YOUR BRIDAL PARTY: HOW TO CHOOSE BRIDESMAIDS AND DELEGATE DUTIES

Don’t let choosing who to include in your bridal party become a headache. Some brides have a lot of family and friends while some brides have less. Here are a few tips about etiquette when asking your special ladies:
Don’t feel obligated to ask someone just because they asked you. It’s your day now, if the feelings aren’t mutual, you may want to pass on this maiden. Can’t imagine yourself being wed without her by your side?
She’s a keeper!
Even though you became really close friends with the mail girl at work, doesn’t mean she’s bridesmaid quality. Ask girls that share memories with you, and that you plan on making many more with.
To ask or not to ask the groom’s side! If your circle of family and friends is stacked, you may have to opt out of asking girls related to your man. However, definitely ask his sister, niece or cousin before your long-lost college roommate.
The selection of maid of honour (MOH) is pretty simple; a sister, close relative or close friend will be your best bet. Blessed with lots of sisters? Try the rotation solution, that way every maid is honored at least once.
In terms of delegating bridal party duties, here’s a primer to help you understand who is traditionally responsible for what:
MAID OF HONOUR
Helps the bride with a variety of important tasks like dress shopping, addressing the invitations, organizing the seating chart, holding the groom’s ring and bride’s bouquet during the ceremony, and even lending an ear during a potential vent session!
Keeps the bridesmaids updated regarding timelines, dress fittings, and all of the events leading up to and including the wedding (showers, bachelorette parties, etc.).
Overall, the bride chooses her MOH for a reason: she wants and values her opinion and needs her assistance throughout the whole process.
BRIDESMAIDS
Pays for her own dress, hair and makeup for the day of, as well as giving a gift or contributing to a group gift. Participates in activities such as greeting guests in the receiving line and the bouquet toss (if she’s single). Attends all of the events, pre- and post-wedding day (rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, day-after luncheon).
If your maids are up to the task, ask them to help you with cost-saving ideas that could benefit them in the process. Have them browse online for things like their dresses and decor projects!
Invite your bridesmaids to bridal shows for the optimal amount of brainstorming. The endless amount of vendors under one roof is sure to stimulate their wedding senses.
FLOWER GIRL
First and foremost, your flower girl’s main role is to charm the crowd! Traditionally, the little darling would wear a mini-version of the bride’s dress. More recently, flower girls are showing up in tiny numbers accented with shades from the wedding’s theme. If your flower girl loves the spotlight, give her the duty of saying a few words before dinner either a prayer or a simple poem would add an adorable touch!
MOTHER OF THE BRIDE
The mother of the bride’s duties on your wedding day is quite similar to those on any other day to ensure you are making smart decisions that make you happy. Your mom pretty much completes your wedding entourage. You, your MOH and mom should do a lot of the planning together from dress shopping to searching for the perfect favors. Perhaps let your mother be in charge of your extended guest list. Only you know which of your pals’ get an invite, but mom can step in for aunts and uncles you never knew you had or out-of-town relatives.
MOTHER OF THE GROOM
The groom’s mom won’t have as vital of a role as your mom but she’s usually there to help as much as you need without intruding. Try to keep the mother of the groom involved by bringing her along to taste tests for the shower and wedding menus and even the wedding cake. She co-hosts the rehearsal dinner, traditionally held by the parents of the groom.

