Schedule a Wedding Day trial followed by a dress fitting. Once your hair is styled, you can see how your chosen hair style and veil will look with your dress. If you color or highlight your hair, you may opt to add, define or adjust your tints in the weeks leading up to your wedding to properly balance with your wedding ‘do. For your hair trial, follow the preparation advice from your stylist just as you would for your Wedding Day. Bring your veil or any accessories you plan to use in your hair. Keep track of the amount of time it takes your stylist to complete your look. Does the time frame align with the start and end time included in your agreement? If your trial takes longer than anticipated, adjust your agreement with your stylist and your salon. Your hair appointment can determine the timing of your entire Wedding Day, so it’s important to schedule it carefully as well as pad it with extra time....
read moreQ. I am wondering if I need to rent or buy a tuxedo for my Big Day. When is it okay to wear a suit in lieu of a tuxedo? A. If you are questioning whether or not to go with a tuxedo rather than a suit for your Big Day, a simpler formal suit can, in fact, be dressed up for a very formal occasion (like a wedding) with the careful use of accessories and with the added advantage of being worn again at the office holiday party (without people asking where the bride is). Getting the right fit is more important than anything else. Whatever the brand name, the cloth used, the accessories added, if the tux or suit does not truly fit correctly then it is never going to look right. The idea of visiting a tailor and being measured and fitted may seem a bit fussy, but doing so really is the only way to ensure that you will look and feel your best for your Big Day. A good fitting suit always will transcend...
read moreWe are thrilled to be participating in the upcoming Expo Milan 2015. Expo Milano 2015 is a non-commercial Universal Exposition with some very unique and innovative features. Not only is it an exhibition but also a process, one of active participation among a large number of players around the theme of Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life. It is sustainable, technological, thematic and focused on its visitors. Open from May 1 to October 31, 2015, the Expo will host over 130 participants. Running for 184 days, this giant exhibition site, covering one million square meters, is expected to welcome over 20 million visitors. Milan today Milan was the thirteenth most visited city in the world in 2014 and was included among the three most important destinations for 2015. It’s a city to explore and love, full of treasures and a lively night life. Milan has always been an interesting and vibrant city: it was one of the most glorious towns during the Middle Ages, and the home of most spectacular Italian courts during the Renaissance. Leonardo da Vinci arrived in Milan from Florence looking for a job and ended up staying for a long time, as well as many others did after him. Having always been a focus for the history of the city, Milan has a considerable part of the Italian cultural heritage and is one of the major art cities; including such sites as The Duomo , churches, palaces, museums, without forgetting the contemporary art and architecture, that are also distinctive aspects of the city. Countless works of art are housed in Milan, and almost all can be reached by foot. The new districts that are springing up in the name of modernity are changing the skyline, which is poised to become one of the most beautiful in Europe. A journey of tastes Visitors will experience a unique journey that looks at the complex theme of nutrition. They will have the possibility to take a trip around the world, sampling the food and traditions of people from all over the globe. Expo Milano 2015 will be the first Exposition in history to be remembered not only for its products but also for its contribution towards education on food and the planet’s precious resources. For more information visit www.expo2015.org All You Need to Know about Tickets for Expo Milano 2015...
read moreMany brides and grooms include their nieces and nephews or the children of bridal party members as flower girls or ring bearers in their wedding. Kids are cute, sweet, fun and funny. But oftentimes, the younger they are, the less they’re willing to cooperate. For example, if you have a “nature child’ in your wedding party (that is, kids in the stage where they say, “I don’t want to wear that!” to every article of clothing), a child in your wedding who ends up wearing every meal, a kid who may not make it down the aisle in an orderly fashion (or at all), understand upfront that you may encounter some “oops” moments—some adorably amusing, some not so much—and be prepared with strategies for potential glitches. √ Aisle alert Are you comfortable with the fact that some little ones may not “perform” their duties at the wedding, even after a smooth rehearsal? If a child doesn’t want to walk down the aisle, then consider whether or not a parent or other wedding party member can walk along with them. √ Flower girl and ring bearer attire It may be wise to hold off dressing young children in their wedding outfits until the ceremony is about to begin. Of course, accidents can happen at the very last moment, so ask the parents to bring an extra set of clothes. If necessary, offer to pay for the extra ensembles yourself. √ Extra wranglers Ask someone in your wedding party (in addition to the parents) to stay on “kid duty” until the ceremony begins. An extra babysitter will not only be helpful to the parents, but it could help avoid attire accidents. Also, consider gifting your little ones with quiet activity bags to keep them entertained during the ceremony. √ Timing If you have plans to take photos at multiple locations, consider how long you need to have your little ones available to pose. You may want to consider having them included for a certain period of time just before the ceremony and just after. Ask their parents what they think will work best for their children to look and feel their freshest (especially if the kids still take naps). √ Substitute duties If something should occur before the ceremony that prevents little ones from performing their duties, but you still want to include them and give them a chance to shine later on, let them forgo their part in the ceremony and give them a task for the reception. Flower girls can scatter their petals as you and your beloved debut as an official couple into the reception hall, and ring bearers can cut in after the first dance. √ Meals Try to seat young children with their parents (or close relatives) and older children at a kids-only table. Ask your caterer to provide kid meal options, which are generally a lot less expensive and more appealing for the little ones to eat. Consider providing a mini buffet where young picky eaters can chose from a variety of options. √ Nanny service/entertainment for the reception There are lots of choices. Ask parents of children whether or not they want their children a part of the entire reception or if they are interested in child care and what the ideal child care would entail. Depending on...
