Special Features - Happily Ever After

Happily Ever After

Tips for a great day at the bridal show Bridal shows are probably the best tool you can use to plan your wedding. They are exciting and a great way to connect with the many professionals and see samples of their work. You can preview and compare businesses to see which best meets your needs. You, your groom and your guests can have a fun day celebrating your future and making plans.

We suggest you: • Allow yourself lots of time to check out every booth. Don’t rush.

• Bring your groom, mother, attendants for assistance - they may see things you might miss and are always helpful to haul the loot.

• Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to have fun.

• Do some planning ahead to see what vendors are at the show and what services and products you are needing most.

Check the show web site for a list of vendors and connection to their web sites.

• Be sure to look at every vendor booth at the show. There are always unique ideas and opportunities at each booth.

• Walk down one side of each aisle and back up the other side. You can then return to busy exhibitors or those you have prioritized.

• Bring your daytimer/calendar to book appointments or dates.

• Be prepared to book dates with vendors who book up quickly and do limited weddings in a day (venues, photographers, dj’s, commissionaires, etc.)

• Plan to gather information and view all ideas - book consultations with businesses that you would like to further discuss your plans.

• Decide which fashion show you would like to watch and take your break to view gowns, tuxedos, florals and hairstyles on stage. You will get a lot of ideas from the stage presentation and see how your favourite dresses looks on the models.

• Fill out the registration form completely to be entered in the grand prize and door prize draws. Please remember to check all boxes. Consent is required to share your info with ‘exhibitors only’ for great opportunities and is usually not intrusive.

• Plan to be around for the final draws if attendance is required to win. Might be very worth your while.

• Bring labels with your contact information for booths that may have additional draws.

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• Be sure to ask the vendor before taking pictures of their work but it is a great reminder of things you liked when reviewing your day.

• Review the information with your groom and team after the show.

• Bring a smile and have a fun day.

Written by Pat Moore of With This Ring Bridal Gala.

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Flowers:

a key element of any wedding

In many people’s minds, a successful wedding event often rests on the choice of flowers. The most beautiful of Mother Nature’s offerings, they are essential for setting the tone of the day. The trend is towards smaller bouquets and less imposing floral centrepieces on the tables.

Vases are appearing in all shapes, sizes, and materials: ceramic, zinc, glass, and stoneware, for example. Two timeless favourites, the rose and the orchid, adapt perfectly to all these different vases. Just imagine the elegant yet contemporary look these flowers have when arranged in a huge glass vase on a guestbook table or beside an altar.

The trend in bouquets is turning towards natural simplicity rather than extravagance. White, cream, and ivory flowers form the base, with lots of greenery to set them off. Branches and leaves matched to different types of flowers are used to top off a glorious monochrome bouquet.

Regardless of the colours, tradition still rules the size of a bouquet. Choose a simple bouquet if your outfit is fairly ornate. If your gown is simple, exoticism and creativity can run wild. Round bouquets go well with tapered dresses, and cascading bouquets are perfect for gowns with trains.

Lastly, one small hint to help you avoid a truly outdated effect: don’t try to match the colour of the flowers with the groom’s outfit or with the bridesmaid’s dresses.

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The most beautiful bride

from head to toe

The excitement, joy, and anticipation you’ll feel on the big day will make you radiant with beauty. After all, there’s nothing like a good dose of happiness to put a blush on the cheeks, a sparkle in the eyes, and a beautiful smile on every bride’s face. But to truly glow from head to toe, perhaps you should think about consulting some beauty professionals.

The Hair Stylist

A stunning bride needs a fabulous hairstyle. Whichever style appeals to you, you’ll want to entrust your hair to the expert hands of a real hair salon professional. Remember to make two appointments: one to try different hairstyles, and another for the big day.

The Esthetician

Manicure, pedicure, hair removal, facial, eyelash extensions, and massage: a wedding is the perfect excuse to pamper your body. Not to mention that stray body hairs, dry skin, and damaged nails

are not on the guest list! Don’t forget to make two separate appointments for your makeup as well.

