wonderful
WEDDINGS AU T U M N 2 016
Passion Live
with
Inspired live music performed with passion to transform your event into an experience of a lifetime.
www.saskatoonstringensemble.com
Ph: 306-292-6811
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WEDDINGS
CONTENTS 4
Bridal Spectacular Participating Merchants
Make the most of Bridal Spectacular
6 8 10 12 14
The perfect fit You’re invited! Wedding travel trends for 2017 The great outdoors Bands of love
Deluxe Bridal Packages Handy Special Events Decor Pkg - $1,000 Value
Hillberg & Berk
EDITOR
JEANNIE ARMSTRONG
WRITERS
JENNIFER JACOBY-SMITH ERIN PAIGE GRAY JESSE GREEN ASHLEIGH MATTERN JENN SMITH NELSON DARLENE POLACHIC
ART DESIGN
CHRISTINE PEARCE
White Sparkle Set (necklace and earrings Value of $170.00) Gemstone & Swarovski Crystal Bridal Statement necklace & matching bracelet valued at over $600.00
Brides n Belles
$500 towards purchase of Wedding Gown (no cash value)
Elite DJ’s
Uplighting Pkg for a new booking - $350.00 value
Ryde YXE Cycle Studio 5 Ryde PKG
Bodacious Bustlines
$250 Gift Certificate for Wedding Night Lingerie
Creative Touch Wedding Design $200.00 rental credit for self set up rental ABOUT THIS CONTENT
This section was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content studio.
Living Skies Limousine Service (Sun - Thurs) $200 Value
TCU Place
Book a wedding for 2016-2017 & receive complimentary room rental including a lighting & decor pkg - up to $750 value
Kerry Vickar Centre Weddings Simply Spectacular
MELFORT, SK
www.kerryvickarcentre.ca
Call: (306) 752-4177 • Email: kvc@cityofmelfort.ca
...Plus thousands of dollars worth of prizes from over 60 exhibitors!
*Brides n Belles *Tux & Tails *Handy Special Events *Hudson’s Bay Hillberg & Berk *W Bridals - Curvy Couture Sunlife Financial Services Supreme DJ’s Mary Kay - Karl Danysiuk Armed with Harmony Ramada Hotel Uniglobe Carefree Travel Danceland DJ’s Kitchen Charm Creative Touch Wedding Design Danielle Stasuik Photography Of Georgia Photography Elite DJ’s Eph Apparel Mich Photography Photo Photo hotograp grap & Design Kat & Mich Valentus *Exquisi *Exq uisite uisi te Fashions F *Exquisite & Bridal Freeze Framez Frame Photobooth Frame Freeze Carpee Diem Carp Di Limousine Louis Motion Fitness Tupperware Ola Cakery Riverben Rive rben Plantation Riverbend Living SSkies Limousine Living M is Hall H Culinary Culi U of S Marquis Services Pick PickNic’s Catering Wedd WeddingEscapes.ca Selloffvacations Boda Bodacious Bustlines Toontow Too ntow Photobooth Toontown Dear Bride Investors Group Forever Captured Captured Photography Forever Tracy Lynn Lynn Photography Photo Photo hotograp graphy grap hy & Videography Tracy Boffi Boffins Public House Marlin Travel Park Lane Jewelry TCU Place W.C. Food Service Serenity Sere nity Photography Willows Golf & Country Club The Willows Primerica Thirty-One Gifts Cost Wholesale Costco Delt Delta Bessborough Arbonne - Carri Zeller Arbonne Phot Photobooth Central Memo Memories By Mandy Color by Amber Moda Capella
September 25 25, 5, 2016 12:30 - 5:00PM M TCU Place ADMISSION ISSION Brides & Guests $10 at the door
Modelling Agency
(306) 652-7484
Visit us online at www.bridalspectacular.ca or www.shemodelling.com Image: Forever Captured Photography | Gown: Brides n Belles
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How to make the most of your
A
BRIDAL SPECTACULAR EXPERIENCE
JEANNIE ARMSTRONG | POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS
Attending Saskatoon’s premier wedding expo – Bridal Spectacular – is an ideal way to kick start your wedding plans. Bridal Spectacular is the province’s largest bridal fair, taking place Sunday, September 25 at TCU Place in downtown Saskatoon. Held twice a year, every September and January, Bridal Spectacular attracts brides-to-be from across the prairies, each seeking to learn more about the latest wedding trends, products and services.
