As do many other countries, Canada has its fair share of cultural traditions when it comes to various aspects of living. Weddings are no exception in the Great White North. Canadian wedding traditions pull from the country’s English and French roots, resulting in fun, quirky ideas for your nuptials. From pre-ceremony hijinks to the marriage service and reception, let’s explore these traditions that are unique to Canada. You may be inspired to incorporate some of these into your own celebration.
Before the Wedding
When a couple decides to get married, the events often start before the special day. From engagement parties to bridal showers, it’s very common for the festivities to be held well in advance. Check out the following pre-ceremony Canadian customs:
Trousseau Tea: This older tradition is named for a term that refers to either a dowry, a bride’s outfit or a chest used to collect clothing for young single women in anticipation of marriage. The mother of the bride hosts a party or tea for casual acquaintances and friends who might not be otherwise invited to the marriage ceremony. The bride’s trousseau was put on display, while pastries, confections and other sweet treats were served. This very old practice is mostly obsolete but may be a great idea for the couple with a lot of friends.
Pre-Wedding Fundraiser for the Couple: This pre-celebration social is an opportunity for close friends and family to raise money to support an engaged couple. Names for this event vary across Canada, but some common terms include stag and doe, buck and doe, shag or wedding social. Invitations to this party are often extended to friends who might not be invited to the main event. Guests purchase entry tickets and pay small amounts of money to play games. Proceeds are usually donated to the couple to either pay for the wedding, honeymoon or other costs associated with starting life together.
On the Day Of Wedding
Most Canadian ceremonies will feature a processional involving the couple and members of the bridal party, but consider a procession of the couple and others to the wedding venue. A distinctively Quebecois tradition involves the groom and his loved ones meeting the bride at her residence. The couple then proceeds to the venue with the bride’s parents in a motorcade, wherein some cars are decorated for the wedding. On the way to the church, participants will honk their horns and tell passersby about the nuptials. These bystanders will shout good wishes in response. At the end of the parade, everyone enters the church or venue together.
At the “Afterparty”
Another popular French-Canadian custom takes place at the reception. Unmarried siblings of the bride and groom will perform a silly dance to a special song while wearing loud, colorful and sometimes ugly socks. Reception attendees respond by tossing money to be collected and donated to the newly married couple as a collective gift for starting their life together. Would-be dancers are encouraged to be as silly as possible. In parts of Manitoba, dancing trios perform a Ukrainian dance called the “butterfly” at the reception.
In lieu of presents, some receptions request that guests bring money to donate to the newlyweds. A succinct, discreet way of doing this is by stating “presentation only” on the wedding invitation. While long receptions aren’t strictly Canadian, many celebrations extend well into the early morning of the next day, long after the wedded couple has left the building.
Weddings are a great time to incorporate many customs and cultural elements. For engaged partners in Canada, there are old and current traditions that are worth considering for incorporation into the festivities. From pre- to post-wedding events, ponder these Canadian customs for a fun and memorable way to kick off this new phase of life.
Decorations can make all the difference in how a wedding feels. A few of the right pieces can transform a venue from a normal reception hall into whatever atmosphere your heart desires. In recent years, couples have been using signs in clever ways as a method of adding a new dimension to the decorating process. If this sounds intriguing, review these ideas and see how easy it is to incorporate some creative signage into the look of your big day.
The First Impression
The most obvious sign you want to consider is the one that welcomes guests to the event. Whether positioned in the parking lot of the venue or above the doors of the entryway, this sign acts as a way of providing a warm hello to the people you care about. Plus, a large and noteworthy image can also act as a clear indication of where the wedding is going to take place. Usually, the message can be simple and only needs to include your names and maybe the date.
The Table
Signage is also very helpful when it comes to giving your guests a general idea of where they are going when moving around the space. If you’re working with a large group in a spacious venue, a simple task like finding the right table can be complicated. By using table number signs that stand out, you can help the people at your event find their seats without having to go up to each individual table to check.
Seating isn’t the only area to consider when it comes to signs on tables. Putting signals near each bar in the venue, for example, is a way to help guests navigate the room throughout the night without a struggle. The same can be done with buffet tables, the guest book table, and any other features of your event that might need to be highlighted.
The Necessary
Some couples are a bit more adventurous when it comes to where they decide to host their weddings. If you’re planning on getting married in a location that will require guests to walk a bit, then signs are absolutely necessary. There are plenty of places where driving is not an option, like expansive plantations in the United States and historic castles located across the nations of Europe. If you’re marrying in such a spot, then you’ll find it is in your best interests to put up signs everywhere.
Failing to hang signage can lead to some problems. Since you don’t want your guests wandering an empty field all night, be diligent about where you place each sign and how each is lit.
The Helpful Signs
If your wedding is one that will be attended by people who speak more than one language, you may want to add some extra signs into the mix. Having helpful messages in multiple tongues can provide a sense of comfort and understanding to everyone in the room. Guests appreciate being in the loop, but those who don’t speak the same language as the majority often feel left out. Include everyone by making sure you’ve got signs that address each person and every person.
The Final Signs To Add
Finally, be sure to consider any signs that might be needed before the night comes to a close. You might need to guide guests to a hotel when the festivities end or provide some info on the afterparty bar that everyone will be going to. No matter what message needs to be conveyed, having a sign placed in the venue toward the end of the night can ensure no one misses a vital detail.
Though it might not seem like much, a sign can make a huge difference in how an event plays out. Consider what messages matter most and you’ll have no trouble picking out where each sign should go.
Across Canada, stay-at-home orders are ending. New COVID-19 vaccines offer some hope of decreasing infection rates and saving lives. Meanwhile, masking up remains essential for couples hosting their 2022 and 2023 weddings. Some people are turning to clear plastic face shields as cloth mask alternatives. But are they effective? This guide examines these devices and can help you decide on the best safety measures for your event.
The Lowdown on Face Shields
Clear face shields have been around for a while. You may have seen some workers wear them with protective gear. But they became more popular as public health orders included wearing cloth masks. Yet some consumers donned plastic shields instead.
Most face shields feature a plastic polymer sheet attached to a foam-lined headband. Many retailers don’t bill them as cloth mask alternatives. They’re usually called “safety face shields” and claim to offer protection. Yet they don’t specify what they protect against.
Those who choose plastic face shields over cloth masks cite comfort as the major reason. Harvard Health explains that people not used to cloth masks may experience discomfort. Since they’re not accustomed to the cloth, they may feel that it’s hard to breathe. And those wearing eyeglasses with cloth masks may notice their lenses fogging up.
Face Shields Vs. Cloth Masks
By now, you’re wondering if face shields work. Two recent studies shed more light on their effectiveness. Healthline mentions a July 2020 study observing aerosol droplets from face shield wearers. The shields block the droplets’ initial forward motion, but they didn’t stop aerosols from exiting around the sides. When these particles went airborne, they spread throughout the environment.
Journalist Richard Gray mentions a similar experiment in an August 2020 BBC piece. Again, most droplets traveled around face shields’ sides and became airborne. This isn’t surprising, given that these plastic shields don’t completely cover the face. In another Swiss study, several people wearing only face shields tested positive for COVID-19. None of the participants wearing cloth masks tested positive.