The Dentist

Because laughter is the right of every newly married couple, treat yourself to a teeth whitening treatment for a sparkling smile.

A Beautiful and Organized Bride • Make your appointments as soon as possible.

• Carry a photo of your dress and accessories to all your appointments, along with inspiring images from magazines.

• Find out the best time to pamper yourself with the various treatments. This way you won’t have any regrets, such as hair colouring done too early (hello, roots!) or a microdermabrasion done too close to your big day.

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Seven rules for choosing your groom’s outfit Even though the love of your life will be the star of the show at your wedding, you, as her future husband, must also look great. Need a hand? Here are some rules for looking your best and being stylish on your big day.

• Take into account the wedding theme. Romantic, retro, country, glamour: once you’ve decided on the style and theme of the day, you’ll be able to choose between a suit and a tuxedo.

• Imagine your total look.

Don’t just focus on the type of suit, but rather on the general impression you want to give. Don’t forget that what you wear around your neck will set the tone for your outfit.

Also think about the combination of fabrics and colours.

• Choose the right fabric. Adapt your outfit to the season. Cotton

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or lightweight wool is appropriate for summer weddings. Linen, on the other hand, is perfect for a country wedding.

• Don’t forget the accessories. Tie, suspenders, pocket handkerchief: your accessories should reflect the mood of the wedding. Choosing them before your outfit will give you an idea what colour the latter should be.

• Don’t clash with the dress. Shop for your outfit with either your future wife or a person who has seen her dress. A swatch of her dress fabric could also come in handy.

• Make the most of your build. A checkered pattern makes you look bigger; black slims you down, and a long jacket lengthens the torso.

• Make sure you feel comfortable.

Choose an outfit that suits your personality. Above all, you don’t want to give the impression of being in disguise.

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Top 10 wedding to do’s He has finally proposed? Then your top priority is to do a bit of bragging and tell everyone the good news! Once your initial excitement has calmed down a touch, though, you’ll have to take time to do some serious thinking. There are so many details to plan, a budget to draw up, and deadlines to be met: it seems so overwhelming. If you are finding it hard to get some traction and launch your wedding planning, here are 10 tips to give you some direction and help you get moving.

• Establish your budget per guest. In fact, this is the perfect time to draw up your guest list.

• Order your invitations, being careful to include your names, the date, time, and place of the wedding and reception, as well as the date by which you need to receive replies. Being clear about this will help you save a lot of precious time and money.

Be sure to include stamped, addressed envelopes if you can.

• The reception hall is often one of the biggest expenses, so be sure to reserve one as quickly as possible. If you want to keep expenses down, think about holding the reception at a family home or in a garden.

• Creating a good atmosphere is just as important as choosing a caterer, although you don’t want to skimp on food either.

To cut costs, consider serving fewer courses, with a focus on excellent quality instead of quantity.

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• Make up or order wedding favours for your guests. These are put with their place setting or offered at the end of the reception. Let your imagination run wild: you could offer small homemade soaps, candles, local produce in mini format, bath pearls, or small boxes of candies. It can also be fun to have a “retro” favour, such as a pack of matches with the bride and groom’s names embossed on the matchbook cover.

• Give yourself enough time to find a wedding gown that really suits your personality. It is also possible to rent a dress for the occasion, much as your beloved can buy or rent his tuxedo.

• Book your hair, make-up, esthetician, and manicure appointments several weeks before the wedding. If possible, plan a test run.

• Put all your heart into writing down the vows that you would like to make during the marriage ceremony. If you plan to make a speech at the reception, be sure to get that down in writing as well.

• Plan the reception down to the last detail: create the atmosphere you like with suitable music, entertainment, and a décor that matches your personality. (Don’t forget to decorate the bathrooms, a place everyone will see at some point!)

• Organize your honeymoon so that you can celebrate your new life together. And while we’re talking weddings, here are a few other tips to keep in mind: - Avoid giving important jobs to the parents of the bride and groom — unless they really want to be involved that way. Instead, let them enjoy being with the guests.

