Fairy Godmother
Bridal showers are an opportunity for those closest to the bride to “shower” her with their love, best wishes, and fabulous gifts. It is a tradition that has been happening since the sixteenth century.
Since then, not much has changed. Bridal showers of all sorts today still encompass pretty much the same essence and etiquette. One thing should always be kept in mind when planning a bridal shower: the theme should suit the bride’s personality and style.
Recently, in the At Home section of the Edmonton Journal, a Mexican themed bridal shower was featured. This particular shower was inspired by the bride’s love for mojitos. Tracey Meiklejohn-Carney makes planning an outdoor, Cuban themed bridal shower seem like a breeze.
Planning a bridal shower should be fun. It really doesn’t have to be the painstaking task that some may perceive it to be. Enjoy the experience of planning (or attending) a bridal shower and choose a theme that will get everyone into the spirit of the occasion!
Also get inspired by the dozens of themed party favors available at The Sweet Occasion. While you’re there, make sure to check out the photos that photographer Katee Grace shot at Meehan’s Indian inspired bridal shower. The photos of Meehan’s bridal shower are simply awe-inspiring, colorful, and delightfully decorated.
Other Sources Used:
http://www.beau-coup.com/bridal_shower_themes.htm
Fairy Godmother
If you’re looking for a wedding dress, don’t forget to stop by Bridal Debut. They’ve been helping brides find their perfect gown for 14 years. They have a great selection of gowns in a wide range of sizes. Plus, they’re not just in Sherwood Park anymore - Bridal Debut’s has opened a second store in South Edmonton.
The South Edmonton location provides the same friendly, no pressure service that Bridal Debut is known for in a smaller, boutique like atmosphere.
The new location caters to brides only (no bridesmaid gowns). They carry designers including Maggie Sottero, Allure, La Sposa, Jai and Alfred Sung. There is also a full time seamstress on staff. It offers a wide range of shoes, headpieces, veils and a large selection of jewellery.
When asked about the Southside location in comparison to the Sherwood Park location, Manager Amy Maier says that even though it is a smaller store, the selection is impressive with a focus on the bride who wants something a little different. “We try to bring in things that are different and trendy but at the same time upholding our standard of impeccable quality and great fit. We also have a wide range of classic styles and gowns to fit every bride’s budget.”
This location offers gowns in sample sizes from 6-28 with styles to suit every body type and a good selection of plus size gowns.
The staff is knowledgeable, helpful and are more than willing to assist brides who don’t know where to start, “We don’t expect brides to know what they want when they walk in the door, it’s our job to help them figure that out and we try to make the entire experience from start to finish as stress free and fun as possible, selecting a wedding gown for your big day should be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.” says Maier.
When shopping for a gown at Bridal Debut you are encouraged to take photos and bring people with you to share in the experience but Bridal Debut South recommends you try and limit your group to 2 or 3 as the store is smaller and can get a little crowded especially on Saturdays when the store is it’s busiest. If you have a large group just give them a heads up and they will make every effort to accommodate.
Brides who purchase a gown at either Bridal Debut location receive 10% off all accessories and bridesmaid dresses and the discount is valid at both stores.
Watch for Bridal Debut’s new website (coming soon) and the annual birthday blowout sale at the Sherwood Park location Sunday, July 11th.
For more information including store hours and location information, visit Bridal Debut’s website: www.bridaldebut.com
Feather Elfwand
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so why not pick up something for your sweetheart that’s sure to make them melt? Chocolate is always a classic when it comes to gift-giving, appealing to the sweet-tooth of men and women the world over.
Though originally bitter in taste, chocolate can be tempered and mixed with a variety of flavours to create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth treat that is enjoyable to every palate, as well as shaped and decorated to create something that is aesthetically pleasing as well as delicious.
