Special Features - Weddings January 2012

JANUARY 2012

INVITING INGENUITY

How to make your own wedding invitations

A

GUIDE TO GOWNS

Choosing the right hue for bridesmaid gowns

FAVOURABLE FAVOURS

Feed on these wedding favour ideas A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO: Victoria News • Oak Bay News • Saanich News • Goldstream News Gazette • Peninsula News Review

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JANUARY 11, 2012 • VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

table of contents

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WEDDING CELEBRATION LIKE NO OTHER. Celebrate your wedding day at the new Oak Bay Beach Hotel. A legendary landmark overlooking spectacular ocean views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and snow-capped Mount Baker.

Learn more about our wedding packages at the Victoria Bridal Fair on January 22, 2012.

O A K B AY B E A CH H O TEL 1175 B E A CH D R I V E V I CTO R I A , B C V8 S 2 N2 TO L L F R E E : 1 8 0 0 6 6 8 7 7 5 8

{12} Engagement photo tips Is a wedding loan for you?

Secrets to a long & happy marriage Do-it-yourself wedding Wedding themes can add up to extra fun Origins of bridal customs Choosing a hue for the bridesmaid gowns Things to consider when a bridesmaid is pregnant Unique reception touches First dance song ideas Feed on these wedding favour ideas {PAGE 16} Use cuisine to create a wedding to remember {PAGE 16} What not to serve at a wedding {PAGE 18} Advantages to a wedding In 2009, there were video 13,970 marriages performed in {PAGE 20} Honeymoon how-to B.C. by a marriage {PAGE 21} Most popular honeymoon commissioner while destinations 8,499 were per{PAGE 22} Make-your-own wedding formed by religious invitations representatives. {PAGE 04} {PAGE 06} {PAGE 07} {PAGE 08} {PAGE 10} {PAGE 11} {PAGE 12} {PAGE 13} {PAGE 14} {PAGE 14} {PAGE 15}

did you know?

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The next special wedding edition is being planned now.

Reserve your space - call Oliver Sommer, Director, Advertising Sales, 250-381-3633 ext 236 or email osommer@blackpress.ca

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Make an appointment with our wedding specialists in the Floral, Deli or Bakery Departments.

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You have the perfect dress, now add the perfect jewellery.

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Wearing your grandmother’s necklace?

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Engagement photos don’t have to be posed portraits. Experiment with looks that fit your personalities for memorable photos.

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Newly engaged couples choose to capture the occasion in photos that they can cherish. Often, one of these photos is used as an announcement to family and friends and might even be published in the newspaper.

Engagement photos may be part of a package negotiated with the photographer who will be covering the wedding day. Some couples enlist the help of a friend or a budding photographer to capture an engagement shot. The average cost of engagement photos can range from $200 to $500.

Some couples opt to use a photographer who might specialize in other areas (i.e. fashion models) but

may want to break into the wedding business because of how lucrative it can be. Costs may be negotiated as a result.

When shopping around for a photographer, couples should keep certain things in mind.

The first and most important is selecting a photographer you can relate to. If you don’t feel a connection with the photographer, he or she will have trouble coaxing the shots that will produce the best results.

He or she should also be a professional and have some experience working with posing couples. This way the photos don’t look stiff or contrived.

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JANUARY 11, 2012 • VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW Here are some other tips that can lead to great photos.

• Find a photographer who fits your style. If you’re a quirky couple, go with a quirky photographer. If you’re reserved and a follow-the-book type of couple, then select a more traditional photographer. Some photographers out there forget this is your moment and want to impart their idea of what you want. Make sure he or she takes your ideas into consideration.

• Select a photographer who is open to different shoot locations and brainstorming. Some of the best photos occur in natural settings, where things aren’t entirely planned.

If a photographer simply works out of a studio, you may want to select one who has more free reign with different locales.

• Choose your location wisely. Certain locations will stand out in your minds because they are visually stunning or are special places where you have spent moments as a couple. By choosing a place that offers a personal connection, there’s a good chance you’ll appreciate the photos in the long run. Also, remember that unplanned stops may offer a great background for the image. Be open to the unexpected.

• Try random poses and some candid shots. Although you might have a vision of the perfect photo in your mind, experimenting with different ideas can sometimes lead to a great photo you really love. Expect to take your share of kissing, nose-touching and portrait shots. But some fun poses, such as running or jumping (or rolling around on a beach full of waves) can produce candid shots that are truly masterpieces. Remember, sometimes photographers will pose you in positions that seem a bit awkward, but this is to get the best lines of the body and flattering images.

• Choose clothing that fits the mood. If time and budget allows, have several different wardrobe changes so that you can see which outfits work and which ones don’t. A formal outfit, comfortable street clothes, something beachy or clothing that fits with your interests (such as polo or baseball) can make for interesting engagement photos.

Avoid clothing that is too trendy or busy, which may take away from the actual images in the long run. Plus, you don’t want to look back at these photos in the future and say, “What was I thinking?” Avoid matchy-matchy, though. If you are dressed alike, you may appear to be trying too hard.

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IS A WEDDING LOAN FOR YOU?

AT M O U N T W A S H I N G T O N

Although a wedding loan may enable you to have the wedding of your dreams, it comes with a steep cost — starting out your new life together with a considerable amount of debt.

Engaged couples about to take a trip down the aisle are increasingly choosing to pay for the wedding themselves. Where it used to be tradition for the bride’s parents to handle the bill for the occasion, today the responsibility for funding has largely fallen into the hands of the prospective bride and groom. To meet the financial demands of the modern wedding, some individuals turn to loans for financing some or all of the wedding. You may question whether this is a good idea.

As with any situation, there are pros and cons. The same can be said about a wedding loan. The following are some factors you will need to consider before taking out a loan.

One of the most important things to realize is that a wedding loan, like any loan, will need to be paid back and interest fees will be included. What that means is that, by the end of the payback period, you will have spent several thousand dollars more on the loans than the original principal amount when interest is added in. If you’re taking out a loan because you’ve already gone above budget on wedding expenses, a loan may push that budget even further into the red.

That being said, there are some instances where a loan may be an option that works for a couple. For example, couples who anticipate considerable monetary gifts from guests attending the wedding can offset the cost of the loan with those gifts. Some couples might begin their professional careers after their wedding, which will increase their salary enough to repay the loan quickly. Others may actually have the money for the wedding, but want to use a loan as a way to establish strong joint credit as a new couple.

