JUNE 2014
Bridal Guide
FOR THE PERFECT WEDDING
PUBLISHED BY
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Bridal Guide Summer 2014
TRU CONFERENCE CENTRE
Getting Married? Let Thompson Rivers University Conference Centre assist you with your special day! Complete Wedding Packages t Theme & Custom Menus Buffet, Plated or Family Style Dinners Executive Loft Suite Accomodations t Horticultural Gardens Our professional event planners will provide you with a complete experience that will exceed your expectations and leave you with lasting memories! We look forward to hearing from you!
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tru.ca/cac
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P: 250.371.5660 | F: 250.828.5392 | E: conferencecentre@tru.ca
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Bridal Guide Summer 2014
N E WLY RE N OVATE D
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Bridal Guide Summer 2014
A River City wedding Whether your’re planning a big bash or a small ceremony, design your perfect day, from your shoes to your centrepieces. Anthony Salituro, Owner of Kamloops’ Viva Bridal Boutique and Viva Event Design, said to be safe, couples should give themselves a year to plan, as venues and services book months in advance, with 2015 weddings already in the works. Viva Event Design will do as much or as little of the wedding planning as you need. From the decor to the food, they often plan the entire day. They can help you find the perfect venue, caterer, photographer and much more. Most of the time, however, they mainly handle the decorations and design of the wedding and reception. They will go in and completely design the venue, from the entrance to the chairs. Staff can be on hand the day of the wedding to make sure everything is taken care of and that things run smoothly, so you don’t have to worry about anything and can focus on enjoying your special day. “Most people that we plan weddings for are looking for someone who is knowledgeable and has the resources and are able to lead them in the direction for the
best wedding vendors, wedding cakes, photographers, wedding flowers . . . ” Salituro said. “Couples today are both working couples, professionals, and they just simply don’t have the time.” There are two main wedding trends this season, he said. Both were up and coming last year and have gained even more popularity this year. The “shabby chic” theme is a popular trend, with decor and design taking a vintage look and including many antiquestyle decorations. Salituro said old trunks, vintage glass, typewriters, wood boxes, suitcases and vintage
lace tablecloths are some of the items people are using to create a vintageinspired wedding. Shades of lavender are a popular colour for this trend. The other popular theme is a classic elegance, with very simple and traditional colours and decor. Champagne, nude, dove grey and blush tones, white flowers and classic linens are popular choices for this style of wedding. “People want something that is timeless,” he said. Salituro said brides are very keen on lace wedding dresses this season, while ball gowns and bling are becoming less popular.
Another trend with wedding dresses lately is coloured underlay of blush or ivory. “Dresses aren’t just white anymore,” Salituro said. Cathedral-length veils are very much back in style. Many brides are opting for a simple dress with an intricate design on the outer edge of their veil, often the spanish or country style of a wide lace edge. Accessorizing is also as popular as ever. Salituro said many brides want to add a pop of colour to their look with stylish shoes. Coral tones are a popular trend for accessories and bridesmaids dresses. “A lot of girls, a true Kamloops girl, they want to wear their cowboy boots,” Salituro said. “We see that a lot.” Dresses usually take four or five months to arrive, another reason couples should give themselves a year to prepare for their wedding. Salituro said outdoor weddings are most popular with couples who are planning a smaller occasion. “We see a lot of outdoor weddings right now,” he said. “A lot of tent weddings, where people are renting tents on a property and having a beautiful tent wedding or a lot of people are looking for an old barn to have a wedding in.”
