Wedding Essentials, Canada Lifestyle Edition | Fall/Winter 2018

Wedding Essentials ONTARIO EDITION

www.weddingessentials.ca

CREATIVE USES FOR STRING LIGHTS

F REE! C

omp Bride’slimentary Surviva l Guide See pag

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Personalize your lighting with these 10 versatile options!

THE PERFECT BRIDESMAID PROPOSAL Fun ways to ask your wedding party

HOW TO SET UP THE ULTIMATE CANDY BUFFET Fall/Winter 2018 $5.95

DISPLAY UNTIL MARCH 31, 2018

EDIBLE ART FLORAL FANTASY FASHION PASSION ONTARIO REAL LIFE WEDDINGS

… and more inspiration for your wedding

CONTENTS 24

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VOL. 20, NO. 2 FALL / WINTER 2018

FEATURES 14

10 GREAT DATES YOUR MAN WILL LOVE Date nights to wow your life partner and take charge in a fantastic experience.

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FOLLOW ALONG AS I PLAN MY WEDDING! Alanna Newman will be sharing her process of wedding planning in real time.

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5 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE BOOKING A DRONE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER The highs and lows of aerial photography for you and your guests.

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THE PERFECT BRIDESMAID PROPOSAL Fun ways to invite your bridesmaids to join your wedding party.

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WHY HAVING A DEDICATED SPACE TO GET READY IS SO IMPORTANT Before the rush and excitement of the day, take a moment for you.

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3 EFFECTIVE TIPS FOR GIVING A CONFIDENT BEST MAN WEDDING SPEECH Many tips can leave you still unsure of the right words to say.

These tips are sure to help.

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THE PERFECT FALL GETAWAY A dreamy mini-moon, bachelor(ette) party and venue location!

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BRIDAL ELEGANCE FOR THE FULLER FIGURE Use dress styling to conceal figure flaws that we may think we have.

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FABULOUS FUNKY FOOTWEAR Five weird and wonderful wedding shoe options.

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16 TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR IDEAL HONEYMOON Plan now, enjoy later.

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10 TIPS FOR SAYING NO DURING WEDDING PLANNING How to say no without offending your loved ones

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HOW TO STAY CALM AND COPE DURING DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS Keep your cool while in an argument.

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GETTING REMARRIED? Prepare your finances with these four critical steps.

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7 TIPS FOR MAKING WEDDING GUESTS HAPPY Don’t forget to please your guests even on your big day.

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4 DEAL BREAKERS YOU SHOULDN’T COMPROMISE ON There are things that you should never negotiate on when in a relationship.

A FREE GIFT FOR YOU

WEDDING PLANNER FOR ONTARIO BRIDES

The Bride’s Survival Guide is a 128-page planner/organizer created specifically for brides in SouthCentral Ontario. It gives you detailed information on every aspect of getting married – from how to word your invitations to how to pack for your honeymoon. To request your FREE copy [a $39.95 value], complete and mail the postcard opposite page 50. Or you can complete the request form online at www.WeddingEssentials.ca. [Quantities are limited.]

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BOOK YOUR NEXT EVENT AT

Markham Museum

Whether it’s a corporate meeting or barbecue, wedding, engagement photo shoot, birthday or family get-together, we are the perfect setting for your event. Indoor, outdoor, big or small, call us to discuss your event and arrange a site visit.

905.294.4576

PHOTOS: By Jamieson Dean & Sarah Wiggins Photography Wedding Essentials 2018 | 11

contents

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INSPIRATIONS 16

FLORAL FANTASY Fabulous flowers are key components of memorable weddings.

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10 CREATIVE USES FOR STRING LIGHTS AT YOUR WEDDING RECEPTION Versatile options in lighting let you personalize the space and create the right mood.

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FASHION PASSION A perfect gown reflects a vision of the bride that will be cherished for a long time.

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ALL ABOUT YOUR RECEIVING LINE Line ‘em up, and shake their hands… is it that simple?

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HOW TO SET UP A CANDY BUFFET AT YOUR WEDDING Candy buffets are a wonderful way of incorporating your theme and personality.

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EDIBLE ART Decadently delicious concoctions figure prominently in wedding celebrations.

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BEAUTY-FULL Beauty products for a glowing bride.

DIRECTORIES

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RECEPTION REFERENCE GUIDE A quick chart to help you compare Ontario’s finest upscale wedding venues.

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ADVERTISERS’ DIRECTORY Contact information and QR Codes to contact our advertisers directly.

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10 Great Dates

YOUR MAN WILL LOVE

TODAY’S WOMAN doesn’t have to wait to be asked out by a man. Whether it’s your first date with someone who has caught your attention or a romantic night with your life partner, you can take charge by planning a fantastic experience.

hearted competition. When it’s over, you may also discover that a workout can get your blood moving and give your sex drive a healthy boost.

splashing through muddy trails together, and you might find yourself stuck in a private and romantic location.

4. CATCH A WAVE

Do you need some ideas for plans that will wow your man? Here are 10 great dates guys will love.

Don’t merely take your date to hang out on the beach. Kick up the energy by bringing along some surfboards. If you’ve never gone surfing before, set up a couple’s lesson to learn how.

Head to a car show to see what’s happening in the world of automobiles. Whether your preference is for classic muscle cars or new, luxury vehicles, you are sure to find something exciting. If you can, take a test drive.

1. FIND A BASEBALL GAME

5. WATCH SOME FOOTBALL

10. PLAN YOUR ESCAPE

If you want a break from the crowds, you can always grab seats in the back row and snuggle up.

6. TAKE A SHOT AT THE FIRING RANGE

When it comes to planning a date with a guy, try to get creative. These 10 ideas will help you think of something new and fun that is sure to sweep him off his feet.

A live baseball game is a blast, whether you go to see a major league team or the kids from your local high school. Minor league baseball is inexpensive and usually includes lots of audience participation.

2. GLIDE ON THE ICE

Ice skating sets the stage for the perfect date.

You will always have something to do, so you don’t have to worry about forcing conversation.

The cold weather activity is exhilarating and fun. Slips and trips give you an opportunity to grab onto your man, and you can always end the date with a creamy cup of hot chocolate.

3. WORK IT OUT

Ask your man to accompany you to the gym, and you will discover that working out is a great way to get close. Having a workout partner helps you push yourself harder and gives you a chance to support each other.

You can also engage in some light-

Set yourself up for an intimate, but sporty, time together. Make hoagies, chili or other great game-watching food. Then hang out together on the sofa and root for your favorite football team.

Practicing your target-shooting skills can be a good activity for getting better acquainted with each other. Go to a local firing range where you can shoot at targets. If you know a lot about firearms, try a new gun. If you’re new to the sport, you can learn how to shoot.

7. SHOW OFF YOUR INNER GEEK AT A CONVENTION

Get tickets to a convention where you can dress up as your favorite comic book character, superhero or another cultural icon.

These conventions are highly popular right now and provide an excellent place for people to get together and celebrate what they love.

8. GET DIRTY ON FOUR WHEELS Rent a four-wheeler and go off road for some down and dirty adventure. You’ll enjoy

9. CHECK OUT A CAR SHOW

Escape rooms are a trendy activity that will test your problem-solving skills. Make a reservation at an escape room where you and your date can try to think your way out of a tight situation.

Floral

Fantasy BRIDAL BOUQUETS BLOOMING PASSION… CHOOSE WEDDING FLOWERS THAT EXPRESS YOUR INDIVIDUALITY

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Whether a free form, or sculpted shape, your floral displays will help accent the overall vibe that you are working towards on your wedding day.

Succulents are a fantastic way to allow winter greens in a bouquet, and still give a summer fresh feel.

Another amazing green piece for both look and smell is ecalyptus leaves. Be wary of any allergies that guests may have as these do present a strong and lasting fragrance.

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String Lights

10 Creative Uses for at Your Wedding Reception

LOOKING FOR A FUN WAY to add a unique touch to your reception lighting? Consider using string lights. This versatile option lets you personalize the space and create a mood that’s elegant and romantic. They fit with almost any reception theme and are affordable for just about any budget.

Check out the wedding reception space to make sure there are plenty of power outlets and bring along some extension cords, then get creative with lighting. Here are some ideas to help you get started.

1. WRAP THE RAFTERS

Take advantage of exposed rafters by wrapping them in string lights. It dresses up the space and attracts the eyes of your guests.

2. HANG LIGHTS ABOVE OUTDOOR TABLES

Planning an outdoor reception? Try hanging rows of lights above the tables to create a ceiling that provides additional lighting and a festive ambiance.

3. DESIGN A PHOTO DISPLAY

Photos are a great way to add a personal

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touch to your wedding reception.

Hang some of your favorite shots with your sweetheart on strings of lights for a warm and creative display.

4. CREATE A BACKDROP

Highlight a key area of the reception space by draping a wall of string lights behind the area. The cake table is a great option, or add a brilliant backdrop to a photo booth.

5. BUILD A TENT

Suspend string lights above your reception tables from a central location to create the feel of a tent. It brightens up the space and creates a stunning visual centerpiece.

6. ADD LIGHTS TO A GARLAND

Wrap string lights around greenery to add extra beauty to the décor. Or create a garland by using florist wire to attach small pieces of greenery to the cord between the lights.

7. HIGHLIGHT FOCAL POINTS If you have certain pieces of décor that you want to stand out, wrap them with string lights.

8. LIGHT UP THE TREES

For outdoor receptions with trees in the area, try lighting things up by wrapping the tree trunks and branches with string lights. Or bring a touch of the outdoors inside by decorating the reception space with branches wrapped in lights.

9. MIX AND MATCH

String lights work great with other types of lighting, so it’s fun to mix and match your options. For example, string lights overhead and paper lanterns on the ground create a cozy space that’s perfect for a beach wedding.

10. EMPHASIZE AN AREA

Making the dance floor, bar, or other area stand out is simple with string lights. Hang them over the area you want to emphasize to highlight that space.

Give your reception space a more romantic feel with string lights. Try some of these ideas or use them to inspire your own special lighting for a beautiful wedding day.

Where Your Story Begins

Photo Credits: Ali K Photography & Films, Oak & Myrrh Photography, and Samantha Ong Photography.