However, many couples take out loans because they simply cannot afford their dream wedding. In a world where many people already live beyond their means —

financing cars, homes, retail purchases — a wedding loan may just be another shovelful of soil on a financial grave. The consensus among financial experts is that it is better to scale back the wedding or postpone it until you can save money the old-fashioned way instead of taking out a loan.

But if a loan seems the only option, here are some tips.

Shop around on a wedding loan, just as with any other loan. Find the best rates and terms before settling on a lender.

Decide how much you can afford to pay back within 2 to 3 years and how much the monthly payment will be. Then take out the loan only in that amount.

Figure out which portions of the wedding can be scaled back to make the finances work.

See if options like refinancing a home or borrowing from family would be better than taking out a loan.

Look at banks, credit unions and even programs sponsored through your employer to compare rates on loans.

Wedding loans may be secured or unsecured. A home or car can serve as a form of security in a secured loan.

Unsecured wedding loans do not require a form of security.

Personal loans, like wedding loans, generally have low annual percentage rates. It may be worth it to take out the loan rather than using a credit card for financing because the card’s rates could be double.

Keep in mind that a wedding loan — even if it comes at a low interest rate — means you’re starting out your new life together with a large amount of debt for an event that lasts one day. Think about whether the wedding of your dreams is worth using that joint checking account to pay off months of wedding debt.

JANUARY 11, 2012 • VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Secrets TO A LONG &MARRIAGE HAPPY • There’s no such thing as the perfect marriage. Some couples create an image of what they think marriage is supposed to be, and that image that often goes “poof” once reality sets in. Even soulmates are bound to frustrate or irritate one another from time to time.

• Couples should express their frustrations.

Bottling up frustrations can eat at a person and eventually destroy a marriage. Talking about the things that are bothering you with your partner opens up a discussion and can help you work through things.

Some might say a long celebrity marriage is one that endures the duration of the newly betrothed’s trip down the aisle.

We’ve seen Britney Spears dissolve a marriage after 55 hours and Kim Kardashian call it quits after 72 days. It seems even money can’t buy matrimonial happiness.

But some couples have been together for 50, 60 years and say they’re still as much in love as they were the day they spoke their “I dos.” What do they know that others do not?

According to clinical psychologist and relationship guru Dr. Phil McGraw, “We all need to be flexible and to compromise in marriage, but you’ve got to be true to your core traits and characteristics, what I call your authentic self.” Some couples enter a relationship projecting a persona they believe the other person wants — one that really isn’t what they’re all about. This could be a woman trying to fill the role of her husband’s nurturing mom or a guy playing the protector to his wife. In reality, marriage is more of a partnership, and truth and trust are often at the basis of good marriages.

There are many other “secrets” that marriage experts will offer to couples seeking the magic formula. Whether you’re pondering marriage or have already tied the knot, consider the following advice to make a marriage endure for the long haul.

• Divorce should not be seen as a viable option. Couples who want to bail on the marriage at every turn could be directing their energy toward divorce as the only solution instead of discovering ways to remove the cause of strife. Divorce can sometimes be the easy way out when you think about the work that goes into keeping a marriage working. Experts say that there are a few issues, like adultery, abuse and drug/alcohol addiction, that may be reasonable catalysts for divorce if personal safety and sanity is being compromised.

• Make time for romance. It’s easily said but not so easily done. Too often married couples forget what it was like to date when all of their attention was spent on each other instead of the house, kids, work, etc. Today there seems to be even more distractions, from e-mails to texts to pressure and obligations at the office.

Happy couples find the time to spend quality time with their spouses — even if that’s only 10 minutes of alone time a day.

• Put “we” first. Many people operate on a “me” mentality. When you’re part of a couple, give more to your spouse than you take. If he or she is doing the same, you’re working collectively for the benefit of the marriage instead of yourselves.

• Respect each other. Often couples having troubles realize they treat strangers better than they treat each other. Would you use the insults or unflattering terms that you sometimes throw at your spouse with a complete stranger? Probably not.

Good marriages are based on a foundation of respect and love. It’s easy to lose feelings of love if the respect is gone.

Couples can realize that there are some thorns that come with the roses of marriage, and staying happy together does take work for it to all be worth it.

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JANUARY 11, 2012 • VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

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do-it-yourself

WEDDING

Those thinking about tying the knot in the months to come may be discouraged by how expensive weddings can be. But with a little ingenuity and a hands-on approach, couples can have a wedding that is inexpensive and memorable at the same time.

Weddingbells magazine states that the average cost for a wedding in Canada is $23,330, up from $20,129 in 2010.

According to CostofWedding.com, on average, U.S. couples spend $26,542 for their weddings.

These amounts do not include the cost of an engagement ring or wedding bands. With such a high pricetag, some couples may wonder if they can afford their dream wedding or if there are ways to cut costs. Having a backyard, DIY wedding can be the answer.

Although some may envision a backyard wedding with picnic benches and Dad at the grill, it can be a much classier affair than that.

Smart couples are realizing that the money they would normally spend on a big wedding at an outside venue can be put to better use, either through buying a new home or fixing up one they may already own.

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getting started A DIY wedding is one that will take much more work than simply hiring vendors and leaving the details to them. But the money saved with sweat equity can be substantial. A well-planned wedding is the best start. Grab a notebook and start making lists of all the things you will need: • • • • •

location tables and chairs linens food silverware and glassware • invitations • photography • music • officiant • music • centerpieces and other décor • cake or dessert • lighting • attire • flowers

wedding tip “The best time to do your hair trial is when you try your dress on when it arrives. You can see the whole beautiful picture in the mirror as you choose your hair accessories, veil and jewellery, and imagine how amazing you will look on your wedding day!”

– The Bride’s Closet

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JANUARY 11, 2012 • VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

work in advance Many items necessary for a wedding can be bought in advance. Some couples find that purchasing lowcost items at discount stores turns out to be less expensive than renting. For example, inexpensive glasses and silverware can be bought at dollar stores or chains like Ikea. Later on these items can be kept, sold or even donated to shelters.

Tablecloths don’t have to be traditional. It may be less expensive to purchase pieces of fabric from a fabric store and dress them up yourself. Candles can be stockpiled relatively easy and provide a very affordable means of ambient light.

Plan out centerpiece ideas and figure out which components can be bought and stored. Then items can be assembled at leisure. Wedding stationery is one thing that will have to be bought well in advance so there will be time enough to

print save-the-date, invitations and response cards, as well as mail them.

An informal wedding may mean couples can get simple attire. Buying off the rack may mean a smaller pricetag for gowns. Gentleman may be fine with sportcoats and slacks.

Purchase wardrobe essentials several months in advance to be sure there will be time for alterations, if necessary.