- If you intend to create a gift list, be sure to put it on the Internet so that it will be easily accessible to everyone.

- If small children will be at the reception, plan to have a space available where they can play and a quiet room where they can sleep.

- Take photographs of your hair and makeup test runs so you can choose the perfect combination when you’re well rested.

Prepare a make-up kit for any touch-up jobs on your big day.

- Leave a guest book at the entrance of the reception hall. It’s a great souvenir to keep, along with your photo album.

- Leave a disposable camera on every table so that guests can record magical moments during the reception.

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Finding accommodations for your out of town guests

Wedding planning can seem overwhelming at times, but couples also tend to have a lot of fun when making preparations for their big day. Whether it’s sampling various cuisines for their wedding reception or researching potential honeymoon destinations, couples have much to look forward to as they delve deeper into their wedding planning.

One of the more enjoyable aspects of wedding planning is finding lodging for out of town guests. Hotels come in all shapes and sizes, and visiting various hotels and seeing what each has to offer can be fun. As couples set out to find lodging for their out-of-town guests, the following factors should be taken into consideration.

Number of guests

Even if you have yet to pare down the guest list, you may have an idea of how many guests you hope to invite to your wedding. Peruse your preliminary guest list to determine how many of those potential invitees may need lodging. Some hotels won’t offer discounted room blocks

without a minimum number of guests, so try to find a hotel or hotels that can accommodate your group size and still offer a discount on their usual rates.

Location

Location bears considerable weight when choosing a hotel for your out of town wedding guests. If you are tying the knot in a large city, guests are less likely to rent cars for the weekend, so look for a hotel with access to restaurants and other attractions your guests can enjoy while they are in town. If your ceremony and reception are in a more remote location, then try to find a hotel that’s nearby so guests do not spend the bulk of their time behind the wheel while they are in town. If you simply can’t find a hotel that’s close to your ceremony and reception locations, then arrange for bus transportation so guests can get to and from the reception safely and soundly.

Amenities

Out of town guests will have more free

time on their hands than the bride- and groom-to-be, so consider the amenities each hotel you visit has to offer. On-site exercise facilities, pools and outdoor lounge areas all can help guests fill the hours before the wedding and enjoy some rest and relaxation. In addition, hotels with on-site restaurants or those next door to restaurants can provide convenient places for guests to eat and meet up with fellow guests.

Cost

Like location, cost is a significant consideration when choosing a hotel for your out of town guests. Whether such guests are driving or flying in, the cost of travel is already hitting them in the pocketbook, so finding hotels that offer budget-friendly rates for wedding parties should be a priority.

Finding a hotel for out of town wedding guests is an enjoyable element of wedding planning. Couples should consider a host of factors before making their final decisions.

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Plan the perfect wedding in 15 steps You’re getting married! Congratulations! Now it’s time to plan the wedding. Here are 15 steps you should follow (not necessarily in order) so that everything is perfect on the big day. Before you start, set your budget and stick to it at all costs. If you think you might lose your head, your best bet is to hire a wedding planner.

• Decide on your theme. Hollywood glamour, car-themed, turquoise and white — you know the possibilities are endless!

• Draw up your guest list and send invitations. Will it be a grand affair or an intimate gathering? Who do you want by your side on your special day? Make sure everyone can make it by sending out save the date cards and invitations early.

• Plan the wedding procession. Who will you pick to be the best man, and who gets to be the maid of honour? Have you found a flower girl and a ring bearer?

• Select the officiant and the type of ceremony. Courthouse wedding or religious tradition? Officiated by a priest or by a friend? Make sure that the option you choose welcomes your personal touch.

• Find your venues. Where will the ceremony and the reception be held — in a church, at the beach, in a grand hotel, at the park or in a cozy cabin? Will you need to rent any equipment?

