Special Features - New Beginnings 2017

FEBRUARY

2017

New

Beginnings start here…

Celebrating the

SPECIAL MOMENTS of Your Life

The best is yet to come…

• • • • •

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CAPITAL news

Wedding ring shopping

Engagement ring purchases are usually a solo endeavor, with the groom having an idea of the ring style and color his bride-tobe prefers. But couples usually shop for their wedding ring sets together, and such excursions can be special and meaningful.

Like many decisions couples make when planning their weddings, choosing rings comes down to personal preference. There are no steadfast rules when it comes to purchasing wedding rings, but some guidelines can make shopping far easier.

As couples prepare to shop for rings, it can help for each person to list the attributes he or she would like in a ring. This should include the type of metal, color, width, and even cost.

Couples may find they have different preferences, and this is perfectly fine, as wedding rings do not have to match.

A wedding band should complement the engagement ring but not be a perfect match.

An ornate engagement ring might look better with a simple band, and vice-versa.

Similarly cut gemstones also can complement

an engagement ring. If the bride chooses to wear both her engagement ring and wedding band together on the same finger, she should choose a band that will accommodate the curves of uniquely shaped engagement rings.

Couples can make some early choices even before they visit jewelry stores.

Narrow down your options so the experience will not be overwhelming. When the time comes to shop, give yourselves at least two months to browse and then choose the rings you like best.

Lifestyle and daily routine should be considered at all times. These rings will be worn daily, and no one wants to fret about a ring being too delicate to stand up to everyday wear and tear. Also, think long-term. Trendy rings can be fun, but will they still seem like such a good idea when you are celebrating your twentieth wedding anniversary?

When getting rings sized, both the bride

and groom should go when their fingers aren’t swollen from exercise or early in the morning after they may have retained fluid.

Shopping should take place when hands aren’t too hot or cold. This will allow the best size so the bands fit comfortably and will have enough wiggle room should fingers swell or shrink a little bit.

People can protect their investments by keeping the ring on as much as possible and only removing it when engaging in demanding physical activity or when working with chemicals. Store the ring in a safe spot when you are not wearing it so you are less likely to lose it.

Wedding rings can be purchased from any number of retailers. Just be sure the rings are of good quality and sellers stands by the craftsmanship.

Photo Credit: redbloomphotography.com

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The Okanagan Bridal Expo had its most successful year yet, packing the Delta Grand hotel with brides and grooms to be, their families and entourages.

More than 1,000 people attended the sixth-annual Okanagan Bridal Expo, enjoying drinks, food, fashion and the 104 vendors on display inside the Delta Grand’s conference centre.

“We had 104 booths, exhibitors, it continued on forever. Ranging from cakes, photographers, florists, caterers – you could plan your whole wedding under one roof,” said Bethany Armstrong, event coordinator.

“It was so awesome and busy.

It was the biggest turn out yet. I couldn’t have fit anymore vendors if I had tried. I had a waiting list.”

There were even 350 welcome bags for brides-to-be that ran out in the first two hours.

Salmon Arm bride-to-be Stacey MacPherson was the luckiest girl at the ball, walking away with the grand prize – a free honeymoon. The prize presented by Maritime Travel, included a 7-night stay for two people at the Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, in the Dominican Republic.

Another lucky local bride-to-be won a houseboat weekend trip and a groom-to-be won a weekend golf ‘bromance’ package at Predator Ridge.

The Okanagan Bridal Expo is the biggest bridal expo in the Okanagan each year.

Photography: Joelsview Photography

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Eloping as a wedding option ption has its benefits

BY SHERRY COTE

PARENTAL OBJECTION TO THEIR CHILD’S CHOICE OF SPOUSE IS NO LONGER THE ONLY REASON COUPLES ESCAPE FROM HOLDING A BIG WEDDING AND TAKE OFF TOGETHER TO ELOPE. NOWADAYS ELOPING IS MORE COMMON AND THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS THAT MAKE IT AN ATTRACTIVE OPTION FOR MODERN COUPLES. ADVANTAGES OVER HAVING A TRADITIONAL WEDDING INCLUDE:

Saving Money:

This is one of the most popular reasons for eloping. Feeling pressured into having the perfect or most unique wedding, many newlyweds find themselves buried in debt. Rather than spend thousands of dollars they may or may not have, couples may choose to forego a lavish wedding and reception in favor of eloping.