Bridal Guide Summer 2014
prepare
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Take time to enjoy preparations Anyone who thinks a wedding can be planned without suffering from stress has obviously never gone down that road. However, only someone who is rested and relaxed can be a blushing bride. So, here are a few tips to keep stress to a minimum right through the lengthy preparations for the big day: • Always stick to your budget as a lot of stress is related to finances. Before doing anything, discuss the budget with your fiancé so you are both clear about what your limits are. Another good idea is to shop around suppliers and shops to get the most for your money. • Take time for yourself between dress fittings and other appointments related to the wedding. Resist the temptation to control everything and delegate as much as you can. It goes without saying you should keep the most important decisions for yourself and your fiancé, but family and friends can help with less important things. • Despite all the things you have to do, be sure
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to set some time aside for physical activity. Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day, which will not only be great for your mood, but for your appearance as well. • Even if you’d love to be at your ideal weight for the wedding, don’t start a strict diet. • You should keep in mind that you’ll need lots of energy to get through all those preparations, so opt for eating reasonable and balanced portions instead of dieting.
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6 v TUESDAY, June 17, 2014
trends
Bridal Guide Summer 2014
The do-it-yourself wedding From customized save-the-date cards and invitations to centerpieces, programs and menus, the hot trend for today’s brides and grooms is a movement toward the do-it-yourself (DIY) wedding. Shelli Gardner, CEO and co-founder of Stampin’ Up!, a scrapbooking and crafting company, says “couples are looking to create a personal touch for their wedding celebrations to make them even more meaningful and memorable.” The days when a bride and groom would head out to their local stationery shop and select a design from the big book of invitations, menus, programs and thank-you cards are long gone, according to Gardner. Thanks to the large number of Internet resources and crafting companies such as Stampin Up!, couples now have infinite possibilities for designing and creating all the key elements of their wedding celebration, while also trimming money from their wedding budget. “With just a little creativity, you can customize every stage of the event, from invitations and décor to favours and thank-you cards to match the couple’s
taste and unique style,” Gardner added. One of the most cherished DIY wedding items is definitely personalized invitation cards. Handmade invitation cards are the first notification to guests of how much their presence is appreciated, with a display of thoughtfulness and creativity that can only come with one-of-a-kind custom made invitation cards. � see CREATIVE page 7
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Bridal Guide Summer 2014
Creative DIY ideas trending this year � from page 6
Here are some other creative DIY wedding items trending this season with brides across the country: • Handmade dress silhouette thank-you cards for the wedding party — perfect for mom and your bridesmaids. • Gold sequin medallion guest cards using goldsequin trim and fancy foil-designer vellum. • A one-of-a-kind guestbook featuring engagement photos that you can create using Stampin’ Up!’s My Digital Studio! software. “It’s an intuitive design program featuring an array of colourful visuals that will help make your guestbook a treasured keepsake,” Gardner explained. • Glitter-edged custom dinner menus that bring “bling” to your tabletops. • Mr. and Mrs. Chair Banners and table numbers. • Custom printable ribbon belt or napkin ring place cards. • Personalized party favours: Delicious packaged coloured treats in a miniature paper box decorated
with wedding-themed stamps as cut-out shapes printed on paper with delicate patterns. For do-it-yourself brides looking for new techniques and inspiration for their custom wedding designs, Gardner suggests booking an appointment with a local demonstrator by visiting stampinup.ca.
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South Thompson Inn www.stigr.com
Bridal Guide Summer 2014
7KH SHUIHFW SODFH WR KDYH LW DOOĽ The South Thompson Inn & Conference Centre is Kamloops’ premier all season riverfront wedding destination. Intimate celebrations for groups of up to 200, we would be honoured to welcome you and your family to celebrate your special day.
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What the happy couples say about us: “Your entire team were amazing looking after every detail for our wedding” “We chose STIGR because we attended another wedding there. Sure glad we did” “Our guests couldn’t get over the quality of the food and service” “Some of our guests said it was the best wedding they have ever been to”
“ Perfect setting”
The Inn offers:
Indoor & outdoor riverfront ceremonies & receptions Complete food and beverage service ri Beautiful river view banquet rooms Private Manor House accommodations Luxurious honeymoon suites Beautifully landscaped grounds for photographs
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Kentucky Style Inn ~ Western Hospitality Contact us today to book your site tour
250.573.3777 events@stigr.com
reception TUESDAY, June17, 2014 v 9
Bridal Guide Summer 2014
Original reception touches Most brides have a vision of a beautifully decorated and themed wedding reception. Luckily, it is easy to achieve the wedding dĂŠcor you see in your mind's eye with a few easy and inexpensive do-it-yourself projects.
