from across Canada to inspire you.
Planning a wedding should be a shared task, between a bride and her groom and there are definitely ways to make your guy feel like his opinion matters, especially if he can make the final decision on some of the fun details. The cake topper is a great example. Put your hubby-to-be in charge of choosing a fun and charming piece to decorate your wedding cake or sweet table. Here are 10 cake toppers we know he’ll adore.
Photo courtesy iStockphoto
Etiquette expert Karen Cleveland has joined Weddingbells as a guest blogger solving all of your decorum dilemmas. Read on for tips on how to retain poise from the minute he proposes.
The decision to have an adults-only wedding is just that, a decision, and a perfectly acceptable one. The pressure to invite everyone to your wedding can not only tax your budget, it can also cramp your style. If you have your heart set on an elegant evening event, a setting not really conducive to little ones toddling about, stick to your guns. Mollify any potential hurt feelings by sharing your intentions in a clear but gentle manner.
Do
· Plant the seed early — As early as possible into your planning, lay the foundation by sharing that the affair will be adults-only. As the question will inevitably come up, treat it as an opportunity to let people know and do it with conviction.
· Choose your words carefully — The difference between saying “we have decided” and “we are thinking about” leaves too much room for interpretation. Be very clear in your diction.
· Ensure your invitations reflect your plans — Address invitations to precisely whom they are intended for, meaning specific individuals or couples, rather than families.
Don’t
· Feel like you have to field this alone – You and your fiancé should both tell your close friends, family and wedding party your plans, so the word will spread quickly, and not only through you.
· Lament about children – Avoid disparaging how children will ruin your wedding. Even if that is genuinely how you feel, it is not a sentiment that any parent will agree with. Instead, focus on the elements of the wedding that are decidedly grown up (perhaps an elegant menu, or your favourite champagne).
· Waffle by making concessions — Be mindful that your guests who have left their own children at home might be surprised, and let’s be honest, miffed, to see children in your bridal party — and rightly so. It is all or nothing when it comes to an adults-only wedding.
Karen Cleveland is a Toronto-based etiquette advisor and writer. For more on her column, Finishing School, find her on Twitter or send her your questions and conundrums here.
Chanel is known for its spectacular fashion shows and the Métiers D’Art Collection 2011/2012 was one of its best. The show is a chance for the fashion house to showcase master craftsmanship, the artisinal crafts of embroidery, leatherwork, featherwork, boot making, millinery and gold and silversmithery. This year, Karl Lagerfeld turned a fashionable spotlight on these artisanal crafts with an ultra-luxe and decadent show at Paris’ Grand Palais, which was transformed into a luxurious Marharaja’s palace. When we saw the photos from the event we were beyond in love with the décor as well as the look and feel of the show.
Of course Lagerfeld’s Métiers collection is incroyable—it’s inspired by India and all it’s rich fabrics, colours and gemstones—but we particularly fell for the staging of the show. Guests were seated at a dramatic long and winding banquet table, surrounded by opulent chandeliers and candelabras; lush over-the-top florals (the sweet smell of jasmine apparently permeated the room); towers of food, and a simple yet sumptuous colour palette of cream and white (with pink rose petals sprinkled everywhere). Check out the show photos to get inspired about how to throw your own fabulous Chanel-inspired fête.
Photography by Gemini Photography Ontario
Planning a wedding is a big job, so there’s no reason why you should go it alone. Involving your future hubby in planning is a great way to spend time together and ultimately have the wedding you both want. If you’re unsure how to get your man involved or interested in wedding planning, we’ve compiled a few helpful tips:
1. Plan together
Sonia Gonzalez, professional wedding coordinator and owner of One of a Kind Weddings and Events in Toronto, says she is seeing a lot more grooms involved in the entire planning process. “In the past, grooms were lead to believe that wedding planning was left to the bride,” says Gonzalez. “However, the modern bride now works a full-time job just as the groom does. Ultimately the wedding is not just a celebration for the bride, but for both the bride and groom.” She suggests making the planning a team effort by bringing him along to appointments and making major decisions together.
2. Play to his interests
The best way to get him involved is to play to his interests, whether he’s creative, handy or technical. Split tasks based on things you are both interested in or have a specific set of skills in. Assign him tasks he’ll enjoy, like picking the music, building a photo booth or ordering transportation. You could even have him plan the honeymoon and surprise you with the details. Having him write his own vows is also an essential, and always romantic, task.
3. Get creative
Go through inspiration and ideas together and ask for his thoughts. “Sit down and discuss the theme and vision for your wedding and create a sort of game plan and inspiration board,” says Gonzalez. “This way it is clear before you start planning what is needed, wanted and budgeted for your wedding vision.” Be supportive and keep an open mind to his ideas. Even if his ideas aren’t what you envisioned, try not to constantly shoot them down, as he may get discouraged.
4. Set aside “wedding time”
Designate a day or night for “wedding time” instead of bombarding him all at once or at random times. Or get the wedding party together for a monthly wedding session and make a fun night of it (it will also give him a chance to get together with the boys). “In my experience grooms that have been a large part of the planning process were extremely proud of the outcome of their wedding,” she says. “Dividing up vendor responsibilities, delegating tasks and simply keeping an open line of communication together will really entice him to be involved in his wedding day.”
