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Michelle – Love the Dress; Oakville

Check out this blog post from Pure Aperture Photography – by Lesley. Rather than trash the dress – why not love it!

TRICK – The Aisle Runner

The first moment of your big day is walking down the aisle – why not do that in style! Below are some examples of aisle runners to make your wedding day even more special.

Runners can be anything from paper, lace, flower petals, even lighting. Make your own or work with a vendor to create this must-have décor item.

http://pinterest.com/pin/11822017744607433/

http://pinterest.com/pin/11822017744607431/

http://pinterest.com/pin/11822017744607430/

http://pinterest.com/pin/11822017744607413/

http://pinterest.com/pin/11822017744607412/

http://pinterest.com/pin/11822017744607408/

Happy planning!

Guest Blog – Wedding Styles from Today’s Hit Shows

Mad Men and Downton Abbey are two of today’s most watched shows on television. Both period dramas feature excellent story and acting, as well as lovely set designs and costumes. They’re all a pleasure to watch. You feel like you’re transported back to the eras they’ve re-created.

Fashion was defined well for both men and women in these shows’ settings. And they’re perfect inspirations for wedding styles – Mad Men’s sophisticated looks straight from New York in the 1960s and Downton Abbey’s aristocratic post-Edwardian designs.

Mad Men

This series is about a fictional advertising agency in 1960s New York and the lives of the people who work there. In this period in America, women often took their fashion from the elegant Jackie Kennedy, while the men mostly from The Beatles and the rest of the British invasion.

The bridal dresses of the ‘60s are known for their elegant silhouettes and exquisite fabrics. You can wear an empire dagger sheath with a Watteau train, or you can have a modified version of Jackie Kennedy’s silk taffeta ball gown with a portrait neckline. If you want a less formal attire, go for a mini A-line dress with bell sleeves.

Instead of the traditional veil, choose a pillbox hat with netting. If you’re wearing a short dress, wear your hair loose with a headband of flowers with or without a short veil.

For your wedding ring, look for a three-stone setting or a solitaire. Most brides at the beginning of the decade wore three-stone wedding rings, which are more commonly worn today. Later on, it wasn’t rare for a bride to wear a solitaire as both her engagement and wedding ring. Some women, however, also wore a simple wedding band with the solitaire.

Your groom should think tuxedo for a formal celebration. If you’re going semi-formal, on the other hand, he should wear skinny – black or grey skinny suit with a skinny tie. A fedora for an outdoor wedding will look great, too.

Don’t forget to hire one of those 1960s Cadillac De Ville cars so you can arrive and leave in total vintage style on your big day.

Downton Abbey

The title of the series is a fictional country estate in Yorkshire, England, which is obviously the setting of the show. The story is about the Crawley family’s life starting in 1912 after the sinking of the Titanic and continuing to the 1920s.

Definitely no ball gowns or corsets for the bride. The ultimate bridal attire, of course, would be Lady Mary’s own long-sleeved silk gown with a lace tabard that flows into a V-neck and a train at the back. For a less formal ceremony, an ivory or cream flapper knee-length dress in lace will look lovely. A delicate tiara on your head will top of your English 1920s look perfectly.

If you’d like to be consistent with your post-Edwardian fashion, choose jewellery, including wedding bands, made of platinum or white gold. Yellow gold was quite rare during that time. Designs should be feminine and figural, illustrating motifs like flowers, vines and bows.

If you’re having a daytime wedding, a morning suit will give you a groom as handsome as the award-winning show’s Matthew Crawley. To get the look, he’ll need a black or grey single-button coat with a broad tail. Pair it with striped trousers. The dress shirt can go with a tie for a more relaxed affair or an ascot for formal wear. But if you’ve got an evening wedding, white tie would be the best for your groom.

To complete your post-Edwardian fashion, go away as a newly married couple in a horse-drawn carriage, and make sure all these dramatic styles are captured in photos.

About the author

Sofia Angeli is a PR & communications consultant for companies in various industries. In particular, she brings her writing skills and passion for travel, culture, arts and lifestyle, including wedding planning and engagement rings, to the online world.

TIP: Top 10 Bridesmaid Dress Trends for 2013

Gone are the days of the ugly bridesmaid dress – yes, some still exist, but they are slowly becoming extinct… Here is a list of the top 10 bridesmaid dress trends for 2013 that will definitely ‘wow’ you and make you the best bride/friend ever.