Face Shields as Added Protection
To be clear, face shields aren’t completely useless. But you still need to wear a mask. Dr. Joy Henningsen of the University of Alabama’s Birmingham School of Medicine explains how this works. “Face coverings, regular hand washing, physical distancing, and staying home as much as possible are very good tools,” she said. “Add a face shield…and you go from ‘good’ to ‘great.’”
Tips for Better Mask Wearing
The verdict is in: Face shields offer extra protection, but they’re not the first line of defense. Fabric face coverings offer protection that face shields alone do not. The good news is that they don’t reduce oxygen or carbon dioxide levels in your blood. But you may experience mild claustrophobia – your brain tricks you into thinking that you can’t breathe. Some wearers also contend with mild skin irritation from the fabric or straps. Fortunately, some useful advice from Harvard Health may help:
Take slower and deeper breaths while wearing your mask.
Practice wearing your mask. Slowly increase the length of time you have it on.
Keep your mask clean. Wash it frequently to avoid dirt and oil buildup.
Moisturize your skin regularly. Try washing blemish-prone areas with an over-the-counter acne wash.
Select masks that tie behind the head to avoid pressure on your ears.
If your glasses fog up with your mask on, try a tip from American neurosurgeon Daniel Heiferman. Place an adhesive bandage on your mask, over the bridge of your nose, to secure it to your face.
Keeping Your Wedding Guests Healthy
Planning a 2021 wedding involves extra measures to keep your guests healthy. Encourage wearing masks and be sure to provide them at your venue. And while you’re at it, pass along this useful info about face shields. Your guests may thank you.
Plenty of wedding traditions have shifted, changed, or disappeared entirely over the years. Throwing rice, for example, was once considered a staple of a couple’s nuptials. According to historians, rice was thrown at couples who had just tied the knot as a way of encouraging good fortune, best wishes, and luck in the honeymoon bed. However, plenty of problems accompany this ritual. Outside of the mess it can make, uncooked rice is also deadly to most birds because it absorbs all available moisture in their intestines.
Instead of inadvertently killing a flock of local feathered friends on your big day, you may want to find other ways for guests to wish you good luck. Take a look at these popular alternatives and find a much safer fit for friends and family to send you off.
Flower Petals Vs. Rice
Want all of the fun of having something thrown at you without the negative environmental impact? Flower petals make a perfect alternative to rice for many reasons. First, they have a more appealing aesthetic quality. Your wedding pictures will look much more glamorous with colorful petals raining down on you. Second, flower petals are soft and won’t feel like a million little thumbtacks being thrown at your face. Finally, petals are biodegradable. Whatever is thrown will decompose or be used by other creatures quite quickly.
If you’re worried about picking dozens of flowers for this purpose, there are ways to make this entire experience eco-friendly. See if a couple is looking to get rid of floral arrangements from a wedding happening sometime before your own. Have someone remove all the petals and put them into bags to be handed to guests at the ceremony. The petals will create a beautiful scene.
Bubbles vs. Rice
Who says that what is thrown your way needs to fall immediately to the ground? Instead of giving guests ammunition to hurl in your direction, a perfect option to consider instead is handing out bubbles. When guests are blowing little bubbles at you and your partner, it can create a whimsical feeling that requires no additional cleanup. In fact, most of the little soap bubbles will pop before making it too far from the wand, so the entire experience is simple and lacks any of the mess of other choices.
Noisemakers
Though noisemakers are associated heavily with celebrations surrounding New Year’s Eve, you may want to think about using them as an alternative to rice. There is no rule saying you need to give the guests something that needs to be thrown or launched or carried on the wind. Noisemakers like whistles, kazoos, and other toy instruments can create a cacophony of sounds that come together joyfully and chaotically. Obviously, this option is only possible if your event is taking place at a venue without noise restrictions.
Smoke
Finally, there’s a perfect option for couples who like to make dramatic entrances and exits. If you want to use an alternative to rice that will make for captivating, flamboyant images, consider smoke bombs. Colorful plumes of smoke bursting around you as you exit the venue can create a moment that you and your guests will not forget anytime soon. Of course, this may require more strict coordination, as handing smoke bombs to anyone in the crowd could lead to disaster. Plan accordingly and check fire regulations before setting anything in stone.
Wedding rituals change at a pace that can be difficult to follow. If you want to find an alternative to the classic tradition of throwing rice for good luck, there are many perfect choices worth your consideration. Get creative and see what fits the vibe of your wedding best to discover a tradition that makes the most sense.
Engaged Canadians can find ideas or inspiration for their upcoming nuptials nearly anywhere, especially in the Old English folk rhyme “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe.” This verse originated out of the old superstition that a new bride needed to defend her marriage against bad fortune with blessings of fertility and prosperity. When it comes to your special day, there are many details that require your attention and creativity. Let’s talk about some creative ways to implement “something borrowed” in your wedding day plans.
Thank You for the Music
Music is an important aspect of your big day. From a selection performed at your ceremony to the playlist at your reception, you can merge the joy of music with the concept of borrowing. Did your or your partner’s parents have a special song that they played for the first dance at their wedding? Pay honor and start a new tradition by “borrowing” this same song for your first dance. Let’s suppose your parents danced to Lionel Richie and Diana Ross’s classic duet “Endless Love.” You could repurpose this song for a joint dance with your parents.
I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)
Have you ever been responsible for a holiday menu or turned to a loved one for a time-honored, treasured recipe for a favorite dish? Why not do the same for your wedding? Maybe a relative or a friend makes a mean fruit pie or poutine gravy that’s to die for. You can “borrow” these recipes and incorporate them into your wedding-day eats. If you’re working with a caterer, perhaps you don’t have to use the exact recipe but you achieve the same symbolic gesture by including a dish of significance on the menu. You’re not limited to food, by the way. Think of a favorite cocktail from a restaurant or bar you love, like the Canadian classic, the Caesar cocktail. Borrow it for your celebration.
Ideas With Words
If you and your future spouse are writing your own words, you can incorporate words from the vows of dear family and friends for your own. If this sounds like a good plan, be sure to do it with the blessing of the persons whose special moment is inspiring yours. While your wedding vows should come from the heart, sometimes you find a poet, author, or songwriter has perfectly captured your feelings in a work. Why reinvent the wheel when you’ve got a luxury “Cadillac” that gets you where you want to go?
(Baby, You Can) Drive My Car
Driving off from your wedding reception in a car is often the perfect coda for your celebration. Ordinarily, you could drive your own vehicle or hire a driver with a luxury ride for this sendoff. Have you considered borrowing an automobile from someone in your village? Perhaps you know someone who has a vintage auto or something fancy and is willing to contribute to your nuptials in this way.
Diamonds and Pearls As an Ideas
It’s fairly common to incorporate jewelry and family heirlooms as borrowed items for your big day, especially rings, veils, and dresses. Consider these other ways of implementing these meaningful objects:
Jewelry: Instead of wearing a ring or brooch, make it a part of a bouquet for a bride or other members of the wedding party.
Décor: Use items of significance to loved ones in your table settings or other decorations.
Invitations: Use photos or pictures of others’ belongings in your invitations, printed or digital.
