Timely Engagememt Announcements?
Dear Diva,
I am getting married in July and I would like to put our engagement photos and announcement in the paper but my fiance thinks it might be too soon. When should engagement announcements be run?
Tina
Winnipeg, MB
Dear Tina,
Engagement announcements normally run 2-3 months prior to the wedding but there is no set rule on this. Some couples will run their announcement up to a year before the wedding, while others only run their announcements a few weeks before.
Be Fabulous,
The Wedding Diva
The Wedding Gallery 2009
This past weekend, Your Wedding… Imagine Magazine set up a cafe at the annual Wedding Gallery in Steinbach. This 5 hour event on Saturday brought brides from Steinbach and the surrounding communities together to enjoy a great selection of vendors, two fashions shows, prizes and more.
The Your Wedding… Imagine Cafe offered brides a chance to sit, rest their feet, watch the fashion shows and enjoy a glass of punch and a selection of Chocolate and Lemon mini cupcakes from P.S. Cake Designs. A thank you also goes out to Lindsay of Lindsays Flowers for providing the centerpieces for our cafe tables.
Here are some photos for you to enjoy. Our next stop is the Westman Wedding Show at the Victoria Inn in Brandon on February 1st!
The Your Wedding… Imagine Cafe and centerpieces by Lindsay’s Flowers.
Cakes and mini cupcakes from P.S. Cake Designs.
Your Wedding… Imagine Advertisers: Cakes & More, Evangeline’s Flower Hut, Harvest Travel and Gold-N-Memories.
Your Wedding… Imagine Advertiser: Moments by Marian Photography
Romantic Valentine’s Day Proposal Ideas
From time immemorial, Valentine’s Day has been associated with love and lovers. This most romantic holiday of the year is, not surprisingly, one of the most popular days of the year to propose. Up to 10% of marriage proposals are made on Valentine’s Day.
There are countless ways to “pop” the question on Valentine’s Day in a most romantic way. If so inclined, you might want to make a big public splash. If you go to the theatre on Valentine’s Day, what can be more
romantic than arranging to propose on stage during a play or musical that has a wedding or love theme. The stage manager will most likely be very happy to assist in planning something theatrical and memorable.
If you live in an area where outdoor activities in February are comfortable, get tickets to an outdoor event on Valentine’s Day and, as the sun begins to set, have the MC announce that you would like to know if the woman you love would like to be your wife… If you live in a cooler climate do the same thing at an indoor event.
If you tend to eschew public displays, there are numerous ways to create intimate Valentine’s Day moments for romantic proposals. You could recreate your first date or that special moment when you told each other “I love you” for the first time.
Make reservations for the same restaurant or make a picnic of the foods and wines you had that day. Then get down on one knee and pop the question. Or arrange to take your Valentine to the most romantic spot nearby, take a moment to drink in the scenery, speak romantic words and propose.
Upscale or favourite restaurants are nice romantic venues for a Valentine’s Day supper and a marriage proposal. Perhaps you could arrange for the words “Will you marry me” to be written into the dessert plates.
Or you can pre-arrange with a waiter to unfurl a banner with the magic words on it after dessert.
Hiding the ring and having her discover it is the kind of romantic gesture that can seal the deal. You could bury the ring in the sand – should you happen to arrange to be on vacation at a warm resort on Valentine’s Day – and dig it up while sitting there enjoying the sunset on the beach.
If your love is literarily-inclined, give your intended a book of romantic love poems for Valentine’s Day with an engagement ring inside.
Or you can keep your marriage proposal simple. A quiet Valentine’s Day get away, snuggling in front of a warm fire… You on one knee telling her how much she means to you and that you want her to be in your life forever as your wife… now, that’s romantic!
The bottom line is that proposing doesn’t have to be elaborate to be romantic. There may be millions of couples getting engaged on Valentine’s Day, but every one is special and when you propose, it should be a Valreflection of who you are as a couple.
Text by Myron Love
Ben & Reshma’s Winnipeg Wedding
Ben & Reshma (Nancoo) McBride
Married July 12, 2008
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Boy meets girl – Reshma and Ben went to high school together and had mutual friends. They really hit it off at a thanksgiving party in 2000 during Reshma’s first year of university and started dating that Christmas.
On bended knee – On Valentines Day, 7 years after they started going out together, Ben decided they were going to skate at the Forks. They made a few loops on the ice and when no one was around Ben got down on one knee in the middle of the river and popped the question. She was completely surprised as they had not gone ring shopping and she later found out that he’d had the ring for almost two months before he proposed.
You may kiss the bride – Ben and Reshma planned on having their Winnipeg wedding at The Gates on Roblin. The staff was very accommodating to everything Reshma and Ben wanted for their wedding. Reshma found that since The Gates have linens, rentals and even transportation available, planning was a lot simpler.