Enlist the help of family and friends to get many of the tasks completed.

Upon asking, many couples find members of the family who have skills in certain areas, which can be tapped for the wedding, such as a gourmet chef, a disc jockey, a photographer or even someone who can officiate the vows. Having these people on board means a great reduction in costs.

readying the venue

other tips & tricks

Because couples will be doing the work themselves, it’s best to start several days in advance of the wedding (weather permitting). Be sure the grounds are well groomed and landscaped. Ensure there are no tripping hazards and that there is a sturdy surface for placing tables or creating a dance floor.

Here are some other ways to save money on DIY weddings.

advance and frozen instead of hiring a catering service.

• Fruit is less expensive than flowers for centerpieces.

• Consider favours that also double as table centerpieces.

• Include postcard response cards in wedding invites. The postage is less, and you don’t have to spend money on an extra envelope.

• Bouquets can easily be made with store-bought flowers, some floral tape and decorative ribbon.

It may pay to ask an electrician or someone who dabbles in electric work to help string some lights to better illuminate the area, especially for when the sun goes down.

Set up the tables and chairs to finalize placement the day before. Figure out where the ceremony will take place. A small arbor can mark the area and make a nice photo backdrop. Dress the tables with linens and settings the morning of the wedding.

One splurge couples may want to make is hiring a waitstaff to help set up food service areas, serve as bartenders and clear away dishes and other messes. This way the bride and groom can mingle with guests.

• Be sure to check with your town if you need a permit or variance for having so many cars parked by the house in the event of a backyard wedding.

Otherwise you could be facing a fine.

• Many different foods can be cooked in

• Restrict the bar to wine and beer, and you’ll save money on expensive liquors.

A DIY wedding can be a fun, memorable event that costs a couple a fraction of what it would be to have it held at an expensive location.

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JANUARY 11, 2012 • VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

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WEDDING

takes place on Halloween, the ideas for the theme are easy. Many other couples choose a theme that highlights a specific interest or hobby or something that is dear to them. Here are some popular wedding themes.

themes CAN ADD UP TO EXTRA FUN

A masquerade theme might be an entertaining theme for a couple’s nuptials.

Every couple wants their wedding to be memorable. The goal of planning a wedding is to create an experience that everyone will remember for years to come.

For some couples, a theme wedding is the best way to accomplish just that.

When it comes time to select a theme, the day the wedding takes place may dictate the theme. For example, if the wedding

• Holiday: The Christmas season lends itself well to wedding planning. The colours (red, green, gold) are already established, and most churches and buildings are already decked out in holiday finery, cutting down on the amount of flowers and embellishments couples need.

Because the holiday season is so busy and a popular time for socializing, couples who want to tie the knot during this time of year should send save-the-date cards well in advance. Another option is to have a “Christmas in Julyâ€? wedding, featuring the same holiday themes but without the hectic nature of the holiday season. • Vegas: Couples who want to tie the knot in Las Vegas but want to ensure all their loved ones can attend can recreate the magic of Vegas wherever they may be. Casino-inspired games and big buffet meals can make guests feel like they have stepped into a casino on the famed Vegas strip. In addition, an Elvis impersonator is essential to a Vegas wedding. • TV show: Some couples elevate certain television shows to cult status. Whether

it’s “Friendsâ€? or “Star Trek,â€? popular television shows have been transformed into festive wedding themes. Whether the idea is to go daring and exchange vows in costume or simply name reception tables according to characters or show locations, couples can include a little television fun into the event. • Fairytale: Many men and women envision a fairytale wedding complete with horse-drawn carriage and the “happily ever after.â€? This is what makes Disney properties as well as the various castles around the world popular backdrops for wedding events. Those planning a fairytale wedding need only look to favourite stories or movies for their inspiration. • Interest or passion: Love to climb mountains? Avid about scuba diving?

Couples who share a particular interest can include elements of this sport or hobby into their wedding. Invitations and dĂŠcor can hint at the theme, and then special activities can further enhance it. Fish bowls as centerpieces may call to mind underwater adventures, while surfboard-shaped invites may set the scene for a beachside party.

Theme weddings can add an extra spice to the festivities and incorporate couples’ interests into the event — making it even more special.

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JANUARY 11, 2012 • VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

Origins of bridal customs Chances are those who have attended a wedding have witnessed some popular traditions.

The bride wears a veil, a court of wedding attendants accompanies the bride and groom, and birdseed, rice or flower petals are tossed. But have you ever wondered why?

Wedding customs are ripe with tradition and harken back to days when superstition and myth often ruled the day.

Bouquet: Nowadays, the bride carries a beautiful bouquet of flowers. But the purpose of the bouquet held different meanings in the past. Saracen brides carried orange blossoms for fertility. Others carried a combination of herbs and flowers to ward off evil spirits with their aroma.

Bouquets of dill were often carried, again for fertility reasons, and after the ceremony, the dill was eaten to encourage lust.

Throwing rice: Today it has become de rigueur to blow bubbles, toss birdseed or release doves when the bride and groom leave the house of worship newly betrothed.

That’s because savvy individuals found that raw rice can pose a hazard to birds pecking in the area.

However, rice throwing is an old custom that dates back to the Middle Ages, when wheat or rice where thrown to symbolize fertility for the couple.

Bridesmaids: There may be arguments over dresses and how many bridesmaids to have in a wedding party now, but in ancient times it was “the more the merrier.”

That’s because bridesmaids were another measure to keep the bride safe against evil spirits. Essentially the bridesmaids were decoys for the spirits — dressing like the bride to confuse the spirits or maybe help deter them to leave the bride be.

Wedding rings: Wearing of wedding rings dates back to ancient Egypt. The round shape of a ring symbolizes eternal love. The ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it is believed this finger has a blood vessel that goes directly to the heart.

Wedding cake: The traditional wedding cake evolved from Roman times when the cake was originally made from wheat. It was broken over the bride’s head to ensure fertility. All of the guests eat a piece for good luck. Single women used to place a piece of wedding cake under their pillows in the hopes of finding their own husbands.

Father accompanying the bride: This tradition symbolizes that the bride’s father endorses the choice in husbands and is presenting his daughter as a pure bride to that man.

Kissing the bride: In older times, a kiss symbolized a legal bond. Therefore, the bride and groom kissed to seal the deal on their betrothal.

There are many traditions surrounding a wedding that people simply accept, but understanding their origins can make the ceremony more meaningful.