Tables They'll Talk About You don't have to settle for the same old table settings and centrepieces when it comes to putting your mark on your reception. Find knick-knacks or trinkets that mean something special to you and use spray paint to turn them into a co-ordinated collection perfect for sparking dinner conversation. For example, turn little lovebird figures into one-of-a-kind table placecard holders with Krylon ColorMaster spray paint in your wedding colours. By attaching a memo pin to the top, you can guide your guests to their seats in style. And, when the reception is over, these can even double as photo holders and be given away as wedding favours.
Novel Napkin Rings Napkins are a necessary dinner-table accessory, so what do you do to make them stylish and add another personalized touch? Custom-made napkin rings are just the right detail. Wood or metal rings are often available at your local craft store. Then make them your own by gluing on personalized tokens, such as small decorations ornaments or initials, and spray painting to co-ordinate with your other table decorations for a completely classy look. ďż˝ see CREATE page 11
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Phone: 250.578.6969
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Bridal Guide Summer 2014
Plan the Perfect Day! If you’re looking for a venue to host your special day then look no further. Floor to ceiling windows allow our guests an unending series of gorgeous vistas of the golf course, surrounding mountains and the South Thompson River. Our experienced event coordinators will see to your every need, including personal consultation, menu planning, decorations - every detail to make your wedding day perfect!
Come experience Kamloops’ Finest & book your event today! Please contact us at 250.573.4211 or email kerry@rivershoregolflinks.com
rivershoregolflinks.com
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Bridal Guide Summer 2014
Easily create original wedding-table décor � from page 9
Table Numbers Numbering the tables at your reception is an easy way to direct guests to their seats. It's simple to add an elegant touch by creating your own table numbers using inexpensive photo frames. Whether you purchase frames from a store, garage sale or by collecting them from around your own home, you can create a cohesive and classy collection in no time. Once you have your frames, purchase house num-
bers (like those used to show an address) that will fit within the glass area of your picture frames. Remove the glass and wipe all surfaces with alcohol to achieve a clean surface. Spray paint the frame and numbers the colour of your choice. Metallic paints create a classy look that complements your main wedding colours. Once all the pieces are dry, reassemble the frames and use an adhesive to bond the number to the front of the glass. When setting up for your reception, nest these numbers among your other table decorations for an exquisite presentation. With a bit of inspiration and spray paint, you'll have a wedding table to wow you guests. For information on these and other Krylon products and projects, visit www.krylon.ca. — News Canada
PERFECT P ERFECT F FOR OR WEDDINGS, H ONEYMOONS… WEDDINGS, HONEYMOONS… ( and other beautiful arithmetic defying events ) Imagine… just the two of you and your closest family and friends in this stunning alpine setting, summer or winter. A destination wedding easy to get to, yet an escape from the everyday. We have many indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception venues for both summer and winter weddings. Learn more about what our mountain resort community can offer you on your special day. Tourism Sun Peaks Louise Bermudez SalesManager@SunPeaksTourism.com 778.689.5912 www.SunPeaksResort.com/Weddings Photo: Adam Stein
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Bridal Guide Summer 2014
Your Everything Wedding Store! • We Specialize in full service set-up and take down decor packages as well as amazingly extravagant ceiling draping services. • We have 3 top of the line photo booths that are sure to entertain your guests all evening • We offer DIY linen & decor rentals for the "decorate it yourself" bride!
• We carry high end designer wedding, prom & bridemaids gowns from designers like: Essence of Australia, Mia Solano, Ella Rosa, Moonlight Bridal, Femme by Kenneth Winston, Two Birds Bridemaids, MeProm and more! • We even offer tents, tables & chairs for your outdoor wedding!
PHOTO BOOTH!