Take extra-special care when using others’ possessions that are extremely valuable or otherwise difficult to repair or replace.
Borrowing ideas, items, and concepts from your nearest and dearest helps make your nuptials more special. This is one of the reasons this tradition inspired by old folklore has endured across generations and cultures. Temporary gifts contrast with the long-term love offered by a spouse, family, and friends.
With a new year comes new trends and ways of doing things, and weddings for engaged Canadians are no exception. Whether you’re in the earliest stage of your engagement or you’re planning to tie the knot soon, it’s important to know what’s happening with marriage events for 2022. Even if you’re just someone who loves all things nuptials, here are some things to know for the new year.
Choosing the Dress
An elegant white gown is a classic symbol for tying the knot. Look for more brides opting to move away from the traditional white dress to other colors such as cream, ivory, silver, champagne and rose. These color choices often extend to themes for the event, such as the attire for the rest of the wedding party, including groomsmen. Other trends include outfits that are more detailed and not limited to the classic wedding gown silhouette. Cocktail dresses, jump suits and mixed pieces are increasingly popular alternatives to the typical gown.
Celebrating Alfresco
During a global pandemic, social distancing mandates have impacted the ability to hold public gatherings. One workaround that you’ll see more couples moving toward is holding events outdoors, especially during the spring, summer and early fall. Look for more outdoor venue alternatives, not only for the wedding itself but for other related events such as bridal showers, engagement parties and rehearsal dinners. Outdoor spaces make it easier for guests to spread out and comply with social distancing requirements. Often nature provides the best backdrop for the special day.
Having Multiple Celebrations
Some partners will opt to move away from the big wedding with many invitees by throwing multiple smaller events with different guests. We’ll see engaged couples stay compliant with pandemic guidelines by having a small ceremony with their nearest and dearest. On other dates, they may have more informal get-togethers to celebrate with friends and family who weren’t at the ceremony. Breaking up the celebration into multiple, more low-key events is not only safer but may also result in significant cost savings.
Throwing Hybrid Ceremonies
Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, WebEx and other applications have helped facilitate virtual meetings for many people since the start of the pandemic. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram make it easier than ever for users to go live and share an event with distanced guests. Look for more couples to have hybrid ceremonies that have both an in-person component that observes social distancing guidelines and a virtual or online element for remote participants. Online guests may also get access to specially curated content such as photos, videos and digital party favors.
Celebrations Trends With Wining and Dining
Another trend in nuptials celebrations that will continue is creative menus. More celebrants are moving away from a traditional reception dinner featuring sparkling wine for toasting and wedding cake. Given outdoor and destination venues, a couple might opt for tasting menus composed of small plates with various types of cuisine that are appropriate for certain dietary restrictions. Instead of paying thousands of dollars for a large, multi-tiered cake, some couples will opt for smaller, more individualized servings of desserts. From cakes to pastries and even frozen novelty treats that can be customized and personalized, this trend will continue to evolve in 2022. On the beverage side, some couples will opt for local brews over champagne as the party drink(s) of choice.
Despite the uncertainties of the new year, there are things still in the air besides a novel virus, including love. Canadians will continue to find new ways to solemnize their unions with different types of marriage celebrations. From wedding fashion to ceremonies to food and drink, it’s important to take note of emerging and continuing trends in the new year to personalize this major life milestone, especially in a changing world.
From taking off work to driving considerable distances, guests must often put in a lot of effort to attend a wedding. This is why many couples offer wedding favors as a gesture of appreciation. Though not a requirement, giving out favors can add another personal touch to your big day and provide your guests with something extra to feel excited about. Find inspiration for your own favors by looking over these approaches and discover the right fit for your event.
The Keepsake Approach favors
You and your partner are not the only ones who will want to look back and remember your big day. The people who come to celebrate your union may also want to cherish the moment for as long as they can. One way to encourage this is by creating favors that act as keepsakes. A small token of affection with pertinent details like your names, the date of the wedding, or a romantic phrase can be a perfect choice.
Keepsake favors are some of the most popular choices for couples because there are endless ways to go about creating unique mementos. Whether you use coasters, wine glasses, magnets, or an item that holds personal significance to you, this approach gives you the chance to get creative and deliver a favor guests will hold onto for years to come.
The Snack Attack
There is no shortage of food at most weddings. Still, you may want to give your guests an additional treat as the event comes to a close. This is your chance to showcase your personality by providing whatever snack you love to eat when you’re hanging around at home, whether it be something sweet, salty, or savory. What’s more, you can use this as an opportunity to highlight a local business or a close friend who likes to cook or bake.
The snack you offer as a favor does not need to be eaten immediately, either. If you’re hosting your event in the winter, for example, you can give out glass jars filled with cocoa powder and marshmallows. This allows your guests the chance to make some hot chocolate for themselves when they feel like sipping on something sweet on a cold night.
The Personalized Method Favors
If you have some additional money in your budget, you have the chance to go the extra mile with your favors by creating personalized items for each guest. One option worth exploring is hiring an artist to paint small portraits of the attendees in advance, then place each picture on a table in the reception venue. This creates a stunning decoration that showcases your family and friends in a colorful way and gives them something fun to take and display at home.
Customizing small items with the names or initials of your guests can also prove worthwhile. Monogrammed handkerchiefs or notebooks with engraved nameplates might cost a bit more, but the gesture can show your guests how much their presence means to you.
The Practical Angle
Giving out favors can also be a practical decision. If you think your guests will cut loose and spend the night drinking and dancing, consider offering a “recovery kit” as a gift. Include essential items like a bottle of water, packet of ibuprofen, and anything else that might help beat a possible hangover. Other practical gifts can include a travel sewing kit, small bottles of shampoo or body wash to use in the hotel rooms, or gift cards to a nearby coffee shop for a morning energy boost.
Giving out favors to guests might not be the most pressing aspect of your big day, but it can prove to be one of the most rewarding. Think about what your loved ones will appreciate most, and come up with small gifts that highlight how much they matter to you.
So you’ve gone and done it. You were a really great friend to someone and performed your duties as a bridesmaid exceptionally. This included buying a dress of questionable fashion that you would’ve never gotten on your own. Now the thrill is gone and there’s no way that piece of clothing is staying in your closet. Whether you’re a sustainability-minded person or not, you don’t just want to throw the outfit away. Consider these ideas for repurposing an old bridesmaid dress.
Sell It
You probably paid for the dress, so why not get some of your money back? Websites such as eBay, ThredUp, and others allow you to advertise clothes for resale. If your dress is in good condition and from a label that’s in high demand, you may be surprised what you can fetch for it. Different websites will require different levels of effort when it comes to creating the listing. Take a flattering photo of your dress or a selfie, post it online, and see what happens. You may be saving another bridesmaid some cash.
Donate It
One person’s trash can become another person’s treasure. Donating the dress to a local charity or resale shop is easy enough, but consider that your threads may be the basis for a fabulous outfit for a prom or other event like a sweet sixteen party or quinceañera. Organizations such as Toronto-based The Corsage Project provide prom dresses and makeovers to high school students who can’t afford to go. Your donation could help someone else’s day more special.