1. The One-Shoulder Stunner

2. The Peplum

3. The Mesmerizing Metallic

4. The Gorgeous Grey

5. The Illustrious Ivory and White

6. The Best of the Bling

7. The Beautiful Blue

8. The Darling Details

9. The Lovely Lace

10. The Incredible Illusion Neckline

TIP: Emergency Kit Essentials

When I tell my friends that I have an emergency wedding kit – they usually laugh. I am definitely the crazy organized type and I do get made fun of sometimes; but this past weekend no one was making fun of me…
I was in a wedding not as a planner, but as a bridesmaid. I told the bride that I would bring my emergency kit with me. I was faced with some interesting looks – but she and the groom said okay.

Sure enough we needed a number of items from my kit. Nothing too crazy happened, but the usually stuff that can happen on anyone’s wedding day. For example: the clasp on the back of the brides dress – you know the one that holds up the zipper – broke off 10 minutes before walking down the aisle. I found myself sewing her into her dress with seconds to spare.

All of these minor “emergencies” in your day are no trouble if you have the right tools. If you have a day-of wedding planner, they should come prepared with everything that you could possibly need (always ask them if they do), but if you are not getting help from a day-of wedding planning (which I strongly recommend) then here are my emergency kit essentials that every bride should have.

Emergency Kit Essentials:
• Band-Aids and blister cushion pads
• Bottle of water
• Breath mints/spray
• Cash – bills and coins
• Clear nail polish (for stocking runs)
• Comb/brush
• Corsage pins and florist tape
• Dental floss/toothpicks
• Emergency kit
• Extra earring backs
• Extra panty hose
• Eye drops and contact solution
• Granola bars or other easy-to-carry snacks
• Hair pins/ponytail holder
• Hair spray
• Hand towelettes
• Hem tape
• Krazy Glue (for nail fixes, shoe heels, decorations, even jewels)
• Lip gloss
• Makeup (for touch-ups)
• Matches or lighter
• Mini sewing kit – make sure to have the same colour thread as the bridesmaid dresses
• Mirror
• Nail file
• Pain reliever
• Safety pins
• Scotch tape
• Small folding scissors
• Spot remover
• Static-cling spray or dryer sheets
• Straws (so the bride can stay hydrated without messing up her lipstick)
• Tampons/sanitary napkins
• Tissues
• Tweezers
• Vendor contact list

Wedding Dress Trends for 2013

I’m all about finding that unique dress that stands apart from the rest. Check out these five wedding dress trends for 2013.

TREND #1 – It’s all about colour

TREND #2 – Bring on the Peplums

TREND #3 – Take a picture it lasts longer – Portrait backs

TREND #5 – The change up – Convertible dresses

TREND #6 – A new take on lace

Happy shopping!

TIP: How to pick the best bridesmaid dress in 7 easy steps!

The dreaded bridesmaid dress… You have asked all of your closest friends to stand next to you on your special day – and now you have to pick a dress that flatters them all and that they love. Sound simple? Well now it is with these simple steps!

Photo from Universal Pictures’ film: Bridesmaids

1. BE NICE. There is a myth that brides purposely choose a hideous dress so they will stand out on their wedding day. Just don’t do that – you want everyone to look great that day. And you will be the center of attention no matter what.
2. SIMPLE SHADES. Choose a colour that will compliment everyone. Brighter colours are always a great bet – while some pastel colours may not work as well on fair and dark complexions.
3. ONE SIZE FITS ALL. Don’t count on it! Find a dress that will flatter all your bridesmaids no matter their shape or size.
4. DON’T EMPTY THEIR WALLETS.  The average bridesmaid dress is $100 to $300 – if you go over this budget range, you may want to consider covering the additional costs. Other brides sometimes pay for alterations or buy the accessories.
5. MAKE IT A DATE. Bring your girls with you on your shopping trip. This way you can see what they like and don’t like, and make the best decision.
6. ARE YOU COMFORTABLE? Make sure your bridesmaids are comfortable with showing they cleavage or legs if you decide to go with a more revealing dress. You may like to be sexy, but it doesn’t mean your friends like to too.
7. LET IT GO. You have enough to organize and remember during your planning, so why not appoint your MOH to be in charge of the bridesmaid dresses. She can make sure they are all ordered, altered and picked-up before the big day.

TIP: The Modern-Rustic Wedding

When I think about a rustic wedding, I don’t see cowboy boots, horses, and red and white-checkered tablecloths… I see organic materials, a laidback yet elegant atmosphere, candlelight, warm tones – with a modern twist. Here are some of my favorite modern-rustic wedding ideas. Sure this theme is kind of an oxymoron, but once you see it materialize, it might just become your new fav!

Let’s break this down. The overall feel of the wedding should be warm and inviting. The use of candlelight and other simple lighting in unique places will set your modern-rustic wedding apart from the rest.