Mary Obrodovich, the founder of She Modelling, organized the first Bridal Spectacular over 25 years ago. While trends have come and gone over those decades, Obrodovich notes that what has remained constant is the desire of brides and grooms to plan a wedding that’s truly memorable and unique. A visit to Bridal Spectacular is a chance to do that, all in one afternoon, under one roof. The upcoming Bridal Spectacular will feature over 70 different exhibitors, displaying a vast array of wedding must-haves – including bridal attire and accessories, photography, wedding venues, florists, caterings, cake artistry, rental companies, limo services, musicians, travel agents, rental companies, music DJs, financial planners and more. “There’s everything the bride and groom need for their special day, as well as their future,” says Obrodovich. “Everything you need for your wedding is there. You can make all of your arrangements and bookings and not have to go anywhere else. You can compare prices, see products and talk to the professionals in person.” Many of the exhibitors, including Brides-nBelles, Tux & Tails and Handy Special Events, have been part of Bridal Spectacular throughout its long history, notes Obrodovich. Every year, Obrodovich is also pleased to welcome new companies to the show. “New to our show this fall is Costco, who will be featuring their floral design services. Dear Bride is another new exhibitor; they are a new business offering used wedding gowns,” says Obrodovich.
Photo: Getty Images
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Everything you need for your wedding is there. You can make all of your arrangements and bookings and not have to go anywhere else. You can compare prices, see products and talk to the professionals in person. mary obrodovich, organizer, bridal spectacular
The most anticipated highlight of the afternoon is a run-way style bridal fashion show. Professional models from She Modelling, representing all sizes, will showcase the latest in wedding wear by Brides-n-Belles and Tux & Tails. The breathtakingly beautiful brides will be adorned with jewelry creations from leading Canadian designer, Rachel Mielke, the founder of Hillberg & Berk. Also featuring stylish exhibits at Bridal Spectacular are local bridal shops, Exquisite Fashions & Bridal and W Bridals Curvy Couture. How can brides and grooms make the most of their Bridal Spectacular experience? • Be there when the doors open at 12:30 p.m. The show lasts until 5:00 p.m., so by getting there early, you’ll have the opportunity to explore all of the exhibits and talk to a variety of wedding professionals.
Looking to make your wedding an event people will talk about for years… let your food help with that statement.
Call D’reen and let her help you make that happen From the stagette, the wedding rehearsal, gift opening to the wedding dinner itself We can help you theme it, with appetizers, bbq. Country picnic, food truck style stations and various ethnic styles How about a poutine midnight lunch or a slider buffet or a carved charcuterie possibilities endless taste out of this world (306)934-0047 | dreen@dreens.com
• Come to the show with an idea of your wedding budget, and a prioritized list of products and services – then talk to those vendors first. • If you have colour samples and fabric swatches, bring those along. These can be helpful when talking to exhibitors including floral designers, cake artists and rental agencies. • Bring your datebook along (smartphone or the paper variety). As you talk to wedding professionals at the show, you may want to schedule appointments with them for one-on-one consultations or to book their services. • Bring your bridal squad with you. Who is the person most involved in helping you orchestrate your wedding? The groom? Your mom? Your bridesmaids? Bring them along to get their input, and to help carry the take-away brochures, cards and goodies offered by exhibitors. • Enter all of the prize draws. All of the exhibitors at Bridal Spectacular are offering great door prizes, so take the time to enter all of the free draws. • Plan to have a blast! Bridal Spectacular is a great outing for brides, grooms, parents and members of the bridal party. There’s so much to enjoy, explore, taste and sample! It’s a great way to get everyone excited and focused on the big day ahead. Admission to Bridal Spectacular is $10 per person, and includes the chance to win the Deluxe Bridal Package, valued at thousands of dollars. Tickets are available at TCU Place, in advance at the box office, or at the door on September 25. For more information, visit www.bridalspectacular.ca, check out their Facebook page, or call (306) 652-7484.
Brides - n - Belles Ltd.