Statistics indicate that an average

wedding costs approximately $20,000, and that does not include the honeymoon. Eloping is so much less stressful and a bargain, when you consider the cost of a conventional wedding. An elopement package can cost about $1,000 and for less than $5,000 a couple can get married and have a one-week honeymoon in Kelowna.

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Is eloping right for me?

Fun, Excitement, and Romance:

Is Eloping Right For Me?

The thrill of having a destination wedding or taking off with your fiancé is what lures some away from traditional weddings.

The sense of spontaneity and adventure that accompanies an elopement can be very appealing.

Savvy, independent couples elope to do something different, to create the wedding they want without any compromises. Today’s elopements are no longer taboo affairs, they are happy surprises. Eloping is the wedding day as it was before the advent of Bridezilla, the 250 person guest list, and the bar bill. A wedding is a day, but a marriage is forever.

And while elopements have traditionally been an exclusive affair, they don’t have to be.

Just because you elope does not mean that family members or friends can’t be with you. You can still have your father walk you down the aisle or your best friend witness your ceremony.

The best part of eloping is that there are no rules.

Avoiding Stress of Wedding Planning:

Even a planned elopement that includes family and friends does not take the time and attention to detail of planning a traditional wedding ceremony and reception.

Privacy and Intimacy:

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NEW BEGINNINGS / FEBRUARY 2017

For some, the wonderful experience of getting married is best celebrated through a private and intimate getaway. This allows the couple to really focus on one another and the special joy of their marriage.

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Life’s too short for bad cake

BY CARLI BERRY

Cindy Finnigan likes to dip her toes into the wedding business.

Finnigan was originally a wedding planner, but as the job became too much for her, she found her outlet through baking.

“I’ve been a baker my whole life. When I was off on medical leave I got a little bit more into it.

I started baking and making cakes for all my friends,” she said, adding her friends thought she could make a business out of it.

“They convinced me that my cakes were better than I realized.”

She started her business, Cakery Arts, through Community

Futures and has been baking cakes ever since.

She’s baked almost 200 cakes since the bakery’s opening in April, 2015, and she takes special care in creating wedding cakes.

The wedding cakes are larger than the average cake, she said.

The first step to creating a wedding cake is the bride. Usually, the bride will choose a design and Finnigan will provide a cake

tasting, she said.

A wedding cake can take a few weeks to make, especially when it comes to designing the flowers.

The flowers alone can take up to a week, as the pedals can’t be built all at once, she said.

“We usually hang them upside down to dry.”

The cake is made, more often than not, on a Wednesday, to be shipped on Saturday for a wedding.

Finnigan runs the show by herself, using Muninn’s Post’s industrial kitchen in the day when the bar is not in use.

In the summer, she bakes four to five orders a week, with a maximum of two wedding cakes.

In her spare time, she works in a flower shop, meeting brides at Village Flowers.

Photo Alisha Khan Photography

“I’ve always been drawn to weddings. I love the pretty factor,” she said.

But her passion doesn’t come from the pretty factor, it comes from people enjoying her creations.

“I’ve always loved making people happy with food,” she said.

For more information on Cindy and Cakery Arts, visit cakeryarts.com.

“My mission statement is to make people smile. I bake love… and life’s too short for bad cake.”

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7 tips FOR A GREAT HONEYMOON

A couple’s honeymoon is their first real chance to relax and unwind after the hustle and bustle of wedding planning.

Couples who want to make sure their first getaway as husband and wife goes off without a hitch might want to heed the following advice.

1. Start saving early. Honeymoons are expensive, so to afford the vacation of your dreams it’s wise to begin saving for the honeymoon as early as possible. It may be well worth it to compromise and make sacrifices in other areas to ensure you have enough funds for your dream honeymoon getaway. Do not expect cash gifts at your wedding to pay for your trip. If you do, you may be sorely disappointed when the time comes to take off.