Our top of the line photo booths boast speedy high quality photo printing and the best images you can get from a photo booth! Our pictures are always high quality nd never blurry! With 3 different styles to and choose hoose from our photo booths are portable nd accommodating to any type of venue! and
Love Story Package Complete professional design & decor for your wedding reception. The Love Story package is the most popular with our clients! • Includes everything from assisting with the centerpiece choices months before the wedding, to complete setup and take down of all our linen and decor on the day of the wedding! • Upgrade your package to include any of our ceiling drapery services, paper lanterns or the photo booth!
• Your choice of chair covers, sashes, table linens, runners, overlays, head table lighted skirting, backdrop with lighting, wall lighting, candy bar, cake table specialty items, gift table linens, centrepieces, and we will completely set-up and take down everything! At First Comes Love we will do all that we can to customize a package that will turn your dream wedding into a reality, all while fitting into your budget!
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40-1967 Trans Canada Hwy East
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All of our booths have 19" 9" touch screens inside so you can see yourself while the photos are being taken! So che hold up that plastic mustache and get ready to pose! tals All of our photo booth rentals ted are complete with unlimited ack photos, colour and black rful & white images, colourful ook border choices, guestbook deo services, attendants, video ops, messaging, hilarious props, and a USB filled with alll of m the the photos and videos from evenings rental!
Why not offer that hat ce same experience to the guests at your next event?
Call or visit us in-store today!
TUESDAY, June17, 2014 v 13
planning
Bridal Guide Summer 2014
Smart wedding planning Those thinking about tying the knot in the months to come may be discouraged by how expensive weddings can be. But with a little ingenuity and a hands-on approach, couples can have a wedding that is inexpensive and memorable at the same time. According to CostofWedding.com, on average, U.S. couples spend $26,542 for their weddings. Weddingbells magazine states the average cost for a wedding in Canada is $23,330. These amounts do not include the cost for an engagement ring or wedding bands. With such a high price tag, some couples may wonder if they can afford their dream wedding or if there are ways to cut costs. Having a backyard, DIY wedding can be the answer. Although some may envision a backyard wedding with picnic benches and Dad at the grill, it can be a much classier affair than that. Smart couples are realizing that the money they would normally spend on a big wedding at an outside venue can be put to better use, either through buying a new home or fixing up one they may already own. Many items necessary for a wedding can be bought in advance. Some couples find purchasing low-cost items at discount stores turns out to be less expensive than renting. For example, inexpensive glasses and silverware can be bought at dollar stores or chains like Ikea. Later on, these items can be kept, sold or even donated to shelters. Tablecloths don’t have to be the traditional kind. It may be less expensive to purchase pieces of fabric from a fabric store and dressing them up oneself. Candles can be stockpiled and provide a very affordable means of ambient light. Plan out centrepiece ideas and figure out which components can be bought and stored. Then, items can be assembled at leisure. Wedding stationery is one thing that will have to be bought well in advance so there will be time enough to print save-the-dates, invitations and response cards, as well as mail them. An informal wedding may mean couples can get simple attire. Buying off the rack may mean a smaller price tag for gowns. Men may be able to fare with sportcoats and slacks. Purchase wardrobe essentials several months in
advance to be sure there will be time for alterations, if necessary. Enlist the help of family and friends to get many of the tasks completed. Upon asking, many couples find there are members of the family who have skills in certain areas, which can be tapped for the wedding. There may be a gourmet chef, a disc jockey, a photographer or even someone who can officiate the vows. Having these people on board means a great reduction in costs.
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Bridal Guide Summer 2014
planning
Steps for a stress-free wedding So, the question was popped and you said, “YES!” Congratulations — you’re engaged! You’ve celebrated with friends, called all your family, notified your bridesmaids and picked up your first few bridal magazines — now you have to start planning. Everyone keeps telling you to “have fun planning” but, as you start to realize how many decisions you need to make, things are becoming more stressful by the day. Well, not to worry, we are here to help. Below, we’ve outlined five simple steps to a stress free wedding, as recommended by your TRU Conference Centre wedding planning team.
