“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.” Le Menterur: Pierre Corneille, 1642
The first bridal shower was in Holland, when a young woman fell in love with a poor man. While her father said no to the proposed marriage, her friends, “showered her” with gifts so she could marry without a dowry.
Brandon Scott Photography, Windsor, Ontario-will travel
The bridal shower today is a evolution of history, with their friends and relatives wanting to see them starting life well equipped!
There are many different ways that a wedding shower can be hosted in the 21st century. Girls Night Out where the bride is living, or a trip out of town have become very popular. There are all types of venues to choose from. Or the traditional restaurant is always a fine option. Budget and the personality of the bride will be the best way to approach this party.
The rules of etiquette for a wedding shower apply only to the hostess and the guest list. No member of the bride’s or groom’s family should host the shower. Traditionally it is up to the Maid of Honour to plan this event. or a special aunt or cousins.The bride’s mom should be spoken to about the guest list. If a name appears on more than two lists, the hostess may call to tell that person to request that she need not bring a gift. Two showers should be the limit.
Send out shower invitations after those for the wedding have been mailed. Invite only those who have been invited to the wedding.
If you are invited to a wedding shower, you must give a gift, whether or not you are attending. The gift should be taken to the shower or given to the hostess, prior to the party.
Invitations to a shower can be extended by note, telephone, word of mouth or via email.
It is not necessary to invite everyone who goes to a shower to the wedding, but it is good etiquette to send them an announcement after the wedding.
Today’s lifestyle’s offer a marrying couple a choice of many different options while planning your trip to the aisle. While many couples still marry in in the church of their childhood, many are opting for unique and innovative venues.
Here in Windsor/Essex County, homes, backyards, farms, non-denominational chapels, vineyards, historical venues and beaches, are all great choices depending on your personality and family orientation.
Brandon Scott Photography, Windsor|Essex County- will travel
This area also abounds in great reputable wedding professionals whose mission is to offer you their knowledge and expertise, as well as being familiar with the latest trends in weddings. Once you contract their services, work with the ones whose skills you respect, and trust their judgment to do their best work.
One of the most important things to remember; is this is your wedding. Listen respectfully to your family and friends, but make your wedding personal with your own signature style.
Keep your wedding within your financial limits by setting a budget at the onset and sticking with it. It will be your road map; so choose the best that you can afford. When you pick a couple of special details like a unique wedding cake or flowers that you especially love, those elements will be remembered long after the wedding day is over.
Remember too, that etiquette exists to make occasions easier, but as Emily Post Weddings recently said, ” toss out all the old rules that are stuffy!” Keep in good taste and be impeccable while incorporating the things you want.
If you do everything possible beforehand, you will avoid the pressure of the devilish details on your wedding day. Delegate responsibilities to others or if the budget allows, hire a Wedding Planner to coordinate the wedding for you. They will take a load off your shoulders and can save you money along the way because of the network of professionals that they work with. You don’t want to be the bride with the clipboard.
You have chosen to share your life with your perfect match, and as a couple, the style of celebration you have chosen, whether large or intimate, formal or casual will certainly reflect your lifestyle. Your wedding day sets the tone for how you will live the rest of your life together. Celebrate yourselves and have a beautiful day!
From the beginning of recorded history, flowers have been symbols of love and romance, and they have been used in wedding celebrations. Your floral decorations set your “colour” while corsages, bouquets and boutonnieresall harmonize and complement the gown and dresses worn as well as the theme of your wedding day.
Weddings are all about colour palettes of flowers, and beautiful blossoms are the ultimate symbol of romantic love.
For over 40 years, Oak Farms has been a full service, flower outlet, that is family owned and operated. Their impressive selection of flowers, makes this the place for fresh, affordable choices for your wedding day.
Chrissey Thiessen is a family member who has hands-on experience with Windsor and area brides. She says, ”we have exactly what brides want. When they see the full, flower cooler and not just books, there’s an immediate inspiration that makes it very enjoyable and extremely easy to decide on colour themes and combinations of florals. Brides can also wander into the design rooms where our four designers are working.”
We asked her what was hot for 2011 and she said that purple and silver, but bright colours are also huge. Bouquets with a combination of flowers that are monochromatic is a great look for the bride. The bridesmaids can then have a smaller version!
This season, the brides are mixing it up with gerbers, tulips, mums and roses. Freesia is also gorgeous for its very beautiful scent. A bride can custom design her entire wedding or rely on their experts, to fit their style and work while working within the budget to get exactly what the bride is imagining.