• Dream up the floral arrangements and decor. Which flowers will be featured in the bride’s bouquet, the boutonnieres and the centrepieces? What kind of accents (balloons, candles, draperies) will create the perfect ambiance? continued on page 9

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continued from page 8 • Prepare your registry and your gift bags. What household items do you and your partner need — a toaster, wine glasses, silk sheets? Open a registry to avoid receiving duplicate gifts. And remember to thank your guests with a personalized keepsake.

• Secure an entertainment team. Do you need a master of ceremonies? Will a DJ, a string quartet or a rock band be in charge of the music?

• Hire a photographer and a videographer. Who will immortalize your magical day? Take a look at several portfolios to find the pro that understands your vision.

• Find a caterer and a bakery. What will be on the menu, and how will food be served? Will there be a candy bar, or even a chocolate fountain? Don’t forget the cake!

• Plan your grand entrance. Will you arrive at the ceremony on horseback? On your bike? In a limo, a sports car or a hotair balloon?

• Purchase your rings. What will the objects symbolizing your union look like?

Will they be golden, diamond studded, massive or subdued? Choose wisely, because you’ll (hopefully!) be wearing them for life.

• Shop for your outfits. Bowtie or regular tie? White gown or colourful sundress?

Your attire for the event should reflect your personal style and make you feel absolutely stunning!

• Book your beauty appointments.

Have you called your hair stylist, your makeup artist and your esthetician yet?

And what about the nail salon? Don’t forget to plan for trial sessions.

• Write up your vows. What words will you choose to describe your feelings?

Time to brainstorm!

• Finally, draft your prenuptial agreement and marriage contract — a task that’s decidedly unromantic, but essential nonetheless. Remember to book everything as early as possible to avoid scrambling for a backup plan. And one last thing: where will you spend your honeymoon?

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What to know when you’re booking a

DJ

So you’re planning your wedding!

Here’s a head start on finding the right DJ company for your special day.

How early do we need to book our DJ? Generally, it’s ‘first come first served’ in the wedding industry. The sooner you begin researching potential vendors, the more luck you’ll have booking your favourites. We typically see brides and grooms booking eight to 12 months in advance, but sometimes longer.

What can we expect when looking for our DJ? Hiring a wedding vendor is just like conducting a job interview. You connect with potential candidates, interview one another, and then choose the right one to trust with your special day.

During the discovery phase, you won’t

need to know every detail of your wedding, although having a general idea of your vision will make the ‘interview process’ more efficient.

It’s hard to know what to ask if you’ve never planned a large event before, so by default your first question becomes how much? That’s tough to answer –

it’s like saying, “What does a vacation cost?” before knowing your destination, the length of your stay, the rating of your hotel, and your chosen airline. It’s smart to have a budget; just don’t do yourself a disservice by comparing vendors on price alone.

continued on page 11

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continued from page 10 Instead, carve out a few minutes for the initial conversation to learn about the company, and allow them to discover your unique needs: When is your wedding?

Where is it taking place?

Do you want a four hour dance, or coverage for the entire day including ceremony?

A quaint setup in a small hall, or a large party under a tent outside?

Do you have an M.C. in mind yet?

Do you imagine colourful lighting to enhance the ambiance?

Any peripherals like a projector and screen for a slide show?

You are about to select one of the companies responsible for the success of your entire evening. Experienced DJs not only entertain your guests, but help keep your event on track. They may assist with hosting, timeline management, audiovisual needs, venue ambiance or other effects, and of course, playing that perfect song at the perfect time. Leading up to that night, they should help you plan your big day and make sure it’s extra special by being with you every step of the way.

So…how do we choose a DJ? There are many great DJ service pro-

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viders in Central Alberta, and your mission is to seek out the perfect match for you. During your conversations you’ll already start to click with one or two.

Consider the following: Is the company familiar and well-respected?

Do you see them in the community? At bridal shows? At fundraisers?

How long have they been in business?

What do their reviews look like?

Check what your peers are saying online.

Have they won any awards for their customer service?

Who do you trust with the most important day of your lives?

Are they licenced and insured?

Will they commit to your event with a contract?