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CHOOSING A HUE FOR THE

Every well-planned wedding carries a colour scheme throughout. This includes the colour a bride selects for her bridesmaids to wear. But not every colour accentuates everyone’s features.

bridesmaid gowns

Bridesmaids are an important part of the wedding party, and most brides opt to have a handful of close friends and family members play a special role in the wedding.

Choosing a gown and a colour that will flatter all of the bridesmaids typically takes a little work.

An overwhelming majority of couples choose to have a formal wedding. The average number of bridesmaids for these formal weddings is four. Considering around two million weddings take place in North America every year, that’s a lot of bridesmaids for whom gowns and other attire must be planned.

Many bridesmaids worry about the gowns they will wear come the big day. Horrible bridesmaid dresses have been the butt of jokes for years, and many people have their own stories of garish gowns they’ve been asked to don for a wedding. Some have said that brides intentionally choose

ugly gowns for their bridesmaids to ensure they’re not outshined come the wedding day. Although this may be the case for some, most brides aspire to select gowns that will be flattering for all. And colour scheme is integral in the choice of gown.

Every well-planned wedding carries a colour scheme throughout. This includes the colour a bride selects for her bridesmaids to wear. But not every colour accentuates everyone’s features. Therefore, some experimentation might be necessary to find a colour that is flattering to all and fits with the colour scheme.

Depending on hair colour and skin shade, there are many flattering hues available for gowns. When making this decision, consider bridesmaids’ ethnicity and skin tone.

Women with dark skin and hair may really shine in jewel-coloured gowns, including silver, gold, purple and salmon. Very pale

colours may be daring and conspicuous.

Those with a slight yellow tone to their skin will look good in many colours, including red, navy, peach, and fuchsia.

However, avoid colours in light yellow, aqua, gray, taupe, or mint, which may make the bridesmaid look washed out.

Ladies with pale skin will benefit from richly coloured gowns in jewel tones.

Pastels may work, but be careful about those depending on hair colour. Pink or redhued gowns may clash with someone with auburn hair. Yellow and green may not work with a fair brunette. Gray and silver may wash out someone who is pale and blonde.

Once a colour is chosen, brides also need to consider the season. Certain colours may look out of place depending on the season. For example, an evergreen or deep blue may seem wintry during a summer wedding. Similarly, russet or brown may work for the autumn but not for a spring

wedding. Many brides gravitate toward mid-level blues, greens, pinks and purples for their weddings, simply because those colours transcend the seasons.

After colours are worked out, the style of the gown deserves consideration. Because not every bridesmaid has the same physical attributes, many brides are now open to selecting a colour and length and allowing the bridesmaid herself to choose the exact style. This way someone who is busty won’t feel uncomfortable in strapless, and someone who is thin won’t be overwhelmed by a lot of ruffles. The intent is to have bridesmaids feel beautiful and comfortable, and different styles can help achieve this.

Making the effort to choose a gown colour and style that is flattering to all in the bridal party will help the ladies feel they are truly a special part of the wedding.

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Things to consider WHEN A BRIDESMAID IS PREGNANT Brides-to-be thinking of asking a pregnant friend or family member to be in the bridal party should know such a request is common. Recent findings indicate that around half of all weddings now have at least one member of the bridal party showing off a baby bump — sometimes it’s even the bride herself.

Barring a medical condition, there is no reason a pregnant woman can’t be in the wedding and fulfill her obligations, so feel free to invite that special someone to be in the wedding. There are just a few things to consider to help make it easier on everyone involved. Think over these things.

• Gowns: One of the things brides and bridesmaids often fret about is the gown they will be wearing. While nonpregnant members of the bridal party won’t fluctuate much in weight from the day of their first fittings to the wedding day, a pregnant woman is growing with new life within her from the moment of conception. This will have to be taken into consideration. Some maternity designers create bridesmaid dresses for pregnant women, but they may not exactly match the other gowns in mind. Ask the bridal store if alterations can be made to a standard gown, including ordering a much larger size, adding elastic panels or another way to ensure the gown will stretch over a growing belly. Also, be considerate and choose a gown in an empire waist style so that it is flattering for the pregnant bridesmaid.

• Shoes: While pregnant, some women’s feet swell. Having strict restrictions on footwear can make a pregnant woman uncomfortable.

Low heels or ballerina slippers can be comfortable and fashionable. The other members of the bridal party may also thank you for choosing a sensible shoe.

• Breaks: Many activities during the wedding are bound to be tiring. But someone who is pregnant may feel it more than others. Ensure your mama-to-be has ample time to sit and rest. Also, try to have planning meetings near a restroom where she will be comfortable.

• Non-alcoholic drinks: From bachelorette parties to the wedding itself, be sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic and decaffeinated drinks she can enjoy. Pregnant women need to have a lot of water to meet the physical demand of pregnancy as well.

• Travel: In the latter months of the pregnancy, many doctors advise against air

Having a pregnant friend or family member as a bridesmaid just takes a little extra planning. travel. Spending long hours in a car may be uncomfortable as well. If you were thinking about having the wedding far away, these are things that must be taken into consideration.

You may want to revise your plans if your heart is set on having this woman in the bridal party.

• Ceremony: It can be tiring for a pregnant woman, especially one in the last trimester, to stand for a long period of time. If you are having a long, religious ceremony, see if a seat can be arranged so your bridesmaid can sit down when she needs a rest.

• Declined invitation: Some pregnant women will jump at the chance to be in the wedding, while others may realize their limitations and prefer to attend only as a guest. Have a another person in mind in case your bridesmaid invitation is declined, and do not hold it against the person if she feels she won’t be able to commit during her pregnancy.

• Patience: Although all eyes are generally on the bride on her special day, having a pregnant bridesmaid may garner a share of “oohs and aahs” and attention for her as well. It’s a humble bride who can share her spotlight for a while. And remember, the “something new” at your wedding may be that new baby who is on the way!

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14

Unique

RECEPTION TOUCHES guest list who has served as a mentor or source of inspiration.

• Choose one special component as an extra goodie for guests. Some couples feel the more they offer the better guests will view their wedding. Spending more money doesn’t necessarily mean guests will have a better time. If you want to go above and beyond the ordinary, find one thing that you absolutely love and offer that at the party. It could be a flambé presentation, a chocolate or candy bar, a carving station with your all-time favourite food (even if that’s PB&J), or a carnival-inspired automatic photo booth.

Over the course of their lifetimes, many people will be wedding guests on several occasions. During the height of wedding season, weddings can run into one another, as the format and the festivities are similar at various ceremonies. Couples interested in setting their nuptials apart may want to enhance the wedding reception with a few unique ideas.