read moreAn Engagement shoot is an opportunity for both a couple and their chosen photographer to work together and get to know one another. Chances are you chose your photographer based, at least partially, on their stunning portfolio of past work but this is a also a chance to see how well they capture you as a couple and offers a glimpse at what you can expect if you choose to have them photograph your wedding day as well. There are of course a number of very practical uses for the images that come out of an engagement shoot as well. They are prefect for incorporating into your save the date cards, your wedding website and all of those now almost obligatory social media updates. They are also a wonderful memento, a visual reminder of the end of one phase of your relationship as you enter another. Courtesy of John Rozier...
read moreEngagement parties date back to ancient Greece, when betrothal was a contractual meeting between men. A potential bride’s father and future husband would meet to establish and iron out the details of the marriage. This tradition was certainly a step up from the caveman who established that love connection independently and simply hauled a new bride home with the trip back to the cave being the engagement. Although today’s weddings are still contractual, we have grounded this institution into a loving partnership. Today, this bond is consensual, intimate and deep-rooted, yet shared with family and close friends. Modern day engagement parties begin to establish this bond with the couple and their closest circle of family and friends by celebrating and congratulating the couple’s decision to...
read moreGetting the MOST from a Bridal Expo Bridal shows can be a fantastic resource for couples shopping around for ideas and deals. Be sure you’re prepared to get the most out of expo opportunities. Pre-register Pre-registering for these events saves you time at check-in, and often a few bucks as well. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes—you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. Arm yourself with labels Many of the vendors will have giveaways at their booths, so instead of filling in each entry form every time, print labels or bring a hand stamp. Identify vendors of interest Write a star on the business cards of vendors that really interest you. In addition, take any of their brochures or business cards and store them in an area of your binder, purse or pocket that keeps them separate from all the other business contact handouts and information. Snap pictures This will allow you to quickly remember some of the great things you saw at the show. Did you see a gorgeous dress during a bridal fashion show? Maybe there is an amazing cake, floral centerpiece or invitation style that you want to remember. Ask questions Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. With a room full of vendors showcasing their niche in the wedding industry, you have a unique opportunity to learn and receive helpful tips from professionals focused on planning, photography, videography, invitations, catering, favors, wedding-day attire and everything in between. Don’t be shy. Don’t limit yourself Even if you think the first florist, planner, caterer, etc., you talk with is perfect for your wedding needs, take advantage of the fact that you can easily visit multiple florists, planners, caterers who are all showcasing their services at the expo. By comparing multiple vendors and the services they offer, you can feel confident that you have chosen a vendor that best fits your needs—and you may be able to better negotiate prices/services. Prepare for special offers and discounts Many wedding vendors will offer a special day-of-the-bridal-show-only discount if you schedule appointments to learn more about their services. Bring your calendar along to help you save even more money and learn more about their services in a one-on-one follow-up appointment after the show. Other vendors may offer products for sale such as jewelry, favors and bridal accessories at a special discount at the expo as well. If you’re interested in possibly purchasing products, don’t forget your cash, credit card and checkbook. Have Fun Bring a supportive person with you that doesn’t mind chatting with vendors and who will enjoy the overall process of helping you get the most out of what you’re looking to find. Make a pact to have fun and to take a break if your energy and focus start to wane. If you’re not able to visit each of the vendor booths of interest, you can always get in contact with the vendors after the show via their contact info in the expo’s guide. You also will most likely receive a schedule for additional bridal shows that you can attend in the future and a promotional bag filled with plenty of information to peruse. PS. Have a good night sleep, eat well and stay hydrated (bring healthy snacks), wear comfortable shoes and layer your...