Any red flags with the Better Business Bureau?

What is the back-up plan if someone becomes ill or if equipment fails?

How much experience do they have?

What organizations are they part of?

The CDJA, CPDJA, PDJA, etc?

What are they offering vs. what is my budget? If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed at this point, hold off on conversations about your song selections, fog machines, monograms, and so on.

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Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not ask about some of the cool options that put a special touch of class on your wedding?

For the 2014, 2015, and 2016 wedding seasons, more than 50% of our couples have asked for ceremony coverage.

For those who don’t, consider a pianist or acoustic guitar player.

There has been a real trend in the use of uplighting these last few years. It really gives a warm gentle glow to your venue. You can match your wedding colours and make it as subtle or intense as you wish.

Web-based event planning can make your timelines and song selections a breeze (even for your guests if you wish).

Juiced Audio offers clients a free online portal that you can log into at your convenience to update your info, track payments, and manage your account.

These are some general idea starters.

With so many variations of what a wedding could look like, it’s tough to squeeze 20 years of experience into one page of tips and tricks.

All the best for a happy, romantic future together!

Dennis Allan is the owner of Juiced Audio & Lighting Inc.

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What’s trending with

weddings for 2017?

Weddings are and always have been an exciting adventure into the dreams of little girls grown up.

They are creative artistry of beauty and the unfathomed joy of love. They are as individual as every bride and groom and a personal announcement of their commitment. Though they are a large amount of work and investment, it is a special time to celebrate with family and friends and create a day they will always remember.

I often wonder where the unique ideas that create new and exciting looks, designs and trends every year come from. Not only are the dreams of the couples able to inspire new ideas but with creative wedding planners and designers and the influences of the whole wedding industry, weddings have grown beyond our imaginations. You only have to look in any wedding magazine and you will see the unbelievable.

2017 will be no exception. Your wedding is all about you and will be that expression of your love. If you are adventurous and looking for ideas, there are many new trends to consider.

Words that describe the trends for this year would be colour, elaborate extremes, metallics, technical effects, nature, casual, candid and emotional and much more.

Wedding gowns

have peek-a-boo panels, cut outs and 3D floral details. There are more sleeves and less strapless looks but more colours and even metallics. Sparkle and flowing tulle, bare backs and elegant detailing, including bows help create the romantic feel of this year’s gown fashions. Convertible dresses make it possible to create two looks or have a removable train.

Bridal party fashions

are unique and individual, just like the friends that will share your exciting day.

Very popular are different shades or intensities of your wedding colour or more than one colour. Different styles to suit the individuals but in one colour is also a growing trend. You can tie the colours together in the accessories and florals. Even patterns mixed with solids are a look you will see this year.

Décor

should express the personalities of the wedding couple and will cover the same broad spectrum as it has throughout the past decade.The vintage and retro looks of 2016 are still popular but have been updated and modernized with metallics, soft lighting, techi touches and technicolour. Bold patterns and layering of colours in backdrops and centrepieces will add to the atmosphere but the connection to nature and natural looks is still strong. Many wedding designers and rentals offer furnishings that will add to your wedding atmosphere. Lots of techi-effects and soft lighting or coloured lighting will create an amazing romantic atmosphere for your special day. Pump it up for the fun festivities of the evening with a change to more dramatic lighting.

Wedding florals

create the finishing touches to your décor and set off the beauty of your gowns. They make a unique statement and can fill the room with soft scents of romance. They are as unique as the bride and should whisper that secret with colour, size and style. They also are updated with loose natural looks, metallics, foliage and adornments for 2017. Table garlands with foliage, natural outdoor expressions and floral layering in centrepieces will be prevalent touches to the 2017 weddings.

continued on page 13

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continued from page 12

Cakes

- anything goes. Bring out your story with an amazing creation by a talented cake designer, your favourite desserts or dessert bar. Metallic once again has been added to the decorative looks here and the naked cakes of 2016 have been dressed up with translucent frosting just to add a touch of cover. Floral motif, lazer cut decorations, hand painted elements and real flowers can all add the extra touch. If you have a techie on board, there is no limit to the fun you can create with your cake. Be sure it tells your story. Ask your decorator about a cake tasting before you pick your flavour - that’s just part of the fun.

