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{ FALL 2012 }

Victoria Bridal Exhibition Preview September 16 at Pearkes Recreation Centre

Safe & Smart ways to Slim Down before your wedding

Words of Commitment Winning engagement stories from our contest Cover photo supplied by: Vivid Photography

SUPPLEMENT

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G 2 I N 201 EN , P 20 O R D BE N A M R TE G EP S

Wedding advice: Be open to ideas and expertise

Wedding websites help spread the word

How to pull off a destination wedding

The best engagement stories

Think carefully before you elope

Victoria Bridal Exposition Preview

Wedding rings: Circle of Love

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Wedding party responsibilities

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Wedding advice:

Be open to ideas and expertise Well-intended advice could be an asset when planning a wedding. Once you announce your plans to get married, there’s a good chance that people close to you will be ready and willing to dispense their share of advice. Some words of wisdom will be priceless, while others you can store away for another day. When polling married couples, you’ll likely find they would change “this” or “that” about their weddings if given the chance to do it all over again. Here is some advice that you can choose to follow for your wedding day.

TIP #1 Trust your vendors Couples often have unique ideas for their wedding day. It may seem tempting to spell out what you want in minute detail and insist on wedding vendors carrying out your wishes to a T. But the smarter idea may be to give vendors a little more free rein — after all, they are the professionals.

“I had a vision in my head of what I wanted my centerpieces to look like,” offers Jean M. “I gave the florist my suggestions and the ‘feel’ of what I was trying to create, but ultimately I left the finished product up to her. When I walked into the reception hall and saw

my centerpiece baskets overflowing with fall-hued flowers, berries and twinkling candles, I was so excited I had left it up to the expert.” When deciding on particular aspects of the wedding, you can give your general ideas, but leave the finished product to the professionals. Don’t list every song you want the deejay to play or micromanage all of the poses the photographer should take. After all, experienced pros have likely done this dozens of times in the past and could produce results you never dreamed possible.

TIP #2 Scale down Unless you’re planning on auditioning for the show “Over-the-Top Weddings,” it might pay to make your wedding more about being personal and less about wowing the crowd with special effects and expensive treats. It’s easy to be lured into extra dinner courses or be persuaded to release doves at the ceremony, but will these extras impact your relationship or the life you’ll be building together?

“If I had to do it all again, I would skip the dessert bar I had at my wedding,” says Alice C. “The spread of pies, pastries, cookies, and chocolates certainly looked impressive, but it cost me a small fortune. Also, people filled up on the dessert bar so much, they no longer had room to taste my special-ordered wedding cake.”

TIP #3 Don’t overextend Your wedding will hopefully be a oncein-a-lifetime event. Therefore, couples often plan to spend a good deal of money to ensure their special day is perfect. Weddings are still viewed as a highpriority expense and most couples save for a long time despite sluggish consumer spending reports. According to the market research and analysis firm IBISWorld, nearly 60 per cent of couples go over their budgets when getting married. Some do so at the risk of being in debt afterward.

“It can be easy to get carried away in wedding spending,” shares Deirdre H. “I went way over budget when getting my wedding gown and a few other components of my wedding. My

husband and I struggled the first year of our marriage trying to fix our finances and battling a bad case of money-related stress.” Try to stick to a budget as much as possible so that you can enjoy yourself not only on the wedding day, but also long after the honeymoon has ended.

TIP #4 Keep it in the family

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Selecting members of your wedding party can be challenging because there may be so many special people in your lives right now that you want to honor. Choosing a best man and a maid/matron of honor is a large responsibility because these people stand out in the wedding. Although couples struggle with their choices and want to please everyone, your safest bet is to choose a family member.

“I ended up choosing my best friend over my sister as maid of honour,” says Clara T. “Although we were very close at the time, we’ve since grown apart due to work relocation. My sister and I, however, talk and hang out frequently. I regret not having asked my sister to be my maid of honour, considering hers is a friendship I know will last a long time.” Unless you don’t have close family members or your relationship with your siblings or cousins is strained, choose a family member to serve as best man or maid of honour. It is easy to be overwhelmed when planning a wedding, and couples can expect to be bombarded with advice. However, it could pay to heed the advice of couples who have already lived and learned from their wedding choices.

A Glamorous Look For Your Wedding...

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Location TD Waterhouse Investor Centre 1070 Douglas Street, Main Floor, Victoria Reserve your seminar seat today by calling 1-877-TDW-RSVP or emailing td.waterhouse@td.com TD Waterhouse Discount Brokerage is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsidiary of the Protection Fund. The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or other countries. TD Waterhouse Discount Brokerage is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsidiary of the Toronto-Dominion Bank. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. - Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or a wholly-owned subsidiary, in Canada and/or other countries.

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Wedding websites help spread the word Planning a wedding is no small task, and most couples look forward to the day when theyâ€™re no longer fretting over floral centerpieces or agonizing over seating arrangements. Though weddings have become more complicated in many ways, the Internet has made some things simpler for couples planning their nuptials. Perhaps nowhere is that more true than with regard to sharing information. The Internet has made it easy for couples to keep friends and family abreast of the details that go into a wedding. Many couples have even developed their own wedding website, updating the site whenever they make important decisions, such as when and where the wedding will take place, where guests can stay and all the other information guests might need. Such information used to be sent out via traditional mail, but now couples can simply direct friends and family to their wedding website, saving time and money while also benefitting the environment.

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But before couples design their website, itâ€™s first helpful to determine if itâ€™s actually necessary. Couples who are planning more intimate affairs with few guests might find a website isnâ€™t necessary. In addition, couples who are having a local wedding in which most of the guests live in town and wonâ€™t need to travel or make hotel arrangements, can probably get by without creating a wedding website. However, couples who are planning a larger affair and/or an out-of-town wedding and are expecting guests from all over the map can utilize the Internet to make it easier to communicate with prospective guests. When developing a wedding website, there are some things a couple should consider.

â€˘ Timing: Donâ€™t establish the website until you have settled on a date and location for the wedding. The site can be a great way to share your story with friends and family, but its primary function is to act as a resource for guests. If no date or location has been picked, then the site wonâ€™t prove too helpful to guests. But once a date and location has been chosen, set up the website as soon as possible, ideally several months to a year in advance of the wedding. Doing so gives guests plenty of time to clear their schedules and make airline and hotel reservations. â€˘ Information: When designing the site, make it easy to navigate so all the information a guest might need is readily available. Couples who are not techsavvy can utilize an existing website like TheKnot.com, which allows its members to create a premium website that can include exclusive designs, links to a coupleâ€™s online registry, photos, maps of the event location, and a host of other pertinent details. Some wedding website services charge a relatively small fee to keep the site running for up to a year. Couples who feel they can create a site on their own should be certain to include the date, location, directions and maps to the event locations, hotel accommodations, and wedding registry information. Those who want to go the extra mile can include photos, the story of how they met, information about members of the wedding party and a guestbook well-wishers can sign.