Fabulous details – There were approximately 250 guests who attended the Winnipeg wedding and reception. The food and drinks provided by The Gates were fabulous. At around 11:00 pm it was time for the last bit of entertainment, traditional Trinidadian drums called tasa. These drums are typically played when a bride is leaving her home to go to her marital home.
Their time away – Ben and Reshma left the very next day for the Mayan Rivera in Mexico. They wanted a place where they could go and relax after the stress of the week’s events. It was wonderful and they can’t wait to go back.
Cherished Moments
Ben: Walking down the aisle being newly married and seeing the faces of all the guests, some smiling, some with freshly dried tears.
Reshma: Hearing the pride in her father’s voice during his speech, as well as spending their first night in the house that she and Ben built together.
Photography by Charmaine Toews Photography
Ceremony & Reception: The Gate on Roblin
Text by Sheila Kolesar
Words of Wisdom
“You can’t control everything – even if you think you can! The weather wasn’t what we would have wanted (rain and gale winds), but you have to learn to just go with it and make the best of the situation, even if it’s not what you pictured.”- Reshma and Ben
Don’t Miss The Wonderful Wedding Show
This weekend is the Wonderful Wedding Show in Winnipeg and I had an opportunity to take in the show today. There was plenty to see and do including an hour long fashion show showcasing fabulous bridal gowns, formal wear and fashions for the entire wedding party.
Brides attending this weekends events were able to sign up for numerous prizes, meet some of the industries top professionals and even try on gowns at some of the bridal gown displays. Many brides were booking dates with florists, photographers, videographers, musicians and more. The Wonderful Wedding Show, which has expanded to cover two floors this year, is an opportunity for brides to plan much of their wedding day.
Many of Your Wedding.. Imagine Magazine’s advertisers were in attendance and I had an opportunity to capture a few of their booths for you as well.
Poco Creations & Beads, p.s. Cake designs, Fred Elcheshen Photography, Let’s Celebrate Rentals
Planned Perfectly, The Gates on Roblin, Pulp & Circumstance, Niverville Heritage Centre
If you haven’t had a chance to take in the show yet, there is still time. The show is open Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm at the Winnipeg Convention Centre with fashion shows at 1 and 4 pm.
Wedding Show Season Is Here!
Photo By Fred Elcheshen Photography
2009 is here, and it is the beginning of an exciting season once again.
Yes, that’s right. Wedding season is here and bride’s across Manitoba are preparing for Wedding Show Season. There are some fabulous shows coming up that you won’t want to miss.
The Wonderful Wedding Show
January 16-18, 2009
Winnipeg Convention Centre
This year’s show will feature hundreds of exhibits and 5 spectacular fashion shows. You will have a chance to meet some of Manitoba’s top wedding professionals and view the newest styles and trends for your wedding. Couples will also have a chance to enter the Newlywed Game with a chance to WIN A DREAM WEDDING including a Honeymoon Vacation and $1,000 Diamond Wedding Bands! Visit http://wonderfulweddingshow.com for additional show and exhibitor details.
The Wedding Gallery
January 24, 2009, 11 am to 4 pm
Steinbach Bible College, Hwy 12 North
The Wedding Gallery in Steinbach will feature a spectacular fashion show and some of Steinbach’s top wedding professionals. If you’re looking for something unique for your wedding day, come down for the day and see what Steinbach’s vendors have to offer. Don’t forget to stop by the Your Wedding… Imagine cafe to sample mini cupcakes from P.S. Cake Designs and enjoy a punch fountain provided by Let’s Celebrate Rentals. There will be draw prizes for brides in attendance. Admission is by donation to the Steinbach Community Cancer Program.
Westman Wedding Show
February 1, 2009, 11 am to 5 pm
Victoria Inn, Brandon
Brandon and area brides will want to mark February 1st on their calendars for the Westman Wedding Show at the Victoria Inn in Brandon. This show will feature 20 minute wedding planning seminars, prizes for brides, a pampering room and much more. Brandon wedding professionals will be on hand to help you with your wedding planning, give you tips and ideas, and inspiration for your wedding. Make sure to pick up your complimentary copy of Your Wedding… Imagine at the door!
Canad Inns Wedding Show
March 1, 2009, 11 am to 5 pm
Canad Inns Polo Park, 1405 St. Matthews Avenue
Canad Inns will be hosting their annual wedding show at their Polo Park location on March 1st. This year’s show will feature two fashion shows and scrumptious cuisine. Admission is free and there will be some fabulous prizes to be won. You’ll want to bring your fiance along to this show where he will have the opportunity to meet some of the Blue Bombers and Goldeyes players in the Grooms Lounge.
Are you excited? I know I am. Wedding shows can be fantastic if you come prepared. For more information on how to prepare for a wedding show, read our featured article: 10 Tips for Making the Most of Your Bridal Show Experience!
Until next time… Be Fabulous,
The Wedding Diva
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Asking Parents for Money?