Maybe your outfit has a unique appearance that doesn’t lend itself to a second life as formalwear. Theater companies and performance troupes often need gently used clothes. Consider donating to an organization such as Calgary Young Peoples Theatre or the drama club at a local school or college. Someone somewhere can make great use of that outfit.
Repurpose It
Another option is to reuse or repurpose your dress as a Halloween costume. You could go as a bridesmaid or take inspiration from film, television, or literature. Instead of the Bride of Frankenstein, you could be the “Bridesmaid of Frankenstein.” Get creative with accessories, hair, and makeup, and have fun. You already have the main part of your costume, saving you some money in the process. If you don’t think you’ll get enough mileage out of a Halloween outfit, consider making cushion covers out of the fabric.
Alter It
If you’re more practical and creative, consider making alterations so that the dress can be a regular part of your wardrobe. The classic Disney animated film “Cinderella” featured a ballgown made from cast-off garments and accessories. Shows like “Project Runway” and “Making the Cut” sometimes feature aspiring designers making new garments out of old ones. Scratch your creative itch and make it happen with some scissors, a needle, and thread. Turn a long dress into something appropriate for a hot date or cocktail event.
Gift It
Married couples will often hold onto items from their wedding day as keepsakes. Items such as wedding programs, party favors, and even pieces of wedding cake are common mementos. Consider giving your dress back to the bride as a keepsake. You can gift it in its original form or send it back reborn as a quilt or cushion. Make things all the more special by sending it as an anniversary present.
When you were a bridesmaid, you stepped up and committed to wearing something that wasn’t in line with your tastes. You paid for a dress and now you can do something else with it. Consider these creative ideas for giving a one-off outfit new life.
You may have heard of the rise of micro weddings and for good reason since it is a wedding trend which is picking up some popularity. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 upended wedding plans for scores of couples, and the industry has been working to recover ever since. While there is evidence to suggest that the coming year will see a record number of weddings, there is also evidence that indicates a growing shift in wedding expectations.
Weddings are celebrations that are often characterized by their scale, extravagance, and glamour. There’s nothing wrong with this, of course. After all, weddings are joyous occasions that should be memorable. Still, many couples are realizing that memorable experiences are not dictated by scale alone. Enter the growing trend of micro weddings. Couples are finding that these intimate affairs are a great way to christen their love while also remaining efficient in terms of money and planning.
What Are Micro Weddings?
An average wedding guest list in Canada falls between 150 and 200 people. As one can imagine, a guest list that size can come with a pretty hefty price tag. Food, drinks, and venue alone are enough to push a wedding towards tens of thousands of dollars. Not only is this a hefty upfront cost, but it also leaves little room for future investments like a honeymoon or down payment on a house.
On the other hand, a micro wedding is a wedding celebration that features no more than 50 guests. Weddings of this kind offer a number of advantages. The most obvious among these is cost. An average wedding in Canada costs around C$30,000. Conversely, a micro wedding can be had for C$5,000 or significantly less, depending on what the couple has in mind. Additionally, weddings with smaller guest lists ensure that those in attendance are indeed the nearest and dearest to the newlyweds. Couples that opt for smaller gatherings can christen their love while avoiding financial pitfalls and unnecessary stress.
The Impact of COVID-19
The ongoing pandemic is bound to have a lasting impact on the public perception of weddings. The limitations wrought by the past two years have given rise to new possibilities. For example, micro weddings have always been an option. However, many couples never considered them as viable until circumstances forced them to do so. Health restrictions have reduced the size of most public gatherings, and weddings are no exception. Additionally, the pandemic has led many people to avoid public gatherings of their own accord.
For many couples, this posed a dilemma. They could either delay their wedding celebrations for a more opportune time or opt for a simple legal proceeding at a courthouse. In a scenario where neither option was particularly appealing, micro weddings have emerged as an effective middle ground between the two. Now that smaller weddings are being embraced in the wake of COVID-19, they are likely to grow in popularity even as the public health situation improves.
Micro Weddings The Rising Cost of Living
In the US and Canada, the cost of living was on the rise long before the global pandemic took hold. Stagnating wages coupled with the increasing cost of housing have created an environment where weddings of traditional scale are becoming less feasible. Micro weddings are a reflection of a growing trend of practical minimalism among millennials. Whether due to ethics or economic necessity, many millennials are coming to value experiences more than material things. Micro weddings are proof that the time-honored tradition of wedding ceremonies need not be lavish in order to be memorable. Micro weddings are a testament to the enduring strength of unions between lovers. In a world where the aesthetics of a wedding can sometimes overshadow its true meaning, reevaluating scale gives one the opportunity to reflect upon what is truly important.
When a close friend or family member decides to get married, there’s a good chance you may be asked to be in their wedding as a bridesmaid or a groomsman. If it’s a best friend or a close sibling getting hitched, you may be asked to stand next to them as a maid of honor or a best man. In either situation, this is an important responsibility. Members of a bridal or wedding party are expected to contribute time, treasure and talents to the nuptials of a happy couple, and there are some things you should know before committing.
Opting Out Of A Wedding
Before going further, you should understand that being in a wedding party will likely put significant demands on your time and funds, especially as the big day rolls around. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and say yes. However, you should know that you can always say no, and you should do so if you have any doubts about being able to fulfill the role, especially as a maid of honor or best man. If you need time to consider and more details about what is expected of you, it’s best to say something now and not later.
Planning Events
As a bridesmaid or groomsman, you’re expected to be part of a support system for the couple to be wed. This can mean everything from helping to plan events such as a bachelor or bachelorette party to coordinating actual details of the big day. As a part of the bridal party, you’re there to attend to the couple’s needs, which can include helping them stay calm and collected. One classic Canadian event that you may be expected to help organize and plan is a stag and doe party, which serves as a fundraiser to pay for costs associated with the new couple’s life together, including expenses from the ceremony and honeymoon.
Spending Money
Members of a wedding party are often expected to contribute personal funds to help cover various costs. Perhaps the most common expenses arise from wedding fashions. Bridesmaids are often expected to pay for their dresses according to the bride’s preferences. Similarly, groomsmen are usually responsible for renting a tuxedo or purchasing clothes and accessories for the big day. There are a number of expenses that you should take into account if you commit to participating in the ceremony:
Attire, including accessories and shoes
Gifts for the couple at various events
Costs for bachelor/bachelorette events, stag and doe parties, engagement gatherings, bridal showers, etc.
Travel expenses or fees for a destination or remote celebration
You shouldn’t go into debt or experience financial strain from being in the wedding party, so it’s important to ask questions up front before committing.
Helping the Couple Look Their Best
A bride or a groom will look to members of the bridal party to help them get suited and booted for the ceremony. This may include something as simple as helping someone fasten buttons or zippers that are hard to reach or helping tie a bow tie. Get familiar with that YouTube tutorial as soon as possible! Do you know your way around a makeup palette or a set of clippers? The happy couple may have need of special skills that you possess when it comes to putting the finishing touches on their appearance. Again, expectations and requests should be made known well in advance.
Many people consider it an honor to be asked to serve in a wedding, especially as a member of the bridal party. Recognize that you have an important role to fulfill, and if you’re not prepared to make the commitment required, say something right away. The last thing you want to do is leave a loved one hanging and add to the stress of the special day.