Picture from budgetbridesguide.com

Using wood elements in your décor can be done very tastefully, as seen here with these two very different centrepieces.

 Picture from weddingdecors.info

Picture from thoughtfullysimple.com

And although the wood branch look has been the trend on wedding cakes – this décor element does not need to continue there. Think natural and beautiful, like this flower filled tiered cake. Placed in the rustic atmosphere, it brings another feminine and soft element to the décor.

Picture from weddingwindow.com

Speaking of flowers. There are so many ways to make your bouquets fit your modern-rustic theme. In this picture the use of unique elements bring a modern feel to this rustic look.

Picture from dreamweddingreceptions.com

Forget about the traditional seating cards for your modern-rustic wedding. Check out this great idea that is country, yet modern. Love the use of glass.

Picture from with–this–ring.blogspot.com

There are so many rustic wedding favors out there, but this olive oil favor screams modern and rustic – and is also unique!

Picture from oncewed.com

Finally, whatever your wedding theme is, it should be a reflection of you and your partner. Here are some modern-rustic wedding photo groupings that I love.

Picture from persiankittykat.com

Picture from blog.weddingwire.com

Happy planning!

Michelle

TIP: 20 Questions You Should Ask Your Potential Florist

Wedding flowers are a very important part to your special day – and they are expensive… So when you order your dream flowers you want them to be perfect. Here are my 20 questions to ask your potential wedding florist. Consider these interview questions. You wouldn’t just hire anyone for your business. And you shouldn’t just hire any florist.

1. How long has the florist been doing wedding arrangements?

2. Does the florist have a signature style?

3. Does the florist have photographs or a portfolio? This is important because you should be able to see the florist’s previous work from actual photographs.

4. Has the florist ever worked with my ceremony and reception locations? Make sure to talk delivery fees…

5. How does the florist set their fees? Do they charge by stem, by arrangement or by project. Also when picking your flowers – save costs by choosing flowers that are in season.

6. What can the florist do with your budget?

7. What is the cost per piece? Bridal bouquet, bridesmaids’ bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, swags, potted plants, etc? And make sure to do some comparison shopping.

8. Does the florist provide any extras?

9. What is the best timeline for making my flower arrangements? Find out their schedule. If they already have six weddings that weekend can they really get your flowers completed too???

10. Can you see samples of the florists work?

11. Does the florist charge a delivery fee?

12. When do you pick up rentals such as stands, vases, etc.?

13. Does the florist provide instructions on preserving the bridal bouquet?

14. Does the florist provide a tossing bouquet? And is there an extra charge for this?

15. What tips can the florist offer to help you save money?

16. Does the florist require a deposit? Anything from 20% to 50% is average.

17. When do you need to have final numbers on attendants, reception tables, etc?

18. How many weddings does the florist have booked on your weekend?

19. Will the florist set up the centerpieces and other floral decor?

20. What ideas can the florist offer to make your wedding flowers unique?

 

 

[Source www.partyprodj.co]

TRICK: The DIY Bride

Let’s face it, weddings can be expensive and for the bride and groom who are on a budget, you need to cut corners anywhere you can – but that doesn’t mean you have to cut back on your vision. Here are some of my favourite do-it-yourself favours, place cards, and other great ideas that you can incorporate into your special day, as long as you are ready to handle the work.

So are you trying to cut back on your church flowers? Here is a really pretty way to incorporate your colours and personality with these church pew ribbons with silk flowers. There are so many great DIY ideas from http://www.theknot.com – check them out!

Silk flowers not your thing? Let’s take a look at some DIY wedding favours. Here is a photo of DIY edible wedding favours. These particular jars are filled with maple syrup – but you can fill them with anything from your favourite jam, to candies, or even gourmet olive oil and herbs.

This is also a great favour that also dresses up your seating cards. Check out these DIY buttons that have each attendees name – you can even put your names or you and your partners’ picture to add a different flare.

Want to leave your guests something that they will actually use again and again? Check out this custom silk screen organic tote – you can dress it up with any design or text you want. Now this is a gift that your guests will appreciate!

So you have your guest favours, but now you have to make sure they sit down where they are suppose to… Here are some DIY and beautiful place cards that will sure add something special to your wedding. How cute are these seating cards on their individual easels?

Are you going for a more modern wedding that sparkles? Check out this way to display your seating cards – can we say wow!

Are you and your partner wine lovers? Check out this unique idea to bring yours personality into every aspect of your wedding.

There are so many more ideas online – don’t be afraid to step outside of the box when coming up with these awesome DIY wedding ideas. Have a great idea yourself? Send them to me and you just might find it on my next blog.

Happy crafting!

Michelle