2 7 0 0 AU D L E Y R D. N O RT H , A J A X , O N L 1 Z 1 T 7 ( 9 0 5 ) 4 2 7 - 7 7 3 7 E X T: 3 0 0 • E V E N T S D E E R C R E E K . C O M

Follow Along as I Plan My

Wedding HI THERE! My name is Alanna, and I am so excited to be partnering with my friends at Wedding Essentials over my wedding planning process! I am a beauty and lifestyle blogger and have been happily engaged since December 2017.

BY ALANNA NEWMAN

OVER THE NEXT FEW editions you can expect to see articles written by me, both about weddings generally, and about my personal wedding planning process. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoy writing them! I hope that they will be helpful for you on your wedding planning journey—we’re in the same boat! All of my articles will have a touch of my personal experiences. I think that with weddings today, you really can do things your own way. I hope that my perspective and reasoning will be helpful for you!

My fiancé Stuart and I have been together for just over five years. We met while at university (he was at Queens, I was at U of T), started dating, and have been together ever since.

We’ve travelled together, moved in, adopted two cats, and now are planning our wedding.

One thing we did that was a bit outside the box was designing my engagement ring together.

Our engagement wasn’t a surprise in anyway.

We had been talking about it for a while, and once the money was right, we went to design the ring. I loved custom designing the ring. We picked the diamond (a stunning oval shaped stone), the metal (white gold) and the setting

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(inspired by Pinterest). I knew I had basically found the setting of my dreams when I went to Pin it, and Pinterest told me that I had already done that! Some people wondered why we didn’t have a surprise engagement party.

Honestly, while the moment may be a surprise, I don’t think an engagement should be. You are making a commitment to share your life together. I think that’s something you want to talk about before he is down on one knee with the most beautiful ring you have ever seen sparkling back at you. I love that I got a big say in what the ring I am going to wear for the rest of my life looks like. I get compliments on it all the time!

I thought I knew a fair bit about weddings when we got engaged, but let me tell you, there is so much to learn, and so many things that you think will be simple that just aren’t.

Deciding who sits where in the seating chart and who your bridal party is composed of are two uphill political battles.

It seems like everybody has an opinion on what you should be doing, and how you should be doing it. Take registries for example, everybody says you should have a whole bunch

of different price points, and that you need to keep adding things to keep your registry full.

Well, like many young couples who already live together, we don’t need a whole bunch of stuff. We do want to upgrade some things in our home, but really, we are just working hard to save up cash for a down payment and would really appreciate some cash gifts. That being said, we still need a registry because some guests don’t like giving cash, and showers are literally parties that are all about watching the bride open gifts.

We have had a blast registering (seriously, such a fun date. We went for lunch after!), and not nearly as much fun working on the guest list. There’s only so much space at our venue, and too many people who we would love to have there. We’ve picked our venue, we have almost landed on a photographer, and I think we have figured out what we want to do for our flowers.

Many couples find that picking a venue is hard.

Honestly, for us it was probably the easiest thing. We opted with The Albany Club. Located in downtown Toronto, they are reasonably priced (by wedding standards!), the food is

One thing we did that was a bit outside the box was designing my engagement ring together. amazing, and the service is top notch. Add in that there is a stunning Anglican church across the street (we’re both Anglican) and well, we were a pretty easy sell.

I am excited to be sharing my wedding planning process with you here in the magazine and also over on my blog. Happy planning! I hope you have as much fun with it as I am having!

Xoxo, Alanna You can check out my blog, Classy On The Run at www.classyontherun.blogspot.com. If you

are coming from the magazine leave a comment! I love hearing what other brides are up to!

Twitter: @classyontherun Instagram: @alanna.victoria

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Things to Consider Before Booking a

Drone

WEDDING

PHOTOGRAPHER BOOKING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER is high on the list of things to do when planning a wedding. Family and guests are likely to take their own pictures on the day, but this is no substitute for a professional wedding photographer. One of the additional services some professionals are beginning to offer is aerial photography with a drone, and this is worth considering if you have a suitable venue.

Noise, invasion of privacy and the risk of damage to property or injury to people are some of the concerns. It may be possible to convince your venue to allow the use of a drone if your photographer agrees to work within specified guidelines. A professional drone pilot will operate to a health and safety policy, and this should satisfy most venues that the risks are minimal.

Using a drone for wedding photography opens up exciting creative possibilities. Photographs and video footage shot from the air have a cinematic quality, and there’s no better way to capture the grandeur of a wedding venue.

Large groups of guests shot from above look more interesting than traditional lines of people shot from the ground.

2) Drone photography will be an additional cost. Traditional wedding

Wedding photography with a drone is becoming increasingly popular, but there are some things you should consider before booking a service. The following tips will help you understand the things you should know about drone wedding photography. 

1) Not all wedding venues are drone friendly. Unmanned aircraft are still a

relatively new development, and not all wedding venues will permit them to be flown.

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photographers are beginning to offer aerial coverage, but it usually comes at a cost. A photographer may hire in a drone pilot rather than invest in his own aircraft, equipment and training. Limiting the aerial photography to a few specific shots is one way of keeping the costs down.

3) Drones can be disruptive. Video footage

captured from the air has a serene quality, but the aircraft recording it can be noisy and disruptive. The engine and propellers are particularly noisy during take-off and landing.

It’s not a good idea to have a done in the area during the wedding ceremony or other intimate moments during the day. Give the aircraft operator specific times when the drone should be on the ground.

4) You must schedule time for aerial photography. Most wedding days

run to a tight schedule, so consider if there’s time within this specifically for aerial shots.

It takes time to organize guests and arrange groups, and this will be in addition to the work a wedding photographer will carry out on the ground. There are also health and safety issues for a drone pilot to consider when working with people, and this adds to the time required.

5) Unmanned aircraft can’t fly in all weather conditions. With very few

exceptions, drones can’t be flown in the rain. Water and electronics don’t mix.

Smaller aircraft can’t fly when winds are gusting, and fog and mist can also present challenges. When booking a drone wedding photography service, remember that weather conditions may result in cancellation by the pilot on the day.

Developments in drone technology offer an exciting new way to capture memories of your wedding day. Aerial photography should be regarded as an additional service rather than a replacement for a ground-based wedding photographer. If you have the budget, wedding photography with a drone is a unique way to record moments from your special day.

The Perfect

Bridesmaid Proposal

BY ALANNA NEWMAN

CONGRATS ON YOUR RECENT ENGAGEMENT! You have basked in the well wishes of friends and family, celebrated between the two of you, and somehow achieved what I think is one of the hardest tasks of wedding planning: picking your bridesmaids. Now comes the fun part… asking them!

While you definitely don’t need to do an elaborate “proposal”, if budget allows I am strongly on the “pro” side. Not only are these your very best friends, possibly your sister or sister-in-law, and maybe a cousin, but they are going to buy the dress you pick, throw you a party, and generally be there to support you every step of the way.

A THOUGHTFUL NOTE Before you put anything else in the proposal, include a thoughtful note. Write about why her friendship matters so much to you, and why you want her there on your special day! I love how affordable Vistaprint’s cards are – and that you can customize them! This pink card would go perfectly with a bottle of sparkling rosé, while this wild floral theme

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could be the perfect prelude to your outdoor wedding!

POP THE BUBBLY! Spring and summer always call for sparkling rosé. Henkell Rose Piccolo has berry and citrus flavours, and comes in a package with three mini bottles for $12.85. Perfect for gifting! If you would rather gift a full size bottle, my favourites include Fresh Sparkling Rosé ($15.95), and Lola Blush Pelee Island ($14.95), both from Ontario!

A PRETTY TOUCH Essie makes some of the prettiest nail polishes, period. I am obsessed with their gel couture collection – available in countless shades, once sealed with the top coat, the polish stays chip free for days. My top picks for weddings include “Satin Slipper,” “Lace Me Up,” and “Bubbles Only.”

SOMETHING SENTIMENTAL Why not include a favourite photo of you and the bridesmaid-to-be? Lately I have been obsessing over all of the pretty home décor

that can be found at Zara Home. This gold metal frame ($29.90) would add an elegant pop of colour to any room, while this blush Octagonal Metal Frame ($27.90) is perfectly on trend. Anthropologie never disappoints with whimsical home décor. Their Mercury Glass Frame ($24) is one of their top rated products, and is the perfect balance between neutral and statement.

SOMETHING YUMMY If you are talented at baking, perhaps consider whipping up some treats in your own kitchen. But, if baking isn’t your strong suit… Bobbette & Belle crafts some of the prettiest floral cupcakes you can imagine. I love the “Garden in Bloom” ($5 each) style!

Le Dolci has taken the unicorn trend to the next level with their popular unicorn cake, and these adorable unicorn sugar cookies ($5 each) available in pink and white. World famous French bakery, Ladurée has recently come to Canada, with locations in Vancouver and Toronto. Best known for their delicate macarons, a box of these would surely delight any prospective bridesmaid.

H

H

If you can, feel out the idea of being a bridesmaid with your friends before asking. It may come as a surprise to your friend that you were thinking of her!

You know your bridesmaids best!

If there is something special and sentimental, or simply a favourite of hers, consider customizing each gift to reflect the friend receiving it!

H Be prepared for the answer to be “no�. It is hard to hear, or imagine, but a friend may think that it will be too costly, time consuming, or too much work to participate. While it may be hard to hear, accept her answer with grace, and continue to invite her to celebrations such as your engagement party or bridal shower! The decision of attending will rest with her, and she will still feel included.

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PLANNING THE PERFECT WEDDING:

Why Having a

Dedicated

Space

to Get Ready is So Important

BY BE CONRAD WHETHER YOU ARE deep into your wedding planning or just getting started, you know how complicated, and how stressful, the process can be. Planning a wedding is not one process - it is an endless series of small details. In order for the big day to come off without a hitch, all of those tiny interrelated details need to come together to form a cohesive whole.

From the flowers in the bridal bouquet to the wedding cake on the table at the reception hall, you want everything to be perfect. No detail is too large, or too small, in your quest for the perfect wedding.

In all the wedding planning chaos, it is important to have a relaxing oasis where you can relax, unwind and recharge your batteries.

Creating a separate dedicated space where you can get ready for the big day, try on your bridal gown one last time and share secrets with your bridesmaids, is an essential part of the big day.