A Wedding at the Gardens at HCP

For your wedding, imagine; walking a beautiful wooded pathway to a gracefully arching bridge; gliding down a stone staircase & a sun and colour drenched allee to a charmed circle; standing, with friends and family, on the Great Lawn; every where you turn, a stunning view. The Gardens at HCP offer a choice of stunning locations for an unforgettable garden wedding & reception. With over eight acres of gardens to wander, your photographs will be unique, memorable, charmingly natural, a life-long treasure.

For Information: www.hcp.ca 250-479-6162 â€˘ gardeninfo@hcp.ca

How to pull off a destination wedding Destination weddings are a great way for couples to commemorate their big days in an idyllic locale. According to the Association of Bridal Consultants, five to seven per cent of all weddings are destination weddings, indicating that couples no longer feel obligated to tie the knot in their hometowns. Though a destination wedding can create cherished memories for couples and their guests, couples must be realistic before they commit to walking down the aisle on a Caribbean beach or in a Scottish castle. For instance, couples who still hope their friends and family members can share in their special days must know that a destination wedding might drastically reduce the number of guests who can make it to the wedding. So when planning a destination wedding, couples would be wise to take a few things to heart. • Make it an affordable affair. Couples often fret about financing their weddings, and the same concerns might come up for those invited to a destination wedding. Don’t choose a destination that will require guests to spend a substantial amount of money for a single weekend. Doing so is unfair to your guests, and it might keep many of them from attending the wedding. • Get the word out early. A destination wedding is typically held in an idyllic locale, and such destinations are usually expensive to visit. Couples should keep this mind and get the word out as early as possible, sending out their save-the-date cards earlier than they would if they were having a more traditional wedding. The earlier you get the word out, the less expensive and more flexible flights might be, saving you and your guests money. • Seek discounts. Couples who choose traditional weddings are eligible for hotel discounts, wherein the hotel will reserve a block of rooms for the couple and their guests. This is also true for destination weddings. Thanks to the growing popularity of destination weddings, many resorts now have wedding packages that

discount rooms for all involved with the wedding. Vendors are often open to negotiation as well. • Hire a wedding planner. Couples who choose a more traditional wedding can usually get by without the help of a wedding planner. However, couples going the destination wedding route will almost certainly need help, especially for those getting married in a foreign country where another language is spoken. In idyllic locales, there may be wedding planners who specialize in destination weddings. Many resorts even have wedding planners on staff or on call. Wedding planners can be expensive, but they’re a necessary expense when planning a destination wedding. • Stay calm. One of the best things about a destination wedding is that they are typically devoid of the stress that comes with planning a more traditional wedding. That’s especially true of island weddings, where vendors often move at a slower pace than mainland vendors. What’s more, options with respect to décor and cuisine might be more limited for island weddings, so couples won’t have to agonize over each and every decision. That said, couples need to adapt to this more laid back approach and make the most of it rather than stressing out over communication mishaps or other bumps in the road. • Don’t make your wedding day your first day there. While a Parisian wedding might sound like the stuff of fairytales, couples who have never before been to Paris should visit at least once prior to their big day, if not once before choosing the destination. This will give you a feel for the locale and a reason to enjoy a pre-wedding getaway.

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From the day my fiancé and I met we have shared a love of music and concert going, so it is no surprise that he made this the focal point of the proposal. Two weeks ago we went on a business trip (or so I thought) to a resort where we enjoyed the day at the spa and a wonderful dinner that evening. Returning to our room I found champagne, strawberries and a custom made storybook of our last four years together. On the book

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flap he had written the story of how we met and inside the book was a CD to listen to and follow along with like in the children’s books we all remember. Each song is a new page in the book and the pages have specific lyrics that he had picked out that remind him of me from all the bands we love. The pages also contain pictures of us at concerts, on trips and with family and friends. The last song on the CD is “Marry Me” by Train

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and that page in the book has lyrics and a picture of an empty ring box. When I turned to that page he got down on one knee and said, “I was always told when you find someone better than yourself, you should marry them. Will you marry me?” Of course I said YES! The final page of the book has one simple line, “Just the Beginning”. This is one ‘business trip’ that we will never forget.

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Submitted by: Carly Russell-Huntley My proposal night definitely got my heart pumping but not just from the proposal. We were staying at a resort up island for Christmas holidays and had gone to dinner at the lodge. After dinner, we returned to our cabin but our key card wasn’t working. My boyfriend went back to the front desk and I waited there. Suddenly I heard noises coming from our cabin. I pressed my ear to the door and could hear someone walking around and bags rustling. “Oh my God,” I thought, “we’re being robbed!” Totally freaking out, I hid around the corner of the cabin in case the robber came out. My husband came back and I told him what I heard. He laughed and said I must be mistaken. He opened the door and sure enough there was a man standing there in a black parka

holding a garbage bag!! I screamed and then noticed the rose petals, champagne and candles behind him. Turns out my boyfriend had asked the hotel to have someone romance the room while we were at dinner but they had goofed and forgot. The hotel staff remembered just as we were leaving dinner so they ended up sending someone down to our hotel room minutes before we got there who obviously didn’t make it out in time. The guy in our hotel room said he heard me outside the room and didn’t want to walk out in case he scared me…too late for that. After he left and my heart stopped jumping out of my chest, my boyfriend popped the question, restarting it all over again. Definitely the most exhilarating night of my life!