714 2nd Ave. N Saskatoon 652-2923
We carry gowns by Madison Morilee Morilee Blu Cassidy Sara Voyage Impressions Da Vinci Venus Callista In Store Alterations On Everything We Sell Most knowledgeable friendly service, this is why we have been in business
32 years
www.bridesnbelles.ca Visit us on Facebook No appointment needed page 5
Perfect The
fit
erin paige gray | postmedia content works photos by elaine mark, d & M images
T
A wedding gown with a lace-up back is an ideal choice for a bride whose weight tends to fluctuate, says wedding expert Debbie Simpson.
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At Brides N Belles, brides are asked to come in for a minimum of two fittings, prior to their wedding day. This attention to detail ensures each wedding dress fits to perfection.
The rack of dresses waiting to be altered at Brides N Belles is about 25 feet long. “We usually have way more,” says Debbie Simpson, the owner of Brides N Belles. At the height of wedding season, she says it’s not unusual for that row to be “so packed you can hardly fit a dress in there.” Simpson proudly explains that Brides N Belles is one of the very few stores in Saskatoon that offers in-house alterations, as two professional seamstresses sit at whirring sewing machines and another professional patiently hand stitches beading on a gown. While the store is filled with innumerable styles of gowns and an expansive fitting area, the back room is where the dresses are perfected for their awaiting brides. Alterations are a must for almost every bridal gown. Simpson explains that dresses aren’t made to measure, but a few alterations by a skillful hand can make your dress look custom-made. The result of saying ‘I do’ to professional alterations ensures less stress and a better fitting dress. Simpson recounts a few tales from brides who chose to take their gowns to an inexperienced seamstress and then come to her for help. “We never turn anyone down. We’re always managing that row,” Simpson gestures to the dozens of gowns waiting to be altered. W EDDINGS WONDERFUL
The Brides N Belles method for wedding dress alterations strives to achieve perfection. Simpson requests that brides come in for a minimum of two fittings, the first of which should occur three months prior to your wedding day. Your dress won’t leave the store until at least the third visit. She insists that’s “the proper way to do it” for each bride. During the first fitting, the dress is only marked. “We don’t finish [the gown] or cut anything out until she tries it a second time so there’s no room for error,” she says. Some of the typical alterations you can expect are hems, side seams and darts, starting at $60.00 and up. With particularly intricate gowns, expect to pay a little more. It can take upwards of four hours to remove lace on a hem to shorten a dress, for example. When you consider the time and skill put into alterations, the expense is well worth it. As Simpson explains, “We don’t do it half way. My seamstresses do a very good job; they’re professionals.” Simpson offers advice for brides who are looking to save time and money on alterations. These guidelines start with the bride’s initial shopping excursions. If you are particularly short or tall, you might consider buying a gown from a designer who offers gowns in varying lengths. Ordering a longer or shorter length may cost you extra but it could be less costly than hemming the gown. If your weight tends to fluctuate or you’ve been on a wedding weight loss kick, consider purchasing a dress with a lace-up back. They’re more forgiving than other styles, “so if you gain or lose ten pounds we can adjust a little bit,” Simpson says. If you’ve selected a more structured gown, be sure to fit your biggest measurement so the rest can be taken in. “There are very
few people who need nothing” when it comes to alterations, says Simpson. “What are the chances that you’re exactly the measurements of a company’s size chart?”
Be sure to budget for alterations and consult with bridal gown professionals about necessary alterations and associated costs. An expert can give you a fairly accurate estimate, and don’t forget to factor these costs into your dress budget. Simpson recommends finding shoes for your wedding day prior to your first fitting to ensure the dress is hemmed to the right length. Brides, this is officially your excuse to go splurge on those shoes you’ve been eyeing! They might be more affordable than you think when you factor in the cost of hemming. The experts at Brides N Belles also recommend buying appropriate undergarments for your dress style and wearing them at your fittings. They can also recommend the best type of bra for your gown, and even sell some styles in store. Most importantly, be sure to get your wedding dress altered by a professional who is experienced in wedding gowns, like the team at Brides N Belles. Book your first fitting three months from your wedding date to allow ample time for necessary adjustments so you look like a million dollars on your special day. The extra cost is worth it. Visit Brides N Belles at 714 Second Avenue North for your perfect fit.