HOW TO SELECT A CEREMONY LOCATION

Your ceremony, the actual exchange of vows will be the single most important part of your whole wedding. It marks a lifetime commitment to one another and will be one of your relationship’s greatest milestones. So, deciding where that ceremony takes place can be a wonderful start to celebrating your lives together.
Although most couples today traditionally opt to have a ceremony performed in a house of worship, there really are no limits to where you can say “I do,” whether or not you’re planning a religious ceremony. Consider a private home or garden, a public park, a yacht, a farmhouse, a theme park, an island vacation getaway, a museum or gallery, or for that matter, take the plunge literally and bungee jump into your vows together!
It goes without saying that the location you choose must reflect the level of formality you’ve chosen for the actual ceremony. A traditional formal wedding suggests a place like a house of worship or a lavish hotel, whereas a semi-formal wedding may be held within a private home or garden.
SOME HELPFUL HINTS
GET PERSONAL:
Choose to be married where you both feel most comfortable, in a place that will reflect the personality of each of you.
ASK YOUR OFFICIALS:
Possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination and in some cases, your religion. Check with the person who will be performing the ceremony for suggestions.
THINK COMFORT:
Make sure the location you choose will not only be comfortable for you, but for your guests as well. If it’s to be a larger event, you’ll need to consider whether there is adequate parking and seating. For a summer ceremony, you might want to think about making sure the venue has air conditioning, or else be prepared for a sultry event.
RESERVE SEATING:
If you choose a place that has formal seating, reserve the first two or three rows for family members and close friends.
PAY A VISIT
Go to your ceremony location together before the rehearsal and familiarize yourself with the surroundings. This will allow you and your partner to be more relaxed and focused on the rehearsal and the ceremony.
DEALS TO LOOK FOR
TWO FOR ONE:
Consider having your ceremony and reception at the same location and rent one facility instead of two. Get married outside by the water at a lakeside resort and have your dinner and dance inside so there’s a change of scenery. Your guests, especially those from out-of-town, will appreciate a one-stop wedding.
GET OUTSIDE:
Have your ceremony outside in a naturally beautiful setting, whether in a park or on private grounds. Just make sure to check with the property owner or your local municipality if it’s a public space, to ensure you and your guests will be welcome.
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS:
A family member or friend who is a member of a church congregation, country club or legion may be able to rent the sanctuary, clubhouse or hall at a discount.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
•How long is the ceremony space available for?
•On top of the fee for the officials, will there be charges for the facility rental, the caretaker and the musician(s)?
•Are decorations permitted? (Some churches or event centre won’t allow it.)
•Can the foyer of the facility be used for a receiving line following the ceremony?
•Are there restrictions on confetti, candles or photography?

HOW TO WRITE A WEDDING SPEECH

One of my last tasks as maid of honor at my sister’s wedding was to toast the bride and groom. A naturally good speech writer, I was stumped. I didn’t know how to put 25 years of sisterhood, all the fights, loving moments, and lessons learned into words. I also wasn’t sure how to write a good wedding speech without saying that I always knew that he was The One. The truth is that I didn’t; Over the three years that my sister and her now husband were dating he grew on me and now we’re the best of friends but when they first started dating I didn’t necessarily think I’d eventually end up welcoming him into the family. (An experience from a friend).
To prepare for this wonderful speech I scoured the Internet looking for wedding speech ideas and even contemplated purchasing one online. I finally sat down and wrote what I felt innately; and I came out with a fabulous speech.
Through my experience I learned a few things about approaching a wedding speech that I think can be helpful for anyone asked to speak at a wedding.
BE HONEST
It took me so long to sit down and write my speech because I was trying to write the best wedding speech of all time. The great ideas finally started pouring out when I thought about how I really felt about my sister. Put the clichéd wedding speech “must-haves” aside and speak from the heart.
KEEP IT SHORT
Everyone loves an anecdote or two but it’s easy to get carried away with stories and forget that they may not be relevant (or make sense to) half the wedding guests. Do away with inside jokes and choose one stand-out story that really defines the person you’re toasting. If the story takes too long to tell or can’t be linked to the rest of your speech, it doesn’t belong there. Wedding guests get antsy when speeches go on for too long, so cut yourself off at three minutes.
KEEP IT RELATABLE
What do all wedding guests have in common? That they’re near and dear to the bride and groom. While most won’t understand inside jokes, they will love to hear details about the couple that they may not already know. Choose to tell stories about the couple that wedding guests may not know. If speaking to a large group of people isn’t your thing consider doing a narrated slide show.
SPEAK TOGETHER
Write your speech with your soon-to-be hubby (or other bridesmaids and groomsmen if you’re part of the wedding party) and deliver it together. Instead of trying to speak off the cuff organize yourself beforehand and divide up the parts of the speech so that you aren’t repeating one another.
DON’T LEAVE IT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE
I don’t mean to be a hypocrite but personal experience tells me that there’s nothing you want to do less the night before a wedding than write your speech. It puts unnecessary stress on you right before the big day and makes it hard to concentrate on what you really want to say. Instead, start your speech a few months in advance. Begin by jotting down ideas and then turn those ideas into complete thoughts and concrete sentences. If you work on your speech for a few hours every day before you know if it will be written with lots of time to spare