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Think carefully before you elope Some couples have dreamed about having a large and lavish wedding since they were children. Others aspire to something more intimate. Still others would prefer to elope, which has its pros and cons. Couples who might want to elope should weigh the advantages and disadvantages before they take the plunge. Although there is no definitive way to calculate how many couples elope each

year, research indicates that roughly 100,000 couples elope in Las Vegas every year, for a variety of reasons, including: • Intimacy • Ease of planning • Religious or cultural differences • Finances • Desire for a small wedding

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HILLSIDE SHOPPING CENTRE (250) 595-3622 *We’re pleased to provide bridal couples with a $500 future travel voucher which can be applied toward any future Sunquest vacation. Non-transferable. Redeemable by October 31, 2013. Minimum 10 room booking must be made at least 120 days prior to departure. Voucher is issued in the name of the bridal couple and will accompany tickets. **Monthly installment payment shown based on 24 month “Equal Payments, No Interest” offer includes taxes and fees except taxes on administration fee. Price includes applicable administration fee. *On approved credit. “Equal Payments, No Interest” offer: Pay in 12 or 24 monthly installments only on your Sears® MasterCard®, Sears® Voyage™ MasterCard® or Sears Card with participating supplier. Administration fee on equal payment offer (except in Quebec), 12 months - $69.99; 24 months - $99.99 and no minimum purchase (except in Quebec $200 minimum purchase required). Interest will accrue on ﬁnanced amount (which includes administration fee and applicable taxes and delivery charges) at the rate then in force for purchase transactions but will be waived if monthly installments are paid in full when due. If not paid in full when due, interest on unpaid monthly installment accrued from the date installment posted to account will no longer be waived and will be charged to account. If account falls 4 billing cycles past due offer terminates and interest on unpaid balance of ﬁnanced amount accrued from posting date will no longer be waived and will be charged to your account. See Cardmember Agreement for more details. Offer available in store or by calling 1-866-359-7327. Not available at searstravel.ca. Visit us in-store or at searstravel.ca for full details. ©2012 Thomas Cook Canada Inc. d.b.a. Sears Travel Service. B.C. Reg. No. 3597. Ont. Reg. #50010226. Quebec Permit Holder – OPC #702734. 75 Eglinton Ave. E. Toronto, ON, M4P 3A4. Sears Financial™ MasterCard®, Sears Financial™ Voyage™ MasterCard® and Sears Card are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. “Sears” is a registered trademark of Sears, licensed for use in Canada. MasterCard and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks & PayPass is a trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated. † Complimentary invitations and thank you cards are for couples getting married in select destinations. Quantities may be limited. ©2012 Thomas Cook Canada Inc. d.b.a. Sears Travel Service. B.C. Reg. No. 3597. Ont. Reg. #50010226. Quebec Permit Holder – OPC #702734. 75 Eglinton Ave. E. Toronto, ON, M4P 3A4.

Taking a closer look at the pros and cons of eloping can help couples better determine if running off to elope is the right move for them.

Pros Cost is a major advantage to eloping. Various bridal websites, vendors and magazines have calculated that the average wedding runs anywhere from $21,000 to $35,000. Choosing to elope reduces that figure considerably, as couples who elope tend to avoid lavish affairs. The “reception” may be a casual dinner out or even a get-together at home. Eloping is more intimate in nature than a big wedding. Couples can share special vows amongst themselves without the need for a show at a larger wedding. If there are rifts between the families and coming together for a wedding may cause tension, an elopement is sometimes a smart choice. Couples can start out their new lives together in a special way, unencumbered by having to mingle with family members they may not have seen in years. Couples who have different religious beliefs or cultural traditions may find it difficult to blend these customs in a traditional wedding. Elopement may offer them the freedom to personalize their weddings in ways that cater to their desires. Some people simply do not like being in the spotlight, and traditional weddings put couples up on a pedestal. Eloping helps avoid that nervousness and anxiety.

Cons One of the cons that deter people from eloping is that failure to have a traditional wedding may disappoint close friends and family members. A wedding is not just about the couple, but about families blending and becoming one. Parents of the bride or groom may want to boast about how proud they are of their children getting married, and friends may enjoy having an excuse to get together and celebrate. There is a lot of pressure that goes into wedding planning, but a wedding is hopefully a once-in-alifetime event. There may be regrets about not having the big party or wearing the fancy clothes later on down the line.

Eloping means couples may not be eligible for the same number of perks as with a traditional wedding. Some couples start their nest eggs with monetary gifts from wedding guests. Eloping will likely reduce the number of gifts a couple receives from well-wishers. Also, there may not be a bridal shower, which is where couples receive most of the housewares and essentials they’ll use in their new home. Eloping has its advantages and disadvantages, and couples who might want to elope should weigh both the pros and cons before they forgo a traditional celebration.

SUNDAY, SEPT 16TH PEARKES RECREATION CENTRE

Bridal Exhibition.ca

VANCOUVER ISLAND’S

Meet the Bridal Experts You are invited to the island’s largest wedding show on Sunday September 16th at the Pearkes Recreation Center. Meet with top wedding professionals and organize every aspect of your wedding in one day. Come taste, see, feel and plan that special day! The event runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm and features over 60 of the island’s top wedding exhibitors. Make sure you don’t miss out on our three professional fashion shows produced by Ma-Luxe Studios as well as a very special on stage surprise! We will be giving away door prizes every hour and each registered couple at the show will have the

opportunity to enter the draw for a Caribbean Cruise or 1 of 2 Trips to Las Vegas provided through Marlin Travel and Royal Caribbean International. All couples will also receive a free Wedding Experts Bridal Resource Directory, the new issue of Vancouver Island Wedding Ring magazine and a complimentary Bridal Rewards card. We will also be hosting the grand prize draw for the winner from the Victoria Race for the Ring - a scavenger hunt/race for the ultimate prize for any bride: a diamond ring from Armeni Jewelers! The winner will be announced at our Bridal Exhibition on

Get ready to Race for the Ring Brides-to-be are ready to Race for the Ring Sept. 15. Join the scavenger hunt/race and vie for the ultimate prize for any bride – a diamond ring from Armeni Jewelers. Teams of two will make a donation to take part in the race, with money going towards building a school through Free the Children! While a $20 is encouraged, it’s not required. The winner will be announced at Bridal Exhibition Sept. 16. Co-sponsoring the fun event are Bridal Exhibition, Home for the Honeymoon, Ma-luxe, Armeni Jewelers, Ron Larson, of Hi-Way Productions, and the Fairmont Empress. Additional co-sponsor The Proposal, the reality show hosted by the Wedding Belles, will ﬁlm the race and interview engaged couples and the winner. The Fairmont Empress’ Ivy Ballroom will host the afterparty, with entertainment and prizes drawn from each stop. Find more details, including an online registration form at www.theweddingring.ca/victoria-race-for-the-ring.

ron@djpro.ca • 250-888-5440 • djpro.ca

thank everyone who attends the Victoria Bridal Exhibition and wish much happiness on your wedding day.