Make a Budget
This is often considered the most important step to wedding planning and it really is a great place to start. Calling around to different vendors and venues asking for quotes can give you a good idea of how much each aspect of your wedding is going to cost. One thing to keep in mind is ensuring you are comparing apples to apples as opposed to apples to oranges. Be sure to ask questions such as: Are linens, tables and dishes included, how much gratuity will be charged, how
many edited prints will be provided at the end and what is the cancellation policy?
Find an ‘AllInclusive’ Venue Finding a venue that can meet all of your needs is a great way to reduce stress. Consider a location that offers an outdoor ceremony site, indoor reception venue, nearby accommodations and full-service catering. The TRU Conference Centre boasts a central location close to many nearby stores and amenities, horticulture gardens for your beautiful outdoor ceremony, multiple reception venues and onsite summer accommodations in our residence and loft suites. Our wedding packages include everything
you need in a venue while providing a great selection of catering and bar options to suit your budget.
Attend a Bridal Fair
Attending the bridal fair can be an outing for you and the girls and, if your fiancé is willing, they are more than welcome to attend. Don’t forget to register online (kamloopsbridalfair.com) before the event to receive your bag of free swag.
When arranging your decorator, photographer, make-up artist, venue, wedding planner, florist, Hire a Wedding caterer, baker and more, Planner driving around town or making dozens of differSo, now you’ve got an ent phone calls can be idea of what vendors you quite exhausting! would like to use and Why not make a day where your wedding will of it and meet all of your take place, but this is vendors in a one convejust the beginning. nient location. Many more details This is the biggest need to be ironed out, advantage of attending including floor plans, a bridal fair, and we are theme, colour coordinalucky enough to have tion, timeline developour very own Kamloops ment and execution. Bridal Fair on Jan. 25, 2015, at the TRU Campus Activity Centre. � see DECORATOR page 15
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Bridal Guide Summer 2014
A decorator will make your day easier � from page 14
This is when a wedding planner comes in handy and Kamloops is home to some wonderful event planners. Be sure to ask your TRU co-ordinator for our personal recommendations. If you are a bride on a smaller budget, consider picking up a wedding-planning book. There are several different versions of these at our local Chapters and even the paper version will make your life
easier.
Hire a Decorator Last, but most definitely not least, is to hire a decorator. Many brides do a fantastic job planning out their décor and arranging their rentals, but often forget that, when it comes to your big day, you will be busy getting your hair and makeup done and getting ready with your girlfriends. You need to feel confident that your décor will be exactly how you planned it, and the
best way to do that is to hire a professional. Your venue should be able to recommend a decorator that is familiar with their facility and will know the best ways to hang drapes, run electrical wires, maximize visibility and increase the wow factor. You may be thinking “Mom and Aunt Judy can do that job” — but, don’t forget they only get to enjoy your special day once. The time leading up to the ceremony is often the best time for family
and friends to enjoy each other’s company, explore the city or go out for brunch. By following these five simple steps, you should be well on your way to a stress-free day you will always remember, celebrating the love you have for each other. Good luck with the year ahead and have fun planning! Don’t forget to call us. We can’t wait to be a part of your journey and your memorable day. TRU Conference Centre wedding planning team, 250-371-5660.
Let Sun Peaks Grand Be Your “Something Blue”!! www.sunpeaksgrand.com/weddings Contact: weddings@sunpeaksgrand.com
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205-578-6009
16 v TUESDAY, June 17, 2014
diamonds Bridal Guide Summer 2014
Diamonds are a symbol of love The joy of selecting wedding rings is as precious as the feelings that unite you. Because you will wear these rings for a long time, it is normal to pay special attention and invest time in their selection. Make sure you deal with a reputable jeweller who guarantees the quality of the merchandise. Examine the warranty and after-sale service carefully. You should also insist on a professional evaluation of the ring and wedding bands you want to purchase. When it comes to engagement rings, diamonds dominate the selection. There are four key features to consider when appraising the diamond on your engagement ring: Cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. Because every diamond is unique, it is given as a symbol of precious and eternal love. Even though other precious stones are available, diamonds are the most popular gems for a wedding. Admittedly, this symbol of undying and eternal BEST TRAVEL AGENCY
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love possesses a mysterious splendour that is unique. This unbreakable, precious stone sparkles with a thousand points of light that dazzle the eyes and delight the heart. The quality of the gold, or silver, content in the rings is another important selection criterion. In addition, the style must suit your fingers: A delicate model for fine hands and a more elaborate style for stronger hands.