If you are lucky, the venue you have chosen will have thought of everything, and they will

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have just such a space set up and ready for you to use. If you are one of those lucky brides, everything you need, from the makeup vanity and the full-length mirror and the steamers, will be right at your disposal.

Unfortunately, many wedding venues do not have all these essential items at their disposal. If you are getting married at the local church or the hotel down the street, they may not have a dedicated space for you to get ready and perfect your wedding day look. In that case, you will need to create your own bridal oasis, but doing so is not as difficult as you might think.

Many brides and wedding planners do not realize that they can rent everything they need for the big day. If the hotel does not have a makeup vanity in the room, you can rent one and have it brought in when you need it. Before you know it, you will look, and feel, like a movie star. By the time the photographer arrives for the first candid shots, you will look like a fashion model, and you will be proud of how you look in the wedding photos.

When it comes time to put on your wedding gown for the final time before the ceremony, you can use a rented full-length mirror to check out your look and make sure every pearl and every piece of lace is perfect. Instead of squinting into the tiny bathroom mirror at the hotel and hoping you look your best, you can know how great you look simply by glancing in the full-length mirror.

You can even rent a wardrobe rack and a steamer to make your wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses absolutely stunning.

Instead of wrinkling in the hotel room closet, your essential wedding wardrobe will be right there on the rack, waiting for you and your wedding party to put it on.

Movie stars and fashion models understand the importance of a luxurious dressing room, and now brides to be can enjoy the same level of pampering and careful preparation.

By making wedding day rentals part of the planning process, you can have everything you need at your fingertips, so you can relax and enjoy the ceremony.

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3

Effective Tips for GIVING A CONFIDENT

BEST MAN WEDDING SPEECH

REMEMBER THAT GLORIOUS DAY when your best bud slapped you on the back and bestowed upon you the honor of serving as best man at his wedding? It was months ago, of course. The two of you likely christened the arrangement by cracking a few cold ones, and you immediately got down to business the business of planning a high-five-worthy bachelor party. But now the bachelor party is over and the wedding day is fast approaching.

And you have yet to start crafting your best man speech.

There’s no shortage of tips and advice available for how to write a great best man speech. Don’t write it the night before.

Don’t drone on for 20 minutes. Don’t read straight from a piece of paper. Don’t say anything that might humiliate the happy couple. This is all good advice. But many of these tips can still leave you scratching your head as you search for the right words to say, and they do little to ease the tense feeling building in your stomach.

Here are three specific, effective methods that will help you go into your speech with confidence and deliver a top-notch toast.

1. START WITH A STORY Not a long story. Not an inappropriate story.

Open with a brief, lighthearted, possibly humorous anecdote that in some way relates to the bride and groom. Perhaps you recall the day your pal first met his future bride.

Or maybe there was a moment when you realized he had gone completely head over heels for his special lady. Starting with a story serves several purposes. First, stories don’t generally require you to memorize lines word-for-word. You’ve probably spun this yarn before, or at least you’re quite familiar with the details, so there is room to fumble around with words without the entire speech unraveling. Second, your greatest value as best man is that you know the groom better than just about anyone in the audience does. Tell the crowd something it doesn’t know. Above all else, do not, under any circumstances, use a generic opening line that you pulled from a Google search. Nothing will have guests gulping down wine and staring at the tablecloth faster than an opener such as, “OK folks, I’ll keep this brief - you know, about as long as Travis will last in the sack tonight....”

2. BUFFER YOUR HUMOUR WITH SENTIMENT Should you try for laughs? A few humorous touches can make a speech entertaining, and it’s not like you’re addressing the United Nations. This audience is ready to have a good time. So sure, go for it! Just remember: It’s a toast, not a roast. This isn’t the time for a rapid-fire takedown of the groom (or, even worse, the bride), and it’s not the place to launch your standup career. Excessive teasing, even if it’s brilliantly funny, can give your speech a sour note. Of course, being too

funny isn’t nearly as horrifying as not being funny at all. To avoid taking a wrong turn down the humour highway, add this simple safety valve to your speech. Every time you plan to say something humourous, follow it up immediately with something from the heart. If you’re joking about Travis being the world’s worst golfer, you might add that there is no one you’d rather spend seven hours with on a golf course. While humour can be hit-or-miss, expressing some sentiment will usually earn universal approval from the wedding crowd, and sprinkling in a few fuzzy compliments can be an effective insurance policy against a runaway comedy session.

3. EXERCISE YOUR SPEECH Once you’ve written your speech or you have created a rough outline of what you’d like to say, it’s time to practice. But don’t do it in front of a mirror. In fact, don’t even rehearse out loud. If you exercise regularly, you already have the perfect time built into your day to work out your speech in your head. People often feel less anxiety when they’re working out, and it can benefit you to practice when you’re in a calm state. Repeating the speech in your head allows you to master the words without becoming distracted by how you sound or how you look when delivering it.

Finally, remember that there are only two people you absolutely need to please with your speech. As long as the newlyweds enjoy it, you should consider it a success.

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The Perfect Fall

Getaway

A dreamy mini-moon, bachelor(ette) party and venue location!

N

ESTLED IN THE beautiful Kawartha Lakes, Viamede Resort sits on Stoney Lake.

A landmark of the area since 1885, Viamede Resort is the perfect weekend getaway. Just north of Peterborough, and a reasonable drive from Toronto, Viamede is a beautiful location to consider as a wedding venue, a mini-moon destination, or even for a rustic bachelor(ette) party.

With private trails, indoor and outdoor pools, a sandy beach, a historic wedding chapel, and a fine dining restaurant that can’t be missed, Viamede is the perfect place to come and relax.

This summer I had the opportunity to spend a weekend at this beautiful resort with my fiancé, and the warmth and character of this place blew us away. Whether it was asking if we could go tubing, only to be whipped around the lake on the back of the owner’s boat, or sitting down for dinner only to be presented with 9 courses of local, farm to table, goodness, everything was not just done well, it was done right. We took some time to go kayaking, and for hikes, we stayed up late playing scrabble (the resort has a collection of board games to use!), and tried all of the amazing food, and of course, I asked some big questions about hosting a wedding on the gorgeous property.

WEDDING VENUE Maximum guests: 100 Viamede only hosts one wedding per weekend, so you won’t have to worry about sharing space or unexpected guests. Your (invited) guests tend to pay for their own accommodations at the resort, and make a weekend out of it. Ceremony options include a historic chapel, a gazebo overlooking the lake, and under a 100 year oak tree! They boast that they have hosted everything from an intimate dinner wedding for 6 on a candle lit island to a wedding of 90 guests in “formal swimwear”.

When we visited for the weekend, the food was

one of our biggest highlights. Some wedding options they offer include family style service, a cocktail reception, and even a pig roast. They were remarkable accommodation while we visited, and they assure me that they bring the same great service to their wedding clients.

Viamede is not available for weddings between Canada Day and Labour Day, or on long weekends. I can only imagine how beautiful a fall wedding would be as the leaves change colour! I think October would be a stunning time for this venue. Or even June, when things are still in bloom, and the lake is warm enough for your guests to swim in!

MINI-MOON Many couples choose to have their dream honeymoon a few months (or longer) after the big day. With busy work schedules, and dreamy destinations that are best visited at certain times of the year, a weekend getaway can be the perfect way to start your marriage. We very much enjoyed our weekend at Viamede. To help create the once-in-a-lifetime experience that you crave, consider booking in for the 9 course (with wine pairing!) dinner at their exclusive Mount Julian restaurant. For those who enjoy adventure, there is hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and more. The rooms were bright and airy, with a bit of a rustic flair. For added privacy you may want to book a private cottage in the woods!

RUSTIC BACHELOR(ETTE) PAD Speaking of private cottages…I can’t think of a better use for one than for a bachelor(ette) party! My fiancé is still trying to figure out what he wants to do for his bachelor party, but one idea that his friends are loving is simply booking a cottage at Viamede for a weekend.

Cottages can be studios all the way up to three bedrooms. With a kitchen, a patio with a barbecue, some even have firepalces! As a bachelor or bachelorette party getaway, it would be the perfect place for some low key quality time just hanging out and enjoying everything the resort has to offer.

Website: viamede.com.

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Bridal Elegance for the

Fuller Figure

As a bride-to-be, you’ll be planning your bridal wear, and perhaps looking out for something that flatters the figure. For larger ladies, this can mean concealing a few bulges and enhancing elegant contours. If you’re after a slim look, this style guide will do the trick for you.

WEAR A FLOWING DRESS

A full-length, flowing dress with bodice cut to a narrow point at the pelvis – rather than cut horizontally at the waist – will accentuate height and elegance. The skirt should fall from the hips, rather than the waist, fanning out gradually as it descends, like a fluted vase upside-down, perhaps sweeping into a train behind. This graceful design will make your figure look slimmer and more slender.

As an alternative, a high-waisted cut, with fabric flowing gradually from the bra-line, can sometimes be more effective for an outsize figure. A long veil and fluted sleeves will enhance the effect of either.

HIGHLIGHT KEY CONTOUR LINES

Shape-defining lines will highlight the cut and flow of the dress, concealing your personal shape. Choose a dress with lightly accentuated seamlines down the bodice and skirt or add contour markings yourself.

You could do this with lines of lace, sequins or delicate beading, in a pretty colour such as silver, pink or blue. Let them follow the downward seams of the skirt and the cut of the bodice. But avoid markings that will show up unintended contours.

ADD HEIGHT

High heels and raised hair will balance body width with height, making you look slimmer in the process. Only wear high heels, though, if you can walk in them comfortably and smoothly. Otherwise, put all your added height into your hair and headdress. If your hair is long and thick enough to sweep up gently into a topknot,

this will look very elegant. Leave a few loose locks to frame your face and neck.

If your hair is too short to put up, let it taper around your face instead, showing up your features and defining your profile.

A tiara will add extra height, and a long, light veil will look stunning. The thin mesh will subtly conceal fleshy areas while adding an element of mystery.

DEFINE NECK AND SHOULDER CONTOURS Adorn your neck with a dainty necklace in a darker tone, such as rose-pink or violet. This will sharpen your neckline and draw the eye away from any rolls or puffiness. A decorative yoke to your dress will extend the effect over your chest and shoulders. A V-shaped neckline will produce a shapely, tapering effect.