Calgary’s Manon’s and Leonidas Belgian chocolates are a great choice for the chocolate connoisseur in us all, and one can never go wrong with The Newget Kompany of Edmonton’s organic chocolate treats. For those who are looking for something a little more elaborate, Edmonton’s The Art of Cake creates custom cakes embellished with fun and elegant pieces made entirely of chocolate. For a truly unique dining experience, try The Melting Pot, an intimate and interactive restaurant that offers a memorable four-course fondue dining experience — the dessert portion of which is, of course, mouth-watering chocolate fondue — opening in Edmonton in March of 2010.
Aside from its rumoured properties, chocolate has many other uses that one would never expect. In the eighteenth century, it was believed that chocolate could be used to prevent or cure stomach aches. Also, it has been proven that cocoa butter contains antioxidants, making it very good for the complexion, and for those who complain about sweets being bad for your teeth, studies have shown that chocolates is better even than fluoride for preventing cavities.
As it is available for all budgets, chocolate is considered one of the simplest of gifts. However, that was not always so. It was once reserved only for royalty and for religious events, remaining a high-status delicacy until the nineteenth century. Now it is associated with romance and sensuality, and it is said that the famed lover Casanova preferred chocolate over champagne as an aphrodisiac, though studies on whether chocolate truly possesses such qualities were never conclusive.
Romance is about creating a special feeling with your surroundings. It is about love and intimacy and bringing pleasure to your partner in a way that does not have to be sexual in nature. A sweet kiss as a greeting, or a gently hug from behind, a little bit goes a long way. Chocolate is a food that is perfect for creating romance. Its soft, sensual texture melts on the tongue, and it provides the perfect opportunity for the intimacy of sharing this treat with your partner by hand.
So this Valentine’s Day, get some chocolate, arrange for some time alone and give you and your partner a treat for all the senses.
Fairy Godmother
Bridal Fantasy is the leading one-day bridal show in Western Canada. With shows in Edmonton and Calgary , brides are sure to find everything they need for planning their special day. With an amazing professionally choreographed bridal fashion show, and an eclectic mix of exhibitors, brides and grooms can have all their wedding day questions answered.
Plus you can win Fantastic Prizes - Like a Volvo c30 courtesy of Volvo of Edmonton, and so much more! Enter Our Sweepstakes Draw Here.
You can win this Volvo c30 outright - this is NOT a lease - $33,000 Value
Features like destination wear, flowers , and formalwear for the groom will make this an amazing wedding event no bride will want to miss. With everything from supplies to wedding venues, photographers to cake artists , there’s something for every bride at Bridal Fantasy!
Bridal Fantasy is an amazing way to find out all the unique and accommodating options available for brides. We invite you to shop around and enjoy all the free samples and luxuries provided at our bridal show. Don’t miss out on the coupons, specials and prizes that will help you cover your costs and stick to your budget. See you soon!
Calgary Bridal Fantasy - January 17, 2010 at the TELUS Convention Centre
$100 000 In Prizes and Gifts
Morning show: Doors open at 10:30 am, fashion show at 12:30 pm
Afternoon show: Doors open at 1:30 pm, fashion show at 3:00 pm
Buy Tickets Now
View our Calgary Exhibitors List Here
FEATURED CALGARY PRIZES:
Come to the Show and You Could Win Fabulous Prizes including the Fantasy Wedding Package which includes a 7-day honeymoon trip to Barbados! (courtesy of AMA Travel, Almond Beach Resort, WestJet and the Barbados Tourism Authority)
Other prizes include:
- A Seven Day All Inclusive Honeymoon Trip to Jamaica’s Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa, Courtesy of the Jamaica Tourist Board and Sunset Resorts Jamaica
- A $5000 Wedding Planning Package from Tying The Knot
- A JenniferScott Custom Bridal Gown
- $2500 Wedding Gown Courtesy of Bells & Bows Bridal Centre
- A Two Hour Engagement Session with Hair, Makeup & Styling from Deans Pictures Weddings
- A Two Night Bed & Breakfast package at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Edmonton Bridal Fantasy - January 24, 2010 at Northlands
$150 000 in Prizes & Gifts
Morning show: Doors open at 9:30 am, fashion show at 11:30 am
Afternoon show: Doors open at 1:30 pm, fashion show at 3:00 pm
Buy Tickets Now
View our Edmonton Exhibitor List Here
FEATURED EDMONTON PRIZES:
Come down to the show and you could win tons of great prizes, like the Fantasy Wedding package, which includes a romantic honeymoon trip to Barbados! (courtesy of Farlie Travel and the Barbados Tourism Authority)
- A Pampering Session (manicure, pedicure, haircut, massage and wax) from In Motion Style Group
- A JenniferScott Custom Bridal Gown
- A $500 Gift Certificate from Kuhlmann’s Floral Boutique
- A Bridesmaid Package from Wedding World Bridal
Bridal Fantasy 2010 Magazine Now out - Free issue for every bride at the show*
Tickets for both shows are only $20 each (this includes GST) and all brides receive a FREE copy of the newest issue of Bridal Fantasy Magazine ($6.95 value) and the Bridal Fantasy Wedding Planner & Survival Guide ($14.95 value) while supplies last. Don’t miss out on the coupons, specials and prizes that will help you cover your costs and stick to your budget. See you soon!