As do many other countries, Canada has its fair share of cultural traditions when it comes to various aspects of living. Weddings are no exception in the Great White North. Canadian wedding traditions pull from the country’s English and French roots, resulting in fun, quirky ideas for your nuptials. From pre-ceremony hijinks to the marriage service and reception, let’s explore these traditions that are unique to Canada. You may be inspired to incorporate some of these into your own celebration.
Before the Wedding
When a couple decides to get married, the events often start before the special day. From engagement parties to bridal showers, it’s very common for the festivities to be held well in advance. Check out the following pre-ceremony Canadian customs:
Trousseau Tea: This older tradition is named for a term that refers to either a dowry, a bride’s outfit or a chest used to collect clothing for young single women in anticipation of marriage. The mother of the bride hosts a party or tea for casual acquaintances and friends who might not be otherwise invited to the marriage ceremony. The bride’s trousseau was put on display, while pastries, confections and other sweet treats were served. This very old practice is mostly obsolete but may be a great idea for the couple with a lot of friends.
Pre-Wedding Fundraiser for the Couple: This pre-celebration social is an opportunity for close friends and family to raise money to support an engaged couple. Names for this event vary across Canada, but some common terms include stag and doe, buck and doe, shag or wedding social. Invitations to this party are often extended to friends who might not be invited to the main event. Guests purchase entry tickets and pay small amounts of money to play games. Proceeds are usually donated to the couple to either pay for the wedding, honeymoon or other costs associated with starting life together.
On the Day Of Wedding
Most Canadian ceremonies will feature a processional involving the couple and members of the bridal party, but consider a procession of the couple and others to the wedding venue. A distinctively Quebecois tradition involves the groom and his loved ones meeting the bride at her residence. The couple then proceeds to the venue with the bride’s parents in a motorcade, wherein some cars are decorated for the wedding. On the way to the church, participants will honk their horns and tell passersby about the nuptials. These bystanders will shout good wishes in response. At the end of the parade, everyone enters the church or venue together.
At the “Afterparty”
Another popular French-Canadian custom takes place at the reception. Unmarried siblings of the bride and groom will perform a silly dance to a special song while wearing loud, colorful and sometimes ugly socks. Reception attendees respond by tossing money to be collected and donated to the newly married couple as a collective gift for starting their life together. Would-be dancers are encouraged to be as silly as possible. In parts of Manitoba, dancing trios perform a Ukrainian dance called the “butterfly” at the reception.
In lieu of presents, some receptions request that guests bring money to donate to the newlyweds. A succinct, discreet way of doing this is by stating “presentation only” on the wedding invitation. While long receptions aren’t strictly Canadian, many celebrations extend well into the early morning of the next day, long after the wedded couple has left the building.
Weddings are a great time to incorporate many customs and cultural elements. For engaged partners in Canada, there are old and current traditions that are worth considering for incorporation into the festivities. From pre- to post-wedding events, ponder these Canadian customs for a fun and memorable way to kick off this new phase of life.
Decorations can make all the difference in how a wedding feels. A few of the right pieces can transform a venue from a normal reception hall into whatever atmosphere your heart desires. In recent years, couples have been using signs in clever ways as a method of adding a new dimension to the decorating process. If this sounds intriguing, review these ideas and see how easy it is to incorporate some creative signage into the look of your big day.
The First Impression
The most obvious sign you want to consider is the one that welcomes guests to the event. Whether positioned in the parking lot of the venue or above the doors of the entryway, this sign acts as a way of providing a warm hello to the people you care about. Plus, a large and noteworthy image can also act as a clear indication of where the wedding is going to take place. Usually, the message can be simple and only needs to include your names and maybe the date.
The Table
Signage is also very helpful when it comes to giving your guests a general idea of where they are going when moving around the space. If you’re working with a large group in a spacious venue, a simple task like finding the right table can be complicated. By using table number signs that stand out, you can help the people at your event find their seats without having to go up to each individual table to check.
Seating isn’t the only area to consider when it comes to signs on tables. Putting signals near each bar in the venue, for example, is a way to help guests navigate the room throughout the night without a struggle. The same can be done with buffet tables, the guest book table, and any other features of your event that might need to be highlighted.
The Necessary
Some couples are a bit more adventurous when it comes to where they decide to host their weddings. If you’re planning on getting married in a location that will require guests to walk a bit, then signs are absolutely necessary. There are plenty of places where driving is not an option, like expansive plantations in the United States and historic castles located across the nations of Europe. If you’re marrying in such a spot, then you’ll find it is in your best interests to put up signs everywhere.
Failing to hang signage can lead to some problems. Since you don’t want your guests wandering an empty field all night, be diligent about where you place each sign and how each is lit.
The Helpful Signs
If your wedding is one that will be attended by people who speak more than one language, you may want to add some extra signs into the mix. Having helpful messages in multiple tongues can provide a sense of comfort and understanding to everyone in the room. Guests appreciate being in the loop, but those who don’t speak the same language as the majority often feel left out. Include everyone by making sure you’ve got signs that address each person and every person.
The Final Signs To Add
Finally, be sure to consider any signs that might be needed before the night comes to a close. You might need to guide guests to a hotel when the festivities end or provide some info on the afterparty bar that everyone will be going to. No matter what message needs to be conveyed, having a sign placed in the venue toward the end of the night can ensure no one misses a vital detail.
Though it might not seem like much, a sign can make a huge difference in how an event plays out. Consider what messages matter most and you’ll have no trouble picking out where each sign should go.
Across Canada, stay-at-home orders are ending. New COVID-19 vaccines offer some hope of decreasing infection rates and saving lives. Meanwhile, masking up remains essential for couples hosting their 2022 and 2023 weddings. Some people are turning to clear plastic face shields as cloth mask alternatives. But are they effective? This guide examines these devices and can help you decide on the best safety measures for your event.
The Lowdown on Face Shields
Clear face shields have been around for a while. You may have seen some workers wear them with protective gear. But they became more popular as public health orders included wearing cloth masks. Yet some consumers donned plastic shields instead.
Most face shields feature a plastic polymer sheet attached to a foam-lined headband. Many retailers don’t bill them as cloth mask alternatives. They’re usually called “safety face shields” and claim to offer protection. Yet they don’t specify what they protect against.
Those who choose plastic face shields over cloth masks cite comfort as the major reason. Harvard Health explains that people not used to cloth masks may experience discomfort. Since they’re not accustomed to the cloth, they may feel that it’s hard to breathe. And those wearing eyeglasses with cloth masks may notice their lenses fogging up.
Face Shields Vs. Cloth Masks
By now, you’re wondering if face shields work. Two recent studies shed more light on their effectiveness. Healthline mentions a July 2020 study observing aerosol droplets from face shield wearers. The shields block the droplets’ initial forward motion, but they didn’t stop aerosols from exiting around the sides. When these particles went airborne, they spread throughout the environment.
Journalist Richard Gray mentions a similar experiment in an August 2020 BBC piece. Again, most droplets traveled around face shields’ sides and became airborne. This isn’t surprising, given that these plastic shields don’t completely cover the face. In another Swiss study, several people wearing only face shields tested positive for COVID-19. None of the participants wearing cloth masks tested positive.