CARRY A FAN OR FLOWER SPRAY A dainty fan or flower-posy, held over your waist, will hide unwanted bulges and provide a charming adornment. Fans are available in beautiful designs and shades at low cost, and you’ll find plenty to choose from on the Internet. Your bridesmaids could also carry fans, perhaps, for continuity. A flower posy would produce the same effect, especially if arranged in a wide, fanning spray. A pretty, hand-held purse would also serve the purpose.

The most natural way to draw attention from your figure is to let your personality shine out. With that important fact in mind, make sure your chosen attire is comfortable, then relax and enjoy your special day.

Wedding Essentials 2018 | 33

Fashion

Passion

A wedding gown is much more than a beautiful dress. Her perfect gown reflects a vision of herself that a bride has cherished for a long time. The moment when the bride is first seen in her wedding gown is very emotional and is often greeted by tears, including her own.

LILI YA

BY GALIA LAHAV Victorian Affinity Collection

“Victorian Affinity” is inspired by the outstanding Victorian era in England and its parallel phase in France, “Le Belle Epoque”. These periods were characterized by changes and innovations in various fields, such as the Industrial Revolution. In this context, we dedicate this collection to Jeanne Margaine Lacroix, a designer who challenged the Victorian style, in it’s era and made a change of how we perceive femininity.

There is great emphasis on games of volume in one garment, creating a chimeric silhouettes and endless trains. The color palette is of soft porcelain ivory, dusted silver, washed pinks, smoky blush and cream that completes the touch of this collection. To add our touch of romance and admiration to the feminine body we used delicate textured laces, deep colored backgrounds and paid careful attention to details (such as detachable elements and a lot of crystals), alongside varied Victorian motifs of high collars.

More of this beautiful collection can be found at galialahav.com

34 | Wedding Essentials 2018

GEORGIA

BY GALIA LAHAV Victorian Affinity Collection

Wedding Essentials 2018 | 35

4 36 | Wedding Essentials 2017

FABULOUS FUNKY FOOTWEAR:

Weird & Wonderful WEDDING SHOE OPTIONS

SO YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED. You’ve purchased your wedding dress. The flowers, cake, and reception venue have all been booked.

You have selected your bridal attendants, sent out wedding invitations, and have already secured the services of a wedding photographer.

There’s only one hitch in the plans for your big day.

What the heck are you going to wear on your feet?

Sure you can opt for the traditional white sandal, but who wants to be like every other bride? If you’ve got a quirky personality and a penchant for surprising those around you, it might be time to consider spicing up your nuptials with some unorthodox footwear.

Check out the following roundup of funky footwear styles to see if you find a pair that matches your quirky style:

thongs with no sole. These simple sandals feature a toe strap and silver sea star. If you like the idea of walking barefoot in the sand as you get married, these sole-free white thongs might just be your ticket to paradise.

4. ALIVE SHOES

If none of the shoes above match your wedding style, you can design your own wedding footwear via Alive Shoes. Choose from a variety of styles and add your own colors, graphics, and design details like leather stripes and shoe laces. You can even sell

your newly designed shoes online thanks to Alive’s easy-to-use ecommerce interface.

Getting married doesn’t have to mean your ceremony and reception are completely traditional. Just because you are following societal norms and exchanging wedding vows, you can still weave your own unique personality into every aspect of your big day. Choosing to wear an unusual pair of shoes as you get married shows that although you’re very serious about your vows, you’re not above showing a little sass while you’re exchanging those vows.

1. SOPHIA WEBSTER

Sophia Webster offers a number of quirky footwear options for brides on the hunt for unique footwear. Their ‘Wifey for Lifey’ summer sandals feature neon pink straps and a transparent sole. One shoe sports a ‘wifey’ speech bubble adornment and the other shoe sports a ‘for lifey’ speech bubble. If you want something a little classier, consider wearing Sophia Webster butterfly heels instead. Available in a variety of colors, these sumptuous shoes feature a large butterfly on the back of each heel. You’re sure to receive plenty of compliments on your footwear when you get married in butterfly shoes.

2. BRIDAL RUNNING SHOES

If you think you might become a runaway bride just before you say your vows, you might want to have a pair of bridal running shoes on your feet. Available via Etsy, these high-heeled stunners are wrapped in lace and tie in the front with white ribbon. You’ll be ready for a stroll down the aisle towards your matrimonial partner or for a fast exit to a waiting car and the highway to freedom.

3. NAUTICAL BRIDAL THONGS For a completely unique take on wedding footwear, consider a pair of nautical beach

Wedding Essentials 2018 | 37

38 | Wedding Essentials 2018

16

Tips for Planning Your Ideal Honeymoon

DASHING AWAY to an exotic location with your new spouse at the end of your wedding day is something to look forward to. However, it doesn’t just happen. Somewhere in the midst of the craziness of wedding planning, you also need to find time to plan your honeymoon. Use these tips to help you plan a great honeymoon with less stress.

1 2

GET AN EARLY START

Don’t wait until the last minute to start planning your honeymoon. Booking your reservations six to eight months in advance is ideal and helps you get the best rates.

WORK TOGETHER

Many couples divide and conquer to tackle tasks during wedding planning, but this doesn’t work as well with the honeymoon.

Having one person take on more of the planning can result in a trip that fits better with their preferences and tastes. Work together for most of the planning to choose things that both of you enjoy.

3

DO YOUR OWN THING

It may sound easier to copy the honeymoon itinerary of another couple, but avoid the temptation. Just because they had a blast doesn’t mean the trip is right for you and your partner. It’s great to get advice and ideas from friends and family, but tailor the trip to the tastes and preferences of you and your fiancé.

Wedding Essentials 2018 | 39

4

BE SPECIFIC

What exactly do you mean by “exotic destination”? A luxury resort on a beautiful island or a faraway foreign country? What’s relaxing to you may seem boring to your fiancé. Be specific when talking with your partner and take the time to figure out what you both want from the honeymoon.

5

P RICE OUT YOUR HONEYMOON

Check out the prices of various plane tickets and destinations and determine what you can afford to spend. Narrow your options based on what you can afford; remember that it’s often better to choose a less expensive destination where you can afford better accommodations and activities. Remember to consider airfare, accommodations, sightseeing, entertainment, dining, and transportation. If resources are tight, think about setting up a honeymoon fund as part of your wedding registry.

6

CONSIDER A TRAVEL AGENT

Travel agents are a great choice for many couples. They have insider information and vast experience to help you plan the honeymoon that’s right for you. They can save you lots of time researching and often have access to special deals and discounts. Of course, some couples prefer to keep things simple and plan themselves, and that’s a great option too.

7

C REATE A HONEYMOON BUDGET

A wedding is expensive, and it’s tempting to use honeymoon money to help pay for those last few wedding details that you can’t live without. However, the honeymoon is important too and lasts longer than the wedding day, so give it the attention it deserves. Set aside designated honeymoon funds and keep them that way.

8

CHECK THE WEATHER

The ideal location varies depending on the time of year. Check the average weather at your top destinations to make sure they won’t be uncomfortably hot, cold, humid, or rainy during your trip. The season is also important in terms of crowds; summer weddings are popular, but this is also peak tourist season for many locations.

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9

WAIT TO LEAVE

Heading for your honeymoon immediately after the reception may sound romantic, but it’s often better to wait. You’ll be exhausted after the wedding and may have had too much to drink. Choose a place close to your reception site for the first night and give yourself a moment to rest. Plan to leave the following day or even a couple of days after the wedding. Some couples prefer to postpone their honeymoon even longer for various reasons, so do what works best for the two of you.

10 11

B ALANCE RELAXATION AND ADVENTURE

A good mix of relaxation and adventure is ideal for a honeymoon. You’ll need time to unwind after the wedding and the stress of planning, but you’ll also want time to explore and experience exciting activities together.

ACCOUNT FOR TRAVEL TIME

Keep your timeline in mind when choosing destinations. Fiji sounds great, but you’ll want to avoid long flights if you only have a week.

Spending two days on a plane and suffering from jet lag between doesn’t make for a great experience. Choosing a location closer to home allows you to maximize vacation time.

12

AVOID PLANNING TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE

Work to strike a balance between planning enough and planning too much. Build a basic structure, including accommodations for the entire trip and any major excursions you don’t want to miss, but don’t plan too many activities. The time before the wedding is heavily scheduled, so give yourselves some freedom on your honeymoon.

13 14

MATCH YOUR NAME

Remember to book travel reservations to match the legal name on the documents you’ll have while traveling. It’s exciting to become Mr. and Mrs. So-and-So, but don’t book your honeymoon that way.

SAMPLE THE CULTURE

Build excitement about your destination by going to a restaurant or preparing a meal based on cultural cuisine. Or snuggle up for a movie night featuring a film that highlights the area’s culture or scenery. Not only will you anticipate your honeymoon more, but these are also great ways to relax with your partner during the hectic days of wedding planning.

15

ASK ABOUT HONEYMOON PACKAGES

Many hotels and resorts offer special honeymoon packages. They may include champagne and roses, a romantic dinner, breakfast in bed, couple massages, and more.

Find out if the places you’re staying offer any such packages and what they cost.

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FIND OUT ABOUT VISAS AND PASSPORTS

If you’re traveling to another country, check their visa and passport requirements and make sure you have the proper documents for your travels. Also, check with your doctor about any vaccinations recommended for traveling to other regions.

Your honeymoon is an amazing opportunity to get away and enjoy time with your new spouse.

Make the most of it and reduce planning stress with the help of these honeymoon planning tips, then enjoy every moment of your special time together.

Jamieson Dean Photography

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Book a sitE visit today!

Relive the Royal Event of the Year with this Keepsake Souvenir!

ON MAY 19, 2018, the world waited for a first glimpse of the bride and the groom on what was to be a grand royal event. Now, as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex embark on their new life together, it is possible to relive that story of Harry and Meghan’s fair tale romance and enjoy all the photographs from the wedding in this perfect keepsake souvenir of the day.

Harry & Meghan: The Royal Wedding Album records all the charming details and is the ultimate keepsake of this modern-day love story!