INTIMATE. ELEGANT. UNIQUE. St. Andrew’s College offers an intimate setting with historic charm and modern amenities on the University of Saskatchewan campus – the perfect venue for those seeking a unique, affordable location for an occasion to remember
The St. Andrew’s College chapel seats 100, while the lounge accommodates 150 guests in a comfortable setting. A modern kitchen provides everything for your own catering needs. For information, pricing or to view our facilities visit www.standrews.ca or call Melanie at (306) 966-8970
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DARLENE POLACHIC POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS PHOTOS: MASON NEUFELD PHOTOGRAPHY
You’re
Never underestimate the importance of your wedding invitations. “It gives the first inkling of what the couple is like together, and what the wedding event itself will be like,” says Susan Gallagher of Soul Paper in the Riversdale shopping district. “The guest may only know the bride, or the groom. The wedding invitation gives a clue about them as a couple, and what the upcoming wedding will be like. You want your invitations to make an impression, make your guests excited about the event and eager to attend.” Soul Paper, which is co-owned by Gallagher and her husband, Alex Pozsonyi, offers a wide range of wedding invitation possibilities. The store has numerous binders with sample suites, “or recipes, as we call them,” Alex says. “The most economical option for a couple is to pick one of the sample suites, and we’ll change the text, the colour or the print.” A suite can also be tailored to specific preferences, perhaps opting for different paper, modifying the design, adding custom graphics, or combining features from other suites. Or the couple may choose to create a brand new custom design. Besides the usual response cards, wedding invitations may have enclosures like a map, or a card with information about the venue, the program, even attractions in the area if it’s a destination wedding. “Suggestions for what guests might do between the ceremony and reception are a reflection of the couple,” Susan says. “The suggestions say, ‘These are our favourite places to go and the things we like to do. Welcome to our life.’” DIY couples who want a beautiful invitation on a tight budget may choose to do the invitations themselves. “We can source the paper and envelopes, and give advice,” Susan says, “and they can even use our space for assembly. That might involve finding a suite that’s 100 per cent pre-packaged.” When it comes to addressing envelopes, do you want them hand-written? Printed? Or will you use labels? Susan invites do-it-yourselfers to bring the whole bridal party to the Soul Paper shop where they can learn how to do calligraphy and then address the envelopes together. “There’s a lot to think about,” Susan says, “so when we’re contacted about doing a couple’s wedding
INVITED! INVITATIONS WITH
INDIVIDUALITY
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Wedding invitations should reflect the personalities of the bride and groom, say the experts at Soul Paper. The one-of-a-kind shop in Riversdale offers a wide range of unique wedding invitation possibilities.
invitations, we ask some specific questions that help un-muddy the waters and eliminate much of the complication.” A full list of questions appears on Soul Paper’s website (www.soulpaper.ca). Some are: • What does your dream wedding look like? • Is there a theme? Does it reflect your personal taste and style? • What colours will express your vision? • What would be in an inspiration file that captures your vision? • How many invitations will you need? • What other stationery/printed items do you need? • What is your rough budget? • Who is inviting the guests? Your parents? Yourselves? • Do you have all your wedding details worked out? • Have you given yourself enough time to order? “Ideally,” Alex says, “the couple will come to us three to four months prior to the wedding to give everyone a good window of operation. They should aim at having the invitations in hand two months before the wedding. Also ideally, the bride will have seen some examples she likes on-line and we’ll work with her to find a
solution that’s tailor-made.” Creating invitations that reflect both the bride and groom isn’t always easy, but it’s doable. “We had a couple come in where the bride loved fancy, frilly Victorian and the groom leaned toward modern Italian sleek. He was Ferrari; she was Model T,” Susan says. “But we were able to help them create an invitation that reflected both their preferences and personalities.” Soul Paper offers a full range of services when it comes to wedding invitations. Printing is done in-house; Alex does much of the graphic design. The shop also does save-the-date announcements, thank you cards, programs for the marriage service, and more. “We really love working with couples who are starting their lives together,” Susan says. “It’s an honour for us to be part of their wedding.” Soul Paper is located in the Riversdale district at 118-20th Street West.
