Weddings March 2012 • A Special Supplement to: Yes to the dress Finding the right wedding dress - Pg. 4 Narrowing your wine selection What you should know before deciding - Pg. 7 Inglis Jewellers wants you to be a winner See Pg. 16 for your chance to win a $100 gift certificate. pAge 2 | weddings | MARCH 2012 Create a memorable wedding with Summer Street Industries W eddings are becoming increasingly personalized with a special 'wow' factor added to really make the event memorable for not only the bride and groom but the guests as well. That wow factor is generally seen during the reception by way of unique foods or special surprises for the guests. Allayna Munroe, event coordinator at Summer Street Industries says, “Brides and grooms are finding ways to make their wedding stand out by doing something fun and making the night memorable.” Some of these things include a potato martini bar where a martini glass is filled with mashed potatoes and guests can choose from a wedding dinners and receptions as they provide the facilSummer Street In- ity as well as the catering. “We offer the full package,” dustries provides the perfect recep- says Munroe. “We set up the tables, provide the lighting, tion venue for chandeliers, little trees with weddings as well mini lights, linens, chair covas provides inhouse catering for ers, tableware and even a podium and LCD projector.” up to 300 people SSI sets up the event and in a sit down provides the tear down as well, dinner. They also the only thing they do not prooffer cocktail and vide is the music or the perhors d'oeuvres sonalized decorations. receptions. “We help in any way that we can,” she says. “We have all an ice cream bar at their recep- of the contacts for cakes, deconumber of different toppings. Also popular are the nacho tion,” says Munroe. “It really rations and flowers as well as bars, candy bars and tomato makes the event special and contacts for different bands adds the bride and groom’s and djs.” basil soup shots. SSI offers a sit-down meal “Cookie bars are always personality to the day.” Summer Street Industries with various meal choices fun and we even had a couple have just a dessert buffet with is a very popular venue for which can be customized based on the couple’s tastes and can accommodate for vegetarian or gluten-free meals as well. “We want to make their day as special and unique as possible,” says Munroe. You may have known that Summer Street A typical Summer has all the space you need; largest catering Street wedding begins capacity in the region and the expertise to with a pre-reception help you plan the perfect wedding day. that includes hors d’oeuvres and cockDid you realize we can also help you keep the tails and moves on to memory alive with in-house custom engraving the sit-down dinner on glass and other materials? Call us today. followed by a dance. “We sit down For information and bookings contact Allayna with the bride and 755-1745 ext.223 or [email protected] go over an agenda for the evening, such as what time the dinner should start and when the speeches should be made to make sure the evening flows as smoothly as pos72 Park Street, New Glasgow • www.summerstreet.ca sible,” Munroe says. Everything for your perfect day ~ including the keepsakes! Visit our blog: www.ssigoodnews.wordpress.com • Join our Facebook Group Continued on Page 11 MARCH 2012 | weddings | page 3 Selection, service separate Inglis Jewellers from the rest A t Inglis Jewellers, their goal is simple – be recognized as the jewelry store and gift shop of choice for all residents and visitors to Atlantic Canada. With a guarantee they won’t be undersold, that can only mean good things for you, the valued customer. “Our primary mission is to offer superior service to each and every customer who walks through our door, whether they’re looking for a watch battery, dropping off or picking up a repair, or buying one of our $50,000 engagement rings,” said general manager Will Dunn. “We have introduced our new Bald Boys price promise that guarantees the best price. We are striving with each visit to earn a customer’s business and make a friend for life.” Greg Johnston opened Inglis Jewellers in 1991 in Truro. The store has since expanded several times while remaining in its same great location. In 2007, Johnston and co-owner Paul Clark opened another store in New Glasgow. A third store in Amherst was opened in 2009 followed by a fourth most recently in Riverview, New Brunswick. Plans for a fifth and sixth store are currently in the works, which Dunn says will expose even more people to the selection and service only offered at Inglis Jewellers. Inglis Jewellers carries a large selection of diamond, gold and sterling silver jewelry as well as a wide variety of unique giftware. Their selection of quality brand name watches and clocks is among the largest in the Maritimes. All it takes to hold any layaway is $5. Customers can also ask about Inglis Jewellers no interest, no pay- Friendly, smiling faces are always ready to greet you at Inglis Jewellers. Those faces include Natasha Saunders and April Keatley, who both work at the Truro location. Inglis Jewellers now has for stores open in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. ment plan financing (OAC). “In addition to the largest selection of gold and diamond jewelry we also offer full service in-house jewelry repair and custom design services by one of our three goldsmiths,” said Dunn. “Inglis Jewellers customers are happy their jewelry doesn’t have