2. Read online reviews. Online reviews can paint an accurate picture of a potential honeymoon destination. Look at vacationer-supplied photographs to see how the accommodations match up to the resort’s own marketing materials. You don’t want too many surprises, such as service fees, dirty rooms or a lack of beach amenities, to ruin your trip.

3. Plan at least one exciting outing. While on your honeymoon, be sure to go on at least one adventure. Try an activity you have never

done before, such as snorkeling, traveling a zip line or swimming with stingrays.

4. Pack early. After a long wedding day and reception spent dancing into the wee hours of the morning, you probably do not want to spend time packing. Pack your suitcases and travel essentials in advance of your wedding day so you have more time to sleep in before you depart for the airport. Also, remember not to over-pack. You want to have room for the souvenirs you purchase along the way.

5. Enjoy your surroundings. Put down the smartphone or tablet enough to truly enjoy your surroundings. A honeymoon is an opportunity to relax, and that may not be possible if you’re tied to your devices. Friends at home can wait for your status updates and wedding pictures.

6. Splurge on something expensive. Whether it’s an ultra-fancy dinner or an exotic souvenir, indulge.

7. Leave your itinerary open. After scores of wedding appointments and watching the clock, it’s nice to fly by the seat of your pants.

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Groom’s Guide

TUXEDO PURCHASING POINTERS

G

entlemen getting ready to tie the knot will have to make certain wardrobe choices so they look their best on their big days.

Although many grooms-to-be rent tuxedos on their wedding days, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a tuxedo.

Tuxedos are the ultimate formal wear for men. Worn at formal gatherings like proms, weddings and lavish parties, tuxedos have undergone several style changes over the years. Men interested in looking polished will find no option makes that impression more convincingly than the right tuxedo.

Men frequently called upon to attend formal events may find purchasing a tuxedo is a wise investment. There are several advantages to owning a tux rather than renting one time and again. Tuxedos typically cost around $1,000, whereas renting tuxedos can be $200 or more each time, making it advantageous for men who frequently don tuxedos to purchase their own rather than rent.

Another advantage to owning a tuxedo is the opportunity to wear a tux that is custom-made and tailored just for you. Instead of a rental that will merely be stitched temporarily to fit your measurements, a tuxedo you purchase will be tailored specifically to your body, increasing comfort and making you look better as well.

Men who buy their own tuxedos also can choose the style, fabric, color, buttons, accessories, and type of lapels on the jacket. A tuxedo store may have more styles available for sale than for rent. If you desire something that fits your personality and your physique perfectly, buying your own tuxedo may be your best bet.

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Men worried about purchasing a tuxedo only to see their waistlines increase or decrease should keep in mind that many tuxedo shops offer free tailoring for as long as you own the tuxedo.

When purchasing a tuxedo, men should choose classic styles and colors so they can enjoy the tux for years to come. Opt for a slim-fitting white shirt underneath that won’t billow out when jackets are removed. Men who want to break from tradition can opt for a shirt that is a pale blue or light gray to wear under the jacket. This is still an understated look, but one with a hint of creativity.

A classic, black bow tie is an ideal match when purchasing a more classic tuxedo. The bow tie is back in a big way, and men who want to spice things up can purchase more traditional neckties for those occasions when they don’t want to wear bow ties.

Tuxedos come with different lapel styles, and it’s important to know the differences. Today’s most popular style is the notch lapel, wherein a triangular indentation is cut where the lapel joins the collar.

This lapel mimics the shape of a classic suit. A peak lapel is the quintessential classic, featuring a broad, V-shaped lapel that points up and out just below the collar line. A shawl lapel is a smooth, rounded edge lapel. The shawl lapel reached the height of its popularity in the 1950s, but it can still look good today.

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Be smart about W

wedding beauty preparation

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ll eyes are on the bride and groom on their wedding day. Feeling beautiful and dapper can boost a couple’s confidence and ensure they look back on their wedding photographs and videos with pride.

Certain beauty basics and makeup and hair strategies can help any bride look spectacular on her wedding day. The following are some dos and don’ts of wedding day beauty preparations.

DO employ the services of a professional hairstylist and makeup artist. Professionals have the experience and tools of the trade to help you to look your best. From contouring to make your face seem slimmer to enlarging the appearance of small eyes, some tricks of the trade are best left to the pros.