Your Dress Your Day
1202B 33rd Street & Quebec Ave. Saskatoon SK 306.979.5447 exquisitefashions.ca
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Wedd ing TRENDS Tropical bliss, old world charm:
FOR 2017
W
JENN SMITH NELSON POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS
PHOTOS: UNIGLOBE CAREFREE TRAVEL
Uniglobe Carefree Travel experts report that allinclusive resorts in Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic remain the most affordable options for destination weddings in 2017.
When it comes to planning a destination wedding, it’s nearly impossible not to imagine a classic Caribbean backdrop with azure waters and sugar white sand. This holds especially true during winter months when escaping the weather and getting hitched go hand-in-hand. “The majority of couples are still looking at Mexico and the Caribbean as they often have the best value and offer that beautiful beach wedding that many couples desire,” says Jamie Angus-Milton, managing partner of Uniglobe Carefree Travel in Saskatoon. Topping the list in 2017 is the Mayan Riviera, which offers high quality four- and five-star all-inclusive properties at reasonable prices. “They have specialized in weddings for so many years that they really have it down pat,” adds Angus-Milton. “They are adept at fitting every budget and every style of wedding. If you want it, you can get it!” Offering great value on wedding packages (that start from free) without “scrimping on the quality,” are resorts like Dreams, Secrets and AM Resorts. “Paradisus Resorts offer phenomenal service – ensuring brides and grooms enjoy every minute of their special day,” says Angus-Milton. “While the free packages offer all the basic inclusions, the sky is the limit when it comes to what they can arrange for you.”
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With the low Canadian dollar, finding the best bang for your wedding dollar is more top of mind than ever. Ranking high in budget friendliness is Puerto Vallarta, a wellknown and long standing wedding destination that won’t break the bank. Wedding parties love PV’s authentic Mexican feel, and along with great prices for guests, it continues to be a popular option. In general, all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic remain the most affordable options for weddings abroad. This is due to free wedding packages, great discounted group rates and the peace of mind knowing all costs are paid up front. Though hot (read: tropical) weddings are still uber-popular, brides and grooms are definitely looking for different and unique options, according to Angus-Milton. This may be as simple as looking at an exclusive resort, a boutique hotel, villa rental or venturing further abroad. “We are starting to see an increased trend in brides and grooms requesting European destinations such as Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Italy, as romantic and unique alternatives to the Caribbean and Mexico.” Imagine getting married in a great hall in a castle in Ireland with a Celtic band playing during the reception. Visions like this make countries such as Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Italy desirable options. “Another common theme,” says Angus-Milton, “is wanting to get married in Italy, either in a villa or vineyard in Tuscany, or overlooking the ocean from the Amalfi Coast in a picturesque romantic Italian village like Positano.”
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Though definitely not as budget friendly with more expensive flights and accommodations, the upside is that guests are more inclined to extend their time abroad, and enjoy a vacation. The same applies for the bride and groom, since adding on a dream European honeymoon is most easily accomplished if the knot is tied in Europe. Wanting Europe or something different but still desiring the ease of all-inclusive prices and packages? Mediterranean cruise lines “offer flexible wedding packages and group rates as well as a variety of accommodations to suit every budget,” says Angus-Milton. In addition to Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe, Angus-Milton reports these destinations are also trending: • Disney: Become a true Cinderella with a fairytale wedding at Disney where you can get married in the Rose Garden with Cinderella’s castle in the background, and even catch a ride in Cinderella’s coach to the reception. Prices are a bit higher than typical resort destinations but the quality, inclusions and uniqueness make it worthwhile for many couples.
• Vegas: Though the city of lights used to be more associated with elopements, an increase in larger group weddings has become a trend thanks to direct flights and cheap multi-day hotel packages. • Canadian getaways: Lastly, places like Banff, Vancouver Island and Niagara Falls are topping the list in Canada for small family weddings and elopements.
DESTINATION WEDDING TIPS TO REMEMBER • This is YOUR special day. Everyone and their dog will have their opinion on where to go, where to stay and how much to spend, but the choices are yours to make. • Take advantage of chatting with an educated travel professional. Lean on their expertise to help you design your dream wedding. It’s their job (and goal) to make all details come together from the perfect location to the perfect party • Book early (6 months to a year out at least)! Group rates are almost always better early and it gives your guests more time to budget and plan. For more details, visit www.uniglobecarefreetravel. com.