Who hasn’t attended a wedding that seems formulaic? The couple enters, they do their spotlight dance, there’s food, a bouquet toss and then the cake cutting. Guests may actually be able to predict what’s coming next. While it is often customary and easy to follow tradition, that doesn’t mean you cannot buck with tradition and offer a few creative ideas to make your event stand out.

• Skip the big entrance. Those who were kind enough to attend the ceremony have already been introduced to the newly minted happy couple.

Instead of spending the cocktail hour in the isolation of the wedding suite, mingle with your guests from start to finish. So much time is spent posing for pictures or being out of touch with guests, the cocktail hour can be a great time to sit and chat. Being with guests during the cocktail hour means you don’t have to make that big entrance

from behind closed doors. Guests will have all eyes on you when you step on the dance floor for your first dance together.

• Dance to an upbeat number. Guests are expecting a slow, sappy tune. What they may not expect is an upbeat song that shows you are willing to have a little fun. If you haven’t mastered the waltz but enjoy a little quick step now and again, feel free to choose a tune that shows your excitement and love for each other.

• Encourage couples to dance together.

It’s often customary for the bridal party to join the bride and groom on the dance floor midway through the first dance. However, that leaves spouses or significant others waiting in the wings while their dates tango with groomsmen or bridesmaids. Instead, don’t have assigned partners. Rather, encourage your bridal party members to dance with whomever they choose.

• Swap the garter/bouquet toss for something more meaningful. If you’re part of a couple who feels the garter and bouquet toss has become trite, there are other ways to create special moments in your celebration — ones that don’t single out the singletons who haven’t yet found their special someones. Use this time to present a small gift or token of your affection to someone on the

• Hire a live performer. Although it’s hard to beat the performance quality of your wedding song being performed by the original artist, unless you’re cousins with Celine Dion, chances are she won’t be available to sing “My Heart Will Go On” at your reception. However, a live band adds a certain level of excitement that a disk jockey may not be able to provide.

Those who are adding a cultural or ethnic component to their wedding may want to hire a dance troupe or another type of performer, like a bagpiper, as an added measure of entertainment for guests.

first dance

SONG IDEAS

If Michael Bublé or Nat King Cole aren’t on your playlists, chances are you may be looking for a first-dance song that’s a little less traditional for your wedding reception.

Couples considering a song that’s a little different and speaks to them but won’t necessarily offend the wedding purists in attendance, might want to consider the following tunes:

• Let them eat … cookies? Some people just don’t like cake. Therefore, why should a couple have to cut a seven-tiered white confection? Towers of different types of treats can be created from just about anything and serve as the perfect backdrop for that classic cake-cutting photo. A pyramid of cream puffs, stacks of brownies, a cookie castle, or cereal-cake concoctions can work. Some bakeries will decorate a “dummy” styrofoam cake, and then you can serve apple pie a la mode, if you desire.

“All I Want is You” (U2)

• Stage a costume switch. Let’s face it, dancing all night in a long gown takes some stamina. As the bride, have a more comfortable cocktail dress available to switch into for the latter part of the reception. It will also add some variety to your wedding photos.

“No One” (Alicia Keys)

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“Suga Suga” (Baby Bash) “Without You” (Rent Soundtrack) “You Want to Make a Memory” (Bon Jovi)

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FEED ON THESE WEDDING

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favour ideas Do you have a shelf or cabinet that’s filled to the brim with wedding favours such as engraved ice cream scoopers, cake servers, cheese spreaders or tea light candle holders? If you do, you’re not alone. As couples pore over guest favour options, many select trinkets or knickknacks that, while thoughtful, end up collecting dust in someone’s home.

Edible gifts also can be thoughtful — and flavorful!

Guests may look forward to an edible favour because it’s a memento of the special occasion and it won’t become a permanent fixture in their homes. There are many edible favours from which to choose. They can also be customized according to the theme of the wedding.

Chocolate It’s difficult to find an edible favour more universally beloved than chocolate. Rich and inviting, chocolate has long been given as a symbol of love and devotion.

Chocolate candies and baked goods can work well for wedding favours, provided the favours are refrigerated to avoid melting.

Ideas for chocolate favours include individually packaged truffles, gourmet brownie bites, candy-covered chocolates with an inscription, chocolate covered apples, chocolate coins, and other similar creations. Chocolate molded designs (much like those chocolate Easter bunnies) are another idea.

wedding tip “Be open-minded about flowers and their availability. While it is possible to bring flowers in from around the world all year long, there may be a different in-season option right here at home that will create the same look for a fraction of the cost.

Brides can also personalize their bouquet by adding something to it that means something to them, such as a small keepsake.”

– Thrifty Foods

Edible wedding favours may include decorative cookie baskets featuring gourmet cookies from a favourite bakery.

Cookies Sweet cookies also make good edible favours. Butter cookies are a favourite because they are sturdy enough to cut into different shapes. Professionally iced, these cookies can be a masterpiece to behold. Some couples opt for customized fortune cookies that express personalized sentiments to guests.

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Make-your-own Sometimes it’s less expensive to give guests kits that they can take home to create their own edible treasures. Options abound and can include everything from personalized packets of hot chocolate to tea bags. Other couples choose among mixes for making cookies or cakes.

Personalize Your Wedding Photos

Candies It has become popular to have a selfserve candy bar at many weddings.

Guests are invited to step up to the display and serve themselves from a series of different confections. Autumn weddings could have Halloween-inspired candies or those in fall hues. It’s easy to follow a colour theme when you have a bevy of different candies at your disposal.

Many discount stores sell inexpensive jars and candy dishes to house the candy. Designer Chinese takeout-type containers are available from craft stores and can be the perfect way for guests to make that candy portable.

Other edibles From cupcakes to maple syrup to personalized bottles of barbecue sauce, couples have so many options for guest favours at their disposal.

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16

USE CUISINE TO CREATE

a wedding to remember

Despite the months of planning and poring over every minute detail of a wedding, it has often been said that what people remember most about wedding receptions is the food and if they had fun. Therefore, instead of worrying about choosing Jordan almonds over chocolate truffles, or whether the cake should have an extra tier, couples may want to pay more attention to selecting their reception menus.

Although certain foods are wedding staples, it could pay for couples to think with their stomachs instead of their heads when selecting wedding day fare. Having a selection of foods that taste as good as they look is a wise idea over having certain foods simply because they are trendy.

Whether you are cooking yourself, having a family member serve as chef or relying on the menu of the reception hall, think about foods that will please guests and select those items,

regardless of them being fancy.