HOW TO PLAN A DESTINATION WEDDING IN NEW YORK CITY

Not everyone dreams of heading for the beach for a destination wedding. If you crave arts, culture and city hustle for your day, New York City is the perfect choice.
Extremely travel accessible from across Canada, you can have your New York wedding large or small, urban or uptown. The choices are truly endless in the city that doesn’t sleep.
THE BEST TIME TO GO:
June, July, August, and September are the most popular months to get hitched in New York. These months bring fresh summery weather, but they can also be the priciest time of year when it comes to venues. If you want to avoid the increased costs of venues and accommodations, get married in the early spring, late fall, or have a winter wonderland wedding in the midst of the colder season. Try to avoid New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend in January if you want to be cost-conscious.
THE FLIGHT:
All major carriers offer daily service to New York. If you are traveling from the west, you may have a connecting flight. Travel time from Toronto and Montreal is just one hour.
LEGAL PAPERWORK:
In order to marry in New York, you must obtain a marriage license. There is a small fee of $35 for this paperwork. After attaining your license, you must wait a full 24 hours before your marriage ceremony can be performed, unless you obtain a judicial waiver. More information revolving around the necessary legal paperwork to be wed in New York can be found here .
THE BUDGET:
Depending on the scope and size of wedding you choose, and the venue, your budget can run the gamut from a $10,000 to $100,000+! If you are planning a celebration at one of New York’s tony hotels expect to pay more for their total wedding packages, which typically include everything from the flowers, to the photographer, catering and entertainment.
THE VENUE:
For a gorgeous wedding in an intimate and exclusive space we recommend The Surrey , a quiet, cozy and dreamy hotel on the city’s exclusive Upper East Side. The only Relais and Chateaux property in the city, The Surrey is tucked away on the quiet corner of E 76 th and Madison, steps away from the city’s best shopping, Central Park and Museum Mile (there are nine museums in the immediate vicinity). Originally built as a residence hotel in 1926, The Surrey has been home over the years to famous faces include JFK and Bette Davis. Recently renovated, this boutique hotel boasts sleek modern décor and ultra-spacious guest rooms and suites (a true luxury in New York City!). It also has a priceless collection of modern art sprinkled throughout which guests can get up close and personal with. You’ll see one of The Surrey’s most famous pieces as soon as you enter the lobby: photographer Chuck Close’s giant tapestry of Kate Moss. Ask the concierge to arrange an art tour so you can see all the gems The Surrey has on display. There are a variety of spaces at The Surrey that are perfect for weddings. The penthouse suite on the 17 th floor can accommodate up to 25 guests and has incredible views of Central Park. For a larger party of up to 75 guests, the presidential suite is the perfectly chic choice.
The Surrey’s in-house resto Café Boulud, Chef Daniel Boulud’s Michelin-starred eatery is also a perfect intimate spot. The restaurant has two private dining areas which hold up to 18 guests each or they can be combined to accommodate up to 40. Weather permitting, you can take your party to the hotel’s stunning rooftop—one of the most romantic and intimate spots in the city—for dessert, cocktails and soaking in the beautiful Big Apple skyline.