We look forward to seeing all the soon to be newlyweds and their guests and family at our show and encourage all couples to preregister at www.bridalexhibition.ca Tickets can also be purchased through our site or at any Thrifty Foods location. Advance tickets are $10 and are $15.00 at the door.

For exhibitor information, bridal resources and wedding planning guides please go to www.bridalexhibition.ca or call us at 1-888-501-9696

We would also like to take this opportunity to

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September 16, 2012 where the latest issue of Vancouver Island Wedding Ring Magazine will be released. Teams of engaged couples will donate (a dollar amount of their choice, $20 is recommended but not required) to take part in the race, (held on the 15th) with money going towards building a school through Free the Children! And who will draw this grand prize at our show … Shaw TV’s “The Wedding Belles” Sarah & Aubrey! We are happy to announce that these fabulous ladies will once again be at the show and will be shooting for an upcoming episode of their new show “The Proposal”. Make sure you head to www.theweddingring.ca/ victoria-race-for-the-ring to register for this fun scavenger hunt.

2012

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Sincerely, Rick Scheffers, Owner /Producer

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Bridal Exhibition.ca 2012 Exhibitors

VANCOUVER ISLAND’S

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Before you say your “I do’s,” we make sure you get your “I wants!”

Prestige Oceanfront Resort 250.642.0805

Vanessa Chartrand Langford Home Outfitters 250-474-9700

Jenifer Nice Tillicum Home Outfitters 250-412-2080

6929 WEST COAST ROAD • SOOKE

250-220-8426

OFF L $3Y0TUX RENTTYA

250-468-7121 pacific-shores.com

ss s ssss ssssss ss s ssss ssssss FREE GIFTS

when you host a get together.

www.undercovermagic.com

The White Eagle Polish Hall 200 Person Capacity • Weddings • Banquets • Dances 90 Dock Street, Victoria Rental Inquiries: 250.882.3797

R EVER YOUR PA IN

OM’S L GRO RENTA TUX paid FREE ﬁve kages h it w l pac renta

Visit a store or go to mooresclothing.com/tuxoffers for complete details.

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The Vancouver Island Bridal Exhibition is looking forward to helping you organize your special day, and to do that, use your Bridal Rewards Card! Every Bride that will be attending the Bridal Exhibition will receive one of these valuable Bridal Rewards Cards. The Bridal Rewards Card will allow you the upcoming bride free admission to future Bridal Exhibitions in 2012, and an opportunity to receive various rewards such as discounts on merchandise and/or services or a free gift with a purchase of merchandise and/or services from participating Bridal Exhibition vendors. Examples of how the Bridal Rewards Card Program can work for you 1) Discount of ...% off your order 2) Buy 3 get one Free 3) Free Gift with a purchase of the following.... These Are just examples of the types of savings your Bridal Rewards Card can do for you. Along with the Bridal Rewards Card, you will receive a current list of the participating vendors in the program and also what type of reward they are offering, for a complete up to date list or more information, please visit, the bridalexhibition.ca website. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

www.tiptop.ca www.tiptop.ca

LIMOUSINES

Contact our Wedding Specialist 250.480.6559

and Transportation Services

www.harbourtowers.com

www.lalimo.ca • toll-free 1 888 933 5466

there." the ." "... it's how you get th

250-391-9000

Bridal Reward Participants

partyguycanada

• Arthur Murray Dance School - Purchase any wedding package and receive extra 20% lessons free • Brawns Photography - Free Engagement Session with purchase of a full day wedding package • Delta Hotels & Resorts - 15% off treatments in the Spa at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe (does not include product) • Dominion Lending Centres Modern Mortgage Group $250 towards closing costs when you complete a mortgage with Kari Stauble: DLC Modern Mortgage Corp. • Four Points By Sheraton - 50% discount on Ballroom Rental of $1200 • Fresh View Events - Buy 3 Bride/Bridesmaid bouquets and receive the fourth free • Glimmer Photo Booth - Receive a Free 'Prop-Box" Rental and Cusotm Event Logo when using your Bridal Rewards on any rental. • Hiway Productions - 10% off any DJ Services • Home Outfitters - Receive a 10% completion Discount for up to one year beginning your "event" date dor any itmes registered prior to the event • IT Works! - Buy three wraps at retail price and get the fourth Free! • Joe the Bartender (and Class Act Party Rentals) - $50 gift certificate in Joey Bucks & Free Portable Bar Rental For Event • Orange Frog Studio - Boudiour credit with the purchase of your wedding collection • Pathways - Ceremonies By Design - One free wedding dress

250.590.8044 1816 Government Street www.thewhitepeony.com

250-893-3764 www.orangefrogstudio.com ϰϱ ^ŽŶŐŚĞĞƐ ZĚ sŝĐƚŽƌŝĂ͕ ͮ ϮϱϬͲϯϲϬͲϱϵϬϬ ͮ ĚĞůƚĂǀŝĐƚŽƌŝĂ͘ĐŽŵ

3147 Douglas Street, Victoria 250-383-2723

•

rehearsal with the purchase of custom crafted wedding ceremony RSM Productions DJ Services - 10% off the Premium or Ultimate Package or Free lighting upgrade to any wedding package SimpliCITY Events & Weddings ing Day - 20% off Wedding Co-ordination et The Bride's Closet ma-luxe studios inc. Free Veil (valuedd is a lifestyle company focused on providing up to $100) unique and innovative bridal, beauty and fashion with purchase services to women of all ages. We specialize of wedding and possess extensive experience in freelance gown over hair, makeup and creative consulting. $800 Undercover Fashion Shows for WearBridal Exhibition - Fall 2012 Victoria "We're concentrating on capturing the unique - Hold a branding of each bridal boutique featured in the fun girls get together and shows. We're concentrating on fall trends in receive any both the bridal and fashion industries and item - up to $60 we've got some excellent surprises that 15 value for only $15 will be revealed along the way!"

www.facebook.com/WhitePeonyBridal twitter.com/thewhitepeony

Naturally beautiful. •

vegan • gluten free

Independent Consultant

778.922.0585

beautybydesign.myarbonne.ca

@partyguycanada

www.partyguy.ca

The Bridal

Gift Registry

Gift Registry ... because all of life’s occasions deserve the right gift

Joe the Bartender

- Marion Groot

Beauty by Design

ĞůƚĂ KĐĞĂŶ WŽŝŶƚĞ ŽĨĨĞƌƐ Ă ďƌĞĂƚŚƚĂŬŝŶŐ ǀĞŶƵĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĂƚ ŵŽƐƚ ƐƉĞĐŝĂů ŽĨ ĚĂǇƐ͘