Live entertainment

- there is a trend to this for this year. Portrait artists and illustrators create special memories. Live bands or musicians are in style and a lot of fun. Many couples are choosing to have their first dance before dinner, when they make their entrance at the reception location. This is especially good if the photographer is not staying.

On sight food trucks create fun and add a new concept to your day.

Food

, food, food is definitely on the list for this year’s trends and can be snack bars, buffets, stand up meals, finger foods

or formal banquets. Fun, food and live interaction will create memories.

Gift registries

for the bride and groom who have everything, registries for travel, honeymoon, hobbies, special experiences, etc. are being created to assist guests with options.

Charming elopements

are gaining attention for the 2017 trends and can be a very romantic and amazing celebration of your unique style as well.

Trending information is a wonderful source of inspiration, but remember that you by no means have to incorporate

every single idea into your wedding day.

Brides and grooms should spend time together to plan and take inventory of the things you like, both as individuals and as a couple, and use that as your basis of inspiration and creativity. Remember that anything goes and your day should look like you, your dreams and what you love most. From a simple to an elaborate ceremony, or an appetizer buffet to a banquet, the important thing to remember is to create memories, have fun and celebrate your love in whatever way will make your wedding dreams a reality.

Written by Pat Moore of With This Ring Bridal Gala.

She You

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a g n i l i p Com t list gues

Drawing up a guest list for your wedding can be very stressful, especially when you start thinking about your extended family and your limited budget. What’s the best way to tackle this difficult job? Two options are available to you.

First of all, you can list the names of all the people you would like to be present at your wedding, and adapt the reception or your budget accordingly. Obviously, the longer the list, the more costly it will be. Or, if you feel that the presence of all the people on your list is essential, there are ways of inviting everyone without breaking the bank. You could opt for a more affordable menu or a no-frills reception or a cash bar, for instance.

You can also do the reverse. Choose the reception hall and determine your budget, then adjust your guest list accordingly. You’d love to get married in a specific place that can only accommodate 80 people? Compile your list according to your priorities until you reach the maximum number of guests. Start with family and close friends, then add extended family and friends, and end with acquaintances and colleagues if there is room. Don’t forget the spouses (and the children, if invited) of all these people.

Whichever option you choose, keep in mind that it is your big day; don’t succumb to the pressure of inviting people you don’t really want to see. Instead, surround yourself with people who are important to you.

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The perfect wedding band to tie the knot Since time immemorial, wedding bands have symbolized the continuity of marriage. Legend has it that a wedding ring is customarily worn on the left ring finger because of the vena amoris, or “vein of love”; it was thought to have a uniquely direct connection to the heart. We know today that all the fingers have similar privileges, but your choice of wedding ring is still as important as ever. After all, you’re hoping that it will adorn your ring finger until death do you part.

Your tastes, your gender, and especially your budget are the main factors to consider in choosing the right band.

The Metal

• Gold. Whether it’s yellow, pink, or white, gold is always a safe bet. The price varies according to the number of Karats (abbreviated by K or kt).

• Platinum. This metal is attractive and very durable, but more expensive.

• Titanium. It’s less expensive and doesn’t scratch or fade, but it isn’t as shiny as gold or platinum.

• Silver. This is typically the most affordable option, but pure silver oxidizes over time.

Discretion Vs. Extravagance

You might enjoy having a ring that’s striated, bejeweled, or engraved with a personal message from your beloved. There’s nothing to stop you from being creative and commissioning tailor-made wedding bands from your jeweler. Men typically prefer to opt for discretion and comfort; jewellery without gemstones is less fragile and thus more popular with them. And even though rings are available in an endless range of possibilities, most women still choose diamonds, which are, of course, forever.

