Fairy Godmother
Don’t let the romance candle burn out. Keep your candle blazing by finding new and exciting ways to celebrate your love and relationship every year.
Be inspired by Albert and Marion Wagner’s marriage! After 64 years of marriage, Albert and Marion have recently renewed their vows and are truly more in love then they’ve ever been. After reading Albert and Marion’s love story, you can’t help but be inspired by their lifelong love for each other and by their enduring marriage.
There are often many reasons why couples want to renew their vows: they’re celebrating an anniversary landmark, they didn’t have enough money to have their dream wedding the first time around, or they’ve overcome significant hurdles together and now they’d like to reaffirm their commitment to one another . . . as you can see, the reasons are abundant. Just make sure that you are doing it for a special reason and not simply because you think it’d be fun. Marriage is a sacred ritual that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
The great thing about renewing your vows is that there are a lot fewer restrictions and guidelines to follow. This applies to the ceremony as well as to the reception afterwards. This time around, take things slowly and appreciate every moment of the celebration. Many couples feel that they were so caught up with the planning of their wedding that they were not able to truly take pleasure in all the special moments of their big day. Therefore, wedding renewal ceremonies are often a lot more intimate and casual. But if the reason for renewing your vows is because you didn’t have the wedding of your dreams, couples often plan a much more lavish wedding the second time around. If you do plan to have a more lavish wedding, consider these “don’ts”:
1. The renewal of your vows does not require an entourage with designated titles and responsibilities. Your vow renewal is about re-committing yourselves to each other. Don’t let insignificant details take away from the importance of your big day.
2. Gift registries are not necessary. Wedding gifts are given to help newly wed couples prepare for their new life together. You two probably don’t need to add anymore to the collections of things that you’ve obtained over the years.
3. And . . . there is no need for a bachelor or bachelorette party prior to the vow renewal ceremony. The obvious reason is because neither of you are bachelors or bachelorettes.
And finally, presuming that your wedding was legally binding the first time around, the person who leads the ceremony this time around does not have to have official certification to do so. Choose someone who has perhaps been a constant supporter of your marriage, an older child of yours, or a mutual friend. In the end, whatever the reason is for your vow renewals . . . remember that this time around it’s about the re-affirmation of your love for each other, enjoy every moment of your celebration!
Resource used:
http://bit.ly/9r1Hsz
http://bit.ly/bAinGL
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
Your wedding. You thought the day would never come, that the rollercoaster of parties and planning would never end. But, now your wedding is over and you’ve come back from the honeymoon, it’s time to express your gratitude and appreciation for your guests’ and for their wonderful wedding gifts. You may think that the task seems daunting, especially if you’ve had a large wedding, but it is a necessary step. Plus, the experience of reflecting on the gifts – both material and spiritual – that your family and friends have given you is a wonderful way to bring your wedding adventure to an end.
Thank you cards don’t have to be novels, but each card should convey your sincere gratitude for their generous gifts and attendance at your wedding. Here are a few pieces of advice that can help make the process of writing and mailing thank you cards a lot less stressful:
1. Make sure that you have everyone’s correct mailing address. Some people may have moved since you sent your initial wedding invitations. An easy method to ensure that you have everyone’s correct mailing address is to set up a simple box to the side during the wedding dinner (with pens and individual sized papers). Ask your master of ceremonies to inform guests to write down their name and mailing address and place it in box if they have moved since you sent your wedding invitations. This gesture will be welcomed and appreciated by your guests as it shows that you genuinely appreciate their support of your wedding.
2. At your gift opening, appoint someone to be responsible for writing a log of who has given each gift. This is not something you should do yourself, nor is it something that you should count on yourself to remember.
Fairy Godmother
Thank you cards give you a wonderful opportunity to share your favourite wedding or couple photos. Say thank you with a personalized image of the two of you at your wedding, or in a more casual setting. A card with your picture can be a beautiful keepsake for family, and an inexpensive wedding favour for friends and acquaintances.
Go big with a corner to corner couple’s collage, or keep it subtle with a small picture of the two of you. Either way – your smiling faces will add a personal touch to a classic wedding tradition.
Another way to personalize your thank you cards is to consider using different materials. Handwriting on one-of-a-kind postcards or crafting your own card from recycled paper are lovely, although time consuming, methods to show appreciation to your guests.
Fairy Godmother
When it comes to giving cash gifts, there are many creative options to be explored. From fun and glamorous card holders to unique paper foldings, there are plenty of ways to have fun with the presentation of your cash or gift card.
If you want your cash gift to stand out from the crowd and show the recipient(s) that you’ve put more thought and consideration into their gift than simply stopping by the bank on your way to the party, we have some suggestions for you.
As the giving of cash gifts has become more common, many card designers have designed brilliant cards that are intended for cash and gift cards. These specialized cash and gift card holders truly make cash gifts and gift cards a lot more appealing, and much more appreciated by the recipients. These holders also make sure that the cash or gift card stays in place and does not fall out onto the lap of the recipient when he or she opens the gift.
Another trend comes in the form of paper folding. Within the art of origami, thousands of different creations can be made by simply folding paper, so why not paper bills? Money folding has definitely become an interesting and unique method of cash giving as paper bills are folded into hundreds of different designs ready to be given just as it is. This can be particularity effective with colourful currency, and, as the pictures show, foreign bills can really make a piece of origami stand out. If you choose to make an origami money folding, consider presenting it within a nice gift box that will carry this incredible creation.
Now go out and learn how to fold your own origami paper bill! There are numerous sources that teach you how to fold money into different designs. You can also check out www.foldinmoney.com for different tutorial kits that can teach you how to fold some pretty neat shapes.
Pictures Obtain From:
http://www.tipjunkie.com/2008/12/gift-card-holders.html
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
I love these invitations! You can plant them!
Each sheet contains a variety of wildflower seeds, and yes, the entire sheet can be planted. Bird’s Eye, Clarkia, Black Eyed Susan, Poppy, Catchfly and Snap Dragon are some of the gifts each invitation could contain for your invitee.
According to Botanical Paperworks, all you do is place the sheet on top of a pot of soil or small patch of garden, and then cover with a thin layer or soil. This paper is made from 100% post consumer waste. In 6-8 weeks the seeds will begin to shoot up. Invite guests to pot their invitation, and bring it to the big day!
You can get these in Edmonton through Shauna Filtz at Special Day Specialties. Check out her website for fantastic invitations and wedding accessories.
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.