Dear Diva,
When my fiancé and I first announced our engagement, my parents offered to help pay for part of the costs but my fiancé’s parents haven’t offered anything yet. Should we approach them or wait for them to bring it up? Is it rude for us to ask them to pay for part as well?
Linda S.
Beausajour, MB
While there used to be traditional rules as to who paid for what at the wedding, this is no longer the case. In general, it is the couple’s responsibility to pay for their own wedding unless family offers to pitch in.
Is it rude to ask them to pay? Yes, very. There should never be an expectation that either set of parents put forth any amount of money. That being said, that doesn’t mean you can’t broach the subject. If you and your fiancé have the finances to handle the costs yourself, let it go. If not, approach his parents together and let them know that you have come up a little short and that if they wish to contribute it would be welcomed. Make sure that it is clear that there is no requirement or expectation on them to pay up.
Be Fabulous,
The Wedding Diva
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Have a question for The Wedding Diva?
Email your questions to diva@imaginemagazine.ca
10 tips for making the most of your bridal show experience!
As you prepare for the upcoming Winnipeg wedding shows and Manitoba wedding shows, it is important to be prepared. A bridal show can be a very stressful experience but a prepared bride will find it to be a wonderful experience full of inspiration, ideas, great contests and special deals. Here are ten tips to help you make the most out of your bridal show experience.
- Make Time! Don’t make your bridal show visit a rushed one. A good show will include plenty of exhibits and a lot of traffic. You may need to wait in line to register, to speak with your preferred vendors, etc. You will also want to have time to take in the fashion shows and other interactive portions of the show. Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours at the show so that you can take your time and relax.
- Bring your fiancé! Most grooms don’t like bridal shows, but a lot of bridal shows now offer a grooms area for the guys. Many vendors will offer special show-only discounts and having your fiancé on hand will be useful when you are making decisions at the show.
- Bring a pen and notebook! While many of the vendors will have handouts you can take with, you will probably see many things you want to take notes on though-out the show.
- Bring your camera, or a camera phone! Exhibitors will have prepared samples for display and you may find the perfect bouquet or wedding cake at the show. Bring your camera to capture your finds so that you can recall them later on. Remember to ask permission before photographing any vendor’s work.
- Bring a day planner or calendar so that you can keep a record of appointments you set up with vendors at the show.
- Start with the right question! To save yourself time, approach each potential vendor with this question: “Are you available for “your wedding date”?” This will save you from wasting time dealing with vendors who aren’t available on your wedding date.
- Bring along color swatches. If you’ve picked any of your items yet (linens, gowns, etc) you will want to have the colors on hand to compare.
- Dress comfortably and wear good shoes. A good shoe means a lot of walking and nothing ruins a show as quickly as sore feet.
- Bring a friend, perhaps your maid of honor. Having another person to discuss ideas with is not only helpful, it’s also just more fun.
- Arrive early for the fashion shows. These are the highlight of every bridal show, and seating is often limited. Arrive early to ensure that you get a good seat for the show.
Bridal shows are a perfect opportunity to get a great deal of your planning done in a short amount of time. You can find new ideas, meet and book vendors, enter contests and find some spectacular savings as long as you come prepared.
Michael & Gayle’s Manitoba Wedding
Michael & Gayle (Skrilkiwski) Paziuk
Married on August 30, 2008
Boy meets girl – Michael and Gayle have known each other for many years as they grew up in the same town. They started dating 3 years ago.
On bended knee – She had an idea that he was going to propose since he was trying to figure out what size her finger was by trying on her rings to size them on his own finger.
Kiss the bride – During the service they had a sand ceremony. Gayle has 2 daughters from a previous marriage and this gave them the chance to show everyone they were a family. Every member of the family had their own vial of sand each coloured differently. The members of the newly blended family would blend their vial of sand in a single vase. This was to signify that once sand was mixed together you could not separate the individual colours, just like you cannot separate the family.
Fabulous Details – Gayle’s dress was a mermaid styled halter dress with beads everywhere. Gayle’s daughters were the bridesmaids. Their dresses were navy, and the flowers were fall colors.
Photography by Carol’s Photography
Text by Sheila Kolesar
Vendor Credits:
Décor rentals by Let’s Celebrate Rentals
Linens rentals by Planned Perfectly
Rings by People’s Jewelers (groom’s ring)
Words of Wisdom
“The wedding day itself flies by, so enjoy it and take in as much as you can.”
2009 Wedding Gowns: Hot Trends from the Runway
1. Short Gowns give brides the chance to show off their legs
2. The Grecian Goddess style is not only classic, but very flattering
3. A Slim Silhouette allows for an elegant and dramatic entrance
4. Floral Embroidery adds a romantic and whimsical touch
5. For added dramatic flair, get Black Accessories & Flowers
6. Hollywood Glamour dresses bring back the screen sirens
Text By Stephanie Dickison 2008.