*While supplies last.
Columbine Rainbowwand
Candy buffets are a delicious and colourful way to add a playful, classic touch to your wedding reception. A table full of treats is an irresistible draw for guests, not to mention a great conversation piece. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional favours, candy buffets are an affordable choice your guests will surely appreciate.
If you like the idea of a candy buffet, but you don’t have time to set one up yourself, no worries! Edmonton’s own M&K Candy Buffet Inc. has you covered. M&K provides a candy buffet service to Weddings/Bridal showers/seasonal parties/ ETC for the Edmonton and Surrounding area. They will come out to your venue the day of the wedding, prior to the reception, set up an entire buffet and even handle the candy clean-up.
You can maintain a personal, unique touch by choosing candies to match your wedding colours and theme.
M&K also provides glassware, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing dishes. To schedule a meeting, please contact Kristen @ 780-457-4407 or Maria @ 780-218-5928.
These buffets are absolutely gorgeous and are a failsafe place for munching and mingling during your event.
Feather Elfwand
Illuminate yourself in colours that do the speaking for you!
“The colour of the object illuminated partakes of the colour of that which illuminates it.” –Leonardo da Vinci, Artist
Red - power, dominance, health ,strength
“It can be a fascinating game, noticing how any person with vitality,
and vigor will have a little splash of red in a costume, in a room,
or in a garden…:” –Edgar Cayce
Pink - upbeat, calming, good health, friendly
Orange - happy, successful, courageous
“Orange is the happiest color!” –Frank Sinatra-
Brown - earthy, reliable
Yellow - alert, playful, intelligent, optimistic
Green - growth, relaxing, compassion, prosperity
Aqua - dynamic, motivated
Turquoise - cool, refreshing, youthful
Blue - high regard, tranquil, serious
” There is no blue without yellow and without orange.” –Vincent Van Gogh
Magenta - innovative, outrageous
Purple - passionate, powerful
Gold - wisdom, prestige
Silver - cold, scientific
Black - elegance, authority, mystery
“I’ve been 40 years discovering that the queen of all colors is black.” –Pierre-August Renoir
Gray - brainy, confident
White - clean, prosperous
Feather Elfwand
Part 1: The Engagement Party
This party serves as the official announcement of the engagement. When extending invitations to guests, you may wish to not state purpose of the party (i.e. the engagement), as it is often nice to make the announcement a surprise. For a wonderful selection of invitations for your engagement visit The Paper Tree.
The party can be hosted by either the bride or groom’s family. It is the host’s responsibility to announce the engagement with a toast.
The form of this party can range from a formal sit down dinner to a more casual summer barbecue, or even a cocktail party. Making this a catered dinner will let the bride & groom-to-be have a night to relax before the planning busyness begins. Check out Ovation Catering & Banquets, serving the greater Edmonton region. The formality of this event should be established by both the bride and groom as well as the host, as this party sets the tone fore the rest of the engagement.