Discount Rates for Wedding Party Guests on Car Rentals and for Newly Renovated Rooms at the Arbutus Inn. www.drivenational.ca • www.arbutusinn.ca

•

Organizing Your Special Day

www.HomefortheHoneymoon.com

Learn from The Leaders

• • • • • • • • • •

Mortgage Group Fetching Image Photography Four Points by Sheraton Fresh View Events Glimmer Photo Booth Harbour Towers Home For The Honeymoon Hiway Productions Home Outfitters IT Works! Joe the Bartender / Class Act Party Rentals L.A. Limousines

• The Bride’s Closet • The Wedding Experts - Vancouver Island’s Premier Bridal Resource Directory • The Westin: Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa • Thrifty Foods • Tip Top Tailors • Undercover Wear - Victoria • Vancouver Island Disc Jockeys • Vancouver Island Wedding Ring Magazine|Website| Community • VI Fitness • Victoria Bridal Boutique • Vivid Photography • White Eagle Polish Hall • White Peony Bridal Boutique • Wynn Events

www.PrestigeHotelsandResorts.com

Skip the toasters and register for a new home with a down payment wedding registry.

Make your first dance special, comfortable and memorable

• • • • • • •

Arthur Murray Dance School Backfit Spinal Health & Fitness Beauty by Design-Arbonne Bed, Bath & Beyond Best Western Premier Prestige Oceanfront Resort Black & White Party Rentals Blue Bottle Photography Blush Bridal Boutique Brawns Photography Capital City Tuxedo Delta Hotels & Resorts Dominion Lending Centres Modern

• Laser Light & Sound Aesthetic Contouring • Ma-Luxe Studios (The Studio Collective) • Marlin Travel • Moore’s Clothing For Men • National Car + Truck Rental • Ophelia Photography • Orange Frog Studio • Pacific Shores Resort • Party Guy • Pathways - Ceremonies By Design • RSM Productions DJ Services • Salon J Hair Studios • Sears - Victoria • SimpliCITY Events & Weddings • Sun Life Financial • Swans Suite Hotel • The Bay

SUNDAY, SEPT 16TH PEARKES RECREATION CENTRE

Mayfair & Downtown Victoria You’ve found your perfect partner, now it’s time to find a home to call your own and a mortgage to fit all your needs.

Catering Events from 10 to 500 Guests In our West Shore Ballroom or at a Venue of your choice

GLOBAL INFUSION CATERING Four Points by Sheraton Victoria Gateway

Kari Stauble, Mortgage Professional Office: 250-642-2228 Cell: 250-858-5274 Email: KStauble@dominionlending.ca www.KariStauble.ca

829 McCallum Rd. (Right behind Costco) 250-391-5063 Catering@fourpointsvictoriagateway.com www.globalinfusioncatering.com

250-590-6703 fetchingimagephoto.com

™

Bridal Exhibition.ca 2012 Exhibitors

VANCOUVER ISLAND’S

• • • • •

MAGAZINE | WEBSITE | COMMUNITY

Before you say your “I do’s,” we make sure you get your “I wants!”

Prestige Oceanfront Resort 250.642.0805

Vanessa Chartrand Langford Home Outfitters 250-474-9700

Jenifer Nice Tillicum Home Outfitters 250-412-2080

6929 WEST COAST ROAD • SOOKE

250-220-8426

OFF L $3Y0TUX RENTTYA

250-468-7121 pacific-shores.com

ss s ssss ssssss ss s ssss ssssss FREE GIFTS

when you host a get together.

www.undercovermagic.com

The White Eagle Polish Hall 200 Person Capacity • Weddings • Banquets • Dances 90 Dock Street, Victoria Rental Inquiries: 250.882.3797

R EVER YOUR PA IN

OM’S L GRO RENTA TUX paid FREE ﬁve kages h it w l pac renta

Visit a store or go to mooresclothing.com/tuxoffers for complete details.

111153MOT_V1_EN

www.tiptop.ca www.tiptop.ca

LIMOUSINES

Contact our Wedding Specialist 250.480.6559

and Transportation Services

www.harbourtowers.com

www.lalimo.ca • toll-free 1 888 933 5466

there." the ." "... it's how you get th

250-391-9000

Bridal Reward Participants

partyguycanada

250.590.8044 1816 Government Street www.thewhitepeony.com

250-893-3764 www.orangefrogstudio.com ϰϱ ^ŽŶŐŚĞĞƐ ZĚ sŝĐƚŽƌŝĂ͕ ͮ ϮϱϬͲϯϲϬͲϱϵϬϬ ͮ ĚĞůƚĂǀŝĐƚŽƌŝĂ͘ĐŽŵ

3147 Douglas Street, Victoria 250-383-2723

•

www.facebook.com/WhitePeonyBridal twitter.com/thewhitepeony

Naturally beautiful. •

vegan • gluten free

Independent Consultant

778.922.0585

beautybydesign.myarbonne.ca

@partyguycanada

www.partyguy.ca

The Bridal

Gift Registry

Gift Registry ... because all of life’s occasions deserve the right gift

Joe the Bartender

- Marion Groot

Beauty by Design

ĞůƚĂ KĐĞĂŶ WŽŝŶƚĞ ŽĨĨĞƌƐ Ă ďƌĞĂƚŚƚĂŬŝŶŐ ǀĞŶƵĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĂƚ ŵŽƐƚ ƐƉĞĐŝĂů ŽĨ ĚĂǇƐ͘

Discount Rates for Wedding Party Guests on Car Rentals and for Newly Renovated Rooms at the Arbutus Inn. www.drivenational.ca • www.arbutusinn.ca

•

Organizing Your Special Day

www.HomefortheHoneymoon.com

Learn from The Leaders

• • • • • • • • • •

www.PrestigeHotelsandResorts.com

Skip the toasters and register for a new home with a down payment wedding registry.

Make your first dance special, comfortable and memorable

• • • • • • •

SUNDAY, SEPT 16TH PEARKES RECREATION CENTRE

Mayfair & Downtown Victoria You’ve found your perfect partner, now it’s time to find a home to call your own and a mortgage to fit all your needs.