Celebrate Love BOOK YOUR WEDDING GROUP WITH TRANSAT BY APRIL 28, 2017 AND GET EXTRA PERKS!* Valid for travel between November 1, 2017 and April 30, 2018 • Group Price Promise • No Deposit for 30 guests • Future Travel Voucher for the newlyweds • Excursion Credit for the newlyweds • FREE Option Plus upgrade on Air Transat for the newlyweds • Reserved Compartment for the Wedding Gown on Air Transat
• Complimentary access to airport lounges New ! for the newlyweds • Complimentary New! wedding-planning trip. The wedding couple
(or 1+ a guest) can travel to the resort to plan their special trip.
• And More!
WEDD INGS 78 WEDD ING PACK AGES IN THE TROPICS
cover-MARIAG
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NOT-TO-BE OUR -MISSED SUGGEXPERTS’ ESTIO NS
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306.955.1449 or visit uniglobevacation.com
*Terms and conditions apply. For complete details, visit transat.com or contact your travel professional.Transat reserves the right to modify the conditions, inclusion or withdraw offers at any time without prior notice. Transat is a division of Transat Tours Canada Inc., and is registered as a travel wholesaler in British Columbia (Reg #2454) with offices at 1090 West Pender Street, Suite 1110, Vancouver, BC, V6E 4N7.
STAR PHOENIX • WEDDINGS WONDERFUL • SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 • 6.5” WIDE X 4.625” HIGH
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Outdoo rs T THE
GREAT Do’s and don’ts of planning an outdoor wedding
Hosting a wedding outdoors sounds like The endless blue sky is your steeple, the the ultimate romantic option, but before you leaves and branches of trees your walls. Soft commit, consider these do’s and don’ts. green grass becomes an aisle, while folding chairs become your pews. The sun sparkles DON’T WORRY ABOUT WEATHER on the river as you say your vows, with birdWeather is out of your control, and no song stepping in for organ music. matter how much you stress out about it, you Visions of outdoor weddings can be won’t be able to change it. intoxicating, and in a city as beautiful as Macleod says you should think about Saskatoon, there are endless perfect locayour personality: Are you comfortable with tions to choose from: City parks, gardens, uncertainty? Will watching the weather afacreages, farms, and popular spots like the fect you the week leading up to the wedding? Bessborough Garden and Boffins at InnovOr will you be able to go with the flow? ation Place. “You can worry about it, hum and haw “Mother nature becomes your decor,” about it, stress about it, and you can’t change says Crystal Anderson Macleod, RSVP ASHLEIGH MATTERN POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS a thing. If it’s not going to cooperate, there’s Event Design owner and event specialist. no point losing sleep because the forecast is “You don’t have to do much for decor if you PHOTOS: RSVP EVENT DESIGN for rain.” pick a beautiful space.” If you’re the worry wart type, maybe an outdoor ceremony But what happens when the clouds roll in? And whose job was isn’t worth that stress. The same sentiment goes if you have a pasit to set up those chairs? Were your guests able to find parking? sionate hate for mosquitoes. Can they hear you say your vows? Where are the bathrooms? “The thing most people don’t realize is that [outdoor wedDO MAKE A PLAN B dings] usually require more work than just having it at a venue,” Macleod says for an outdoor wedding, a Plan B is essential. says Danielle Murphy, Handy Special Events rental and sales There will be costs associated, though. You may have to pay and consultant.
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plan for two locations for the wedding: One indoor location, and one outdoor location. “Though it seems the more solid of a Plan B we have, the less likely it is to rain,” Macleod jokes. One solution is to make your indoor reception location the backup for the ceremony. If you do go this route, Macleod says you need to build in time to change the set up of the room from ceremony to reception. If you’re planning an outdoor reception, renting a tent is a must. Not only will the tent protect your guests from the rain, with the addition of drapery, backdrops, and other decorations, the tent can become an ultra unique space. Don’t forget the practical items Two items that are often overlooked when planning an outdoor reception are generators and portable washrooms. Not very romantic, but pretty essential if you want to throw a successful outdoor party at night. “Lighting is huge in tents,” says Alyssa Stolz, Handy Special Events division manager. The right lighting will set the mood and bring warmth and comfort to the space, but not without any power. While churches and halls generally have good acoustics and are more often than not wired for a PA system, the great outdoors has no such built-in technology, and your voice may be competing with traffic, running water, birdsong, or any other number of sounds. Microphones and speakers at the ceremony will allow all of your guests to hear your vows. Do make a checklist Stolz says a few items people sometimes don’t consider include an aisle runner, an arch, customized backdrops, a low stage, or an alter. For outdoor receptions, they even rent dance floors. “We go through checklists to help them remember all these things they might not think of,” Stolz says. A wedding planner will not only have checklists, they’ll also have experience with things like getting a park permit, and the best way to organize nitpicky logistics like chair set up and take down. “Do hire a planner because it will offer you peace of mind,” Macleod says. “I still love doing outdoor ceremonies, and we do lots of them, but there are a lot of things to consider. Somebody has to be on site managing these details.”