to leave the store,” added Johnston. “At Inglis Jewellers, there’s a no shipping, no worry situation for the customer, who wants to take care of their special piece of jewelry.” Whether it’s in Nova Scotia or New Brunswick, the most important aspect of business for Inglis Jewellers is satisfying the customer. The friendly staff members are qualified to answer any questions regarding the products and services and are always eager to help out. Inglis Jewellers also takes the worry out of your purchase by offering a full refund policy. If you’re not entirely satisfied with your purchase, just return it within 30 days for a refund. More details are available by visiting one of their four locations or www.inglisjewellers.ca. “We take great pride in what we do and encourage our valued customers Weddings Copyright 2012. Published by Advocate Media Inc. Publisher: Leith Orr General Manager: Scott MacKinnon Editors: Jackie Jardine and Jeff Gill Graphics Design: Angela Isenor Contributors: Debbi Harvie to provide us feedback to let us know how we’re doing,” said Dunn. “We want to meet the needs of our customers, whether they’re looking for the perfect engagement ring, a gift for the beautiful bride or the groom or something nice for themselves. Our friendly staff is always ready to help and best of all, we won’t be undersold.” Giving back to the communities it serves is also a primary focus for Inglis Jewellers. Dunn says they’re both pleased and proud to support the communities that continue to support the business. “We do our best to support as many local organizations we can,” said Dunn. “Some of the ongoing ones we do support include Colchester Community Workshop, Summer Street Industries, Bridge Workshop, Colchester Regional Hospital Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Highland Community Residential Services and Big Brothers Big Sisters.” pAge 4 | weddings | MARCH 2012 Inspirations makes “saying yes to the dress” a simple process I s this your dress? For those who have never tried on a wedding dress but like to watch television programs like ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ or ‘Beverly Hills Brides’, the typical bride’s reaction at finding her dress may seem a bit farfetched. But according to Linda MacKay of Inspirations in New Glasgow, tears of joy are exactly what happen. “You always know which one is The One,” says MacKay. “You can see it in their face, they start swirling around like a little girl and their face lights up. You can see how good they feel in that dress.” Not every dress is made for every woman; a lot of the dresses fit based on personality. “Sometimes a woman will come in and within five minutes of talking to her, we know exactly what dress would suit her,” says MacKay who has 15 years of experience in the field. “We have worked with wedding dresses for so long that we are able to find the right fit for the brides.” This can surprise brides, she admits. “Often we will see them come in with a specific dress in mind that they saw in a magazine, but leave with something completely different. They really need to be willing to try on a few dresses because the one they had in mind may not be the right fit.” MacKay has also noted reluctance for brides to accept the first dress they try on as ‘their dress’. “Girls are often surprised when they try on the first dress and that’s the one they keep going back to; they feel like they need to try on more dresses. But trying on too many can become confusing.” MacKay tells the story of a bride from the US who searched for her wedding dress between there and New Glasgow. She tried on a total of 80 dresses and ended up finding her dress at Inspirations. “She couldn’t believe that this was Linda MacKay displays one of the gorgeous gowns waiting for a lovely bride at Inspirations. where she found her dress,” she laughs. During the hunt for the perfect gown, women will often search pages of bridal magazines or go online, then come in to Inspirations with a printout of their perfect dress. Continued on Page 6 Visit Pictou County’s Prom Specialist Alyce Night Moves Tony Bowls Sparkle Le Gala ON ale NOW S C I T N GIGA % off up to 70 Sizes 0 to 32 Sizes 2 to 32 Sale Starts February 21 Open: Mon., Tues., Weds. & Sat. 10 am-5 pm Thurs. & Fri. 10 am-8 pm Open: Mon., Tues., Weds. & Sat. 10 am-5 pm Thurs. & Fri. 10 am-8 pm MARCH 2012 | BRIDAL | page 5 Wedding day made perfect with the ‘final touch’ “W ith the availability of the Internet, a lot of brides are coming in with very detailed ideas for their wedding,” explains Paula Rodgers, co-owner of Final Touch Rentals on Foord Street in Stellarton. Paula and Bruce Rodgers have been providing goods and services to wedding parties for the past nine years and have seen an increase in business of anywhere from 10 to 15 per cent each year. Bridal season for Final Touch Rentals starts May 1 and the Foord Street business is flat out until December 31, with weddings comprising 47 per cent of their clientele. Final Touch offers everything imaginable to put the finishing touches on a perfect wedding. “We begin with a consultation and discuss the venue, number of guests and colour theme,” explains Paula. “Based on that, we find out what the bride and groom are looking for.” Items Final Touch provides range from tents to tables, chairs, linens, dishes, backdrops, cupcake stands and even fountains. “We have everything you really need,” she says. Final Touch is even able to order in custom Paula Rodgers folds a napkin for a dinner table