Catering Events from 10 to 500 Guests In our West Shore Ballroom or at a Venue of your choice

GLOBAL INFUSION CATERING Four Points by Sheraton Victoria Gateway

Kari Stauble, Mortgage Professional Office: 250-642-2228 Cell: 250-858-5274 Email: KStauble@dominionlending.ca www.KariStauble.ca

829 McCallum Rd. (Right behind Costco) 250-391-5063 Catering@fourpointsvictoriagateway.com www.globalinfusioncatering.com

250-590-6703 fetchingimagephoto.com

™

14 SUNDAY, SEPT 16TH PEARKES RECREATION CENTRE

Bridal Exhibition.ca

VANCOUVER ISLAND’S

Door Prizes • Arthur Murray Dance School One private dance lesson for a couple – $100.00 • Backfit Spinal Health & Fitness Gift certificate for a new patient exam in our office – $95.00 • Bed, Bath & Beyond Norelco Arcitec Mens Electric Razor – $300.00 • Best Western Premier Prestige Oceanfront Resort One night in a deluxe oceanview room for each show. – $299.95 • Blush Bridal Boutique Heritage Garter – $35.00 • Capital City Tuxedo One free tuxedo rental – Up to $150 • Four Points By Sheraton 2 x $25 Gift certficates – $50.00 • Fresh View Events Flower arrangement to be picked up @ 4pm – $150.00 • IT Works! Skinny Pack (inlcudes four wraps, defining gel, fat fighter) – $211.00 • Joe the Bartender (and Class Act Party Rentals) Gift Basket – $75.00 • Orange Frog Studio A frame to keep your wedding memories in and a $200 gift certificate to be used for your Orange Frog Studio Inc wedding, and a hand made jute bag – $300.00

• Salon J Hair Studios Bridal Hair & Makeup Pre-Wedding luxury afternoon for Bride + Maid of Honour. Relax at Salon J while they show you hair and makeup options for your special day – $200.00 • SimpliCITY Events & Weddings Free BluePrint Package – $150-$300 • The Bay Gift Basket – $100.00 • The Bride’s Closet Heart Shaped Vase +Ceremony Sand (includes stand, vase with stopper, pouring vases for bride&groom & family member or officiant. Comes with 3 sand colors of bride’s choosing) – $112.00 • The Westin: Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa *Family pass to the Mountain Side Athletic Club for 4 ppl *Round of golf got 2 ppl * $50 Samte S[a Credit *Complimentary Friday Night Flights for 2 ppl * Complimnetary Dinner in Bella Montagna for 2 ppl (Food only) – $490 • Undercover Wear-Victoria Gift Basket – $100.00 • VI Fitness One Free one month gym membership which inlcudes a 1 hour fitness consult with a personal trainer (membrship includes all group fitness classes) – $149.00

weddings & receptions 250.361.3310

swanshotel.com

S U I T E H OT E L

250.477.8143

Susan Blackwood 250-889-5335 www.ceremoniesbydesign.ca

250.220.1739 simplicityevents.ca

A Naturally Infused Body Wrap. tighten, tone, contour your body

ToneThatZone

Spencer Brawn

Bridal Exhibition – Canada’s Bridal Trade Show & Online Bridal Guide Planning a Wedding has just got a little easier!! Bridal Exhibition.ca is one of Canada’s First Bridal Trade Shows that has its own online Bridal guide! Brides can go online throughout the year and find information on how to plan their wedding as well as finding more information about the bridal related businesses in their area. Make sure you go to www.bridalexhibition.ca and arrange all your wedding plans right from home.

2012

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Custom engagement ring and wedding band set.

Images supplied by Barclayâ€™s Fine Custom Jewellers

Circle of love Ringsâ€Ś they symbolize our commitment to each other. We give them and wear them as friendship rings, promise rings, anniversary rings and most importantly as engagement and wedding rings. Rings have been exchanged as symbols of marriage for many centuries and in many different cultures. It is believed that the custom of giving and receiving rings traces its roots to ancient Egypt. The ring, as a circle, symbolizes timelessness, wholeness and homecoming. It has no beginning and no end, like time. It is worn on the third finger of the left hand as it was believed that the vein from this finger ran directly to the heart. The earliest rings were usually made of reed or papyrus and through the centuries evolved into the metals and stones which we use today. Did you know that wedding bands were not commonly worn by men until the middle of the twentieth century? Only 15 per cent of bridegroom received and wore rings prior to 1940. With the outbreak of World War II many men faced long separations from their spouse and began wearing bands as a symbol of their marriage, increasing the ring ceremony to 60 per cent. The tradition continues and the majority of men now wear wedding bands. While most bands for men are still plain, either flat or half round, there are now a proliferation or styles and choices. In the past five years there has been a rise in popularity of tech metals: cobalt, titanium, steel and tungsten. The advantage to these tech metals is price; they cost less than gold or platinum but the disadvantage is that they cannot be resized. Options abound for unusual or unique wedding bands. Here on the island, hand engraved native designs, nautical themes and Celtic designs symbolizing

Hand engraved wedding band. eternal love (love knots in continuous patterns are very popular. Precious stones are also incorporated into menâ€™s rings. The popular choice for womenâ€™s wedding bands is still gold, however, while ten years ago the majority of rings were yellow gold now the trend is toward white gold. As the price of gold rose the price of platinum has fallen and it is also very popular. The traditional solitaire is still the engagement ring of choice for most couples. Wedding bands for the bride can match her engagement ring or the groomâ€™s ring or be completely unique. Diamond bands have become very popular to enhance a solitaire engagement ring. One of the most dramatic changes recently is designing your own custom ring. â€œUp to 50% of wedding rings or bands sold at Barclayâ€™s Fine Custom Jewellers in the past year have been custom designedâ€? said owner Geoffrey Beattie. â€œWe find many brides want to design their own wedding rings, it is something they will wear the rest of their lives and they want it to reflect their own style.â€? Wedding rings capture the symbolism of the ancient ritual we call marriage; timelessness, commitment and love.

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The never-ending circle of a wedding band symbolizes eternal love because it has neither a beginning nor an end. For more than 150 years, ArtCarved has been the wedding band of choice, dancing at more weddings than any other wedding band. Visit Barclayâ€™s to see our exclusive selection of ArtCarved engagement rings and wedding bands.

BARCLAY S FINE CUSTOM JEWELLERS

106-2187 Oak Bay Ave. 250-592-1100 Connect with us on Facebook

barclaysjewellers.com

Responsibilities vary for wedding party participants When asked to play a role in the wedding of a friend or family member, most people are honoured and willing to do whatever it takes. That willingness to be helpful is often a blessing, as wedding party participants each have their own unique responsibilities.