Face Shields as Added Protection
To be clear, face shields aren’t completely useless. But you still need to wear a mask. Dr. Joy Henningsen of the University of Alabama’s Birmingham School of Medicine explains how this works. “Face coverings, regular hand washing, physical distancing, and staying home as much as possible are very good tools,” she said. “Add a face shield…and you go from ‘good’ to ‘great.’”
Tips for Better Mask Wearing
The verdict is in: Face shields offer extra protection, but they’re not the first line of defense. Fabric face coverings offer protection that face shields alone do not. The good news is that they don’t reduce oxygen or carbon dioxide levels in your blood. But you may experience mild claustrophobia – your brain tricks you into thinking that you can’t breathe. Some wearers also contend with mild skin irritation from the fabric or straps. Fortunately, some useful advice from Harvard Health may help:
Take slower and deeper breaths while wearing your mask.
Practice wearing your mask. Slowly increase the length of time you have it on.
Keep your mask clean. Wash it frequently to avoid dirt and oil buildup.
Moisturize your skin regularly. Try washing blemish-prone areas with an over-the-counter acne wash.
Select masks that tie behind the head to avoid pressure on your ears.
If your glasses fog up with your mask on, try a tip from American neurosurgeon Daniel Heiferman. Place an adhesive bandage on your mask, over the bridge of your nose, to secure it to your face.
Keeping Your Wedding Guests Healthy
Planning a 2021 wedding involves extra measures to keep your guests healthy. Encourage wearing masks and be sure to provide them at your venue. And while you’re at it, pass along this useful info about face shields. Your guests may thank you.
Plenty of wedding traditions have shifted, changed, or disappeared entirely over the years. Throwing rice, for example, was once considered a staple of a couple’s nuptials. According to historians, rice was thrown at couples who had just tied the knot as a way of encouraging good fortune, best wishes, and luck in the honeymoon bed. However, plenty of problems accompany this ritual. Outside of the mess it can make, uncooked rice is also deadly to most birds because it absorbs all available moisture in their intestines.
Instead of inadvertently killing a flock of local feathered friends on your big day, you may want to find other ways for guests to wish you good luck. Take a look at these popular alternatives and find a much safer fit for friends and family to send you off.
Flower Petals Vs. Rice
Want all of the fun of having something thrown at you without the negative environmental impact? Flower petals make a perfect alternative to rice for many reasons. First, they have a more appealing aesthetic quality. Your wedding pictures will look much more glamorous with colorful petals raining down on you. Second, flower petals are soft and won’t feel like a million little thumbtacks being thrown at your face. Finally, petals are biodegradable. Whatever is thrown will decompose or be used by other creatures quite quickly.
If you’re worried about picking dozens of flowers for this purpose, there are ways to make this entire experience eco-friendly. See if a couple is looking to get rid of floral arrangements from a wedding happening sometime before your own. Have someone remove all the petals and put them into bags to be handed to guests at the ceremony. The petals will create a beautiful scene.
Bubbles vs. Rice
Who says that what is thrown your way needs to fall immediately to the ground? Instead of giving guests ammunition to hurl in your direction, a perfect option to consider instead is handing out bubbles. When guests are blowing little bubbles at you and your partner, it can create a whimsical feeling that requires no additional cleanup. In fact, most of the little soap bubbles will pop before making it too far from the wand, so the entire experience is simple and lacks any of the mess of other choices.
Noisemakers
Though noisemakers are associated heavily with celebrations surrounding New Year’s Eve, you may want to think about using them as an alternative to rice. There is no rule saying you need to give the guests something that needs to be thrown or launched or carried on the wind. Noisemakers like whistles, kazoos, and other toy instruments can create a cacophony of sounds that come together joyfully and chaotically. Obviously, this option is only possible if your event is taking place at a venue without noise restrictions.
Smoke
Finally, there’s a perfect option for couples who like to make dramatic entrances and exits. If you want to use an alternative to rice that will make for captivating, flamboyant images, consider smoke bombs. Colorful plumes of smoke bursting around you as you exit the venue can create a moment that you and your guests will not forget anytime soon. Of course, this may require more strict coordination, as handing smoke bombs to anyone in the crowd could lead to disaster. Plan accordingly and check fire regulations before setting anything in stone.
Wedding rituals change at a pace that can be difficult to follow. If you want to find an alternative to the classic tradition of throwing rice for good luck, there are many perfect choices worth your consideration. Get creative and see what fits the vibe of your wedding best to discover a tradition that makes the most sense.
Engaged Canadians can find ideas or inspiration for their upcoming nuptials nearly anywhere, especially in the Old English folk rhyme “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in your shoe.” This verse originated out of the old superstition that a new bride needed to defend her marriage against bad fortune with blessings of fertility and prosperity. When it comes to your special day, there are many details that require your attention and creativity. Let’s talk about some creative ways to implement “something borrowed” in your wedding day plans.
Thank You for the Music
Music is an important aspect of your big day. From a selection performed at your ceremony to the playlist at your reception, you can merge the joy of music with the concept of borrowing. Did your or your partner’s parents have a special song that they played for the first dance at their wedding? Pay honor and start a new tradition by “borrowing” this same song for your first dance. Let’s suppose your parents danced to Lionel Richie and Diana Ross’s classic duet “Endless Love.” You could repurpose this song for a joint dance with your parents.
I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)
Have you ever been responsible for a holiday menu or turned to a loved one for a time-honored, treasured recipe for a favorite dish? Why not do the same for your wedding? Maybe a relative or a friend makes a mean fruit pie or poutine gravy that’s to die for. You can “borrow” these recipes and incorporate them into your wedding-day eats. If you’re working with a caterer, perhaps you don’t have to use the exact recipe but you achieve the same symbolic gesture by including a dish of significance on the menu. You’re not limited to food, by the way. Think of a favorite cocktail from a restaurant or bar you love, like the Canadian classic, the Caesar cocktail. Borrow it for your celebration.
Ideas With Words
If you and your future spouse are writing your own words, you can incorporate words from the vows of dear family and friends for your own. If this sounds like a good plan, be sure to do it with the blessing of the persons whose special moment is inspiring yours. While your wedding vows should come from the heart, sometimes you find a poet, author, or songwriter has perfectly captured your feelings in a work. Why reinvent the wheel when you’ve got a luxury “Cadillac” that gets you where you want to go?
(Baby, You Can) Drive My Car
Driving off from your wedding reception in a car is often the perfect coda for your celebration. Ordinarily, you could drive your own vehicle or hire a driver with a luxury ride for this sendoff. Have you considered borrowing an automobile from someone in your village? Perhaps you know someone who has a vintage auto or something fancy and is willing to contribute to your nuptials in this way.
Diamonds and Pearls As an Ideas
It’s fairly common to incorporate jewelry and family heirlooms as borrowed items for your big day, especially rings, veils, and dresses. Consider these other ways of implementing these meaningful objects:
Jewelry: Instead of wearing a ring or brooch, make it a part of a bouquet for a bride or other members of the wedding party.
Décor: Use items of significance to loved ones in your table settings or other decorations.
Invitations: Use photos or pictures of others’ belongings in your invitations, printed or digital.