display at Final Touch items, such as certain ta- Rentals on Foord Street in Stellarton. Final Touch Rentals provides blecloths, for the big day, everything post-dress to make any wedding the perfect day. which is why Paula suggests beginning wedding planning at least we had 32 weddings in July alone. So to a year in advance. make sure every bride gets what they want “Last year we found the trend was very and what they need it is important to book last minute for everyone,” explains Paula. well in advance.” “I recommend at least a year in advance Trends that have been on the rise for because what people seem to forget is that wedding décor include white and black there are only eight weeks in June and July, themes as well as a chocolate brown theme. which are our busiest months. Last year Continued on Page 9 From an elegant brunch buffet to a dance hall reception, a casual beach wedding to a formal church wedding we’ll help you create a memorable wedding day that captures your unique style as a couple. Final Touch Party Rentals Visit our showroom at 279 Foord Street, Stellarton Ph: 755-1864 • TF: 1-888-755-1864 Mon-Fri 9-5 / Sat by appointment no ordinary love. no ordinary reception. We rent a full line of classic tents and accessories for weddings and other special events. • WEDDINGS • ANNIVERSARIES • BIRTHDAYS • OFFICE PARTIES • REUNIONS • RETIREMENTS • FUNDRAISERS • SEASONAL AND THEME PARTIES • Tents & Canopies • Chairs & Tables • China • Linens • Flatware • Glassware • Centerpieces • Wedding Supplies • Lighting & Power • Dance Floors • Floor Planning and much more pAge 6 | weddings | MARCH 2012 Now that the wedding is over, it’s time to party Tips for choosing a DJ 1. Ask for references. 2. Know what types of music the DJ plays. For example, is the music suitable for all ages or do they have their own agenda. 3. Meet your DJ in person. 4. Discuss your wedding song play list and look for flexibility. 5. Most receptions run from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., which gives you four hours of music. At about 20 songs an hour that means approximately 80 songs can be played at a venue. Let the DJ, if experienced, mix your songs with his to provide the perfect evening of fun. 6. Equipment – ensure it is professional and not home stereo equipment. 7. Are lights included in your cost? 8. Is travel included in your cost? 9. Has a contract been provided? 10. Tidal Waves’ emcees also take time to conduct games and also provide a wireless microphone. Tidal Waves DJ Services “Catch The Wave” The dress of your dreams is waiting at Inspirations Continued from Page 4 The Best DJ Service in Colchester County DJ “Big D” Servicing all of NS for your DJ needs Featured on TLC’s “A Wedding Story” 902-957-1630 www.facebook.com\tidalwavesdjservice [email protected] www.tidalwavesdjservices.com “Certain dresses we can have ordered in,” explains MacKay. “It all depends on the company that makes the dress. At Inspirations, we deal with the top designers and bridal lines and our prices are very reasonable. We have a price point for every budget.” The downtown New Glasgow shop also offers bridesmaid dresses, tuxedo rentals, flower girl dresses and ring bearer suits as well as shoes, cake toppers, garter belts, fascinators, jewelry and tiaras. “What we are seeing now is that brides are moving away from veils to head pieces and tiaras,” explains MacKay. “The trend for wedding dresses is more of a “fit and flare or a mermaid style.” Her biggest piece of advice to future brides is to plan well in advance. “One year is a good time frame because it can take up to five months to order in a dress and another month for alterations,” says MacKay. “This is why I also suggest buying locally because of the time needed in alterations, fittings and the final touches the day before – like steaming, which we do to freshen up the dress before the big day.” With more than 200 dresses in stock, Inspirations is sure to have the dress of your dreams and every spring and fall, new stock arrives for the bridal scene as January kicks off the beginning of the wedding season. MARCH 2012 | weddings | pAge 7 All you need to know about selecting your wine T he first thing you need to do is determine how many guests will be attending your function. Remember, one litre of wine serves eight four ounce glasses (750 ml = six 4 oz servings) The next thing up for consideration is your budget. The location of your wedding reception/dinner is also key. Liquor licensing is important so if the event is being held at a licensed establishment the client must receive permission from the licensed establishment to order the wine directly from the winery. Many establishments prefer to order the wine from the winery directly. If required, a Special Occasions license can be purchased from a local Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation outlet. Pricing of wine can vary. Corkage fee is an acceptable practice for licensed establishments and can change the “end” price of the wine. You also want to co-ordinate wine with the menu. Marrying the food with the wine can make a special event perfect so consider your menu when making wine choices. Fun options are private labeled 200 ml “mini” bottles for individual gifts or private labeled jelly bean wedding gifts for youth at the wedding. Weddings are a personal expression of love and commitment. Jost Vineyards offers special occasion wine labels, personalized to add a perfect touch to the wedding reception or dinner. They offer a wide