Maid of Honour & Best Man The maid of honour and best man are counterparts in the wedding. The bride and groom’s right hand woman and man, respectively, the maid of honour and best man are often siblings or very close friends of the bride or groom. Though their responsibilities are similar, the maid of honour and best man don’t have completely identical roles. The maid of honour might have the most responsibilities of anyone aside from the bride and groom. The maid of honour will help the bride shop for her dress and must also plan the bridal shower and the bachelorette party. Her duties also extend to the wedding day itself, when she will be expected to help the bride get dressed and toast the new bride at the reception that night. The best man’s role includes organizing the bachelor party and toasting the groom at the reception. The best man also plays a logistical role, organizing the newlyweds’ transportation to the airport the morning after the wedding as well as organizing the groomsmen’s gift to the couple.

Members of the wedding party have different responsibilities depending on the roles they’re asked to play. Groomsmen may act as ushers, while bridesmaids might help address wedding invitations and choose vendors for the ceremony and reception. How involved the bridesmaids and groomsmen become is often contingent on how close they live to the bride and groom and how much help is needed the day of the ceremony.

Flower Girl & Ring Bearer Bridesmaids & Groomsmen The role of the bridesmaids and groomsmen are similar. Bridesmaids and groomsmen are often the siblings or close friends of the bride and groom, and they accompany each other down the aisle during the wedding procession. Typically, the role of bridesmaids and groomsmen is to offer any assistance in making the ceremony go smoothly.

The flower girl and the ring bearer are typically very young members of the family, such as very young siblings or a niece or nephew of the bride or groom. The flower girl will carry a basket of flowers during the wedding procession, often tossing flower petals on the ground to signify the bride’s entrance. The ring bearer is a boy and carries a pillow with the rings sewn on it during the wedding procession.

Parents The bride and groom’s parents play the role of hosts. The tradition of the bride’s parents paying for the wedding entirely by themselves has largely fallen by the wayside thanks to the escalating costs of throwing a wedding. However, if the bride’s parents are footing the bill, then they will typically act as hosts of the wedding. In that instance, the groom’s parents will host the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. During the ceremony, the bride is most often walked down the aisle by her father, though some brides choose to have both parents included in the walk down the aisle. The groom’s parents will often walk down the aisle ahead of the procession and take their seats. The parents may also play a role in the months leading up to the wedding. For instance, the mother of the bride might help plan the bridal shower, while the father of the groom might help plan any activities, such as a golf outing, for the groomsmen and additional friends of the groom a day or two before the wedding.

How Sweet It Is

Wedding Cakes to Celebrate the Love of a Lifetime

Victoria's newest bridal boutique 250.590.8044 1816 Government Street www.thewhitepeony.com www w.th hew wh tep peony.com m

unique ﬂavours • custom designs • quality ingredients • unparalleled taste

“Family owned business operating since 1998 proudly serving pastries & cakes, for all occassions!”

Call for a consultation 250.478.4499

742 Goldstream Ave, Victoria, BC lighthousecakecomp@gmail.com www.lighthousecakecompany.ca

Flavourful wedding cakes

GLOBAL INFUSION CATERING Four Points by Sheraton Victoria Gateway 829 McCallum Rd (Right behind Costco)

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?

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 favourites 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 flavours, like a decadent chocolate cake filled with chocolate ganache and black cherries – in a Black Forest style. Those toasting to the good life may

Catering Events from 10 to 500 Guests • In our West Shore Ballroom or at a Venue of your choice When you choose the West Shore Ballroom, the largest ballroom in the city with natural light, for your wedding, you are engaging the services of professionals dedicated to creating incredible memories. Weddings are a delightful time with family and friends, yet one of the most important days of a couple’s life. Our Wedding & Event staff will meticulously consider every detail to ensure success of your event allowing you the freedom to relax and enjoy your guests. We would be pleased to custom design a distinctive menu and environment to complement your personal taste, style and vision.

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.

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.

An Affair to Remember

250-391-5063 Catering@fourpointsvictoriagateway.com www.globalinfusioncatering.com

A Tradition of Excellence Family owned & operated since 1956

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 favourite flavours or symbolizes a special moment in their lives. A Boston cream pie-inspired 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 that it can be enjoyed the entire night.

Creating Custom Wedding Cakes Offering a wide selection of ﬁnishes and ﬁllings. Meet with us, look through our “Wish Book” and let us create the cake of your dreams.

Dutch Bakery and Coffee Shop 718 Fort St. • 250-385-1012 • www.thedutchbakery.com

What is wedding

insurance?

Every bride and groom hopes their wedding will be a success. That includes the flowers and dresses being delivered on time and the reception site being ready to accommodate a night of fun. However, all too often weddings are plagued by unforseen events. Wedding insurance can help couples recuperate some or all of the money lost if replacement wedding arrangements need to be made. Imagine a catering facility having to cancel use of the room because of a flood or other situation? What if a custom-made wedding gown is lost or damaged? Sometimes, wedding vendors, such as limousine services, fail to show up on the wedding day. Should any of these disasters occur, a couple getting married will not only have to scramble to book or buy replacements, but they will probably have to pay a large premium for short-term notice. Having a wedding insurance policy in place can reduce out-of-pocket costs for emergency situations. Not every couple needs to purchase wedding insurance. Some facilities or vendors offer their own built-in protection. Couples should ask to see individual insurance policies to confirm what will be covered in the event of an emergency. However, wedding insurance policies are relatively inexpensive ($150 to $500) when compared to the costs of some wedding elements. Therefore, many couples understand the benefit of purchasing insurance. Wedding insurance will cover most aspects of the wedding. Considering the average wedding costs roughly $20,000, wedding insurance can offer peace of mind. After all, a person who purchases

a $20,000 vehicle wouldn’t leave it uninsured. There are a number of things that the insurance will cover, but each policy is different. It’s important to review the fine print before purchasing a policy. In general, here is what may be included. * No-show vendors: If a florist or photographer fails to show up for the wedding, couples can recover some of the costs of the deposit and hiring a new vendor. * Weather: Some weddings need to be rescheduled due to extreme weather. The insurance will cover the cost of doing so. * Missing officiant: If the pastor, rabbi or another celebrant doesn’t arrive, couples can recuperate their costs. * Illness: Injuries or illnesses of key people in the wedding that may be grounds for rescheduling. Such rescheduling can be covered. Other items that can be covered in a policy include damaged or missing gowns, tuxedos, and gifts; call to military service; honeymoon protection; and liability insurance for weddings at home. Individuals cannot use wedding insurance to cover a cancellation of the wedding if the couple decides not to get married or something that was known about before the policy was purchased, such as a reception site facing foreclosure. Wedding insurance can be a smart financial decision for large weddings with a high price tag. Couples can investigate policies by doing their homework online or by contacting an insurance company where they live.