Here are some other tips.

You want foods to be filling but not so much so that guests have to waddle to the dance floor. If you’re planning on several courses, keep portion sizes small to offer a taste of the different items offered.

Classic foods can work well as wedding fare. Roasts, barbecued meats and favourite pasta dishes can make guests feel like they’re dining at someone’s home and not at a wedding.

Choose items people have heard of.

Instead of tornadoes of beef, select a hearty prime rib. Just because a dish sounds fancy doesn’t make it taste better. If a guest doesn’t know what he or she is eating, it can be uncomfortable. Now is not the time to experiment with exotic foods, either.

Otherwise, some picky eaters may be left hungry.

WHAT NOT TO SERVE AT A WEDDING Couples often fret over what to serve their guests at the reception, and rightfully so. Reception costs can comprise a majority of the wedding-day budget. When spending $100 or more per guest, you want to ensure you’re getting what you paid for and that guests enjoy what they’re eating.

Filet mignon may be a good choice, but steak tartare is probably best avoided.

Find out which foods to avoid serving your wedding guests.

Exotic cuisine: You may be a risk taker when it comes to cuisine, but others may not share your zeal for exotic foods. Now

Think about the foods you love and see if they can be incorporated at the wedding.

Although a breakfast bar at an evening event may seem funny, waffles and omelets may appeal to a greater number of guests than a gourmet fish creation.

Don’t make vegetarians an afterthought.

Too often, vegetarians must eat whatever the kitchen can pull together, which is usually a compilation of the vegetable garnishes from the meat dishes. Make an effort to have a true vegetarian dish that is intricate and delicious.

Mashed potatoes are a crowd pleaser.

Serve little portions of mashed potatoes in cocktail glasses and enable guests to top as they see fit with bacon bits, cheese or chives.

No idea is silly, and serving any type of food in a hors d’oeuvre style can make it acceptable at a formal affair, whether that food is pizza or caviar-topped crackers.

If you have a favourite restaurant that

is not the time to introduce guests to the wild and wacky. If you’ve seen an exotic dish on the Food Network or the Travel Channel, give it a try another time.

Anything on fire: Why risk an accident for a spectacle? Baked alaska, cherries jubilee, apples flambé … these are foods that might provide a show, but the cost of that show may not be worth it in the end.

Raw food: Clams on the halfshell or sushigrade tuna may seem like good ideas, but keep in mind that it is hard to ensure quality when feeding 200 people at the same time. Foods that require special refrigeration or immediate service for freshness are best left for other occasions.

Don’t risk food poisoning on a room full of people unless you want your wedding to be remembered for stomach cramps.

A long, sit-down meal: Two or three courses is fine, but if guests have to sit through a never-ending parade of courses, that limits their ability to mingle and have a good time.

Anything too elaborate: The faster servers can get food out to guests the better. If they have to sit there piping mashed potato roses on dishes or assemble intricate canapes, the delay

serves delicious food, find out if they will cater your wedding.

Just because it isn’t on the menu doesn’t mean it cannot be prepared. Talk to the catering manager and let him or her know your preferences. Provided you’re willing to pay a little more, there’s a good chance you can have items that aren’t on the standard catering menu.

Think outside the box for your cocktail hour “bars.” A bread bar, a dipping station, milk and cookies service, or vegetable bar are options that go against the standard cheese and pasta stations.

Although it’s your wedding, ultimately the goal is to please the guests. By choosing foods they will love and rave about, you’re guaranteed positive remarks on your wedding.

might not be worth the presentation. And remember, the more bells and whistles, the higher the price tag.

Fast food: This is your wedding, and you want the food to fit with the scale of the day. A formal wedding generally includes a formal meal. Although it may be alright to include some fast food inspired dishes at the cocktail buffet, steer clear of burgers and fries for the main meal.

Themed food: Don’t dye that baked potato purple because you want the wedding to be a plum-coloured affair. Also, it’s best to avoid themed food, unless it is part of a cultural wedding or can be pulled off with class. It’s much easier to pass off crepes and croissants for a Parisian wedding than giant turkey legs and tankards of ale for a Renaissance-themed one.

No food at all: Whether your wedding is small or grand in scale, guests will expect some sort of food. Be sure to have some butler-passed hors d’oeuvres or some well-placed pickings for guests to grab while mingling. After all, they will need something to provide the energy to mingle and dance, and food can help buffer the effects of too many cocktails.

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GETTING YOUR B.C. MARRIAGE LICENCE To marry in British Columbia, couples must first obtain a Marriage Licence, which is good for three months and may not be extended, explains B.C.’s Vital Statistics Agency website.

Only one member of the couple need apply in person for the licence, which currently costs $100, payable at the time of application.

Primary identification, such as a birth certificate, IMM/Immigration form, Permanent Resident or Citizenship card confirming full legal names, birth date, and place of birth should be provided for both parties. You’ll also be asked about your current marital status and address. Other documents that may be used include a Driver’s Licence, Passport, Credit Card and others. For more information, see www.vs.gov.bc.ca

Who can perform the marriage ceremony?

Here in British Columbia, couples can choose either a religious or civil ceremony, which must be witnessed by two people, explains B.C.’s Vital Statistics Agency website. For a religious ceremony, the representative must be registered with the Vital Statistics Agency, under the Marriage Act. BC civil ceremonies are performed by marriage commissioners.

Contact and book a marriage commissioner as soon as possible once you set your wedding date. You will need to provide: • Date and time of your ceremony • Location and address • Payment of fees to the commissioner • Additional helpful information, such as the number of guests and people in the wedding party, plus any special wardrobe or other requests.

For more information, see www.vs.gov.bc.ca

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ADVANTAGES TO A

Wedding Video In a financial climate where most people are pinching pennies, it comes as no surprise that many engaged couples seek ways to cut costs with regard to their weddings. Some couples are undecided whether certain components of their wedding are necessary.

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The decision to hire a videographer is one such area couples fret over. After all, with a photographer snapping hundreds of pictures, having a video may seem like an unnecessary luxury. However, people often find that having a wedding video to cherish long after the day has passed is well worth the price.

• Choose a videographer who will work in conjunction with the wedding mood and parameters. You probably don’t want a videographer who uses bright lights that can be distracting. Nor do you want a videographer who pushes the camera in guests’ faces for a less-thancandid interview. Today’s professionals are inconspicuous and simply record the events as they unfold.