THE TOP WEDDING DRESS TRENDS FOR SPRING 2015

Spring has barely sprung but we’re already looking ahead to next spring for the hottest new wedding dress trends for 2015. At New York Bridal Fashion Week, there were lots of buzz new wedding dress trends spotted on the runways for the spring 2015 season. This was a particularly exciting season in bridal fashion because of its diversity. Designers showcased a vast array of wedding dress styles to suit brides of every shape and style. We have to make special mention of Jenny Packham who brought curves back to the runway with gorgeous full-figured models Marquita Pring, Ashley Graham and Camilla Hansen. Outfitted in Packham’s glittery, easy-breezy designs they were the stars of the show and the talk of the collections.
Here we’ll fill you in on the top Spring 2015 wedding dress trends to suit every silhouette.

Colourful Wedding Shoes

Colorful wedding shoes are a fun way to show your personality and tie your wedding colours into your bridal ensemble. Gone are the days when brides were restricted to plain white satin—now you’re free to choose any colour of the rainbow your heart desires, from ravishing red to not-so-mellow yellow. Match your colorful wedding shoes to your bridesmaids’’ dresses or your bouquet, or pick a different hue all together to really make your feet pop!
The best part about colorful wedding shoes is that you’ll definitely wear them again after the big day, and every time you bust them out you’ll be thinking fondly of that special moment when you said “I do.” Considering you’ll be getting a lot of wear out of your colorful wedding shoes, a big investment purchase is totally justifiable. If you’ve always coveted a pair of designer shoes (by Miu Miu or Manolo Blahnik, for example) now’s the time to splurge.
Are you stumped on what colour to choose? Why not consider making your wedding shoes your “something blue”? We scoured the Internet for stylish colorful wedding shoes and found great pairs in bright baby blue and daring cobalt. If blue isn’t your ideal hue, slip your feet into a pair of colorful wedding shoes in green, hot pink, purple or tangerine.

Wedding chairs covers

As much as a lot of brides treasure the traditional look for weddings, which include the traditional chair covers or chair cover and sash combinations, a lot of brides also love unique and simple or creative additions to their weddings. We did a search and found some interesting ways to decorate wedding chairs.
You have to remember that some of these decoration styles will not go with just any wedding theme. If you are having a princess fairytale wedding, you might be better off going with your traditional chair covers to add the necessary effect to your wedding theme.
We have the normal chair cover and spandex chair cover, all this add beauty to or event meanwhile u can. U a fashionable chairs that does not need covering.
That being said, check out some of the ideas people have
come up with:

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO START A WEDDING DECOR COMPANY

If you are artistic, creative, have a background in decorating and love weddings, you might find a lucrative and rewarding career as wedding decorator. An average of 2.4 million weddings takes place in the United States each year, according to the National Mail Order Association. However, an eye for decor and liking for weddings isn't enough for a small business to flourish. It takes intense planning to launch a successful wedding decor start-up.
Training and Experience A wedding is one of the most important days in most people's lives, and few are willing to hire inexperienced help. Acquire the proper training and experience to function efficiently within the wedding industry. Having a significant amount of hands-on experience adds to your credibility as a professional. If you have previous experience in decorating or event planning, you're ready.
Novice wedding decorators should complete an apprenticeship with an established wedding planner or participate in decorating classes at a local community college to gain experience.
Competitor Evaluation It's crucial that you evaluate your competition before opening a wedding decor company. You need to have a good idea of what other wedding businesses in your demographic are offering, and at what price. Review websites, pamphlets, brochures and testimonials of your competitors to establish a reasonable pricing schedule and get an idea of what types of decorating services are in demand locally. Find a way to differentiate your services and stand out among competitors.
WORKSPACE OR OFFICE
Create a comfortable and functional workspace/office from which to conduct your business. The type of work facility you choose depends on the volume of business you expect to generate and the services you'll offer. Smaller wedding decor companies may operate from a home-based workspace, while larger, high-volume businesses often require a separate facility.
In either scenario, you'll need an office to receive and consult with clients, and a work area for storing and assembling wedding decorations.
SUPPLIERS
Shop around to find the most cost-effective materials and supplies to create your wedding decorations. Such items generally include fresh and artificial flowers, floral supplies, ribbons, linens, party favors, balloons and streamers, as well as numerous craft-making supplies.
Locate distributors of these items and build solid business relationships with wholesale dealers of wedding supplies.
BUSINESS AND MARKETING PLANNING
Business and marketing plans are the road maps to success. Create a business plan that includes detailed information about all facets of your start-up. Include all financial information regarding loans, investors and capital, estimated overhead expenses and future profit projections. Also include an outline of your operational procedures and target demographic. Write up a summary of how you plan to market your business. This might include social network advertising, fliers, TV or radio ads and word of mouth. Licensing and Tax ID Depending on your location and the type of workspace you choose, certain business licenses and zoning permissions may be required. Check with your state, city or county governing agencies to find out what's required in your area. Regardless of the license requirements, you must choose a legal business structure, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership or limited liability company.
Also obtain an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS to operate legally, report your income and pay your taxes. Choose a business name related to wedding décor and apply for an EIN at IRS.gov.
INSURANCE
Before taking on your first client, be certain that all business insurance policies are active. Bonding insurance is not always necessary, but it can protect you against allegations of theft or damage to a client's property when working weddings in residential homes and rented banquet facilities. Obtain liability insurance to cover instances of breached contracts and dissatisfied customers. Personal auto insurance will not cover any damages or accidents incurred while on company time. You'll need commercial auto insurance for traveling to and from wedding sites and for the transport of flowers and decorations.

