February 2014 - The Wedding Guide - Planning Windsor/Essex Ontario

A Variety of Veils & Headpieces

Take extra special care when choosing your headpiece and veil. They frame your face!

A bridal milliner will design headwear that not only enhances your face and fits your hairstyle, but complements your gown in every way. Custom designed millinery is usually no more expensive than ready-made and does not have to be ordered months in advance.

Choose pearls, sequins, beads, lace, bows or a small bridal hat or fascinator. There are many styles available that will suit you and make you stand out as the beautiful bride that you are. You will be able to find a full range of veils in your local bridal salon but if you want that something special, a milliner is like a hairstylist; he or she will create a style that is especially for you!

Your Honeymoon Travel

When preparing for your honeymoon, remember it’s a trip for two, even if only one of you is doing most of the planning. You must take into consideration each other’s travel personality. The trip will only be fun and relaxing if it’s arranged to satisfy both your wishes and includes elements that meet both your expectations. Ask yourselves these questions:

How much time do we have and how do we want to spend it? (If one of you prefers to grab weekend getaways and the other wants to wait a year and then take a month off, you’ll need to negotiate.)

Do you both like to cram as much as you can into one trip? If you rent a car and drive through Europe, you won’t be rested when you arrive at home, but you’ll have wonderful memories and great pictures.

What about adventure travel? Will you try trekking and mountaineering, scuba diving or kayaking on your trip? If these active travel modes are more a preference of one of you than the other, take it slow the first time around. Don’t make your partner feel inadequate as well as inexperienced. Take time out for relaxation and/or stay in a posh hotel before returning home- what a treat for a good sport who suffered sunburn and sore muscles!

How much time do we want for rest and relaxation? How much time do you want to spend on activities? Evaluate both your daily work routines. It’s important to have a change of pace. More importantly, honeymoons and vacations are the time to learn to enjoy this new travel partnership. You have a lifetime to see and do it all; what you don’t do this trip; you can do on your second honeymoon or during future travel.

Exotic Destination Weddings

Some couples choose a wedding and a honeymoon all rolled into one. They may invite guests (family or close friends) to join them for a unique ceremony in a far away place, then return home for a reception to celebrate with those who weren’t lucky enough to come along.

Imagine getting married barefoot on a white sand beach with a red sunset at your back. You can exchange rings in a majestic Gothic cathedral with sunlight streaming through stained glass windows, in a magnificent French vineyard, or aboard the Orient Express as it winds through the European countryside. Be married at sea, on a cruise ship; or on a windjammer with your attendants serving as the crew.

A wedding away from home requires different planning; but you don’t have to do it alone. Consult your travel agency while you’re choosing your destination. They can offer alternatives based on their knowledge of weather, crowds, and lodging costs.

In addition to travel and lodging accommodations, your agent can arrange with your hotel or resort for an officiant, music, flowers, limousines, a celebration dinner, and even a photographer to record the event.

Take care of the legalities prior to making your final travel arrangements. Check the marriage laws and know what you are entering into and whether it is indeed legal.

If you’re looking for a non-traditional wedding, there are unlimited ways to say “I do”. Just let your imagination and your travel agent be your guide.

Avoiding Wedding Stress & Anxiety

Anyone who has ever been through a wedding can tell you, the months leading up to your big day can be a time of stress as well as happiness. Welcome to the wedding jitters, they are about as common as weddings.

Communicate your feelings. Be open and honest if you are feeling upset. Tell your fiancé or family what’s bothering you. Don’t try to keep stressful feelings to yourself, they may transfer to something or someone else. Take positive action whenever possible. Worrying never solves a problem.

Share responsibilities. Don’t assume you have to do everything yourself. Ask your fiancé to handle as many of the planning functions as he can.

Follow a timetable. It will give you the secure feeling that you’re not forgetting something crucial and have a system. Break down each task into organized steps and decide how long it should take and who will do it. Set a completion date and stay on schedule.

Pace yourself. In the beginning stages of planning your wedding you have several major areas to decide upon. Don’t try to tackle them all at once.

Take care of your health. Eat right and get enough rest and exercise. You will keep stress under control if you allow plenty of time to plan your wedding and then follow through on your schedule in a timely manner.

It’s not your parents’ or his parents’ wedding. Make your day personal by injecting it with your own flair. It should reflect your deepest feelings as a couple about marriage. How you plan your wedding shows how you will live your life as a couple, a family and as part of a community. Remember why you are there. It’s not a show. It is about celebrating your life and future together.

Enjoy your wedding day by inviting the people you love. Surround yourself with beautiful music, flowers, and other touches on the day, that will make you happy, as well as be distinctive.

Complete everything you possibly can prior to your wedding day to avoid any last minute details.. Delegate as many responsibilities as you can to others. Do not be the bride who wakes up in the morning and orchestrates the day. Just relax and smile. It’s you time to marry.

Cast a Romantic Glow with a Candlelight Ceremony

A dramatic effect for a late afternoon or evening wedding is created with the flattering romantic glow of candles. Candles can be burning as guests arrive or lit by honored guests during the ceremony. Bridesmaids can carry candles to be placed in a candelabra on the altar—a very dramatic entry into a semi-darkened church.

Check the site where you plan to hold the ceremony to be sure fire regulations do not prohibit candles.

Notify your florist, they will be responsible for placing the candles in their holders. Candles should be long-burning and dripless.

Some couples may wish to incorporate the lighting of the candles while at the altar by passing the flame between themselves, their families and the clergy. The traditional Unity Candle is usually lit by the bride and groom, each holding a taper with flames together. They may blow out their individual candles symbolizing the extinguishing of their two single lives.

Your photographer must know that a candlelight ceremony will take place so he can arrange for proper lighting to capture the look you want.

Don’t forget to incorporate candles into your reception decorations. Candle shops, stationery stores and florists will have more unique ideas for your candlelight wedding.

A Variety of Veils & Headpieces

Your Honeymoon Travel

Exotic Destination Weddings

Avoiding Wedding Stress & Anxiety

Cast a Romantic Glow with a Candlelight Ceremony

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