DON’T forget to schedule a trial run. Make this appointment several months before the wedding day so you have ample time to work with your stylists and experiment with colors and hair arrangements to fit your personality and the style of your gown. Take plenty of pictures and notes so you will remember what needs to be on hand for the wedding day.

DO allot enough time for the wedding day beauty appointment. If you will be going to a salon, block out two or more slots instead of one. This way the stylist does not overbook and will not feel rushed. Many brides opt to have stylists come to their homes. There may be an extra charge for this service, but it may be well worth the cost.

DON’T make any drastic

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NEW BEGINNINGS / FEBRUARY 2017

changes to your appearance right before the wedding.

This includes changing your hair color or texture, extreme tanning, using colored contact lenses, or chopping off all of your hair. It’s better to wait until after the wedding to change your style.

DO bring a veil, headpiece, hair extensions, and any other accessories to your hair consult. This enables the stylist to practice working with these items.

DON’T tweeze or wax brows too close to the start of the ceremony. Redness and swelling are common side effects of tweezing and waxing, and they can be difficult to mask with makeup. Instead, take care of hair removal a day or two prior to the wedding.

DO exfoliate your skin prior to the wedding. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should endure a harsh fruit acid peel or another procedure. You can exfoliate with a gentle washing of your skin with a nubby washcloth to remove any dryness and errant flakes. Moisturize well to ensure a smooth palette for makeup application.

DON’T wash or condition hair the day of the wedding. Intricate styles tend to stay better when hair has a little grip. “Dirty” hair is easier to work with than shiny, freshly washed locks. If you must wash, remember to thoroughly dry your hair before going to your appointment.

DO wear a little extra makeup than you are accustomed to wearing because it will show up better in photos. However, do not wearso much that you

look clownish. A makeup artist can help you achieve the right balance.

DON’T have bridesmaids wear makeup that is bolder than yours, especially red lips. No one should upstage the bride.

DO experiment with any products you haven’t used before to test for allergic reactions and see how well they wear.

DON’T wear too much under-eye concealer or one that is too light of a shade. This can draw more attention to problem areas than remedy them.

DO bring a pain relief medication in case a tight hairstyle or headpiece causes a headache.

DON’T forget that men need a little help as well. Exfoliation and moisturization can help dry skin.

Guys should use a new razor and plenty of cream before shaving to avoid irritation. A dusting of finishing powder can banish shiny noses and foreheads for photo-ready faces.

Chances are more photographs will be taken of a newlywed couple than at any other moment in their lives. Certain beauty dos and don’ts should be followed so couples put their best faces forward.

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t Wedding Season:

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BY MIKE STRAUS

Ten Fashions’ team of bridal consultants give an inside look at the upcoming wedding season’s most popular fashions.

Rosemarie Gottschlag’s love of bridal fashions has kept her watching wedding trends for over 35 years.

Gottschlag, owner of Ten Fashions Bridal Boutique, dedicated several years of her life to learning the industry in Germany, where the barrier to entry is considerably higher than in Canada.

“In Germany this is a (regulated) profession,” Gottschlag says. “To work in the industry requires a three-year degree with an apprenticeship, and then you become a trade assistant. But you can’t own a bridal store there unless you have a master’s degree. ” Nearly four decades later, Gottschlag and her team have seen it all. Ten Fashions Bridal

Local bridal fashion experts predict the big trends

Boutique will be celebrating its 37th anniversary in May. Gottschlag credits her success to her ability to pick up on the industry trends, which she says seem to rotate through a somewhat predictable cycle.

The biggest changes she’s seen? No more high necks, and no more sleeves. Strapless open back is the style du jour.

Destination weddings are also gaining in popularity, and bridal shops like Ten Fashions have responded with lines of destination-inspired wedding attire.

Gottschlag’s daughter, Gabriele, notes that both popular culture and foreign culture are influencing today’s most popular fashions: “Ever since that movie The Great Gatsby came out, there’s been a big push toward Gatsbyesque fashion. We’re also seeing East Indian style nowadays – we’re borrowing from other cultures. This season, two-piece gowns are popular for the first time. And rarely do you sell a white wedding gown anymore it’s usually ivory.”