variety of awardwinning wines to satisfy taste and budget. If you’re not a connoisseur, they offer guidance when it comes to selecting the perfect wine and the amount needed for your menu and function. Typically the bride and groom’s names, the wedding date and a short verse are used to create an elegant wedding wine. Options include engagement photos or invitation styles. They also carry an inventory of pre-designed labels that may be uti- Erase fine lines & wrinkles Restore lost volume in cheeks and lips Smooth & clear your complexion Pamper yourself with us! We are a full Day Spa that offers a full range of non surgical Cosmetic Treatments lized. Label pricing ranges from $37.95 to $49.95 and includes the number of labels required for the order. pAge 8 | weddings | MARCH 2012 The elegant charm and intimate setting of Piper's Landing Restaurant in Lyons Brook make it a perfect place for a wedding reception, bridesmaids gathering or a rehearsal dinner. Planning ahead is key when it comes to dress alterations I Wedding and Rehearsal Party Packages Min 10 - Max 60 Guests • Facilities Included Appetizers • Entrees • Desserts • Tea/Coffee ONLY $ 35 PER GUEST Tax Included Plus 15% Gratuity CHILDREN’S CHOICE ONLY $10 (tax included) For further details contact Brenda pipers landing restaurant Lyons Brook • 485-1200 • www.piperslandingrestaurant.com Global Gemstone Jewelry t is easier to take a gown in than it is to let it out. A gown can be taken in up to three sizes. It can be taken in at any seam on the bodice, but depending on embellishments will determine which seams will be used. If seam allowance permits, a gown can be let out up to two sizes. Shortening a gown is most often done by taking it up at the bottom. It can also be taken up at the waistline if there is beading/lace trim along the bottom. If the gown does not have [email protected] Supporting Cottage Industry in Third World Countries Beautiful Handmade Sterling Gemstone Jewelry VIP Private Shopping Parties and Home Parties A Perfect Addition to Your Bridal Shower Call (902) 305-1414 for Bookings! Shop at 44 Young St., Truro, N.S. (Mon. to Fri.) www.GlobalGemstoneJewelry.com a separating waistline then the design at the bottom needs to be removed and reattached once length has been properly adjusted. To ensure proper fittings, undergarments (bra, corset etc.) and shoes being worn the day of the wedding are required for each fitting. Gowns with layers require more work. Each layer must be altered individually. Allow four to six weeks for alterations. A gown may require up to three or four fittings with the last fitting being one week before the wedding. *Floral *Decorations *Cakes & Catering *Custom Dresses & Alterations 668-2150 MARCH 2012 | weddings | pAge 9 Wedding planning starts and ends with Final Touch Rentals Continued from Page 5 Catering Unlimited offers more than delicious food S tress is a common factor all couples planning a wedding share. It may be stress over the little details; money, planning or you may just feel overwhelmed. While you can't eliminate all of the stress inherent in wedding planning, there is one good way to minimize that stress. Trying to do it all alone is a major cause of stress, but help is as near as your phone or your computer. Catering Unlimited will handle a lot of the details for you. Things like, menu suggestions and planning, stay- ing within your budget, rentals, finding a venue, décor, bar requirements/bartenders and the list goes on. This marks Catering Unlimited’s 21st year of catering weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, family reunions and anniversary parties, so they’ve seen and handled just about everything. They’re also not afraid to travel. Catering Unlimited has catered at a variety of venues across Nova Scotia as well as parts of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Now relax, take a deep breath and pick up the phone and call Catering Unlimited. Why plan for your wedding alone when you can call the professionals at Catering Unlimited? With more than two decades of experience, they can help reduce your stress while working within your budget. “Pastels are also starting to come back,” she says. “Those colours are all very popular.” No need to panic when planning a wedding. Final Touch Rentals helps create a perfect day for all brides – from those who have never even gone to a wedding to brides who have organized and planned every little detail. And Bruce takes care of all of the deliveries. “We go as far as Truro with our rentals,” explains Paula. “We even carry a few things for showers and 25th or 50th wedding anniversaries.” Final Touch Rentals has become a one-stop shop for all of your post-dress bridal needs. “We are really a great resource for brides because we have a lot of experience and knowledge,” she says. “We also have a photo book of various venues and ways to decorate which, in itself, is a big help.” Brides looking for more information on what Final Touch Rentals has to offer can visit www.finaltouchrentals.ca or their Facebook page. We Throw Parties For A Living Affordable pricing, reliable & prompt communication with our prospective and existing clients has made Catering Unlimited one of Nova Scotia's leading catering companies. Great food, professional service, bar service, rentals, venues and event planning are all at your finger tips. Our menus include fresh local products whenever possible. www.cateringunlimited.ca 902-422-8880 Serving Metro, South Shore, Valley, Truro, East