Harry & Meghan: The Royal Wedding Album Published by Thomas Allen & Son $24.00; Hardcover; 160 pages; 7.625 x 10.25 ISBN: 978-1-77328-286-2

Wedding Essentials 2018 | 41

No

10 TIPS FOR SAYING DURING WEDDING PLANNING

PLANNING, DREAMING, AND PREPARING for your wedding day is a special time; there’s excitement, enthusiasm, and lots of advice.

Sometimes it seems that everyone, from your parents to aunts and uncles to friends or even people you meet in line at the grocery store, has ideas about what you should do at your wedding or how they can help. While all of their ideas and offers of assistance can be helpful at times, they can also be overwhelming. Here are some tips on how to say no without offending your loved ones.

opportunities to offer advice or assistance.

SET THE TONE

EXPLAIN YOUR POSITION

As ideas, advice, and offers come pouring in, set the tone from the beginning. Compliment ideas and thank people for their kind offers, but let them know that you want to make decisions with your fiancé.

Sometimes you’ll need to say no. For example, your parents want you to get married at a church but neither of you is religious. However, for bigger issues like this, you may want to avoid a straightforward no because it can sound harsh. Instead, take time to sit down with your parents and explain to them how you feel and why this is important to you. They may not agree, but at least they’ll have a better idea where you’re coming from.

EVALUATE REQUESTS You’re likely to receive all kinds of requests during wedding planning. This includes requests both big and small, such as your grandmother wanting to make your wedding cake or a friend asking you to hide something in your bouquet. Consider the request and whether or not it works with your personalities and the vision you have for the wedding day. If so, you may want to include it in the festivities.

If not, see if there’s a way to incorporate the request in a way that does fit or consider saying no.

AVOID OFFERING INFORMATION You know the type: the friend or relative who has advice about and wants to get involved with everything. If you have someone you know wants to get involved even though you’d rather they didn’t, avoid giving them details about wedding planning. This gives them fewer

42 | Wedding Essentials 2018

PRACTICE COMPROMISING Compromise is an important part of a marriage, so make the most of wedding planning as a time to practice this skill. Don’t give in to every request or idea, but take time to step back and evaluate what’s actually important to you. Will these things matter six months after the wedding? Be willing to be flexible about things that don’t matter as much to you or your partner.

TWEAK THE IDEA You don’t always have to agree to the idea, request, or offer in the way it was originally presented. Tweaking the idea can help the person feel included while staying true to your preferences as the bride and groom.

For example, the piece of jewelry that every bride in your family wears may not match your wedding dress, but perhaps you wrap it around your bouquet or pin it inside your gown.

REPURPOSE THE OFFER If someone offers to help but you don’t feel comfortable trusting them with the responsibility, try to find a way to include them that makes both of you happy. For example,

if grandma wants to bake the wedding cake, but hasn’t ever done that before, it might not be a great idea. Consider asking her to bake cupcakes for the rehearsal dinner instead.

TRY A LESS IMPORTANT DAY Your wedding day only happens once, so it’s reasonable to hesitate about accepting offers from friends and family. Many of them are excited though and want to share this time with you, so see if you can get them involved on a day other than the wedding. If a friend offers to shoot your wedding photos but you want a professional photographer for the big day, ask the friend to shoot engagement photos instead. This lets them get involved without as much pressure.

CREATE A BUFFER Don’t feel like you have to be the one saying no all the time; get help with this task. Ask your fiancé to handle some of the requests from his family and let your wedding planner deal with the last minute requests. If relatives or friends at the reception have a big surprise for the couple, the wedding planner can run it by you before politely saying no.

APPRECIATE THE THOUGHT Although you might feel frustrated by the loads of advice and offers, try to appreciate the thought behind them. Your friends and family want to share in your excitement, and they usually mean well. Appreciating that can help you be a little more tolerant.

Wedding planning is an exciting time, but it can get overwhelming. Use these tips for saying no to help you manage the flood of requests, ideas, and offers from enthusiastic family and friends.

Wedding Essentials 2018 | 43

All About Your Wedding

Receiving Line

THE WEDDING DAY is over before you know it.

Make the most of the time and avoid missing wedding guests by taking advantage of a receiving line. This tradition stands the test of time as an efficient way to greet and connect with each guest. Here’s what you need to know about a wedding receiving line.

WHY HAVE A RECEIVING LINE? Receiving lines offer an ideal way to welcome guests personally and thank them for attending your wedding. Most people also consider it proper wedding etiquette if you’re planning a celebration with more than 50 guests. Choosing a line allows brief face-to-face time with each guest so they can offer congratulations and

44 | Wedding Essentials 2017

share a hug. Trying to greet everyone during the reception can leave you overwhelmed as you rush out of one conversation to catch someone else, and still end up missing people.

RECEIVING LINE LOCATION AND TIME Plan to set up your receiving line at a time and place where guests can move through the line smoothly without feeling rushed. Usually, this is right after the ceremony or first thing at the reception. Choose a location with enough space for family and wedding party members to stand without crowding each other, so guests have room to move through the line. Proper ventilation is also essential, so everyone stays comfortable. At the ceremony site, common

locations include the vestibule, outside the entry doors, or on the front porch. You’ll usually have more options at the reception site, such as the lobby, cocktail lounge, outside the entry doors, or even in the reception room.

SETUP OF THE RECEIVING LINE The traditional structure of a receiving line includes the bride and groom with both sets of parents. As hosts, the bride’s parents head the line, followed by the bride and groom with the groom’s parents concluding the line. The fathers sometimes mingle with the guests instead of joining the receiving line, but if one enters the line, then they both should.

Having some or all of the bridal party after

the groom’s parents is also common, and sometimes grandparents as well.

As with many wedding traditions, the receiving line is open to interpretation, and more couples are choosing a different setup. With many couples paying for or contributing to the wedding themselves, it’s not uncommon for the bride and groom to stand alone.

DIVORCED AND REMARRIED PARENTS If one or both sets of parents are divorced, it makes arranging a receiving line more difficult. Don’t place divorced parents next to each other in line because it creates the impression they are still a couple. A standard placement is the bride’s mother, followed by the couple, the groom’s parents, and the bride’s father. If your parents remarried and you have a good relationship with your stepmom or stepdad, consider having them join your mom or dad on the line if that won’t cause problems with your other parent. These situations can get sticky, so sometimes it’s better to have a receiving line with just the bride and groom.

Greeting wedding guests is an integral part of the occasion, and a receiving line is a great way to accomplish this efficiently. process take longer for everyone involved.

Keep receiving line conversation to a minimum and take advantage of the reception for mingling and catching up with family and friends. Remember that greeting that many people can get tiring; make sure to greet the guests at the end of the line with the same enthusiasm as those at the beginning.

INTRODUCING GUESTS New faces abound at weddings, so help everyone feel welcome and comfortable by introducing your parents and spouse to any guests they haven’t met. Keep the introductions brief, first names and their relationship to you, so you don’t hold up the flow. Consider hiring the services of a Town Crier to introduce the guests and control the flow of the line.

GREETING WEDDING GUESTS

RECEIVING LINE TIPS

The receiving line is your opportunity to welcome each wedding guest but avoid over talking. Too much conversation makes the

Here are a few tips to make your receiving line flow as smoothly as possible:  Hand off the bouquet. Bouquets get heavy

and are awkward to deal with while greeting guests, so pass it off to a trusted friend for safekeeping.  Schedule appropriately. During wedding planning, schedule the receiving line with about 15 to 30 seconds per guest.  Make eye contact and smile. Remember to make eye contact with each guest and greet everyone with a smile, so all feel welcome and appreciated.  Keep the line moving. Communicate with the members of your receiving line so that everyone knows this is an opportunity to greet guests, and they should save conversations for the reception.

Your wedding day is a special time to celebrate your love and commitment with family and friends present. Greeting wedding guests is an integral part of the occasion, and a receiving line is a great way to accomplish this efficiently. Use these tips to set up your receiving line and make your guests feel welcome and appreciated.

Wedding Essentials 2018 | 45

How to Set Up a

SETTING UP A CANDY BUFFET is one of the hottest trends at weddings right now. They are an innovative alternative to traditional favors and, simply put, finger food is fun. You can get creative and design it yourself or you can take the hassle out of it and work with a caterer or event planner for your special day.

rock candy, candy-coated chocolate nuts and fruits, taffy, licorice, hard candies, lollipops, gumballs, and more. You can also go to a warehouse store to stock up on common popular candy options. They will carry large packages and are often at a discounted price since you’re buying in bulk.

If you’re more of a do it yourself type, you can easily design and set up a candy buffet without too much effort and have a mouthwatering display. Party supply stores and websites are now carrying candy in every color of the rainbow in order to match your wedding colors.

One of the benefits of going this route is that they are usually individually wrapped, making serving a little less messy. A fun idea for a real old school candy shop feel is to get vintage candy like Necco Wafers, Mary Janes, Beemans Chewing Gum, Bit-O-Honey, Charleston Chew, Fun Dip, or Pop Rocks.

Some bulk candy ideas include chocolates,

If you’re already decorating the rest of your

46 | Wedding Essentials 2018

reception, simply make sure you have additional table linens, centerpieces, and decorations to also cover your candy buffet.

You’re also going to need some containers to put all of that candy! You can start by shopping in your own home: look in your kitchen cabinets for jars and serving bowls; you can even use thick-walled vases with a wide mouth as a container.

Craft stores carry glass apothecary jars and oversize wine and martini glasses that look beautiful with colorful candy showing through. There’s no need to spend too much on containers, though, especially if you don’t think you’re going to use them again.

Candy Buffet

Get creative and check out some thrift stores for interesting vessels. You can continue with the vintage theme and use mason jars; a case from the hardware store winds up costing about a dollar per jar.

When you’re setting up your candy buffet, use different size containers and put them at varying levels on the table for visual interest.

Label your jars so your guests know what’s in each (you never know who has an allergy!). The colors of bulk candy can be quite beautiful, but since they aren’t individually wrapped, make sure you get some scoops so your guests aren’t digging in with their bare hands.

You can also hire a caterer or an event planner

at Your Wedding

in order to design and implement your candy buffet, so it’s one less thing to think about on your big day. With a little information from you, they will coordinate your theme and color scheme into your custom candy set up in order to ensure your distinct personality shines.