Wedding superstition holds that you shouldn’t try on your wedding bands before the big day, and that the groomto be should keep the rings until the wedding. But the only really important rule is that this day be filled with happiness.

Smile.

This is your day!

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The Drumheller

Wedding Show March 5, 2017 10 AM - 2 PM

Drumheller Badlands Community Facility ( 80 Veterans Way )

This premier wedding event in the Badlands provides you the opportunity to meet with wedding experts who will be showcasing the newest and hottest trends in the wedding industry.

Find everything you need to make your wedding day dream a reality.

Gift bags for the ďŹ rst 100 brides/grooms, FREE parking, door prizes, and fashion shows by Cottonwood Bridal starting at 11am & 1pm.

Admission is free, however RSVP and be entered to win a 10 percent discount on your venue booking at the BCF. RSVP to cstokes@dinosaurvalley.com.

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Photo Credit to: Broken Curfew Photography

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Three tips to help you plan your

DESTINATION WEDDING Do you dream of saying “I do” to the love of your life barefoot in the warm sand? If so, know that getting married in paradise is relatively easy to do. Follow these three tips to plan an unforgettable ceremony under the sun.

Determine Your Needs

First, decide what you want and set your priorities. Brainstorm with your partner about your ideal destinations and discuss when you’d like to hold the ceremony.

Draw up your guest list and establish a firm budget to avoid getting carried away.

Call On An Expert

A travel agent can give you

the inside scoop on the best deals and destinations for your special day. Thanks to his or her expertise, the agent will make recommendations based on your needs, your budget and your expectations. Most beach resorts offer all-inclusive wedding packages; if that’s something you’d be interested in, ask your agent for details.

Send Out Your Invitations Early

Send out your wedding invitations as soon as you’ve settled on a wedding date. The earlier you inform your invitees about your plans, the better. Aim for at least six months notice to allow your guests to prepare for the trip.

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The flower girl Whether your wedding is going to take the traditional or modern and minimalist route, you can honour a young friend, sister, niece, or cousin by asking her to be your flower girl. If you’re planning on a big wedding party, with several bridesmaids and groomsmen, a flower girl is a lovely inclusion. If you want to keep the pomp to a minimum, having just one little flower girl to stand with you is a great strategy to avoid disappointing adult women friends!

The flower girl is usually placed at the head of the procession and leads the bride down the aisle towards her future

husband. Because all eyes will be riveted on this little person, special thought should be given to her outfit. Flower girl dresses can be found in most department stores and in wedding dress boutiques. A frilly and white little ball gown will make your flower girl feel like a princess for a day — you can bet that she’ll have a hard time waiting for the big day to finally arrive!

You might prefer to let your flower girl choose her own outfit or you may want to provide one that is inspired by your own gown. Whatever the style, be sure to choose a bouquet for your flower girl that is a reflection in miniature of the one you will be holding. Another option is to ask her to carry a basket of flower petals, which she will scatter on the floor as she walks down the aisle.

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Book your wedding at www.lacombe.ca/lmc or call 403.782.6668 18

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Weddings and non-traditional families Families come in all shapes and sizes. During special events — particularly those steeped in tradition, such as weddings — blended families may have to employ certain tactics to ensure the events go off without a hitch.

When planning their weddings, couples must give consideration to the needs of their families. Even though a wedding is about the union of two people, oftentimes couples engaged to be married must contend with the politics of divorce or other familial issues. This includes if and how to incorporate step-parents and step-siblings into the ceremony and celebration.

There are no traditional rules regarding how to handle blended families, so brides- and grooms-to-be can customize their decisions based on their own unique situations. Even when families have been happy through the years, the unique circumstances and traditions surrounding the nuptials can dredge up former insecurities, and certain aspects may require extra patience and tact. Here’s how to navigate the process.

• Consider step-parents and step-siblings VIPs. Brides and grooms who are not particularly close to their step-families still have to recognize the role they play in the family dynamics. These people are still family, so respect and courtesy should be offered.