Take extra-special care when using others’ possessions that are extremely valuable or otherwise difficult to repair or replace.
Borrowing ideas, items, and concepts from your nearest and dearest helps make your nuptials more special. This is one of the reasons this tradition inspired by old folklore has endured across generations and cultures. Temporary gifts contrast with the long-term love offered by a spouse, family, and friends.
With a new year comes new trends and ways of doing things, and weddings for engaged Canadians are no exception. Whether you’re in the earliest stage of your engagement or you’re planning to tie the knot soon, it’s important to know what’s happening with marriage events for 2022. Even if you’re just someone who loves all things nuptials, here are some things to know for the new year.
Choosing the Dress
An elegant white gown is a classic symbol for tying the knot. Look for more brides opting to move away from the traditional white dress to other colors such as cream, ivory, silver, champagne and rose. These color choices often extend to themes for the event, such as the attire for the rest of the wedding party, including groomsmen. Other trends include outfits that are more detailed and not limited to the classic wedding gown silhouette. Cocktail dresses, jump suits and mixed pieces are increasingly popular alternatives to the typical gown.
Celebrating Alfresco
During a global pandemic, social distancing mandates have impacted the ability to hold public gatherings. One workaround that you’ll see more couples moving toward is holding events outdoors, especially during the spring, summer and early fall. Look for more outdoor venue alternatives, not only for the wedding itself but for other related events such as bridal showers, engagement parties and rehearsal dinners. Outdoor spaces make it easier for guests to spread out and comply with social distancing requirements. Often nature provides the best backdrop for the special day.
Having Multiple Celebrations
Some partners will opt to move away from the big wedding with many invitees by throwing multiple smaller events with different guests. We’ll see engaged couples stay compliant with pandemic guidelines by having a small ceremony with their nearest and dearest. On other dates, they may have more informal get-togethers to celebrate with friends and family who weren’t at the ceremony. Breaking up the celebration into multiple, more low-key events is not only safer but may also result in significant cost savings.
Throwing Hybrid Ceremonies
Video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, WebEx and other applications have helped facilitate virtual meetings for many people since the start of the pandemic. Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram make it easier than ever for users to go live and share an event with distanced guests. Look for more couples to have hybrid ceremonies that have both an in-person component that observes social distancing guidelines and a virtual or online element for remote participants. Online guests may also get access to specially curated content such as photos, videos and digital party favors.
Celebrations Trends With Wining and Dining
Another trend in nuptials celebrations that will continue is creative menus. More celebrants are moving away from a traditional reception dinner featuring sparkling wine for toasting and wedding cake. Given outdoor and destination venues, a couple might opt for tasting menus composed of small plates with various types of cuisine that are appropriate for certain dietary restrictions. Instead of paying thousands of dollars for a large, multi-tiered cake, some couples will opt for smaller, more individualized servings of desserts. From cakes to pastries and even frozen novelty treats that can be customized and personalized, this trend will continue to evolve in 2022. On the beverage side, some couples will opt for local brews over champagne as the party drink(s) of choice.
Despite the uncertainties of the new year, there are things still in the air besides a novel virus, including love. Canadians will continue to find new ways to solemnize their unions with different types of marriage celebrations. From wedding fashion to ceremonies to food and drink, it’s important to take note of emerging and continuing trends in the new year to personalize this major life milestone, especially in a changing world.
From taking off work to driving considerable distances, guests must often put in a lot of effort to attend a wedding. This is why many couples offer wedding favors as a gesture of appreciation. Though not a requirement, giving out favors can add another personal touch to your big day and provide your guests with something extra to feel excited about. Find inspiration for your own favors by looking over these approaches and discover the right fit for your event.
The Keepsake Approach favors
You and your partner are not the only ones who will want to look back and remember your big day. The people who come to celebrate your union may also want to cherish the moment for as long as they can. One way to encourage this is by creating favors that act as keepsakes. A small token of affection with pertinent details like your names, the date of the wedding, or a romantic phrase can be a perfect choice.
Keepsake favors are some of the most popular choices for couples because there are endless ways to go about creating unique mementos. Whether you use coasters, wine glasses, magnets, or an item that holds personal significance to you, this approach gives you the chance to get creative and deliver a favor guests will hold onto for years to come.
The Snack Attack
There is no shortage of food at most weddings. Still, you may want to give your guests an additional treat as the event comes to a close. This is your chance to showcase your personality by providing whatever snack you love to eat when you’re hanging around at home, whether it be something sweet, salty, or savory. What’s more, you can use this as an opportunity to highlight a local business or a close friend who likes to cook or bake.
The snack you offer as a favor does not need to be eaten immediately, either. If you’re hosting your event in the winter, for example, you can give out glass jars filled with cocoa powder and marshmallows. This allows your guests the chance to make some hot chocolate for themselves when they feel like sipping on something sweet on a cold night.
The Personalized Method Favors
If you have some additional money in your budget, you have the chance to go the extra mile with your favors by creating personalized items for each guest. One option worth exploring is hiring an artist to paint small portraits of the attendees in advance, then place each picture on a table in the reception venue. This creates a stunning decoration that showcases your family and friends in a colorful way and gives them something fun to take and display at home.
Customizing small items with the names or initials of your guests can also prove worthwhile. Monogrammed handkerchiefs or notebooks with engraved nameplates might cost a bit more, but the gesture can show your guests how much their presence means to you.
The Practical Angle
Giving out favors can also be a practical decision. If you think your guests will cut loose and spend the night drinking and dancing, consider offering a “recovery kit” as a gift. Include essential items like a bottle of water, packet of ibuprofen, and anything else that might help beat a possible hangover. Other practical gifts can include a travel sewing kit, small bottles of shampoo or body wash to use in the hotel rooms, or gift cards to a nearby coffee shop for a morning energy boost.
Giving out favors to guests might not be the most pressing aspect of your big day, but it can prove to be one of the most rewarding. Think about what your loved ones will appreciate most, and come up with small gifts that highlight how much they matter to you.
So you’ve gone and done it. You were a really great friend to someone and performed your duties as a bridesmaid exceptionally. This included buying a dress of questionable fashion that you would’ve never gotten on your own. Now the thrill is gone and there’s no way that piece of clothing is staying in your closet. Whether you’re a sustainability-minded person or not, you don’t just want to throw the outfit away. Consider these ideas for repurposing an old bridesmaid dress.
Sell It
You probably paid for the dress, so why not get some of your money back? Websites such as eBay, ThredUp, and others allow you to advertise clothes for resale. If your dress is in good condition and from a label that’s in high demand, you may be surprised what you can fetch for it. Different websites will require different levels of effort when it comes to creating the listing. Take a flattering photo of your dress or a selfie, post it online, and see what happens. You may be saving another bridesmaid some cash.
Donate It
One person’s trash can become another person’s treasure. Donating the dress to a local charity or resale shop is easy enough, but consider that your threads may be the basis for a fabulous outfit for a prom or other event like a sweet sixteen party or quinceañera. Organizations such as Toronto-based The Corsage Project provide prom dresses and makeovers to high school students who can’t afford to go. Your donation could help someone else’s day more special.