They will set everything up before the event and be there when it’s all over to break it down, freeing you up to spend time with your guests.

The company will provide jars and scoops for your candy station as well as little bags to fill for the true candy shop feel. Sometimes, they will provide favor bags already filled with candy for larger events. Often, they will provide table linens, centerpieces, displays, custom labels, or even a server in order to create a truly

stunning visual display for your party.

A delicious add-on that many caterers offer are cake pops and cupcakes. These small desserts are all the rage right now and are perfect for keeping a wedding informal and fun. The caterer can provide a tiered display or tower for cupcakes and stands for the cake pops, creating an edible dessert centerpiece.

Either way you decide to go, setting up a candy buffet at your wedding is a memorable way of incorporating your colors and personality while also engaging your guests. It evokes immediate nostalgia and provides your guests with a unique, interactive experience that they will remember.

Wedding Essentials 2018 | 47

Edible

Art

Decadently delicious concoctions Decadently delicious concoctions figure prominently in wedding figure prominently in wedding celebrations. Cake bakers, celebrations. Cake bakers, chocolatiers, candy makers, chocolatiers, candy makers, and other creators of edible art and other creators of edible art produce gustatory and visual produce gustatory and visual masterpieces. Here is a sampling masterpieces. Here is a sampling of feasts for palate and eye, of feasts for palate and eye, sensational treats designed sensational treats designed to delight and dazzle while to delight and dazzle while tantalizing taste buds. tantalizing taste buds.

48 | Wedding Essentials 2018

Your theme, style and colours venture onto your desserts as well. From the minimalist cakes, decadent chocolates and the ornate edible art designs‌ on your wedding day you CAN have your cake and eat it too!

Wedding Essentials 2018 | 49

Free book means less stress when you plan your big day 50 | Wedding Essentials 2018

Planning a formal wedding can cause stress in the most serene of women.

But you can plan yours with a minimum of frayed nerves, thanks to this FREE book from Wedding Essentials.

The Bride’s Survival Guide gives you detailed instructions on planning every aspect of your big day. This 128-page manual (a $39.95 value) offers insider advice on the engagement, the advance preparations, the budget, the ceremony, the reception, the honeymoon, and your first home together.

You get tips on saving money, answers to your etiquette questions, solutions to tough family problems, and ideas on how to make your wedding unique.

Plus …we show you how to get the best deals from suppliers.

Without sacrificing quality.

This unique manual has helped more than 70,000 Ontario brides over the past 20 years. Let us send you your own personal FREE copy.

Mail the postpaid request card opposite this page. Or complete the form online at www.WeddingEssentials.ca. We’ll be pleased to help you remain calm every step of the way to the altar.

Wedding Essentials www.weddingessentials.ca Your wedding. Your vision. Your choice.

How to Stay Calm and Cope During

Difficult Conversations NO ONE LIKES DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS. They can make you feel vulnerable and scared. You cringe because you don’t know if you’ll like what you hear. At other times, you imagine the person you’re talking with is defenseless and don’t want to cause pain. You hold your breath, hoping what you say is received better than you anticipate. Talking to people about challenging topics need not make your knees go weak and heart pound like a jackhammer, when you know how to cope.

KEEP YOUR BREATH FLOWING Imagine a calm tide. Whoosh, flowing slowly back and forth with ease. A continual, smooth, comfortable movement. Now envision an aggressive current, with fast, uneven waves coursing across the ocean. The two examples demonstrate the difference between your breathing patterns when you’re relaxed or anxious.

Instead of holding your breath, or inhaling and exhaling high in your chest rapidly, relax and develop a calm rhythm. Slow your breathing down and let air sink to your belly before it rises and you’ll relax.

KEEP YOUR OBJECTIVE IN MIND Finding a peaceful outcome will be tough if you forget your goal. People who lose their way in difficult conversations say things they later regret and don’t achieve their aims. Be clear what you want from a discussion before it begins.

Also, get into the habit of steering dialog back to the main issue when you notice it veering and you won’t drag the conversation out or mislay the plot.

AVOID THE LANGUAGE OF BLAME Conversations deteriorate when verbal mud-slinging ensues. Saying “you caused the problem” or “you’re wrong” makes people defensive. Name calling, of course, is insulting and encourages others to retaliate.

Preaching, scolding, and other forms of aggressive speech will upset you, even if you’re not on the receiving end. Speak slowly in a calm tone and you’ll retain your composure and stay on track.

STICK TO “WHAT” NOT “WHY” “Why” halts progress whereas “What” results in constructive ideas. What can you do to improve the situation? What’s the next step? Asking what-related questions will keep the conversation moving in the right direction and prevent unnecessary doleful verbiage.

Difficult conversations are uncomfortable but remember why you have them.

They may initiate improvement. Let your breathing pattern help you relax. As a result, you’ll get to the point fast and stay composed. Avoid critical language and offer helpful ideas, too, and you’ll cope well and be calm.

52 | Wedding Essentials 2018

Wedding Essentials 2018 | 53

54 | Wedding Essentials 2017

Getting Remarried?

Prepare your Finances with these Four Critical Steps

BY BE CONRAD

IF YOU RUSHED INTO your first marriage and lived to regret that hasty decision, your second marriage is a chance for redemption.

Now that you are older and presumably wiser, you can live out the lessons you have learned, incorporating them into your new relationship and using them to make your second marriage stronger and more successful.

credit scores, you can work together to improve things, paying bills on time, reducing debt levels and being smart about spending.

It may not be the most romantic thing in the world, but finances will surely play a major role in the success of your upcoming marriage. Like it or not, you and your future spouse need to have an honest discussion about where you stand financially, where you see eye to eye, where you disagree and how you plan to plot a future course together. Here are four critical things you need to think about before walking down the aisle the second time around.

If there are adult children in the picture, now is the time to talk about them and their finances.

Discussions about adult children and financial support can be touchy, but they are absolutely essential.

STEP

#1

CHECK THOSE CREDIT SCORES

Your creditworthiness, or lack of it, will play a role in everything from your insurance premiums to your future career prospects. Now is the time to get out those credit reports and check those credit scores.

If you have not already done so, check your own credit score, then ask your future spouse to do the same. If there is a huge discrepancy in your

STEP

#2

TALK ABOUT ADULT CHILDREN

If your future spouse envisions high levels of financial support for adults who should already be self-sufficient, now is the time to talk about it. It is better to talk about these things now and come up with compromises than to wait until the financial needs of the adult children start interfering with your marriage.

STEP

#3

PUT TOGETHER SEPARATE AND COMBINED NET WORTH STATEMENTS

Until now, you and your future spouse have lived separate financial lives, but now is the time to start putting things together. Start by creating a net worth statement for each one of you, including the investments you own and the

debts you have incurred.

Once you get a handle on your individual finances, it will be easier to start the consolidation process. This step can be a tedious one, but it is also essential.

STEP

#4

CONSIDER A PRENUPTIAL AGREEMENT

In cases where there is a major discrepancy between the two spouses, a prenuptial agreement may be appropriate. This is another difficult discussion to have, but it is important for both partners to protect themselves and their finances.

If you do decide a prenuptial agreement is in the cards, it is important to seek professional help and guidance in creating one. These are complicated legal documents, and you will need the right help to avoid mistakes.

Financial discussions may not be as much fun as talking about wedding cakes and caterers, but in the end these talks will be far more consequential. Chances are you learned a lot from your first marriage, including the importance of finances. Now is the time to put those lessons to use, starting with some frank discussions about your upcoming marriage and your financial future.

Wedding Essentials 2018 | 55

Beauty-Full Fun and pretty bridal must haves!

BY ALANNA NEWMAN

ROSE GOLD OBSESSIONS Rose gold has taken this year, and last year, and maybe even the year before that by storm. While you may shy away from a blush wedding dress, or a rose gold ring, Charlotte Tilbury’s products are a luxury to enjoy. Each rose gold lipstick tube feels like luxury the moment you slip it out of your purse… and don’t even get me started on the formula. It glides on like a dream. Charlotte is a big fan of The Queen, and with the royal wedding just past, it’s no surprise that she released some new lipstick shades: The Dutchess, a charming tearose pink in a satin finish, and Legendary Queen, described as a soft neutral wine matte lipstick.

Get them exclusively online for $39 at www.charlottetilbury.com.

‹ WANDERLUST Perhaps my all-time favourite Sephora Collection launch, #Lipstories makes it hard to pick. Do I pick a lipstick based on the name? Or on the shade?

The packaging is adorable, and the formula is not only super creamy, but also budget friendly at $10 a pop (or should I say, budget friendly, by Sephora standards?). My top picks are Hot in Havana (warm orange, satin finish), Oui! (my perfect pinky-nude, cream finish), and Brunch Date (a pink-beige, matte finish). Shades range from nude to metallic mint, from a classic red to a matte navy. Get them at Sephora, both in store and online!

56 | Wedding Essentials 2018

SPARKLE MUST! Stila’s Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow has taken the blogger world by storm, and earning rave reviews in the process. Stila makes it easy to play with glitter. I like to do my usual evening eye look, and then use my fingers to tap the wet glitter on the center of my eyelids, and like that my glam has gone up a factor (or twelve). My favourite shades include Kitten Karma, Smoky Storm, and Wanderlust. These have been my goto for weddings and bachelorette parties since the moment they landed on my desk. Retailing for $31, you can find these gems at Sephora, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Murale.

‹ HAPPY SKIN IS ALWAYS IN I never knew that I could become so obsessed by a sheet mask. But Mary Kay’s Timewise Repair mask is no ordinary mask. With a bio-cellulose base, and made with oat kernel extract, orchid extract, and sodium hyaluronate, which is known for its skinconditioning benefits, this mask packs a punch. I love using this mask before a big event. I find that it leaves my skin brighter, and more radiant within moments of removing it. Simply put, my skin is left feeling happy. A pack of four retails for $75 and can be purchased from your local consultant, or online at www.marykay.ca

DON’T DESPAIR, REPAIR! A good hair mask can be hard to find, and Briogeo makes a pretty great one. Good for all hair types, this mask is packed with goof-foryou ingredients such as rosehip oil, argan oil, and silk. In as little as five minutes moisture is restored to dry and over-processed hair. In advance of a special event, or after when I am looking for some TLC, this mask is just what my hair needs to be back looking, and feeling, its best. 8 oz retails for $46 at Sephora.