And while styles have changed, the women at Ten Fashions say buying habits shouldn’t. Despite the Internet revolutionizing most industries, Ten Fashions bridal consultant Julie Hodak says that she’s seen too many brides and

bridesmaids crying over poorly made dresses to recommend shopping online.

“We had one woman come in with a dress (that she bought online) that was supposed to be a peach colour. It was bright neon orange, and when it arrived at her house it was ripped. She couldn’t believe it.”

Bridal consultant Debarah Bulford cites the dress-buying experience as the single best reason to visit a bridal shop rather than buying online.

Says Bulford: “Once women come into the store and try the dress on, they have an experience

that makes the occasion much more meaningful. People often say they’re glad they came in just because of the experience.”

The moral of the story, the Ten Fashions staff say, is that wedding fashions change - but that doesn’t mean the buying process should.

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Yes! I do.

OKANAGAN DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR/BRIDE TO BE CARMEN WELD IS SHARING SOME TIPS SHE GATHERED AS SHE PLANS HER WEDDING. ENGAGED TO MICHAEL HENDERSON SINCE OCT. 7, THE PAIR WILL BE MARRIED ON BOWEN ISLAND IN AUGUST.

BY CARLI BERRY

• Book a venue well in advance, said Weld. The recommended time frame is a year.

She said they lucked out with their venue, especially since it was a weekend in August.

“Picking a date and securing a venue is the utmost importance, because a summer weekend wedding is hard to do. Some people will book their wedding two years in advance.”

Guest accommodations are also something to consider when booking a venue, she said.

• Weld uses an app called The Knot, which gives a checklist and a timeline for what needs to be done each day. “It’s actually mostly stressful and upsetting because it reminds you ‘these are all the things you’re 10 /

NEW BEGINNINGS / FEBRUARY 2017

behind on,’” she laughed.

• Consider your guest list.

“People you thought would have no opinion on who to invite, all of a sudden do,” she said.

“You have to think about every person you invite and whether they have an impact on your life. I have a very big extended family and I can’t invite all of them.” She invited both parties immediate friends and family, and was surprised with how quickly she filled her list.

She invited 130 people but says she was told to expect that 30 per cent of guests won’t make it.

• Set the date and let immediate family know. “We came up with an assumed list,” she said.

•Build a website. “Our website had all the info, which I know is a very good way of doing things these days.” Her wedding website has their story, photos, accommodations, the wedding plan and registry.

• Shop around for a photographer. Weld booked her’s in December. “I would definitely shop around. The Knot website is great but it’s very U.S. focused.

The Kelowna wedding shop

and swap and the lower mainland wedding shop and swap Facebook groups are massive resources. They’re full of recommendations of the best person out there.”

• Buy used decor. “It’s way cheaper to buy from another bride,” said Weld.

•An officiant is also “kind of a big deal.” Weld said she’s working out the details with hers.

• Don’t plan the wedding by yourself. Weld relies on her family’s help and fiance’s input. “(People tell me) if you try to do it yourself, you’ll lose your mind.” For example, Weld wants driftwood in her wedding and her family has been collecting it.

• Buy your dress early. Weld wants her mom and sister to accompany her. “I’ve been to two expos in Kelowna and every time they’re like ‘you don’t have your dress yet?!’ They say you need at least six months for alterations and stuff to get done if you’re ordering a dress. But it depends, a lot of people get last minute ones off the rack and

that’s fine too.”

• “Budget big because weddings are expensive,” she said.

• And “Stick with your guns, don’t let people decide how you’re wedding is going to go because you’ll regret it.”

Weld plans to have a Peachy West Coast theme. “It’s going to be really west coasty, really island themed; peach, pink, cream, driftwood and greens.

So kind of romantic, but with natural wood and greens.”

She still has cake tastings and many bridal appointments to attend before the big day and has decided to keep her last name.

“The most important thing is to have fun… and to have a day-of person to deal with stuff. (Working in the service industry) I feel like I’ve worked a lot of weddings where the bride is doing things at the last minute… you should be putting on makeup and having fun, not putting centre pieces together.”

Her final thoughts?