There are several advantages to hiring a professional videographer to capture the day. A professionally produced wedding video is not the same as Uncle Fred carrying around his archaic camcorder and catching a

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few embarrassing dance moves during the reception. A professional video will showcase all moments of the wedding from perspectives not easily captured by photography. In addition to showcasing the images of the wedding, the video will also share the sounds and emotions of the day. Here are some things to think about.

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A videographer will capture the things you may have missed during the busy day. He or she can serve as the eyes and ears for the things you’re not seeing and hearing.

• Although ours is an increasingly digital world where people capture photos and videos on their smartphones and other devices on a regular basis, a wedding video can serve as a family memento.

What other time, apart from the holidays, do you have all of your friends and loved ones together in one place?

perspectives. Talk about your preferences and even fears about being filmed (some people just don’t like watching themselves on TV), and the videographer can no doubt find solutions that will accommodate your needs.

• There are many things that you will not see at the wedding but may have liked to, such as the first gasps of wonder upon • Sound is a portion of the wedding that guests walking into the reception room, photos simply cannot capture. To relive or the tears on the face of an aunt the music and the words of the who was sitting too far back day, a videographer is a in the church pews. This necessity. Professionals is where a wedding who use wireless video can prove microphones will invaluable. produce a video “Remember that it is with the best your day to enjoy with your • Modern sound quality. new spouse, your family and videographers offer your friends. high-resolution, • You can work Enjoy yourself and those edited movies. with a good These can be videographer so who care about you will delivered via Blu Ray it’s not simply a enjoy the day too.”

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honeymoon After the thrill of wedding festivities dies down, couples often jet off to a honeymoon retreat and begin an entirely different adventure. The honeymoon may create mixed feelings, some concerning the chance to spend time alone after months of planning and a few feelings of anxiety over spending the first night together as a married couple.

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shifting trends can alleviate some of the nervousness.

perfect romantic retreat. Here are some things to think about.

For many couples, the honeymoon wedding night is the first time they are intimate together or it holds a special meaning of being intimate for the first time after being married. Such significance can put pressure on a happy and natural experience.

According to a recent survey from Brides magazine, one in three brides plan to get into bed on the wedding night and … sleep. After all of the hoopla of planning and enjoying the wedding, most people are exhausted. Others say they plan to stay up and relive moments of the day.

Only about half of all couples think they will consummate the marriage on their wedding night.

• Accept the fact that some wedding nights and honeymoons aren’t exactly what’s pictured in the movies. Don’t try to live up to a Hollywood-inspired ideal or you may be let down when things don’t go your way. In other words, it may rain on your beachside liaison.

Wedding jitters are normal, as are honeymoon and wedding night jitters.

But just as wedding trends have changed through the years, so, too, have beliefs about the wedding night. Knowing about

Taking the pressure off of the wedding night means that the rest of the honeymoon may be filled with opportunities to be amorous. But couples may still be filled with expectations for the

• Try to make the honeymoon stand apart from other nights by packing nice lingerie or nighttime attire so that the memories will be special. There will be plenty of other times down the road when you’re an old, married couple to hop between the sheets in a ratty college T-shirt.

• A wedding requires a lot of work. Many people find themselves to be physically exhausted afterward. Others find they are so wound up that they cannot relax. When the mind or body is on adrenaline overload or completely wiped out, it’s not the ideal situation for romantic endeavors.

• Pack some candles and mood music, or ask the resort to handle these details for you. These items can help set the scene.

• Make sure your packing list includes special toiletries and birth control methods if you’re not ready to start a family so soon after being married. The brands you prefer may be hard to acquire while at some honeymoon locations.

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JANUARY 11, 2012 • VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

MOST POPULAR

honeymoon destinations

Beautiful Beginnings

For many couples a honeymoon is just as important as the wedding ceremony. Such couples seek the best in a vacation destination, and understandably so after surviving the stress of planning a wedding.

Planning a destination wedding or looking for the ultimate honeymoon?

A honeymoon is often a necessary respite after several months or years of planning a wedding. Careful consideration goes into where a honeymoon will take place. Depending on a couple’s interests, it could be a ski resort or a tropical paradise.

The Team at Athlone Travel is waiting to assist you.

Here are some of the top spots for honeymoon destinations.

Hawaii: This group of islands consistently ranks as one of the most popular honeymoon destinations.

Once outside the tourist areas, there are plenty of places for serene reflection and one-on-one privacy.

With its mountainous landscape, beautiful foliage and awe-inspiring ocean, the islands of Hawaii can be the perfect locale for honeymoon bliss.

Italy: Italy is the perfect marriage of Old World charm and modern conveniences.

Honeymooners can pick from retreats in the country to cliffside resorts.

St. Lucia: St. Lucia is one of the Caribbean’s lushest islands. Picturesque plantations and lapping waters are just some of the attractions of this island paradise.

Tahiti: There’s something quite alluring about this South Pacific locale. Tahiti towers over the ocean with mountainous ridges but also lush, tropical areas. Tahiti is known for fine dining and plenty of water-based activities.

Mexico: With close proximity to the United States -- within driving distance for some -- the tropical resorts of Mexico entice many honeymooners each year.

Jamaica: What better way to spend a honeymoon than on the laid-back tropical island of Jamaica? In proximity to Cuba and the Dominican Republic, Jamaica is the third-largest English

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speaking country behind the U.S. and Canada.

France: True romantics may desire honeymooning in the city of romance ... Paris. With spectacular sights, fine cuisine and many historical points of interest, France is often a top destination for couples.

Bermuda: This island is a British territory in North American waters.

Bermuda’s nearest land mass is Cape Hatteras, N.C. Bermuda has a very affluent economy, with finance as its largest sector followed by tourism. It is a popular cruise ship port of call. Sandy white beaches and close proximity to the U.S. make it a favorite for honeymoons.

U.S. Virgin Islands: If you want a tropical honeymoon getaway without the hassle of passport travel, consider the islands of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Surrounded by pristine waters and spectacular ocean life, honeymooners who want fun in the sun need not look any further.

South Africa: Experience aweinspiring wildlife on safari or modern cities and exclusive neighborhoods.

RECEIVE A $500

FUTURE TRAVEL VOUCHER When you book your wedding group** • Complimentary personalized wedding invitations & thank you cards† • Group pricing and travel arrangements for your family and friends • Earn and instantly redeem valuable Sears Club* Points to use towards your next vacation or Sears merchandise††

NO MONEY DOWN! NO INTEREST! Pay in 12 or 24 Equal Monthly Installments™ when you book your next vacation with your Sears Financial™ Credit Card.

