen to rent their own suits/tuxedos or wear one out of their closet as this is a sure way to create a disheveled looking wedding party! Navy for example comes in many different shades and suits/tuxedos come in many different styles.  If one groomsman has a 2-button navy suit with a thinner lapel, the other a 3-button lighter Navy suit with a bit of a sheen to it, and the third a more modern body hugging almost black navy suit, you will have one messy looking line up.  A sure way to ruin your wedding photos!  Renting (regardless of who is paying) is often the most sensible way to go in order to guarantee a unified and elegant overall look.

Best of luck with your wedding Jenn! 

Wedding Planner signing off!  Until next week… keep those questions coming in!  Submit your questions by emailing us at askaplanner@dreamgroup.ca

Cheerio,

Genève 



Genève McNally, Principal Planner, DreamGroup Productions

Genève first began her wedding career in 1999 as the Catering Manager for one of Vancouver’s most sought after wedding venues, Brock House Restaurant.  In 2004 Genève and college friend Sarah Shore ambitiously started up what is now one of Vancouver's longest running and most trusted wedding planning companies, DreamGroup Productions Inc.

These days, in addition to working with her clients in a full planning capacity, Genève focuses her attention on the sales and marketing aspects of the company and is most often the friendly voice you will chat with when first inquiring with DreamGroup.  Genève is known to inspire and excite both clients and industry associates alike with her exuberant personality and joie de vivre!  Her ability to be refreshingly candid and her in depth knowledge of the wedding industry have earned her the friendly moniker “Two-Cents McNally”.  Genève also teaches the Wedding Planning classes offered through the dg Academy and is the chief correspondent behind DreamGroup's weekly Blog feature Ask a Planner.

Click here to sign up for DreamGroup's Mailing list! 
We promise to inspire, inform and indulge!