HELPFUL TIPS FOR PICKING YOUR WEDDING COLOUR SCHEME

After setting a date and picking a venue, one of the most important decisions that lie ahead is selecting a colour scheme for your wedding. The colours you pick should enhance your celebration, reflect your personality and tie all the elements of your day together. Here are six pointers to help you pick your perfect palette.
1. CONSIDER YOUR LOCATION.
Your venue sets the tone for your celebration, so it’s important to choose accent colours that work with the space. If there are elements of the space that can’t be changed (i.e. carpet, drapery, upholstery), you would be wise to start there and select colours that won’t clash! Is your venue old or new? Are you getting married inside or outside? The answers to these questions can put you on the right path to choosing your colours. For instance, a heritage building with lots of heavy wooden trim will likely look best with rich colours like gold and burgundy, whereas an outdoor ceremony calls for light airy colours like white and green.
2. STAY IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASON.
What time of year are you tying the knot? This is another great place to start when it comes to choosing your colours. If you’re getting married in the fall, look to the turning leaves for colour inspiration and incorporate vibrant shades of yellow and orange. A springtime wedding, on the other hand, is perfectly suited to pretty pastel colours such as lavender, pistachio green and pale pink.
3. CREATE THE RIGHT MOOD.
What type of celebration are you planning? Classic shades like ivory and navy blue convey a sophisticated air, while bright colours like Kelly green and hot pink are perfect for a funky fete. The right colour scheme is an easy way to create a certain ambience for your wedding. Want to know more about colour theory? Check out a colour psychologist’s advice here.
4. THINK OF YOUR BRIDESMAIDS.
Don’t decide on a specific shade without considering your bridesmaids—especially if you expect them to wear the hue from head to toe! Each bridesmaid’s hair colour, eye colour and skin tone will affect how a certain colour looks on her, which is why you should choose a shade that flatters everyone equally or give them some options. For example, you can choose several shades of blue—from cobalt to baby blue—so there’s something for everyone.
5. LIMIT YOUR OPTIONS.
There are so many incredible colours to choose from that it’s easy to get carried away. Just remember, unless you’re planning a rainbow-themed wedding, you’ll want to be selective with your colours. As a rule of thumb, pick one main colour and two accent shades. You want your decor to look pulled together, not chaotic!
6. GET INSPIRED BY YOUR BOUQUET.
When in doubt, look to your favourite flower to establish a colour palette. This is a simple way to start narrowing down your colour options. For example, if red roses are a must- have, you might want to avoid green and white accents for fear of creating a Christmas vibe. Likewise, if you’re determined to have sunflowers in your bouquet, pastel bridesmaid dresses probably aren’t going to work.