Dance Time It’s
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TUESDAY, June17, 2014 v 17
Bridal Guide Summer 2014
bouquet
Bouquet of beauty When you have decided on a florist, make an appointment to see them so you can discuss your choices. Let them know your budget, so they can advise the best flower choices available. Let them know your wedding colour scheme or theme. Give an accurate description of your dress and, if possible, show them a photograph.
for candelabras/altar, flower petals if ceremony venue allows it, ceremony-traditions table (example; lighting of the unity candles).
Reception flowers Table centrepieces, favour table, bar, entrance arrangements, bathroom arrangements, buffet-table arrangements, head table.
Your bridal party Bouquets for the bride, maid of honour, bridesmaids, flower girls, corsages/wrist corsages for mothers, grandmothers and special guests. Flowers for hair accessories/headpieces for the bride, bridesmaids and flower girls. Boutonnières for the groom, groomsmen, fathers, ring bearer and attendants.
Wedding-ceremony flowers Guest signing-book table, pew/chair markers, signing of the marriage-certificate table, flower accents
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18 v TUESDAY, June 17, 2014
shower
Bridal Guide Summer 2014
Planning your bridal shower A bridal shower really isn’t complete without bridal-shower favours. It’s one of those occasions when you want to give your closest friends and family some kind of gift because you care about them — and because they care about you. Those in the know about gifting say you should get the appropriate gift for the occasion. To do this, first determine the theme you want for your party. Let’s explore the themes and some of the gifts that correspond well with them. One popular shower theme is a tea party. Tea is typically served to guests with various specialty pastries or mini-sandwiches. Guests are sometimes asked to wear a hat and gloves, while the bride-to-be decks out in an Alice in Wonderland-style dress. Another interesting theme is the room-of-thehouse. For example, guests are sometimes assigned different rooms in the house and are expected to bring gifts suited to that room. As a guest, you might bring a gift that will make that room more comfortable and appealing.
Another example would be a quality-kitchen appliance for the kitchen of the house. A variation of this theme for a wedding shower is the stock-the-bar version. Guests bring specialty alcoholic beverages to stock the newlyweds’ bar. Another interesting choice is a wine-tasting theme. As the name implies, anything wine-related is suitable as a gift; however the gift options don’t need to be limited to the wine type. You can buy silver heart wine stoppers, candles, mini-cocktail shakers or even wine glasses. A lingerie-themed party is yet another popular choice. The room is set with candles, chocolates and roses everywhere and could include red floor pillows for guests to sit on. Guests bring gifts of lingerie for the bride. For a honeymoon-themed party, the focus is on the destination chosen by the couple. Wedding shower gifts for this theme would depend on the destination — but don’t have to be limited to this. Guests can bring airplane luggage tags, black book city guides and even custom-labelled bottled water.