“I hope it doesn’t rain because I don’t have a backup.”

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Make your engagement photoshoot a success ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS VARY DEPENDING ON THE COUPLE. OFTEN RESERVED FOR SAVE-THE-DATE CARDS AND NOW COMMONLY USED TO SPRUCE UP WEDDING WEBSITES, ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS CAN RANGE FROM FORMAL SHOOTS IN WHICH COUPLES ARE DRESSED TO THE NINES TO MORE LAID BACK SHOTS FEATURING COUPLES IN MORE EVERYDAY ATTIRE.

When planning an engagement shoot, couples should give themselves carte blanche with regard to style, as the photoshoot need not follow many of the more accepted rules that the wedding itself will ultimately adhere to. Once couples have settled on a style for their photoshoot, there are additional ways to ensure the session is a success.

Find a photographer who shares your sensibilities.

Photographers can vary greatly in style, and an engagement photoshoot will be most successful when couples find a photographer whose style matches the theme they are looking for with their photoshoot. You likely would not hire a nature photographer to photograph a basketball game, so don’t hire someone who specializes in posed shots if you want your photos to be more lively and spontaneous. Before you hire anyone, ask for samples of each photographer’s work to be certain you’re getting someone who has experiencing shooting the type of photos you want to take.

Solicit ideas from the photographer. Some couples already know exactly where they want their engagement photos to be shot and which

poses they want to be arranged.

However, many couples have little or no experience with professional photoshoots, and such couples should solicit ideas from each photographer they are considering hiring.

Avoid studio shots. Many couples prefer their engagement photos be taken somewhere they have a personal connection to, such as the sight of their first date or a park they frequently visit. Studio photoshoots might provide the best lighting, but couples have no connection to such spaces, and down the road they may regret not taking the photos in someplace that’s a little more meaningful. In addition, a photoshoot outside the studio affords couples and their photographer more opportunities to experiment and improvise, which can produce a wider array

of shots than a studio photoshoot is likely to deliver.

Don’t forget candid shots.

Candid shots make the photoshoot more fun and loosen couples up a little bit. Many engagement photos will never be seen by anyone other than the photographer and the couple he or she is shooting, so don’t be bashful during candid shots for fear of being embarrassed down the road.

An engagement photoshoot should be fun and reflect the personalities of the couple. A few simple strategies can ensure couples’ shoots accomplish both of those things.

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What if it rains?

Mother Nature is the inherent risk of hosting an outdoor wedding. Weather is unpredictable, and couples who hope to tie the knot in the great outdoors must develop a contingency plan just in case Mother Nature decides to rain on the parade. While outdoor wedding venues often have backup venues in place should the weather prove uncooperative, couples can take some additional steps to ensure their rainy wedding days still go off without a hitch.

FIND A PLACE TO TAKE PHOTOS.

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photos whether they’re tying the knot indoors or outdoors. But couples must arrange for a place to take photos in case outdoors is not an option. If possible, walk the grounds of your ceremony or reception site with your photographer in the weeks before the wedding to scout out potential areas to shoot indoors in case the weather is not cooperating. Ask a representative from the venue to recommend potential photo locations around the building.

CONSIDER A TENT.

Some wedding venues are exclusively outdoors, meaning they don’t have backup options indoors on their premises. If that’s the case, couples can rent tents to serve as their safety nets. Tents can be expensive, and some couples may not want to pay for a tent they ultimately may not use. But tents may be a couple’s only option if their chosen venue has no indoor alternatives.

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Depending on how remote the ceremony location is, couples might be able to wait until a few hours before their weddings to decide if they will still tie the knot outdoors. Make the call earlier if your wedding is to be held at an especially remote location. But no matter where the wedding is, establish a cutoff time to let guests know if the wedding will be indoors or outdoors. Include such information on your wedding website and/or invitations. Use a social media platform such as Facebook or Twitter to inform guests of your final decision.

NATURE CAN MAKE A COUPLE’S WEDDING DAY THAT MUCH MORE SPECIAL. BEAUTIFUL BACKDROPS LIKE OCEAN WAVES OR ROLLING COUNTRY HILLS LEND A LOT TO A WEDDING, MAKING THE DAY EVEN MORE SPECIAL FOR COUPLES AND THEIR GUESTS.