FIVE (5) THINGS EVERY MC SHOULD KNOW

The Master of Ceremonies (MC or emcee) is the host of your wedding and should make sure everyone is having a good time. A good wedding MC is more than someone who is good at public speaking or can tell a few jokes. They should make sure everything runs smoothly and introduce each person who is speaking, as well as important events.
1. BE ORGANIZED
Have everything written down in advance and know exactly what you’re going to say. Make sure you have the correct names and information and a detailed timeline. The MC says opening remarks (not a long speech) and introduces all of the key players of the wedding. “A good wedding MC is organized, responsible and can take instructions well,” says Coombs. “It’s about the bride and groom and not about the MC’s fifteen minutes of fame.”
2. KNOW WHAT’S GOING ON (AND MAKE SURE EVERYONE ELSE KNOWS TOO)
One of the essential roles of the wedding MC is to work with the vendors so everyone knows what’s going on. “It’s very important to know the flow of the evening and make sure everyone is ready for his or her cues, “The MC is there to lead the audience and have they known what’s happening next.” They should make sure everything is running on time and that the DJ, photographer and vendors are cued to capture key moments.
3. DO YOUR HOMEWORK
“These people know what they’re doing. You can see everything is short, scripted and to the point,” he says. The most important thing is to be prepared. Meet with the bride and groom beforehand to discuss details and what kind of role they see the MC playing. “There will still be some surprises on the day, but there should be a program or itinerary in place to make sure everything runs smoothly,”
4. ADD SOME EMOTION AND SPECIAL TOUCHES
Interview each speaker beforehand. Ask them how they know the couple or for a special memory you can tell before you introduce them. “The wedding is about emotion and these special moments and this makes it so much more fun,” says Coombs. “It’s a celebration of two people coming together, so you should put emotion into introducing key people.” For example, the MC could ask the bride to write a special message or memory about her parents for the MC to read before they are introduced.
5. BE CAREFUL WITH HUMOR
To tell jokes or not to tell jokes? That is the question. Tread lightly when it comes to humor. Make sure jokes are in good taste and do not offend anyone—especially the bride! “Someone with a great personality or a natural storyteller can make a great wedding MC, but nine times out of 10 jokes will bomb,” says Coombs. The goal is to make everyone feel at ease and relaxed without stealing the spotlight.

HOW TO SHOP A BRIDAL DESIGNER TRUNK SHOW

As you’ve been on the hunt for your wedding dress you’ve likely come across several retailers offering designer trunk shows. These are typically weekend events (Friday through Sunday are the days most bridal trunk shows run) where a specific designer collection is showcased and promoted by a retailer giving you the chance to get up close and personal with the dresses, the designer or a representative from the company who is a bridal fashion specialist.
. “These dresses are the newest of the new, and are designs that the retailer does not yet have in stock—think of it as a special designer preview.”
a bridal trunk show will feature an extensive collection of gowns by a designer and can be more than a little overwhelming if you are not prepared when you head into the shopping experience. Here are her three essential tips for successfully navigating a bridal trunk show. Do your research. “Look at the designer’s collections and figure out what you love about them. Come prepared with an idea of specific dress styles and designs. It’s so important to pre-shop a designer before you commit to booking a trunk show appointment.” Bring your decision maker with you . “Trunk shows are typically very busy events so there isn’t room for you to bring a lot of people with you to your appointment. Bring your number one confidante with you to your appointment who will provide you with honest feedback.” Prepare to commit.
Trunk shows typically offer special event pricing and incentives. Often times the designer or company representative will be able to make custom changes to gowns that would not be available at another time. Gifts with purchase can include a veil, shoes or another amazing bridal accessory. All of these offers are only available during that trunk show weekend so you have to be ready to make a decision.”