5. Allocate responsibilities
Just because you want him to enjoy planning doesn’t mean you should be stuck with all the essential, sometimes difficult tasks. He is your partner after all, so ask for his help and support. He might want to help, but just doesn’t know where to start or what to do, so create a designated task list and schedule. “Grooms must step up to the plate and participate if they ultimately want a wedding day to reflect their style,” explains Gonzalez. “I am finding that for this reason grooms are much more involved because they also want a wedding day to remember.”
Photography by Gemini Photography Ontario
We see many beautiful wedding photos at WeddingBells, and stunning couples (check out our Real Weddings), so we thought we would share some tips for getting those glamorous, magazine-worthy wedding shots. It’s the photographer’s job to capture your special day, but there are things you can do to make sure you are looking your best in your photos. We asked Angela Y. Martin of Gemini Photography Ontario for some tips on achieving the beautiful shots.
1. Pick the right photographer
Make sure you are comfortable with your photographer and have a good relationship with him or her. Choose someone that fits your style and vision and let them know what colours, lighting and aesthetic you prefer. “Try to really get to know your photographer,” says Martin. “They are your best friend on your wedding day and want to get the most out of you so that they can capture your day in the best way possible.”
2. Practice beforehand
Take a few pictures of yourself, or look at some of your favourite photos, to see what angles or poses look best. An engagement shoot is also the perfect chance to get to know your photographer and practice being in front of the camera. “First look” shots have also become popular and are a chance for couples to shake any nervousness and spend a relaxed moment together. Play around with fun ideas, like having your groom face the opposite way until he sees you, and scout out a meeting spot beforehand.
3. Look your best
In terms of posing properly, Martin suggests standing tall (not slouching) and keeping your arms relaxed (and not squished against your body). With your dress, makeup, hair and natural glow, you’ll most likely be looking and feeling your best anyway. “Take a deep breath and remember the whole day should be positive and fun,” she says. “Try not to put too much pressure on yourself. Your photographer should know what way to shoot you and how you’ll look best so trust them and leave any stress to them.” She says the ideal time of day for outdoor pictures is when the sun is lower in the sky, which is anytime between 4:30 and 8 p.m depending on the season.
4. Be natural and confident
As much as having poses in mind can be helpful, try to act as relaxed and natural as possible. Try not to over-think how you’re posing. “The best photos are the most natural, so it’s all about being as relaxed with the photographer and remembering to be confident,” she says. “Your photographer should be able to direct you and pose you if needed, but remember, many of the best “poses” are ones that you just fall into naturally.” Show your photographer some ideas for shots or inspiration beforehand, but trust in their abilities and vision as well.
5. Get those important shots
Create a list of important shots, but don’t sweat over getting every single shot or combination possible. Leave yourself enough time for photos and travel time so you don’t feel rushed or tense. “Confidence truly is key,” Martin says. “This is your day to shine so try not to get embarrassed or shy. Remember that on your wedding day you are at your absolute best!”
Want to have your big day featured by Weddingbells? Submit your Real Wedding here.
Longer days and warmer temperatures have us dreaming of summer, so we decided to put together a collection of inspiring brightly-coloured bouquets for your enjoyment. Rest assured, you don’t have to be getting married in July or August to choose bold blooms for your wedding—there’s something here for everyone, regardless of the season! If you ask us, bright pops of colour work all year round!
Wedding invitations are one of the first things you’ll find for your wedding, but you still need to know some major details before you pick the perfect stationery. Elements like your colours, theme, venue and apparel can, and probably should, be reflected in your invitations. Whether your style is glamourous and elegant, fun and quirky, modern and trendy, or fashionable and vintage, there’s an invitation design out there for you. Here are a few ideas to get you started with your search.
There’s no reason you need to disregard your carbon footprint on your wedding day. Vendors are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious resulting in a plethora of options for the eco-friendly bride. From dresses to centrepieces, you can source a natural, sustainable, recycled, alternative for just about anything on your list of wedding must-haves. In honour of Earth Day we’ve gathered up 15 of our favourite eco-friendly wedding items to help you create the green wedding of your dreams.
Spring & More dream dresses, real weddings, beauty inspiration and honeymoon ideas from our Spring & Summer 2012 issue.
10 Great Reasons to Honeymoon on Sicily’s Ionian Coast Posted 05.23.12
Photos From Bridal Fashion Week: Lazaro Spring 2013 Posted 05.23.12
Win One Of Three Copies Of The Jane Austen Marriage Manual Posted 05.23.12
15 Ways to Host an All-White Wedding Posted 05.23.12
An Elegant, Rustic Wedding in Montreal Posted 05.23.12
ATTENTION BRIDES! There's still time to lose weight before your special day! Find out more ...
Graydon Hall Manor: Toronto’s most exclusive reception facility – only 4 Saturday’s left in 2010.