read moreFestive Event Planning – Entertainment…and All That Jazz! A key element of any event is planning appropriate entertainment that works with the demographic, the venue and the design concept. Entertaining guests could mean making them laugh, enchanting them with music, or discovering a new artistic experience. There are, of course, many styles music to choose from; jazz quartet to rock violinist to dueling pianos. Musicians can be found through online websites, via your local symphony, or simply from word of mouth. The holiday season is perfect for traditional carols, perhaps performed by an a cappella group or a local opera singer. Some events may require entertainment that is a little more unique, such as improv theatre, aerial acrobats or flair bartending. Adding drama can be as simple as hiring dancers, actors, or even on-location artists. Choosing the right entertainment is crucial, as it enhances the atmosphere and overall feeling of the occasion. With Edmonton’s vast arts community, there are always entertainment choices to fit with any event. Just remember to keep an open mind when researching different options, and explore the many talents within the event’s region. Here are just a few resources within the Edmonton area: http://www.muralmosaic.com/team.html – Lewis Lavoie – live event artist http://3rdstreetbeat.com/ – Internationally recognized Hip Hop/Contemporary Dance Studio http://www.fireflytheatre.com/ – Firefly Theatre (aerial acrobatics) http://www.kitanotaiko.ca/ – Japanese drummers http://atomicimprov.com/ – Atomic Improv http://www.zaharabellydance.com/ – Belly Dance Entertainment http://www.theredpiano.ca/groups/index.asp – Dueling Pianos http://www.ultimatebartending.ca/ – Flair Bartending http://www.casatangoedmonton.com/Home_Page.html – Tango Dancers http://www.grovecitychorus.ca/ – Barbershop Style A Cappella Group http://www.bellarougemusic.com – Specialty Show Band Bella Rouge So why don’t you paint the town, shake it up with entertainment. Create the unexpected, interactive, high energy experience, and all that...
read moreI strongly believe in community and giving back. Whether it’s through volunteering in various capacities, donating, fundraising or providing training and development for volunteer leaders, and board development training for incoming or existing board members. Devoting time and energy to these causes, actually improves my health and well being! It feel’s great, such satisfaction. It also offers opportunity to connect to many people, provides a social outlet, and the best part…I get to share my skills, knowledge and abilities with others and learn from them too! What a WIN-WIN!!! Throughout the year I also support many charities and non profits, such as Edmonton Food Bank: www.edmontonsfoodbank.com, Coats for Kids and Families: www.myunitedway.ca/coats-for-kids-families and Homeless Connect www.homewardtrust.ca/programs/homeless-connect.php, just to name a few. Did you know? There are over 4,000 charities and non profits in the City of Edmonton, and approximately 8,000 in the Edmonton region. Each of them doing great work to make Edmonton a better place. December 2nd is Giving Tuesday, a movement for everyone who wants to give something back. Whether it’s making a donation, volunteering time, helping a neighbour or spreading the word. You can get involved in GivingTuesday in many ways, such as a charity, a company, an individual or family and community group or school. To learn more about Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving, visit www.givingtuesday.org. Through your contributions, you are helping our Edmonton communities Evolve, Engage and Elevate. ...
read moreHow to take the stress out of planning holiday events Whether you’re planning a family gathering or coordinating a large holiday event, the proper planning process is essential for success. Here are some tips to get you pointed in the right direction this festive season: Goals are the backbone of any event. When setting your goals ask yourself the following questions: What is the purpose of this event? What do you want to achieve? Who will be attending? Where would you like to host it? When in what time frame? How many people will attend? How will it make your guests feel? One of the most effective tools I use is the SMART model, here is an example: Specific: Host a holiday networking social for 20 of our closes friends on December 22. Measurable: Contact the 20 invited guests by November 22 letting them know you are planning this event and to ask them to “save the date”. Attainable: Connect with invited guest by telephone, social media and in person also, as the other invited guest to share the information about the event with their network. Relevant – Invited guest have a long-standing relationships Time bound: Connect with proposed invite list by November 22, send out the save the date November 25 request RSVP by December 15 confirm final numbers by December 20 host event on December 22. Having concrete goals and objective clearly stated will help you stay focused, on the things to do and lessen the stress. Keep checking back daily or weekly to ensure that you are on track or may need to adjust. Brainstorming – This is the creative part! What is your theme, colors, feel and design concept? Be as outrageous as you want, think big, and then scale back as needed. Don’t limit yourself to anything, the word “NO” is not an option. You want to extract the most of your creative when you are going through this process. Budget – Achieving event goals with exciting creative ideas while staying under budget can be less stressful when you are prepared. Know what your budget is, stick to it, and always have a contingency plan. It’s easy to break the bank, especially with those last minute impulsive choices. What will keep you accountable are your GOALS. Keep referring back to the goals and objectives you set out and ask yourself, will this decision help us achieve our goals. Is this a “nice to have” or is this a “need to have”. Planning – Time to get organized and do the work! You have a goal, a concept and a budget so now you need to get planning! Deadlines, invitations, bookings…they all need to be allotted for in your timeline. Refer back to the Time bound reference above. Using a calendar, gantt chart or critical path that highlight milestones will keep you on track, on time and on budget. So here you go, a starting point to work from. Happy Planning! I look forward to hearing how you where able to apply these ideas. Check my blog each week for more topics, tips and inspired ideas for planning...
read more