Hants & Beyond We Make Great Events Happen! pAge 10 | weddings | MARCH 2012 Take care of your dress T Flowers add that extra touch J ean’s Flowers & Gifts is dedicated to making your special day the best it can be. They have a variety of items available for rent in addition to a beautiful selection of flowers. Flowers can add drama to a wedding in many wonderful and surprising ways. From elegant church affairs and striking outdoor arches to dainty wedding cake embellishments and stunning centrepieces, Jean’s Flowers & Gifts has a myriad of creative options to make your ceremony and reception a vision of loveliness. They create beautiful ar- rangements to perfectly capture the spirit of your special day. Its designers consult with clients to create exactly the right design for them and they do it with more than 94 years of combined experience. Reflecting the personality and style of the bride and groom is what Jean’s Flowers & Gifts is all about. You’ve dreamed of your wedding all your life and flowers can help make it even more beautiful than you imagined. From your bridal bouquet to centrepieces for the reception, they have the perfect designs to capture each moment. Romantic and Beautiful Weddings Begin with Jean’s Flowers and Gifts •Bridal Bouquets •Reception Centerpieces •Ceremony Arrangements •Boutonnieres •Corsages •Wedding Rentals 56 Inglis Place, Truro 895-8816 he wedding gown, post wedding day, is not just the most important piece of memorabilia from your wedding; it is also a fairly accurate map to the day’s events. Murphy’s Law states that if you wear white you are a magnet for stains. There are those moments that leave their mark – the final spray (a few glistening drops left on the collar), the dust marks on the train (from the not-so-swept chapel floor), the lipstick marks (from the hundreds of congratulatory kisses in the re- ceiving line), and the drops of champagne on the skirt (from when the bride tried to do the Macarena and hold onto her glass simultaneously). Now, as much as the bride would like to remember all the events of the day, it is best to leave that up to the photos and wedding day video, not the dress. You will remember your wedding dress all of your life and it is perhaps the most elegant gown you will ever wear. Clean and package it carefully and make it an heirloom to treasure always. www.jeansflowersandgifts.com Erica’s Bridal & Christening Gowns Entrust your beautiful gown with the experts!. We will ‘Care and Preserve’ your dress using envronmentally pure techniques with storage in an acid free keepsake chest. Make it an heirloom to treasure always. Eastern Passage, N.S. (902) 469-4441 [email protected] MARCH 2012 | weddings | page 11 Helping the groom shine as he celebrates his big day too O Tuxedo tips to keep in mind 1. Tuxedo orders should be placed six to eight weeks before the wedding date. Grooms should work backwards from that date to make sure it happens. 2. When choosing from different tuxedo styles consider sizes and shapes from your groomsmen. For example, a slim fit tuxedo might not be suitable for all. 3. To avoid disappointment with accessory colours, it’s advisable to bring in a swatch of material for colour match. Pictures are not always true. 4. Make arrangements for method of payment. For ex- ample, is the groom paying for all of the tuxedos or is each groomsman paying for their own. 5. Allow time during the week of your wedding for fitting of all members of your wedding party. These are normally done three days before the wedding. Last minute fittings may not allow for all alterations to be completed. 6. Some grooms get nervous. Allow for some extra time when getting dressed on your wedding day. 7. Call your bride on your wedding day and tell her how much you love her. Have your dream wedding at SSI Continued from Page 2 But some weddings can be anything from an afternoon tea to an hors d’oeuvres hour or buffet style dinner depending on what the couple wants. Something she also says to keep in mind is late-night snacks during the dance. “I always advise to save some money for the late-night munchies at the dance – especially if there will be people at the dance that were not at the dinner,” she says. “Pizza is always a favourite so we order in the couple’s favourite pizza and cut it up into bite sized pieces and serve it.” Aside from the food, Munroe says a lot of brides are focusing on decorating with a tall table centre piece. SSI works with every budget so each bride and groom get their dream wedding. “We are there to help them every step of the way,” she says. They also provide on-site engravings for wedding party gifts or keepsakes as well as iron-ons for stagette parties. SSI can accommodate up to 300 people, but the space fills up quickly, they are already taking bookings for summer 2013. n the wedding day, it may be true that all eyes are on the bride, but a well-dressed groom will still be appreciated. He is one of the main stars of this celebration, after all. A classy and unique suit is on the agenda; after those criteria, the groom should choose a suit he feels comfortable in, one that corresponds to his personal style and that is tailored to his body shape. For an impeccably fitted suit, the groom should have a last fitting at the tailor’s, two or three weeks before the wedding. The fabric of the groom’s suit should be chosen accord- ing to the season and its overall style should match the tone of the wedding; a suit is perfect for an afternoon wedding, while a tuxedo is required