*

“Brio” is an Italian word that means “vibrant and full of life” and “geo” is a Latin word meaning “of Earth and nature” Brio+geo = Briogeo.

Wedding Essentials 2018 | 57

58 | Wedding Essentials 2018

7 Tips for Making Your Wedding Guests

Happy

The wedding day is all about the couple pledging their lives to one another, but some couples get so caught up in the magic that they forget they are hosting an event.

YOUR WEDDING is one of few times where the most important people in your life will gather in one space. You may be inviting your best friends, people who have known you since childhood and people who have contributed to you becoming the person you are today. You have chosen to ask these people to surround you as you make one of the most significant commitments of your life, so be sure to treat them that way.

Here are seven ways you can go above and beyond for your wedding guests. They will appreciate the thought, and you can be glad that you’ve done something sweet for the people who have come together to celebrate you.

OFFER A LIST OF HOTEL OPTIONS Attending a wedding out of town can be stressful, especially to people who have never visited that place. You can help make things easier by offering some information on hotels.

Put together a list of hotels close to your wedding reception and send this list with your out-of-town invitations. If you can, provide information about the hotels like the distance from the wedding venue, family activities offered and whether or not there is a restaurant on site.

You may even want to encourage local guests

to stay at a hotel within walking distance from your reception, particularly if you are planning on serving a lot of alcohol.

If possible, talk to hotels about reserving a block of rooms for your wedding guests. That is especially helpful if your wedding is to take place in the hotel, and will ensure that your guests have a place to stay. The hotel may offer you a discount on rates; some hotels will even give you a complimentary honeymoon suite if you bring in enough business.

PUT TOGETHER SURVIVAL KITS Grab some gift bags and fill them with items your wedding guests might find useful as they attend your event. If you have guests coming in from out of town, you can leave the bags for them at the front desk of the hotel. Other guests can pick them up as they arrive.

The bags can include small items like a bottle of water, a package of tissues, travelsized pain reliever and a tiny bottle of hand sanitizer. If your guests have kids, then include a coloring book with some crayons. People coming in from out of town might appreciate a map of the area noting interesting places to visit or see.

ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION Transportation can be a huge issue when it comes to a wedding, especially if guests will

Wedding Essentials 2018 | 59

be drinking at your reception. You can help keep everyone safe and happy by providing a shuttle from the dinner to hotels where your guests will be spending the night.

A shuttle bus also adds to the atmosphere of a party, but if that’s too overwhelming for your budget, find out if your guests would be interested in splitting the cost of a shuttle service. You may find that many of your guests will appreciate this option.

Alternatively, you can give guests all the information they will need to arrange for a taxi to take them from your wedding.

Everything will go much more smoothly if there is a plan in place for tipsy guests.

ARRANGE CHILDCARE Childcare can be a barrier to guests who want to enjoy your wedding but don’t have anywhere to leave their children. If you’d like your wedding to be an adults-only event, this is tricky.

Put some time into considering the needs of your guests who have children. If you are okay with having kids at your wedding, designate a space where they can enjoy themselves. That could be a table with art supplies or even a space with gym mats and slides. Hire someone from a babysitting service to oversee this area so adults can have fun.

If most of your guests are staying at a hotel, reserve one room as a kid party zone where

60 | Wedding Essentials 2018

anyone can leave children while attending your wedding. Use a babysitting service, so you’ll have some responsible adults present.

Arrange to have pizza delivered, and stock the room with games, snacks and kidfriendly movies.

If you do not want children at your wedding, be clear about this. Many people will assume they can bring their children unless you tell them otherwise.

NIX THE CASH BAR The people you invite to your wedding are your guests, and it can rub people the wrong way to ask them to pay for their drinks. You wouldn’t ask guests to pay for drinks if they were dining at your house and doing so at your wedding can come off as inconsiderate.

An open bar, however, can quickly get expensive. If you cannot afford to have one, then you could opt for serving just a few varieties of wine and beer or signature cocktails. That should be enough to let your guests have a good time without exceeding your budget. Another way that is quite acceptable is to have a cash bar to control expenses but supply each guest with one or two tickets. No matter which way you choose, it has to work for you and for your guests.

If you are having a quiet, daytime affair, there is nothing wrong with skipping the bar altogether. Merely serve champagne when it is time to make a toast.

PLAY A VARIETY OF MUSIC Many wedding guests love dancing, so be sure you give them a wide selection of music to enjoy. You and your friends may be into hiphop, but your grandmother might like to hear some classic tunes. Be sure to accommodate all kinds of musical tastes when it comes to organizing your playlist so everyone can dance and have a great time.

GIVE GUESTS SOME ATTENTION Sometimes brides and grooms are hyperfocused on making the wedding run smoothly, and they forget about the people around them.

Or they are having so much fun that they only give attention to close friends.

Remember that you’ve asked your wedding guests to be part of your special day, so don’t ignore them. If you have a large wedding, it might not be easy to stop and speak to each person attending, but you owe it to them to try.

Pose for pictures and ask people if they are enjoying themselves. Make them feel like you want them there and that you feel honored they would choose to give that time to you.

Your wedding should be one of the most beautiful events of your life, and you can make it special for other people as well. If you’ve invited someone to share such a memorable day with you, then show your respect, courtesy, and appreciation by considering their wants and needs when you are making your plans. That will bring your guests closer to you and help enhance the love that you celebrate on your wedding day.

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Wedding Essentials 2018 | 61

Reception Reference Guide

A quick chart to help you to compare Ontario’s finest upscale wedding venues. All information is subject to change without notice. Some offerings may be available only on a limited, seasonal or by-request basis. Unless otherwise noted, alcohol charges, gratuities and taxes are extra.

NORTH OF TORONTO Page



Guests

$

Included In Price

Ceremony On Site

Outdoor Area

Special Menus

CHATEAU LE JARDIN CONFERENCE & EVENT VENUE 905.851.2200 30-1300 $75-160

A B F I J M N, open bar, antipasto bar

No

No

F G It P

CHRISTIES MILL INN & SPA 1.800.465.9966

AIMBFJNRGOSUHLPT

Yes

Yes

Ca Ch G H In It Ja K P V

CRANBERRY GOLF RESORT, LIVING WATER RESORT & RESIDENCE 705.446.3253 2-220 $30-100 CU

Yes

Yes

Ca G In It Ja P V

PATTERSON-KAYE RESORT AND SPA 705.645.4169 20-200

Yes

Yes

VO

YEs

Yes

Yes

AFGHOP

Yes

Yes

Ca F G H In Il P V

THE BRIARS RESORT, CONFERENCE CENTRE & SPA 905.722.3271 Ext. 2730 up to 150 $125-135

ABCFGJNOPRSTU

Yes

Yes

Ca Ch F G H In It Ja P V O

WOODINGTON LAKE GOLF CLUB 905.936.9523 Ext. 232 PAGE 13

AFGIJOPRUW

Yes

Yes

Ca F G P V

Included In Price

Ceremony On Site

100

$35-150

$60-130

FGHIJPRU

SHARON TEMPLE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE AND MUSEUM 905.478.2389 0-88 TABOO MUSKOKA 1.800.461.0236 Ext. 5796

20-200

60-300

$150-250

$70-125

SOUTHEASTERN ONTARIO 

Guests

DEER CREEK GOLF & BANQUET FACILITY 905.427.7757 Ext. 300 50-540

PAGE 19

$ $75-125

ABCFG

Yes

Outdoor Area Yes

Special Menus F In H Ja V

TORONTO AND GTA  ATLANTIS

$

Included In Price

Ceremony On Site

Outdoor Area

Special Menus

840-1400

$95-110

ABFGIJNOPU

Yes

Yes

Ch G H In Il K P V

CASTLEFIELD EVENT THEATRE 905.851.2200

25-1100

$79-169

ABCFGIJMNOPRSU

Yes

Yes

F G It Ja P V O

DISTILLERY EVENTS: 416-203-2363

80-300

$2,500-22,000

AIJNROP

Yes

Yes

Ca Ch F G In It Ja K P V O

• ARCHEO

416.260.8000

Guests

416-203-2363

• THE FERMENTING CELLAR 416-203-2363 • THE LOFT

416-203-2363

MARKHAM MUSEUM 905.294.4576 Ext. 3171 PAGE 11 THE EGLINTON GRAND 416.485.5900 THE OLD MILL INN AND SPA 416.236.2641

| WeddingEssentials Essentials2018 2 017 62108| Wedding

AIJNROP

Ca Ch F G In It Ja K P V O

AIJNROP

Ca Ch F G In It Ja K P V O

AIJNROP

Ca Ch F G In It Ja K P V O

50-100

Yes

Yes

We welcome all caterers.

240-400

$115-126

ABFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

No

Ch G H In Il K P V

12-650

$99-138

ABFRCOU

Yes

Yes

H It P

SPECIAL MENUS

Ca — Caribbean Ch — Chinese

F — French G — Greek

H — Halal In — Indian

It — Italian J — Jamaican

K — Kosher P — Portuguese

V — Vegan O — Other

INCLUDED IN PRICE A. B. C. D.