Maybe your outfit has a unique appearance that doesn’t lend itself to a second life as formalwear. Theater companies and performance troupes often need gently used clothes. Consider donating to an organization such as Calgary Young Peoples Theatre or the drama club at a local school or college. Someone somewhere can make great use of that outfit.
Repurpose It
Another option is to reuse or repurpose your dress as a Halloween costume. You could go as a bridesmaid or take inspiration from film, television, or literature. Instead of the Bride of Frankenstein, you could be the “Bridesmaid of Frankenstein.” Get creative with accessories, hair, and makeup, and have fun. You already have the main part of your costume, saving you some money in the process. If you don’t think you’ll get enough mileage out of a Halloween outfit, consider making cushion covers out of the fabric.
Alter It
If you’re more practical and creative, consider making alterations so that the dress can be a regular part of your wardrobe. The classic Disney animated film “Cinderella” featured a ballgown made from cast-off garments and accessories. Shows like “Project Runway” and “Making the Cut” sometimes feature aspiring designers making new garments out of old ones. Scratch your creative itch and make it happen with some scissors, a needle, and thread. Turn a long dress into something appropriate for a hot date or cocktail event.
Gift It
Married couples will often hold onto items from their wedding day as keepsakes. Items such as wedding programs, party favors, and even pieces of wedding cake are common mementos. Consider giving your dress back to the bride as a keepsake. You can gift it in its original form or send it back reborn as a quilt or cushion. Make things all the more special by sending it as an anniversary present.
When you were a bridesmaid, you stepped up and committed to wearing something that wasn’t in line with your tastes. You paid for a dress and now you can do something else with it. Consider these creative ideas for giving a one-off outfit new life.
You may have heard of the rise of micro weddings and for good reason since it is a wedding trend which is picking up some popularity. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 upended wedding plans for scores of couples, and the industry has been working to recover ever since. While there is evidence to suggest that the coming year will see a record number of weddings, there is also evidence that indicates a growing shift in wedding expectations.
Weddings are celebrations that are often characterized by their scale, extravagance, and glamour. There’s nothing wrong with this, of course. After all, weddings are joyous occasions that should be memorable. Still, many couples are realizing that memorable experiences are not dictated by scale alone. Enter the growing trend of micro weddings. Couples are finding that these intimate affairs are a great way to christen their love while also remaining efficient in terms of money and planning.
What Are Micro Weddings?
An average wedding guest list in Canada falls between 150 and 200 people. As one can imagine, a guest list that size can come with a pretty hefty price tag. Food, drinks, and venue alone are enough to push a wedding towards tens of thousands of dollars. Not only is this a hefty upfront cost, but it also leaves little room for future investments like a honeymoon or down payment on a house.
On the other hand, a micro wedding is a wedding celebration that features no more than 50 guests. Weddings of this kind offer a number of advantages. The most obvious among these is cost. An average wedding in Canada costs around C$30,000. Conversely, a micro wedding can be had for C$5,000 or significantly less, depending on what the couple has in mind. Additionally, weddings with smaller guest lists ensure that those in attendance are indeed the nearest and dearest to the newlyweds. Couples that opt for smaller gatherings can christen their love while avoiding financial pitfalls and unnecessary stress.
The Impact of COVID-19
The ongoing pandemic is bound to have a lasting impact on the public perception of weddings. The limitations wrought by the past two years have given rise to new possibilities. For example, micro weddings have always been an option. However, many couples never considered them as viable until circumstances forced them to do so. Health restrictions have reduced the size of most public gatherings, and weddings are no exception. Additionally, the pandemic has led many people to avoid public gatherings of their own accord.
For many couples, this posed a dilemma. They could either delay their wedding celebrations for a more opportune time or opt for a simple legal proceeding at a courthouse. In a scenario where neither option was particularly appealing, micro weddings have emerged as an effective middle ground between the two. Now that smaller weddings are being embraced in the wake of COVID-19, they are likely to grow in popularity even as the public health situation improves.
Micro Weddings The Rising Cost of Living
In the US and Canada, the cost of living was on the rise long before the global pandemic took hold. Stagnating wages coupled with the increasing cost of housing have created an environment where weddings of traditional scale are becoming less feasible. Micro weddings are a reflection of a growing trend of practical minimalism among millennials. Whether due to ethics or economic necessity, many millennials are coming to value experiences more than material things. Micro weddings are proof that the time-honored tradition of wedding ceremonies need not be lavish in order to be memorable. Micro weddings are a testament to the enduring strength of unions between lovers. In a world where the aesthetics of a wedding can sometimes overshadow its true meaning, reevaluating scale gives one the opportunity to reflect upon what is truly important.
When a close friend or family member decides to get married, there’s a good chance you may be asked to be in their wedding as a bridesmaid or a groomsman. If it’s a best friend or a close sibling getting hitched, you may be asked to stand next to them as a maid of honor or a best man. In either situation, this is an important responsibility. Members of a bridal or wedding party are expected to contribute time, treasure and talents to the nuptials of a happy couple, and there are some things you should know before committing.
Opting Out Of A Wedding
Before going further, you should understand that being in a wedding party will likely put significant demands on your time and funds, especially as the big day rolls around. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and say yes. However, you should know that you can always say no, and you should do so if you have any doubts about being able to fulfill the role, especially as a maid of honor or best man. If you need time to consider and more details about what is expected of you, it’s best to say something now and not later.
Planning Events
As a bridesmaid or groomsman, you’re expected to be part of a support system for the couple to be wed. This can mean everything from helping to plan events such as a bachelor or bachelorette party to coordinating actual details of the big day. As a part of the bridal party, you’re there to attend to the couple’s needs, which can include helping them stay calm and collected. One classic Canadian event that you may be expected to help organize and plan is a stag and doe party, which serves as a fundraiser to pay for costs associated with the new couple’s life together, including expenses from the ceremony and honeymoon.
Spending Money
Members of a wedding party are often expected to contribute personal funds to help cover various costs. Perhaps the most common expenses arise from wedding fashions. Bridesmaids are often expected to pay for their dresses according to the bride’s preferences. Similarly, groomsmen are usually responsible for renting a tuxedo or purchasing clothes and accessories for the big day. There are a number of expenses that you should take into account if you commit to participating in the ceremony:
Attire, including accessories and shoes
Gifts for the couple at various events
Costs for bachelor/bachelorette events, stag and doe parties, engagement gatherings, bridal showers, etc.
Travel expenses or fees for a destination or remote celebration
You shouldn’t go into debt or experience financial strain from being in the wedding party, so it’s important to ask questions up front before committing.
Helping the Couple Look Their Best
A bride or a groom will look to members of the bridal party to help them get suited and booted for the ceremony. This may include something as simple as helping someone fasten buttons or zippers that are hard to reach or helping tie a bow tie. Get familiar with that YouTube tutorial as soon as possible! Do you know your way around a makeup palette or a set of clippers? The happy couple may have need of special skills that you possess when it comes to putting the finishing touches on their appearance. Again, expectations and requests should be made known well in advance.
Many people consider it an honor to be asked to serve in a wedding, especially as a member of the bridal party. Recognize that you have an important role to fulfill, and if you’re not prepared to make the commitment required, say something right away. The last thing you want to do is leave a loved one hanging and add to the stress of the special day.