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Bridal Guide Summer 2014
TUESDAY, June17, 2014 v 19
bride
Be the most beautiful bride In addition to a professional cut, colour, and style add a fabulous low-cost conditioning treatment of your own, leaving your hair feeling thicker and looking bouncier than ever before: heat one-half cup of olive oil for one minute (not too hot to touch); comb it through your tresses letting it soak in for an hour or two; shampoo twice for easy removal. Face: Exfoliate your face daily with the following
formula to reveal smoother and brighter baby skin: put one tablespoon of white sugar into a dish, pour in the same amount of milk, and before it dissolves gently rub it in circles all over your face. Wash it off with warm water, rinse with cold, and glow. Teeth: A timely dental visit will give you confidence in your looks and your breath, so why not go the distance while you’re there by asking for a safe way to whiten your teeth? Protect the enamel with a variety of Philips Zoom methods, from a 45-minute light-activated system, to take-home gels, to a Zoom whitening pen to slip into your purse for a last-minute touch up. Hands: A manicure is a must when you display your hand for the ring. Be sure to exfoliate the skin with either a loofa, or by scrubbing with a combination of baking soda and water. Feet: Once your feet are soaked with emollients, pampered with a pedicure and massaged, you will have far more comfort-longevity in your pretty shoes. Tip: On your long wedding day, you may be surprised how much energy can be recouped by simply changing your shoes. —News Canada
Dressing the wedding party appropriately The groomsmen match their attire to the groom’s. The groom can choose his accessories in white or in the wedding colour; the best man wears the same colours as the groom. As for the bridesmaids, they wear the wedding colour selected by the bride and groom. All members of the wedding party dress in the same colours for perfect harmony. The trendy colours for bridesmaids are orange, red, fuchsia, apple green and mauve. Even though long dresses are still in style, the trend is currently for short dresses, which often feature a balloon, puffy or bustled skirt style. It is better to dress all the men in the wedding party in identical tuxedoes. The accessories can be varied to distinguish the groom from the groomsmen. To this end, it is best to choose a very flattering tuxedo whose fit will suit all the men. Some styles can offer a different look, depending on the accesso-
ries used to modify them. With a classic-cut tuxedo, the groom can choose the look he prefers by selecting bright and colourful, or more conservative, accessories.
20 v TUESDAY, June 17, 2014
registry
Bridal Guide Summer 2014
Create a wedding registry A crucial part of planning a wedding is also planning for and creating a wedding registry. This is best done as early as possible. The bridal registry is extremely important if you want to avoid duplicate gifts. Starting a registry early lets your guests have enough time to choose what items they would like to give you. You may not have a comprehensive wedding registry ready early on, but make it large enough for your guests to have enough options to browse and choose. You also need to plan what kind of registry you want and what kinds of items and products need to be a part of it. The ideal wedding registry for a young couple is one that lists household items. Such a registry is perfect for a couple starting a new life together. Let’s take a look at some of the wedding gifts that can be a part of the ideal wedding registry.
Kitchenware A lot of young couples can benefit from creating a kitchenware wedding registry. Having a well-equipped kitchen means you can create and share more meals together at home, entertain at home and cook whenever you want. Kitchenware items can range from regular silverware and glassware to appliances like mixers, food processors, toasters and coffee machines.
Home Furnishings and Linen Equally as useful for a couple as a kitchenware registry are home-furnishing items and a home-linen registry that includes products like tablecloths, bedding and bath towels. You can include items like duvet sets, bed sheets, pillows, bed skirts and blankets. It is also a good idea to include home furnishings and home linen products like tablecloths, towels, cloth napkins, curtains, rugs and more.
CAKES AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE!!
Custom Cakes for your
Special Day
Weddings, Bridal Showers, bachelorette & bachelor parties & any other occasion you can think of!
Wide variety of Flavours of Cakes, Fillings and Frostings.