E. F. G. H.

Dinner wine Champagne toast Chair covers Disc jockey

I. J. K. L.

Wedding cake Hors d’oeuvres Bridal suite Gift for couple

Late-night buffet Non-alcoholic punch Limousine Engagement photo

M. Chocolate fountain N. Sweet table O. Limited bar included P. Tasting for two

Q. R. S. T.

U. In-house wedding co-ordinator V. Wedding invitations W. Centrepieces

Valet parking for two Late night coffee/tea Wine and fruit for bridal suite Breakfast

SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO Page



Guests

$

Included In Price

Ceremony On Site

Outdoor Area

Special Menus

ANCASTER MILL 905.648.1828

18-205

$89-150

AIQFJNRGOUP

Yes

Yes

BANQUET ROYALE LTD. 905.238.5335

80-250

$69-99

ABCFGIJNOPQRUW

No

Yes

H It K P V O

BENMILLER INN & SPA 1.800.265.1711 PAGES 25

10-120

$39-60

NRWGUPT

Yes

Yes

Ch G It V Other-Celieac

BEST WESTERN PLUS STONERIDGE INN & CONFERENCE CENTRE 519.652.6022 Ext. 575 10-200 $98-115 AIMFRCGOUPT

No

Yes

� V Other-Custom

CAMBRIDGE MILL 519.648.1828 Ext. 2

24-200

$89-150

AIFJNRGOUP

Yes

Yes

CARLISLE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 289.795.0426

50-200

$99-250

ABCFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

Yes

G H It P V

CENTURY PINES GOLF CLUB 289.795.0426

50-200

$99-250

ABCFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

Yes

G H It P V

up to 375

wknd rental

O

No

Yes

AIMQBFJNRWCGOSUDPT

No

Yes

Ca F G H In It P V

COWAN PARK BANQUET HALL 519.421.0030 Ext. 34

DELTA LONDON ARMOURIES HOTEL 519.640.5054 20-180 FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON LONDON 519.681.0680 Ext. 8208 50-500

$30-140

ABFJNRWCGOUHPT

Yes

Yes

VO

GRAND METROPOLITAN OF MISSISSAUGA 905.624.4009 168-500

$60-86

ABFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

Yes

Ch G H In It K P V

GRAND VICTORIAN CONVENTION CENTRE 647.990.8468 50-600

$98-189

ABFGIJNOPR

Yes

Yes

Ca Ch F G H In It Ja K P V O

HESSENLAND COUNTRY INN 1.866.543.7736

10-180

$57-125

ABFJRGOUPT

Yes

Yes

V Other-German

KURTZ ORCHARDS 905.468.2937

100-300

$100-200

FJNRP

Yes

Yes

Ca Ch F G H In It Ja K P V

LIONHEAD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 905.455.8816

80-400

$99-160

ABCFGHIMR

Yes

Yes

H In K V, Vegetarian

MOHAWK INN & CONFERENCE CENTRE 905.854.2277 20-130

$35-100

OUHP

Yes

Yes

NORTHRIDGE MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE 519.756.6345 Ext. 211 50-160

$30-50

AIBFJNRCGOSUDP

Yes

Yes

It V

ROYAL NIAGARA GOLF CLUB 289.795.0426

50-200

$99-250

ABCFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

Yes

G H It P V

ROYAL ONTARIO GOLF CLUB 289.795.0426

50-250

� $99-250

ABCFGIJNOPRSU

Yes

Yes

G H It P V

SPENCER’S AT THE WATERFRONT 905.633.7494 Ext 2

150

$99-150

AIQFJNROUP

Yes

Yes

THE STRATFORD COUNTRY CLUB 519.271.4212 Ext.231

10-165

$62-80

AWUP

No

Yes

VO

THE WINDERMERE MANOR 519.858.1414 Ext. 432

80-120

$90-100

AGOUHT

No

Yes

V Other-Custom

Yes

Yes

F

Yes

Yes

WESTOVER INN 519.284.2977 WHISTLE BEAR GOLF CLUB 519.650.2327 Ext. 2

$45.00 170-440

$79-136

AIFJNRGOU

Wedding Essentials 20 1 7 | 109

Wedding Essentials 2018 | 63

directory

RUNAWAY DIGITAL MEDIA PHOTOGRAPHY 416-200-5004 www.runawaydigitalmedia.com/ lifestyle.html

ROGER CARLSEN PHOTOGRAPHY 416.576.2722

E

R

www.rogercarlsenphotography.com

64 | Wedding Essentials 2018

PAGE 45

GENERATIONS WINE COMPANY LTD. 178 St. George Street Toronto, Ontario M5R 2M7 416.968.7070 Ext. 234 www.unionwines.com

PAGE 6

P

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

PAMPERED CHEF Anne Brown 705.286.0450 anne.brown@xplornet.ca

EDIBLE ART

PAGE 61

DEE DEE JAYS DISC JOCKEYS 215 Drummond Dr. Maple, ON L6A 3C1 416.757.0641 1.888.971.2414 www.deedeejays.com

PAGE 61

B

BRIDAL REGISTRY/GIFTS

M

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

PAGE 2

WELCOME WAGON HEAD OFFICE 211 Telson Road, Suite 1 Markham, ON L3R 1E7 905.474.5190 www.welcomewagon.ca

PAGE 37

SIMCOE COUNTY BRIDAL SHOW 705-816-6513 www.simcoecountybridalshow.ca

PAGE 13

THE BRIDAL SHOW BURLINGTON/OAKVILLE 28 – 2006 Glenada Cres.

Oakville, ON L6H 5P5 905.337.7362 www.thebridalshow.ca

ONLINE

BRIDAL SHOWS

PELICAN CATERING AND EVENT MANAGEMENT 804 Ritson Road South Oshawa, ON L1H 5L4 905.728.5167 www.pelicancatering.ca

RECEPTION/CEREMONY LOCATIONS

HISTORIC HEINTZMAN HOUSE 135 Bay Thorn Avenue, Thornhill, ON L3T 3V1 www.heintzmanhouse.ca 905.944.3800 Ext. 6609

PAGE 41

B

Scan the QR code with your smartphone to visit the website, or a special offer from our advertisers.

directory

T

POMPANO BEACH CLUB – BERMUDA 516 Acorn Park Dr. Acton, MA 01720 1.800.343.4155 www.pompanobeachclub.com

DEER CREEK GOLF & BANQUET FACILITY 2700 Audley Road North, Ajax, ON L1Z 1T7 www.eventsdeercreek.com 905.427.7737 Ext. 300

PAGE 19

DURHAM BANQUET HALL & CONFERENCE CENTRE 559 Bloor Street West Oshawa, ON L1J 5Y6 www.durhambanquet.ca 905.434.1444

Y

PAGE 7

GERANIUM HOMES www.geraniumhomes.com

PAGE 11

U

REQUEST YOUR BRIDE’S SURVIVAL GUIDE Available to Ontario brides and it’s absolutely FREE! Request yours at www.WeddingSurvival.ca

PAGE 3

WOODINGTON LAKE 7110 4th Line (Mill St. East) R. R. #4 Tottenham, ON L0G 1W0 905.936.4343 1.888.265.1987 www.woodingtonlake.com

CITY OF MARKHAM CIVIC CENTRE 101 Town Centre Blvd.

Markham, ON L3R 9W3 905.477.7000 www.Markham.ca

PAGE 23

TABOO RESORT 1209 Muskoka Beach Road Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1R1 705.687.2233 www.tabooresort.com

PAGE 4/5

UNIQUE WEDDING SERVICES

SYNERGY 7453 Victoria Park Avenue Markham, ON L3R 2Y7 905.604.6275 1.855.314.6275 www.colourmarkprint.com

PAGE 50

MARKHAM MUSEUM 9350 Highway 48 (Markham Road) Markham, ON L3P 3J3 905-294-4576 Ext. 3171 www.markhammuseum.ca

YOUR HOME

TOWN CRIER HOSIPITATLY & CONVENTION SERVICES 1 Town Crier Lane Markham, ON L3P 2T9 905.472.3122 www.TownCrierServices.com

PAGE 67

CRYSTAL FOUNTAIN 60 McDowell Gate, Markham, ON 905.513.1900 www.crystalfountain.com

BACK COVER

TRAVEL & HONEYMOON

ONLINE

COMPASS ROSE SUITES 575 Crowes Road, Milford, ON K0K 2T0 www.compassrosesuites.ca 613.503.5752

PAGE 53

Scan the QR code with your smartphone to visit the website, or a special offer from our advertisers.

Wedding Essentials 2018 | 65

4 Deal Breakers

You Shouldn’t Compromise On WHETHER YOU’RE DATING OR MARRIED, there are things you shouldn’t put up with from the person you’re with. You may have become used to certain bad behaviours, which now it seem normal to you. Here are four deal breakers you should never negotiate in your relationship:

that can negatively affect you if you have goals and dreams for your life. Don’t assume you will inspire and motivate your spouse to change their lazy ways. It will only end up frustrating you when you don’t succeed.

1. VERBAL OR PHYSICAL ABUSE

A person who is selfish doesn’t make a good partner in life. This type of person doesn’t understand give and take. They want every situation to benefit them and expect others to put them first. You might find yourself waiting around for texts and phone calls from them while you are expected to answer within seconds of them contacting you. Someone who expects you to go out of your way to please them, but won’t do the same for you, is selfish.

This type of behaviour will cause you to feel as though you aren’t as important as your partner.

One type of abuse should never be tolerated because it’s “not as bad” as the other. Any type of abuse is unacceptable and shouldn’t be tolerated. Name-calling is a form of abuse.

If it happens once and you give a warning it shouldn’t happen again, but it does, there should be no more warnings. You don’t owe someone a second chance for any type of abusive behaviour, but if you decide to issue one, be prepared to walk away if it happens again. When someone realizes your threats are empty, they often continue the behaviour.

2. ANGER ISSUES

You don’t want to take a chance with anger issues. If your spouse yells, screams, punches things, throws things, or threatens you in anyway, it’s important you take necessary steps to protect yourself. Even if the anger is not directed at you, it’s critical that you understand one day it could be. You cannot predict if this will happen or not. Someone with anger issues should seek help to find better ways to cope.

3. LAZINESS

Laziness can impact your relationship in a number of ways. You can’t expect an active and adventurous life with someone who would rather sit on the couch watching TV or playing video games all day. Laziness can make a person unambitious and a bad lover. It’s a trait

66 | Wedding Essentials 2018

4. SELFISHNESS

It’s important to take your deal breakers seriously. If you waver on them and give too many chances, you’ll make it clear you aren’t serious and will let someone do whatever they want. Your deal breakers are meant to keep you from being hurt in the long-run.

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Our resort is dramatically situated overlooking Bermuda’s southwest coast, adjacent to the Robert Trent Jones designed Port Royal Golf Course. We offer extensive recreational facilities, gourmet cuisine, exceptional pesonal service, breathtaking ocean views from every guest room and a casual, relaxed atmosphere.

For honeymoon package information and reservations, call our Boston area sales office at 1-800-343-4155 or check out our website at www.pompanobeachclub.com.