for an evening event. When choosing a suit, think of it as an investment; it should signal sophistication and elegance rather than office-job functionality. Once a suit has been chosen, the next secret to a refined look lies in the tie. A contemporary finish requires a tone-ontone tie that matches the colour of the shirt; it is a very attractive look, especially if both are pale in colour. Pale tone-ontone will brighten up the complexion and highlight the smile. “Truro’s finest men’s shop.” Offering the largest selection of men’s formal wear in Central Colchester County. *Tuxedo Royale *Collins Formal Wear Weddings, Graduation & Prom Special Suit, Tie & Shirt 179 $ 95 While Supply Lasts See instore for details 25 Inglis Place, Truro - 895-8447 pAge 12 | weddings | MARCH 2012 Finding the right limousine E very bride and groom will need his and her transportation from home to the wedding ceremony and reception. Although there are several options to get couples to and fro, many choose a limousine or another fancy rental car as the preferred mode of travel. It may seem like little work goes into renting a limo. Though transportation might be one of the more hands-off components of wedding planning, that does not make it any less important. Initially, seek word-ofmouth recommendations, which can be the best way to narrow down potential limo companies. Ask others which business they used for their special events. Not all limousine services are the same. Price should not be your only method of comparison. Much like a hotel room or a meal at a restaurant, there may be different levels of service among companies. Figure out a package that will work for you, including size of car, duration of time and any other special features, such as a stocked bar, and then compare this package among the different limo companies you're considering. The right vehicle also can make all the difference -- and may help you narrow down your choices among companies. For instance, a business might not have the model you want or that vehicle isn't available the day of your wedding. Also, be sure there will be enough room and if there is trunk space for luggage for honeymoon essentials. Check whether there are certain addons, such as fuel surcharges or tolls that are not factored into the base price. Also, some companies include a driver tip in the cost, while others will leave that to your discretion. A bun, curls, or a loose braid? Choose a hairstyle that complements your gown and the shape of your face. A bun, a braid, or curls? A bride’s hairstyle is essential to the look she wishes to create for her wedding day. Choosing among this year’s trends is one way to find the perfect style. The classic bun is a popular choice, especially because it fits with the retro chic trend. In 2012 we will see lots of elegant buns and twists, just like Audrey Hepburn wore. Brides with fine hair can opt for a cut and style, with a square cut or a plunging bob. If they want to keep their hair long, extensions are ideal for filling out some volume. Braids are also making a comeback, but, for a more natural look, they should be soft and loose, with a few locks falling around the face to create a slightly tousled look. The shape of the face must be taken into consideration before creating a hairstyle with a part. If the bride has a round face, a middle part will not be flattering; inversely, thin, longer faces are particularly suited to a middle part. Choose an accessory to add a more personal touch to a hairstyle. Tiaras or headbands are lovely; some wrap partially or completely around the head. Such jewels are as perfect in loose hair as they are with loose braids or buns. Be sure to make an appointment well ahead of your wedding day for a consultation about options and styles. MARCH 2012 | weddings | page 13 Stay stress-free, keep guests happy at the same time P lanning a wedding does not have to be as stress-filled as some may believe. You’ve already made the best choice possible in choosing the person you want to marry. The rest will come much easier than that, especially if savvy brides and grooms enlist the services of professionals. That’s where rental businesses like Antigonish RentAll come in. With more than three decades in the rental industry, the operation is a virtual one-stop location for just about everything you will need to complete your wedding day. From tents and tableware to food service items, decorations to linens, generators to dance floors and all points in between, the business makes wedding planning a breeze. Antigonish Rent-All has been expanding its party rental division every year and Jennifer MacEachern, manager of the party rental division, is ready to help. Since weddings make up about 75 per cent of her business, MacEachern is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to planning. “We’ve added more decorations to our inventory and if we don’t have something in stock, there is absolutely no problem ordering it in,” she says. MacEachern draws on her experience to offer brides and groom a few tips on keep- ing their wedding guests happy on the big day: • Have a bar, even if it is a cash bar; also see if it can be open before the dinner. Not all your guests will drink, but it is nice to have the option. • Have another form of beverage available before and during the dinner – punch or lemonade. The designated drivers will appreciate it. • Always have water pitchers on the tables for guests. • Do not leave early, your guests have come to see you and you