If there is any lingering animosity, extend the olive branch on this day and try not to let anyone be made to feel as if they are

unimportant. A simple announcement of who step-parents are at the wedding reception or inclusion of their names on wedding itineraries can help smooth over any potential bumps.

• Put others’ needs before your own. While the wedding may be about you and your future spouse, you must consider the feelings of others. Biological parents and step-parents may act defensively if they feel uncomfortable or hurt, and that can create an air of negativity to the day. Try to avoid this by considering potential areas of conflict. For example, mothers might be hurt if their ex-husbands’ new girlfriends are asked to be in a group family photo. Instead, select separate times to have everyone included.

Remember to give parents and step-parents priority seating as well, and they each should be seated next to someone they love and someone with whom they can converse comfortably. You may think everyone can play nice, but it’s best not to push the issue just to make a point at the wedding.

• Recognize that some families break the mold. Recently, a father made waves on the Internet when a video of him pulling the bride’s step-father up to assist in walking her down the aisle went viral. This was a wonderful image of families making it work despite their differences or the awkwardness that can result when brides or grooms have parents and step-parents in attendance.

Although this scenario might not play out for all, find ways to impart a special touch, especially if you’re close to both your biological parents and your step-parents. For example, your biological father may walk you down the aisle, while your step-father may enjoy the first dance.

• Order flowers and gifts for all. Purchase flowers and wedding party gifts for all of the special people in your lives, including your step-family.

Weddings can be complicated affairs when factoring in blended families. With patience and compassion, such families can enjoy a beautiful and happy day.

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Thousands of different styles and models of wedding gowns are available on the market, one more beautiful than the next. From white to cream, from long to short, and lace, pearls, and silks: there is certainly no lack of choice. But before you set out on a marathon tour of all the wedding dress boutiques, it is important to get to know your body type so that you can know what style of dress will best suit you.

• Do you have an hourglass shape (shoulders and hips of equal width, with smaller waist)? You could treat yourself to a “mermaid” gown that accentuates your curves. If you dream of a royal wedding, the princess dress is perfect for you, as is a two-piece dress with a bustier. In short, anything that flatters the waistline will emphasize your feminine curves.

• For apple or V-shaped figures (shoulders broader than the hips), look more for an empire waist or A-line dress which will balance your proportions.

• If your hips are wider than your shoulders, you have a pear or A-shaped figure. Look for an A-line style and avoid a straight or mermaid dress that draws eyes where you don’t want them to be.

• When your shoulders, hips, and waist are all of a similar width, you have a straight or I-shape.

Avoid a straight dress, opting for an A-line or princess style or one with a bodice, which will create a more curved effect.

• If you’re petite, look for a simple dress without too many frills. Belts should be avoided, as they will cut your silhouette in two where a lengthening effect would be more desirable. No matter what your body type, let your instincts guide you towards the dress of your dreams. Don’t hesitate to ask for a few extra adjustments from the shop’s seamstress so that you will feel completely comfortable in your gown.

Choosing a dress to fit your body type

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How to choose your wedding photographer in three easy steps Are you looking for a photographer that will immortalize every magical moment of your wedding, all while bringing out everyone’s best side? Follow these steps to make sure you succeed in your quest.

Do Your Homework

Start by making a list of local professional photographers and have a look at their portfolios, eliminating the ones you don’t like right away. Seeing the work of different pros will help you determine whether you prefer a romantic, vintage, festive, or natural style for your own wedding photos. Then, draw up a (short) list of the photographers whose talents you appreciated and whose fees suit your budget.

Meet The Candidates

Once your preliminary selection is made, contact each candidate to set up a meeting. After all, even if you really like their work, you still have to make sure that your personalities don’t clash. Remember that your photographer will be almost as close as your shadow on your big day. Consequently, it’s vital that you feel comfortable with the person — your state of mind, positive or not, will shine through in your photos.

Sign The Contract

The last step, but not the least, consists in making your agreement official. It’s important to sign a contract, because it is legally binding and covers you in case of unforeseen events or misunderstandings. See to it!

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