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Sears Travel Victoria, Hillside Shopping Centre (250) 595-3622. *“Equal Payments, No Interest” offer: Pay in 12 or 24 monthly installments only on your Sears® MasterCard®, Sears® Voyage™ MasterCard® or Sears Card. Administration fee (except in Quebec), 12 month offer - $64.99; 24 month offer - $84.99 and no minimum purchase (except in Quebec $200 minimum purchase required). Interest will accrue on financed amount (which includes administration fee and applicable taxes) at the rate then in force for purchase transactions but will be waived if monthly installments are paid in full when due. If not paid in full when due, interest on unpaid monthly installment accrued from the date installment posted to account will no longer be waived and will be charged to account. If account falls 4 billing cycles past due offer terminates and interest on unpaid balance of financed amount accrued from posting date will no longer be waived and will be charged to your account. See Cardmember Agreement for more details. Pay in 12 monthly installments on approved credit only on your Sears® MasterCard® or Sears Card. Admin fee of $59 (excluding Quebec). In Quebec, minimum purchase of $200 required. Interest will accrue on financed amount (which includes admin fee and applicable taxes and delivery charges) at the rate then in force for purchase transactions but will be waived if monthly installments paid in full when due. If not paid in full when due, interest on unpaid monthly installment accrued from the date posted to account will no longer be waived and will be charged to account. If account falls 4 billing cycles past due offer terminates and interest on unpaid balance of financed amount accrued from posting date will no longer be waived and will be charged to account. See Cardmember Agreement for more details. See Sears Travel in store locations or call 1-866-359-7327 for complete details, terms & conditions. ** To earn this voucher your minimum booking of 10 rooms must be made at least 120 days prior to departure. The voucher is issued in the name of the bridal couple with tickets. The voucher is non-transferable and must be redeemed by October 31, 2013; subject to change without notice. Rooms must be booked in conjunction with Sunquest charter air. † Complimentary invitations and thank you cards are for couples getting married in select destinations. Quantities may be limited. When you book on your Sears® Mastercard® or Sears Card. Sears Club™ Points do not apply to taxes. †† Instant Sears Club™ Points redemption is only available at Sears Travel in-store locations. Offer not available on searstravel.ca or 1-866-359-7327. Balance due after points redemption must be on your Sears® MasterCard® or Sears Card. No other form of payment may be applied. Offer is only applicable with participating suppliers. Financing options may be applied to the balance due with participating suppliers. If a financing option is chosen, Sears Club™ Points will not be received on the balance due. Some restrictions apply. See Sears Travel in store locations or call 1-866-359-7327 for complete details, terms & conditions. ©2011 Thomas Cook Canada Inc. d.b.a. Sears Travel Service. B.C. Reg. No. 3597. Ont. Reg. #50010226. Quebec Permit Holder – OPC #702734. 75 Eglinton Ave. E. Toronto, ON, M4P 3A4. Sears Financial™ MasterCard®, Sears Financial™ Voyage™ MasterCard® and Sears Card are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. “Sears” is a registered trademark of Sears, licensed for use in Canada. MasterCard® and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered Trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated.

JANUARY 11, 2012 • VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

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Cost-conscious couples today seek different ways they can reduce expenses on their weddings. Do-ityourself weddings have grown in popularity, and creating personalized wedding invitations is one way to save money and dream up something special.

Make-your-own WEDDING INVITATIONS

Wedding invitations can range in price depending on the service used. Many brick-and-mortar printing companies have gone by the wayside, and online printing sources have replaced them.

The reduced overhead means that many online retailers can produce wedding invitations at a lower cost than in years past. That doesn’t mean they are cheap, however. Couples can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $500 on invitations, depending on style and quantity, according to estimates from many printing company websites.

To avoid overpaying for wedding invitations, or simply to create a personalized invitation, many couples are opting to go the do-it-yourself route.

DIY invitations are even more common thanks to the popularity of scrapbooking and papercrafting. Although people may have different standards in terms of quality for their invitations, it’s important to realize the invitation is the first thing guests often see concerning the

wedding, and they will help set the tone of the upcoming nuptials.

Here are some choices to consider.

• Design it yourself, but hire a printer.

Couples can visit websites that enable them to choose paper type, ink colour, a certain template, wording, colour scheme, embellishments, dye-cutting, and many other different options. Then the couple sits back and waits for the invites to come in the mail where they are put together before being sent out.

These may be the most expensive of the DIY invites because a printer is still doing much of the work.

• Use wedding invitation kits. Many stationery shops, craft stores and office supply retailers offer all-in-one kits.

These feature a standard design with the accoutrements of that particular design.

Most will come with envelopes and small response cards. The couple simply uses the template provided to create text on a personal computer and then the invite can be run through a home printer.

• Mix and match components. Couples who want to be a little more hands-on can purchase card stock and envelopes separately and design their own invitations according to their colour scheme. Clip art included with some word processing or design software can embellish invites that are then printed on

a home printer. Ribbon can be added by punching holes into the invite and threading the ribbon through.

• Do it all yourself. The truly crafty couple can make their invitations from scratch. This involves drawing out a template, cutting the card stock to fit, selecting envelopes, creating and executing response cards, and decorating the invitations as they see fit.

This will require some tools, including scrapbooking or papercrafting supplies.

A paper trimmer will help ensure straight cuts, and decorative-edged scissors can help hide any small mistakes in the edges. While this may be a cheaper option if couples get good prices on all the paper components, it also entails the most work and the greatest margin of error.

Saving money on wedding components is essential for many “Stay calm and couples. remember this special Choosing to day is for BOTH of you. take on some Think – Husband aspects of and Wife.” invitation creation can – Baden-Baden help reduce Boutique costs and personalize the event even more.

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PANDORA is pleased to announce the grand opening of its newest retail location this December, inside Knickerbocker’s at Broadmead Village shopping center in Victoria, BC. Knickerbocker’s has been a PANDORA retailer since 2008, and currently distributes PANDORA at its two Vancouver Island locations in Sidney and Brentwood Bay. “Women in Victoria have embraced the PANDORA brand as a way to express their individuality, and we’re excited to offer them the opportunity to come and explore the latest pieces from the Autumn/Winter collection at our new store,” said Kristine Flater, owner of Knickerbocker’s. www.knickerbockers.ca Knickerbocker’s Gifts 12-7103 West Saanich Rd. Brentwood Bay, B.C. 250-544-8211 U.S. Pat.No. 7,007,507 © All rights reserved.

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JANUARY 11, 2012 • VICTORIA NEWS • OAK BAY NEWS • SAANICH NEWS • GOLDSTREAM NEWS GAZETTE • PENINSULA NEWS REVIEW

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