should try to speak to or at least greet everyone and say thank you. • Try to keep the time line tight, no more than two hours between the ceremony and reception. • When choosing venues for the ceremony and the reception, try not to have too much distance between the two, try to keep it to a 15-20 minute drive. • Centrepieces: try to keep them below eye level or slim enough that guests can see the person across from them. • Keep speeches short and sweet. Not all wedding guests want a recount of the last 15 years of friendship; use those fantastic stories at the rehearsal dinner after – party or the bachelor or bachelorette parties when you have all those close friends together and you can reminisce. The menu: in this • day and age it is good to ask about guests’ food allergies or dietary requirements. You do not want a guest not being able to eat the menu you have planned because they have an allergy or are vegetarian. Give a meaningful favour or none at all. Guests do not need another knick-knack, try Specialty linens: a small jar of jam or maple syrup from a local market, homemade chocolates or mints. Another nice idea is a card stating that you have made a donation to a local charity honouring all your guests that have joined you on your special day. table cloths, overlays, and napkins Speciality Linens: table cloths, overlays, and napkins Chair covers and ties to complete your elegant look Chair Covers and ties to complete your elegant look Tableware: china, cutlery, and glassware for all occasions Tableware: china, clutlery, and glassware for all occasions Wedding décor: backdrops, archways, balloons, candelabras , Wedding Decor: backdrops, archways, balloons, flower urns , lighted trees and vases candleabras, flower urns, lighted trees and vases Event tents ranging is size 20x20 to 40x100 Event Tents ranging in size 20x20 to 40x100 www.antigonishrentall.ca www.antigonishrentall.ca Drop in to our show room at Drop into our show room at 233 Old SouthRiver RiverRoad Road 233 Old South Antigonish, NS Antigonish, NS page 14 | weddings | MARCH 2012 Forget tradition and say "I do" to a green wedding T With a bit of determination it’s possible to say “I do” in an ecofriendly way. hese days everyone is thinking about the environment, even when it comes to planning a wedding. Here are a few suggestions for an eco-friendly day. For the bride’s bouquet choose local wild flowers, such as irises, daisies, or lavender. For boutineers and corsages, some leafy greenery will add a touch of originality to your bridal procession and advertise your commitment to being green. You could also replace the traditional table centrepieces with displays of freshly picked apples from a neighbouring orchard — perfect for a fall wedding. Have your invitations printed on FSC- certified 100 per cent recycled paper. For your thank-you cards, choose stationery made from paper in which wild flowers are embedded; this kind of paper is available in many garden centres. Brides can have their mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gowns altered by a seamstress. Or, brides can have the design of their choice sewed by a local dressmaker. Wedding rings that belonged to family members are also a meaningful option — after all, the Duchess of Cambridge was quite happy to accept Princess Diana’s engagement ring. Money merging strategies for young couples and newlyweds A mong the many decisions newlyweds must make, deciding how to combine their incomes and share financial decision-making is at the forefront. Even in single-income households, individual assets and debts are typically merged, requiring couples to work together to determine their financial future. Here are some strategies for a successful money merger. • Honesty is the best policy. Along with trust and honesty, open communication about finances is important in building a strong marriage. Without these components, it's difficult to work together as a team toward common financial goals. Have the wedding cake you always imagined.” Vanderpoel’s Pastry 569 Prince Street Truro, NS, B2N 1G2 Phone: 1-902-843-4050 [email protected] Each person needs to be aware of any assets or outstanding debts belonging to their spouse. Having joint chequing, savings and credit card accounts creates transparency and requires couples to communicate clearly and work together • Make a plan. Create a budget that you can stick to that realistically reflects future spending. Decide who is going to have primary responsibility for writing cheques or how you're going to share them. Set a time to sit down together every month when it's time to pay bills to talk about current and future spending so you're on the same page. • Balance the bills. More often than not, couples merging their finances have different incomes and amounts of accumulated debt. Couples need to agree on how much each person should contribute to the household and how past debts are to be paid off. Previous debts can be absorbed to become a shared expense or remain the responsibility of the spouse who accumulated them. Discretionary spending towards the household or things like vacations can be treated the same as other household expenses while personal purchases might be considered the responsibility of the individual. There are countless ways to determine how finances are shared, but the important thing is that you and your partner are clear about each other’s expectations when it comes to spending and saving. Getting Married? Let’s face it girls,we’ve Most women have