PROVIDE UMBRELLAS.

Some inclement weather may not be enough to deter couples or guests from braving the great outdoors. Couples getting married in the summer may be able to withstand a summer shower, but provide guests with umbrellas just to be safe. The umbrellas will make for a nice wedding gift, and hopefully couples and guests won’t even need to use them.

INSURE THE WEDDING.

Couples who are hosting destination weddings on tropical isles should look into insuring their weddings. Such islands might be susceptible to harmful storms like hurricanes

that can prevent weddings from taking place. Insurance can cover couples for a host of unforeseen circumstances, including weather.

Outdoor weddings can be magical, but couples must build contingency plans in case Mother Nature proves uncooperative come the big day

Your planning oasis: make wedding planning fun again

BY CARLI BERRY

With a coffee and cupcake in hand, couples can relax and plan their wedding in the friendly atmosphere of The Wedding Cafe.

The Wedding Cafe, located on Pandosy Street, was created to provide couples a fun way to a do-it-yourself wedding.

The cafe is literally a cafe, where patrons can sit and enjoy coffee, tea and sample cupcakes among other items while planning their Okanagan wedding.

“We thought about, if you meet with your vendors… you grab a coffee, because it’s just a comfortable environment. We wanted something similar to that,” said co-owner Jenn Taylor.

The story started in Hawaii, about 11 years ago, when mother and daughter team Barb and Jenn Taylor helped plan Jenn’s older sister’s wedding.

“We went to bridal shows and we felt like cattle being herded through. They’re effective but it’s just overwhelming,” said Jenn.

They found a shop that had a similar idea to the cafe and sat on the idea for a few years, changing it to suit the Okanagan.

The cafe will turn eight-years-old in April.

“The key thing is we listen to our vendors and what our couples want or need and try to implement it,” she said.

They can help anyone planning their weddings for the Okanagan and have helped couples in Calgary, Vancouver and even a couple who was getting married in New York.

The service is completely free (aside from the cafe). Couples can walk in and get advice on wedding planning as well as suggestions for vendors.

There’s no need for an appointment either. The cafe has helped people through FaceTime, Skype, email or phone and is designed for a “do-it-yourself” bride.

Jenn recommends choosing a venue as the first step. They’re also selective on their vendors and only recommend well-researched ones. “We withhold the right to pull them on their list,” she said.

The Wedding Cafe also has online resources. They provide a downloadable wedding checklist, a budget calculator, and examples of bridal shower games.

An engaging place to say

This year, the cafe added an Ultimate Wedding Saver, full of coupons offering deals and discounts.

“Our tag line is ‘your planning oasis,’ to make wedding planning fun again. We want to be that guiding voice that’ll help you have a day that’s truly what you want and what your partner wants. Our goal is to help ease the stress,” said Jenn.

To contact The Wedding Cafe visit theweddingcafe.ca/ or call 778-436-8236

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Wedding Countdown INCORPORATE FLOWERS IN VARIOUS WAYS

Weddings are special moments for couples and the guests they invite to share their happiness on their big days. Beautiful weddings require substantial planning, as every last detail must be considered for couples to enjoy the wedding of their dreams.

Flowers play a big role in many weddings, and couples can add beauty and ambiance to the event by using floral arrangements in various ways.

Modern floral arrangements are stunning, and many couples may not know that herbs, spices and flowers have been used in weddings for centuries.

Today, flowers are used to decorate wedding venues, impart sweet fragrances and complement formal attire, but in ancient times they were used differently.

Flowers were used to bestow good luck on the couple and keep bad omens away. Brides carried aromatic flowers and spices to

keep evil spirits from spoiling the festivities, and some even tucked bulbs of garlic into their bouquets.

In ancient Greece and Rome, both the bride and groom wore garlands made out of strong-smelling herbs flowers around their necks or heads. These wreaths were considered gifts of nature, and thus extremely appropriate for a wedding. In ancient Sweden, young girls would carry small bouquets of fragrant herbs down the aisle and the groom would put thyme in his pocket.