Weddings Banquets Conferences Anniversaries Dances Conventions Main Hall Seating - 600 Kitchen and All Amenities No Catering or Corkage Fees Wine Glass Rentals Available Meeting Rooms Bookings 7 Days a Week Banquets - up to 400 Ice Machine & Walk-In Cooler Stage
306-933-2210 Email: csr@warman.ca page 13
love
BANDS
O
OF
JESSE GREEN | POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS PHOTOS: BATEMAN JEWELLERS
Once the engagement ring is sized and polished, it’s time for the next jewelry challenge: finding the perfect wedding bands. The right ring embodies the joy, the love and the beginnings of a new journey. In short, this is a huge decision! Whether it’s the latest trend from Tiffany’s or a fresh take on granny’s gilded band that works, it’s the wedding band that truly seals the deal. Bateman Jewellers, located in downtown Saskatoon, has been bringing couples together for more than 70 years. They offer a vast selection of choices, including custom jewellery designs, all accompanied by good old-fashioned customer service. Over the years, the experts at Bateman have seen the trend move from yellow gold to two-tone rings, from white gold to platinum and newer blends like tungsten and titanium. “We had a goldsmith from Turkey who was used to mixing his own alloys and we’ve been experimenting here for a long time. I have palladium in my white gold ring that goes back 15 years, but it has only been on the market for five,” said Cam Kripki, who with his wife Janice, owns Bateman Jewellers. Today’s selections are designed to keep up with the engagement ring’s wow factor, whether vintage-inspired bands to chunky engraved pieces. Some design trends include stacking eternity bands, curved bands and coloured statement stones. We’ve rounded up some of the biggest trending bands, for both guys and girls. Stacking style rings bring a great deal of versatility as they allow for a mixture of colours and alternate metals. They look great on their own or with the engagement ring, and of course there is always room for one more to commemorate life’s big events and future anniversaries.
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Today’s selections are designed to keep up with the engagement ring’s wow factor, whether vintage-inspired bands to chunky engraved pieces.
Grandma knows best, and some modern brides are leaning towards the elegant look of a vintage inspired band. Round stones and detailing like mil-grain beaded accents help mimic the antique heirloom. Mixed metals throw the ‘must match’ rule book out the window and introduces some interest and contrast with two-toned bands and contrasting engagement rings. Most grooms stick to the one band, so throwing in some mixed metals is a great way to add a bit of flair. Are diamonds a boy’s best friend? Today’s trends see the modern groom adding a few rocks to their wedding bands for a bit of sophisticated sparkle. In addition to man diamonds, we’re seeing bands with gemstones and even coloured diamonds adding interest. Engraving is certainly not a new trend, but it is still a wonderful way to make wedding bands even more unique. Personalize with coordinates of a special place, your nicknames or a meaningful message. Bateman Jewellers’ has been helping couples make big decisions for more than 70 years, and continues to share their expertise on rocks and rings in Saskatoon. For more information, drop into the store at 234 Second Avenue South or visit www.batemanjewellers.com.
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00357869 THE WILLOWS Receptions up to 150 Guests Indoor & Outdoor Venues Rehearsal, Ceremony & Reception Options Unmatched Scenic Views
www.willowsgolf.com 306.956.1100
Ample Free Parking Nearby Accommodations Experienced Event Coordinators
ARMEDWITHHARMONY@GMAIL.COM M WWW.ARMEDWITHHARMONY.CA
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