been dreaming dreamt of their about wedour wedding day ding since being since we were a old young girl. enough to Well, playwhatdresseverBut yourfor dream is, big up. some reason, or small, wefollow can when wefrom get casual older, to weelaborate, never truly through our fairy tale wedding. Wellaisle that do it! Wewith will help make your walk to the stops now because our mission is to make those as smooth as possible! fairy tales come true. Big, small, casual or elaborate, For pricing wedding photos, all wepackage can make your including walk down the aisle go asand smooth as possible and best all,call. weContact can be us there printed stationery, give of us a for to capture stepPortfolios too!! access to ourevery Wedding online! Jessica Jessica Andrea Andrea We have extensive Graphic Design Photographer portfolios showcasing our work! Graphic Design Photographer 485-3328 485-5392 485-3328 485-5392 www.barefootphotographyandpaperworks.ca www.barefootphotographyandpaperworks.ca baforeot rks Photography and Paperwo MARCH 2012 | weddings | pAge 15 Take two – tips that will guide you to a successful second trip down the aisle A second wedding is a chance to focus more on what you want as a couple instead of the wedding your parents may have hoped for you. Today there are no rules in second weddings; the happy couple can customize it as they see fit. Chances are someone you know will make another trip down the aisle at one point in his or her life. Individuals who have lost a spouse or have divorced may eventually choose to remarry. Second weddings are a great way for couples to showcase their personalities and don't have to be constrained by tradition. Here are some top tips for taking that trip down the aisle the second time around. • Put your first wedding out of your mind. Now is not the time to make comparisons. This wedding should be all about you and your new spouse-to-be. Go for something completely different. • Choose a wedding party you really want. You can have a lavish wedding again, complete with a big bridal party. However, this time around you can choose the friends and family members you really desire to stand beside you, instead of individuals you may have felt obligated to include the first time around. •Goaheadandwearwhite.Tradition once stated that take-two brides were not supposed to wear white. Toss tradition aside and go ahead and do what you want. •Includeyourchildreninthefestivities and planning. If you or your future spouse has children from a previous marriage, make them feel a part of this new blended family by including them in the second wedding. Other brides and grooms choose to have their children walk them down the aisle this time around. •Feelfreetobeextravagant.Youmay be more established in life with a secure job and bigger paycheque. Therefore you can expand the wedding budget a little more. Go for all of the goodies you may have passed on with your previous marriage, such as exotic foods or that extralong honeymoon. Just as a second wedding is a second chance for happiness, it is another opportunity to throw the wedding of your dreams. F or an Unforgettable Day LimoUsine service Luxury Limousines www.pictoulimo.ca New Glasgow. . . . . . . . . . . .902-754-4122 TraveL agency maritime Travel For all your travel needs and honeymoon plans. Highland Square Mall . . . . . . . . . .902-752-2073 TraveL agency Travel our Way www.travelourway.com 535 East River Rd, New Glasgow. . .902-752-7900 For everything you need on your special day! Beautiful undergarments, stockings, gloves, satin gowns, peignoir sets and more! 145 Archimedes St. NEW GLASGOW (902) 752-6700 Wedding cake trends sure to thrill in 2012 T he multi-tiered cake is a favourite wedding tradition that's often presented at the end of the night. The happy couple takes a slice and enjoys the first piece. In recent years, wedding cakes have become more of an artistic centerpiece than just a confectionery treat. The average couple will spend between $700 to $800 for their wedding cake. Although many catering halls or reception sites will include the wedding cake in a package deal, many couples choose to order their cake from a specialty bakery which creates culinary masterpieces. Couples looking for something a bit different for their upcoming nuptials, may want to consider these trends in wedding cakes. • 3-D accents on the cake, such as graphic appliques. • A black-and-white motif that gives the cake a simplistic, yet trendy appeal. •Alotofboldcolourinthecake,instead of just white or ivory. • Painted cakes with edible food colouring paint that feature beautiful landscapes or a portrait. • Cakes that mirror the style of the wedding gown, including fondant ruffles and appliques. Many couples still opt for the traditional, and that is always in style. pAge 16 | weddings | MARCH 2012 Storewide SavingS of up to 50% OFF no interest no Payments for 12 Months oaC Providing Jewellery, Memories, and Service that last a Lifetime. Largest Selection of diamond engagement rings WEDDING BANDS • BRIDES & GROOMS GIFTS • BRIDESMAIDS & GROOMSMEN GIFTS WINE GLASSES • PHOTO ALBUMS • GUEST BOOKS • FRAMES • WEDDING GIFTS Truro 66 Inglis Place (902) 897-9955 New Glasgow 202 Provost St Drop this ballot off at 1 of our 4 stores to enter a draw to win a $100 gift certificate. Draw date: April 30th/2012 (902) 695-9955 NAME: Amherst 91 Victoria St ADDRESS: Riverview 620 Coverdale Rd, Unit 3 PHONE: (902) 660-9955 (506) 386-9955 EMAIL:
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