Besides warding off spirits

or hungry trolls, flowers also served more practical purposes throughout history. During the Middle Ages, people bathed less frequently than they do today.

Bathing might only have occurred twice a year, once during summer and then again at Christmastime.

Because many weddings took place in the spring, flowers were used to mask bodily odors. Not only were flowers and herbs carried, but they also would be sewn into clothing.

Modern brides and grooms may no longer see their wedding days as times for opportunistic evil spirits. But that doesn’t mean that couples cannot borrow from ancient traditions and incorporate flowers into their weddings in various ways.

Wreaths and garlands: Ask the florist to weave small flower buds, berries and vines to a headband, wreath or piece of twine so that the bride and groom can wear these flowers in the

way they were worn by ancient Greeks and Romans. When coupled with Grecian-styled wedding gowns, brides can look like beautiful goddesses on their wedding days.

Fragrant favors: Tuck dried rose petals and other fragrant flowers into sachets that are embroidered with the wedding date and couple’s names. Guests can use these sachets to keep clothings smelling fresh in drawers or as subtle air fresheners around the house.

Edible flowers: Ask the caterer to make meals flower-friendly by including some edible blooms in the salad or as a garnish on meals.

Raining petals: In lieu of bubbles or birdseed, guests can shower the newlyweds with rose petals after the ceremony.

Memorial: Some couples like to honor departed family members. Floral arrangements with small placards can make for fitting memorials.

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PLANNER

How to approach music on your wedding day

Music often plays an important role on festive occasions, and wedding days are no exception.

The right music can make a wedding day that much more meaningful, while the wrong music can make a couple’s big event memorable for all the wrong reasons.

The ceremony itself often sets the tone for a couple’s wedding day. A beach wedding, for example, often creates a laid back atmosphere, while a ceremony held in a large church or temple often sets a more formal tone.

Music played during the ceremony also goes a long way toward setting the tone couples hope to establish.

When choosing music for the ceremony, couples should first consider the venue where they are tying the knot. Some, such as houses of worship, may have rules pertaining to what can and cannot be played inside the venue.

Classical, hymnal or processional music often makes the best fit when weddings are taking place in more formal venues. Outdoor weddings tend to give couples more leeway. But in general couples don’t want to choose any music that’s too loud or over-thetop for their ceremonies.

Keep in mind that while the

music played during the ceremony can set the tone for the day, this music can vary significantly from the music played during the reception. A favorite performer may not be appropriate during the ceremony, but that doesn’t mean the couple can’t dance to that artist’s music during the reception.

Live musicians can add a more elegant feel to the ceremony, but such performers also can be costly. Playing prerecorded music may not be as elegant as having a live performer, but it can cost a lot less and still make for an enjoyable day and evening.

Many couples prefer deejays to live bands for their wedding receptions. Deejays can play favorite songs as couples and their guests know them, while bands can only play their own renditions of those songs.

Another thing to consider when choosing between a deejay or live band for the reception is the venue itself. Some venues are smaller and unable to accommodate a full band, while others may not have ideal acoustics, making it difficult for a live band to sound as good as they might in a more

music-friendly environment.

The formality of the event should also come into consideration when choosing between a live band or a deejay for the reception.

Deejays spinning the latest top 40 hits may stick out like sore thumbs at especially formal weddings, while a classical orchestra likely won’t fit into the laid back theme of a beach or destination wedding.

Couples tying the knot outdoors may need to consider equipment when choosing bands or deejays to play their weddings.

For example, some venues do not provide equipment, such as microphones and speaker systems, to couples for their ceremonies.

Renting such equipment can be costly, but couples can often skirt such charges by hiring deejays or bands who lend couples their equipment during the ceremony.

Deejays or bands who will loan and set up the necessary sound equipment for outdoor ceremonies merit extra consideration.

When discussing music to be played during the reception, couples must consider their own musical tastes as well as those of their guests. Avoid any music that has the potential to offend guests, opting for lighter, happier tunes instead. Whether hiring a band or deejay, couples should make a list of no-play songs or artists and make sure that such lists are included in their contracts.

Music plays an important role on couples’ wedding days.

Though choosing music for the ceremony and the reception is often fun, couples must take such decisions seriously.

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