Arrangements or bulk orders for your engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal dinner or wedding day are available 6 days a week to serve their customers; they are closed on Sunday.
At Oak Farms, every order is treated like it’s their own and their customer service is paramount to their success. Today’s brides all come back for baby showers and all their life celebrations.
Within this cozy shop in South Windsor, Picture This Framing, a family-owned and operated business, has served Windsor and area brides and this community since 1991.
When you enter the store, you’ll notice meticulously matted and framed pictures that adorn both the walls, as well as lining the floor; waiting for pickup. This well-known landmark is busy and efficient.
Photo by: Chalet Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel- framing by Picture This Framing, Windsor, Ontario
Cheryl Chaney Jacques, proprietor, is ready and able to accommodate most of her client’s requirements with a big smile and great suggestions. She has a great eye for style and knows what frame will work with the style of items that needs attention.
When you have wedding pictures to frame, this is the shop that will look after you and make your memories shine. Perhaps you want your invitations framed too? Memories can and should be preserved to enjoy throughout your lifetime.
Framed pictures make also make a wonderful gift for all the important people in your life. They are a personalized and special gift that you can share with those that require a thank you.
Great framing is what they do here; pictures, prints, needlework, tapestry, sports jerseys and collector plates as repair mats and glass.
If you have great memorabilia like medals, coins, golf balls, christening gowns, they’ll likely suggest a shadow box to offset the item and protect it well.
They carry lines by Trisha Romance, Paul Murray, Julia Conlon and many others.
Although weddings are done in white, L’atelier Du Chocolat loves to create gorgeous, silky chocolate for your special day. Débora Charron, chocolatier, uses the finest in Belgian chocolate in a variety of creative ways to sweeten your wedding celebrations. From individual and delicious wedding favours for your guests, to sweet tables replete with an assortment of fresh, delicious chocolate and, amazing hand crafted chocolate centrepieces that will be talked about long after the wedding is over.
Innovative presentation and a unique selection of both traditional flavours as well as cardamon, lavender, lemon and lime infused confections make a unique and wonderful thank you gift for your special family, bridesmaids and friends who have helped you during your engagement.
And don’t forget your out-of-town guests by gifting them with a complement of delicious,chocolate for their hotel rooms and Sunday brunch.
L'atelier du Chocolat
THE ART & CREATION OF BEAUTIFUL CHOCOLATE!
Treat your palate to a delightful explosion of flavours and aromas at Windsor’s newest chocolate boutique. Windsor-based L’atelier Du Chocolat, founded by innovative Chocolatier Débora Charron will become a household name in this region, as a leading purveyor of unique and delightful handcrafted, artisan chocolate confections. This is no ordinary boutique with ordinary chocolates!
Débora loves the many cosmopolitan products and flavours that are available to her to create exciting combinations of taste and imagination. Her beautiful chocolates are works of art; sensual to savour, pretty to look at and a chocolate lover’s delight. Presentation is also important and her product can be displayed in beautiful and unique ways for all your special occasions.
These velvety morsels deliver a taste experience like no other through the fusion of premium chocolate and exotic blends of spices, liquors and wines, fruits, nuts, floral and herbal essences like lavender, acai, tequila, cardamom and saffron, to name but a few.Discovering her flair for chocolate-making in her native Brazil, Débora hopes to bring to Windsorites a unique taste experience to commemorate weddings, corporate events and any celebration that deserves special notice.
Débora honed her skills as a chocolatier under the guidance of the noted Chef and Instructor Christophe Mazeaud, who graduated from the École Nationale Superleure de la Patisserie in Paris, France, and went on to win medals of excellence in various international culinary competitions.
L’atelier du Chocolat delights in creating artistic and sensual chocolate morsels by personalizing each piece for your taste and sight. These distinctive chocolates are handcrafted in very small batches using precise, delicate techniques.
Ms. Charron states: “My chocolates are all about personalization. Whatever your taste and occasion requires, a chocolate can be crafted to suit both. Our philosophy is to create memories based on a unique luxurious chocolate experience.”
Whatever special event, wedding, shower, corporate event, new baby or just to satisfy that chocolate craving, a hand painted bonbon, praline, truffle or tablet awaits.
Come in to meet Debora, and sample one of her irresistible confections at her May 27th Grand Opening- 10 am – 6pm
