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Trends – Thank-you DVD’s!

I came across Epic Motion’s new product, the Thank You DVD, on Bonafiedbride’s blog and had to post about it.  Epic Motion describes it as ‘a different approach to the traditional ‘Thank You’ cards that are sent after the wedding.’

So what do you think?  Could something like this replace traditional handwritten ‘Thank You’ cards?  Or would you send it as a supplement to a thoughtful, handwritten note?

{I know what I would do…}

thank you dvd Trends   Thank you DVDs!

Check out Stacie + Ben’s Thank You from Epic Motion .

Such a fun and “technologically forward” idea for a Thank-You “card” and a great way for guests to remember and re-live your day!

Source: BonafidebrideEpic Motion

Enjoy!

Rachel Kay, Intern

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Wedding Entertainment Trends

As posted by Marta Segal Block, Gigmasters

If you aren’t paying attention, wedding trends can seem to come out of left field and change without warning. One year, bling is in, the next year it’s backyard chic. It may seem like mermaid dresses, swing bands, and cupcakes are suddenly replaced by tea-length dresses, string quartets, and macaroons. But if you DO pay attention, it’s pretty easy to see how pop culture influences wedding trends. For example, the re-emergence of retro-chic weddings and tea length dresses was clearly preceded by the popularity of the TV show, Mad Men.

This year, when the Golden Globe nominations came out, we made some predictions about 2011 wedding trends.  Some are obvious, for example, the movie The King’s Speech (combined with a real 2011 royal wedding) will add a royal touch to a lot of this year’s weddings. Social networking and technology will also continue to play a big part in weddings this year, and the economy is still a factor for most brides and grooms.  But some trends may surprise you. For example, even movies that didn’t do well, like Burlesque, can have an influence on wedding entertainment. A lot of working burlesque and cabaret dancers complain that the movie, and popular acts like the Pussycat Dolls give a warped view of what cabaret or burlesque is really all about, but really they should be celebrating.  Because when you combine the movie with the popularity of TV shows like Glee and Dancing with the Stars as well as trends like flash mob dances, it seems clear that show stopping entertainment will take center stage at weddings this year.

If you’re wondering how to work this trend into your wedding we’ve got some ideas for you:

• If you and your fiancé are good dancers, hire a dance instructor to teach you a special number for your first dance. If either of you are uncomfortable with this idea though, don’t
push it. Also, make sure your wedding dress can accommodate whatever dance you plan on performing.
• Guests often complain about the down time during the cocktail hour while the wedding party is off taking pictures, why not hire a dance troupe to provide entertainment during this time?
• Many DJs have dance instructors they work with to help keep the crowd on the floor during the reception.
• Hire a cabaret act or ballroom dancers to perform during dinner.

So, what do you think? Will you be incorporating dancers into your wedding entertainment?

Source; Gigmasters.com

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Creating a Couture Gown, Valencienne Bridal

There is nothing like a custom fitted couture gown for your wedding day!  Kim Ironmonger from Valencienne Bridal in Toronto is going to walk us through creating a couture gown.  Make sure you include her studio on your “must do” list when looking for your wedding gown.

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This amazing designer celebrated her 25th year in business in 2010.

So what is Couture?

The original term of ‘Haute couture’ came from the exclusive French Fashion houses that refer to creation of exclusive, ornate, high fashion, custom-fitted clothes that are made to order for a specific customer. Here at Valencienne, ordering a couture gowns means every customer walks out with a one of a kind, original creation; and it all starts with a simple sketch.

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From Kim… For all the couture virgins out there, I will take you through all the stages it takes for the making of a couture wedding gown.

Design

I start by sitting down with every bride and striking up conversation… through asking all the right questions I can capture the bride’s sense of style and personality. I gather inspiration for each bride’s dream dress.  Next step is putting pencil to paper and just let my creative juices flowing.

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Construction & Fittings

The first fitting is always the “ugly fitting” where the dress is made from canvas fabric. This fitting is only meant for us to get all the right curves and lines on your body.  Next step is to cut the real fabric, and piece by piece your custom gown is put together right before your eyes.

Embellishing

These are the final touches on the dress… hand-sewing the bling and buttons all down the back, or tacking of the lace appliqué.  No detail is too small; every aspect of the dress is given the same bit of love at Valencienne.

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A tour of a designers sketch book

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Check out her beautiful store location at 1104 Eglinton Ave, Toronto.

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Source; Valencienne Bridal

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Autumn Cocktail Ideas

Creating a signature drink is a fun way to greet your guests and kick off your cocktail reception.  Here are a couple of fall ideas but they are limitless.  Add your own personalized menus, stir sticks or sugar coated rim.  Have them served as guests arrive and your friends and family will think your a super star!  A signature martini station is always a bit hit at our events.

carameltini Autumn Cocktail Ideas

Appletini


1 oz Vodka
1 oz Sour Apple Pucker
1/2 oz ButterShots
3 oz Apple Cider
Shake up incredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with slice of green apple or caramel candy piece.

applepie Autumn Cocktail Ideas

Apple Pie Martini

1 oz Vanilla Vodka
2 oz apple cider
1/2 tsp lime juice
1/4 tsp cinnamon
Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a slice of apple.

Courtesy of Celebrations at Home

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Groovy Wedding Shower Ideas

Stock the Wine Cellar has been one of my favourite shower finds to date.  Personally I am not much of a wine drinker, but  I do love a “stock the Martini Bar” idea or hell, just stock the bar.  Now we are talking!!  The finishing touch is everyone brining a personalized drink menu that could be made into a Cocktail Bible of course duly named after our blushing Bride to be.  Share some of your unique Wedding Shower ideas with our team!

october04 Groovy Wedding Shower Ideas

Elizabeth Johnston, Creative Director

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