Wedding Insurance WEDDINGUARD provides ﬁnancial protection against many of those things that can go wrong with your wedding plans, including cancellation from most causes beyond your control. Contact us for information and pricing

Serving Western Canada 400-1400 1st Street SW, Calgary Alberta T2R 0V8 403.261.3900 toll free: 1.800.661.1608 • www.palcanada.com

Helpful hints when choosing floral arrangements Couples must make many decisions when planning their wedding, not the least of which is choosing floral arrangements. Some couples have never had to make choices regarding floral arrangements, so it’s understandable if they need some help before making a decision that will likely make a significant impact on the appearance of their weddings. • Go with your own style. Couples should not feel pressured to go with a more traditional style if that’s not something that suits them. Instead, choose a style that most appeals to you, be it neutral or bold colours, formal or more casual arrangements, and so on. Your style might also reveal a preference for something other than roses, which is perfectly alright. It’s your wedding. • Stay in-season when possible. When choosing a floral arrangement, it’s important to consider when you’ll be getting married and which flowers will be in-season. It’s possible to find most floral varieties all year, but if you choose seasonal flowers, you’ll likely pay less and such flowers will be more readily available and durable.

• Don’t go it alone. The wedding day is going to be busy enough without brides and grooms having to worry about arranging the bouquets. A professional florist, ideally one who has come highly recommended, should be able to work within your budget and produce a visually stunning end product. • Consider candles to save money. Many couples hope for a floral centerpiece at each table, but that can prove costly. If the floral budget is somewhat limited, supplement the centerpieces with candles to save some money. The centerpieces likely won’t be as grandiose, but smaller floral arrangements coupled with candles can create a romantic feel. • Stick to the budget. Couples will find it’s very easy to go over budget quickly with regard to floral arrangements. But a good florist should be able to work within your budget and produce an arrangement that’s visually impressive without costing a fortune.

Expecting guests?

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Safe and smart ways to slim down before your wedding Concern about fitting into their gowns drives many brides to crash diet in an effort to lose weight. Many brides-to-be, and even some grooms-to-be, express concern about their weight in the weeks and months leading up to their wedding. Losing weight is a goal for many engaged couples, but it’s important that couples who want to shed a few extra pounds don’t sacrifice safety for the sake of slimming down.

According to a Cornell University study of 273 women with a wedding day approaching, 70 per cent wanted to lose more than 20 pounds before their weddings. However, reality indicates that a weight loss of five to 10 pounds is more attainable — more so if the weight loss regimen is spread out over several weeks. The term “brideorexia” has entered the vernacular, and it’s associated with brides who are taking extreme measures to lose weight. Taking laxatives, engaging in fluid-only diets and even using tobacco or drugs to serve as appetite suppressants are just some of the measures some brides have taken to shed weight before their wedding days. There is no magic formula to shed pounds, but there are certain ways to jump-start and maintain the process of healthy weight loss so brides can look slimmer and healthy for their big day.

21 â€˘ Reduce sodium intake. Sodium doesnâ€™t necessarily lead to weight gain, but it can make it appear so. Sodium contributes to water retention in the body, which may make you appear heavier or bloated. Cut back on foods that are high in sodium, especially as the wedding draws close, to reduce water retention.

â€˘ Eat. Although initial calorie curbing can help shed weight, eventually your body may adapt to your new eating habits or go into â€œsurvival mode,â€? which means conserving fat reserves. Researchers at Penn State University found that fasting signals to your body that it is being starved, triggering a lower metabolic rate. Brides-to-be should never cut out food entirely. Eating anything less than 1,200 calories a day will encourage the body to try to conserve energy by lowering its metabolism. Severe calorie restriction is not an effective way to lose weight.

â€˘ Identify sources of empty calories. Fruit juices, soda and other beverages are often the culprits with regards to unnecessary calorie consumption. Therefore, choose your beverages wisely and limit them to water, teas and unsweetened drinks. If you want to drink fruit juice, consider diluting it. In addition, most alcoholic beverages have 100 calories or more. While it may be tempting to celebrate with wine, champagne and mixed drinks during your engagement period, your waistline may ultimately pay the price for such indulgences.

â€˘ Step up your exercise regimen. Reducing food intake alone will not help you lose weight quickly. The goal is to burn more calories than you consume. Therefore, adding more cardiovascular activity to your routine can help burn calories more efficiently. According to a clinical study from researchers at Italyâ€™s University of Padua published in the 2011 International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, eating a light meal before exercising helps you burn more fat and keeps your body burning fat even 24 hours after the exercise.

â€˘ Eat smaller portions. Oftentimes, its not a matter of what you are eating but how much. Most portion sizes served in restaurants or even at home are double or triple the amount that you should be eating. When in doubt, cut everything in half.

â€˘ Fill up on fiber or protein. Instead of resorting to pills to suppress an appetite, simply eat foods that will fill you up naturally. High-fiber foods will bulk up in the stomach and keep you feeling satiated longer. The same can be said for lean proteins, which take longer to digest, thus fending off hunger pangs. â€˘ Hire a good photographer. A camera allegedly adds 10 pounds, a reason many couples panic about their wedding day. A photo is a 2D image of a 3D object. Therefore, the photo reduces depth perception and flattens an image, which may make some items look like they have more bulk. A professional photographer will know how to manipulate lighting and angles of the camera to ensure a more flattering shot. While losing weight for a wedding is many couplesâ€™ ultimate goal, the best way to tackle this task is in a healthy, responsible manner.

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Wear white on your wedding day — with a bright smile It’s easy and affordable to achieve a bright smile. Dress chosen; check. Flowers ordered; check. Photographer booked; check. Bright smiles for the big day; hmmm, not so much…. A soon-to-be bride and groom have a long list of things to complete prior to their wedding day. Though much thought is given to music, transportation, gowns and tuxedoes, it’s important not to overlook a white smile, which will ultimately be the lasting memory of the special day in photo albums for years to come. A white smile can make all the difference and is the finishing touch to every look. Tooth whitening is often left to the professionals at the dentist’s office. Over the years, in-office whitening procedures have evolved to include laser activation of a whitening gel and other effective whitening procedures. In addition to relying on tooth whitening solutions, there are other ways that the soon-to-be bride and groom and their bridal party can

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