250-376-6481 carolinescakes.vpweb.ca • carolinescakes@telus.net
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dessert
The perfect wedding cake A tiered wedding cake is often a fitting conclusion to a wedding reception. Today’s brides and grooms are experimenting with cake flavours and designs so their cake is a unique representation of their persona as a couple. It’s no longer necessary to stick with a white cake with buttercream frosting for your wedding day. Think about exploring other flavour and filling combinations that will tempt the guests’ taste buds. For those who can’t settle on just one flavour, how about having a different flavour for each layer? Couples getting married in the fall may want to think about a spice cake that evokes the feelings of sipping a mug of spiced cider. Cream-cheese frosting is often a pairing with spice cake, or think about a layer of caramel that will make it taste like you’re enjoying a candied Halloween apple. A hummingbird cake may fit the bill for a spring wedding. This is made with mashed bananas, pineapples and chopped pecans. This cake is perfect when paired with cream cheese frosting. Yellow or white cake are universal favorites for
weddings. Some pizzazz can be added through the use of creative fillings. Consider something citrusy and summery for a summer wedding. Raspberry preserves or lemon curd are tart and sweet. For a tropical flair, mangoes or passion fruit can be mixed with touches of coconut. A winter wedding can be accented with rich flavors, like a decadent chocolate cake filled with chocolate ganache and black cherries — in a black-forest style. Those toasting to the good life may want an almond cake enhanced with some fine liqueur and simple chocolate buttercream. Couples should sit down with their baker and sample a number of
flavour combinations to determine a recipe that works for them. Pastry companies also may be able to develop a cake that encompasses a couple’s favorite flavors or symbolizes a special moment in their lives. A Boston cream pieinspired cake may liven up the wedding of a couple who became engaged in Boston. Maybe a cannoli cream-filled cake will usher in memories of a
trip to Italy. Kids at heart can enjoy candy-confection cakes filled with gooey chocolate, nuts and marshmallows. Whatever the case, couples can use their cake as a centerpiece that wows the senses of taste as well as vision. Consider displaying this culinary masterpiece on a table with the seating cards placed around it so it can be enjoyed the entire night.
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finance Bridal Guide Summer 2014
Money vows for newlyweds A sound financial plan is one way to make the honeymoon last forever. Eighty-six per cent of couples admit they argue about money, a 2009 survey by Torque Customer Strategy found. “It’s important to figure out from the beginning how you will manage finances as a couple,” says Liz Lunney, senior vice-president of Fiduciary Trust Company of Canada, a subsidiary of Franklin Templeton Investments. “Sitting down with a financial advisor and figuring out a budget can help avoid issues in the future.” Decide how to pay the mortgage or rent and monthly bills. Does a joint chequing account make sense or should one spouse pay bills and the other put away savings? Figure out what works best. Ensure you financially plan for large purchases and check with your spouse before buying a high-priced item. Take care of debt.
St. Andrews on the Square Call today to make your booking.
A unique and elegant venue for all of your important events, from weddings, anniversaries, concerts, memorials, business meetings and much more! Wedding Bookings available 7 days a week including Sundays
The perfect venue for your special occasion. Affordable. Beautiful. Classic. 159 Seymour St. • 250.377.4232 info@standrewssquare.com • standrewssquare.com
Many couples are surprised when they tally their debt. Build a plan to manage liabilities. Start with the highest interest items and make paying these off a priority in the beginning years of marriage. Save for a rainy day. The future is unpredictable so ensure you have an emergency savings account in place. This will provide security in the event of unemployment, health problems or other unforeseen expenses. Contribute a small percentage of each paycheque to a separate savings account. Speak to your financial advisor about ways to invest savings and emergency funds without taking on too much risk. If one spouse earns a higher income, they can contribute to a registered retirement savings plan in their spouse’s name, providing there is contribution room. The higher-earner’s taxable income will be reduced by the contribution amount, leading to significant tax savings.
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Bridal Day Wine & Cheese
Sunday,
October 12th, 2014 Open House - 10am - 4pm We are inviting Wedding Couples to come by The Dunes on October 12th to view our beautiful venue and learn more about our wedding packages. RSVP ONLY email nicki@golfthedunes.com or call the dunes at 250.579.3300 ext. 207
250.579.3300 | 1.888.881.4653 golfthedunes.com ~ weddings@golfthedunes.com
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Bridal Guide Summer 2014
Everything your heart desires under one roof.
Planning - The Coast Conference Centre’s professional wedding specialists take pride in designing the day of your dreams. We plan alongside you so every detail is taken care of.
Food Service - From a candlelit dinner for 10, to an extravagant affair, the
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Accommodation
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CALL US TODAY Our professional sales staff will help you get your wedding plans underway.
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