We all know how crucial an Invitation can be, Informing your guests of your wedding is one of the biggest tasks on your plate. While you might feel excited to get this started from the moment you announce your engagement, it is best to make sure you put in proper research before you begin. Invites typically come in what is known as a “suite.” Unlike invites to a birthday party, which require little more than card and envelope, there are a few key elements involved with the suite. Review this breakdown and feel ready to tackle this important wedding task.
The Preliminary Stepof The Invitation
Before you even get to the suite itself, there is a very important preliminary step you must address. The save-the-date cards are the first point of contact you will have with most of your guests. This card provides your friends and family members with the general notice of your wedding and the date you have selected. While you can include other details if you so desire, this early stage is only meant to provide a notice to your guests so they can plan accordingly. This isn’t part of the suite, but it is definitely crucial.
The Main Event
The suite itself is composed of several parts. The centerpiece is the main invitation. This is the item that includes all of the most important details of your event. The verbiage and exact phrasings you select will come down to what you feel comfortable with, but there are some templates online you can use to get started. Be sure to include your full names, the date and time of the event, and the exact address of the venue. You don’t want to crowd the paper, so limit yourself to these key points.
It is important to note that some customs suggest putting in the names of the people who are paying for the event. If your parents are helping to cover the costs of your big day, you would introduce the invitation with language suggesting they are the ones welcoming the guests. This is not as commonplace as it once was, however, and can be left to your own discretion.
The InvitationWith AResponse Card
While informing guests of your big day is important, it is equally as crucial to include the response card. This is a small item included along with the other stationery in the suite. The card is included to allow guests a convenient way of replying to the invitation. Typically, the card is very small and is placed within an envelope that has been addressed and stamped. You don’t need to include postage, but it increases the odds your guests will place the cards right in the mail and you can get a headcount.
The Excess
The final piece of the suite is the “details” card. In reality, this can be a single card or multiple pieces of paper. The point is to include the information that cannot fit on the main card or doesn’t belong elsewhere. For example, if you need to give directions to guests, this is the place to provide that info. The details you can include here will range from the answers to commonplace questions, contact info that might be essential, information related to booking local hotel rooms, and so on.
The Rest
Finally, there are lots of little flourishes you can include in the invitation suite to give it a bit more personality. While you don’t want to over stuff the envelope, couples will include decorative elements that don’t take up much space and help to tie the invites into the overall aesthetic of the event.
An invitation suite is an important part of your big day. Create a list to make sure you hit every point discussed here and tackle this task with ease.
There’s one word that seems to pop up around every corner, from the automobile industry to luxury travel and from housing prices to fast food. Inflation has made an impact across every economic sector in Canada, including in the wedding industry. During the pandemic, many people put their plans for getting married on hold, and as soon as the government eased lockdown restrictions, people rushed to catch up on missed opportunities and plans. For couples wanting to throw the wedding of their dreams, inflation has pushed prices higher than ever before. Here’s how the inflation problem in Canada is inspiring new wedding trends.
Cost of Inflation
At first glance, inflation doesn’t look complicated, but investigating the how and why reveals an important web of factors that created the perfect storm for today’s price increases. Inflation in and of itself is not a bad thing, and it isn’t unnatural. Over time, the costs of goods and services increase, and wages must rise to keep up pace. The issue is that the unique context that the COVID-19 pandemic created gave rise to a level of inflation that should have happened slowly over many years.
During the pandemic, the demand for certain commodities fell while for others, it shot up. Along with this imbalance in the demand for goods and services, supply chains screeched to a halt due to global lockdown restrictions. Since those restrictions weren’t natural but governmentally imposed, as soon as governments changed their minds, supply chains had to race forward to catch up.
There has been a shortage of labor as well, for the same reason. Businesses eventually pass these pain points down to consumers in the form of higher prices. In the post-pandemic economy, Canadians are desperate to regain a sense of normalcy, but to achieve that, they have to decide how much they’re willing to pay for what they want.
Top Wedding Costs for Couples
It’s no secret that weddings are expensive, as there are several high costs that couples have to face when preparing to get married. Inflation has only made this problem worse. The areas that hit couples hard are:
Rentals
Venues
Catering
Flowers
Decorations
Planning services
Airfare and travel
Fuel costs
In past years, the average cost of a wedding hovered around $30,000. With inflation and the cost of labor skyrocketing, that price tag could easily hit $50,000 in the next five years if things don’t change. Canada’s central bank has been hitting back by increasing interest rates, but the trickle-down effect might take a while to reach the wedding industry.
New Solutions and Trends To Limit Cost
The high cost of putting together a wedding is inspiring couples to get creative and embrace new solutions and trends. To start, many couples are deciding against overseas destination weddings. Those who still want a change of scenery are embracing what Canada has to offer and choosing stunning natural backdrops within the country, such as local beaches, mountains, and more.
Another solution for couples is the concept of having a non-traditional wedding. While some people still want to get married in a church, there are so many more options available for people who aren’t worried about maintaining the religious aspect. From walking down the aisle through rows of books at a gorgeous public library to having a reception at a local brewery, engaged couples are really pulling out all the stops to save money. Other cost-saving wedding trends are:
Weekday ceremonies
Potluck reception meals
Upcycled wedding decorations
Semi-formal wedding attire
Wedding vendors are struggling during this busy boom period, but it’s consumers who are hit hardest by inflation. Fortunately, obstacles make people more creative than ever before, which is exactly what is happening for couples planning their wedding events.
A dear friend is preparing to tie the knot and has asked you to be an usher for the wedding. You may or may not have been to past weddings where there were ushers. You might think you know what you’re to do, having attended a church service before. But maybe you still have questions. Do you perform the same duties as a doorperson for a funeral or some other ceremony? What is the expected commitment level? Are you just a second-tier bridesmaid or groomsman? Here are some things to know about being an usher.
Usher Taking It Seriously
First, you should recognize that serving as an usher is serious business. It’s not an afterthought role casually asked of you by the happy couple. Your friend or family member wants to honor your relationship and has asked you to be a formal participant in this momentous occasion. You provide support to the couple and help relieve some of the pressure by performing your role. Acknowledge the privilege of being asked to serve, and let your loved one know if you’re able to participate as soon as possible.
Understanding Your Duties
After you’ve accepted your role as an usher, you’ll need to know what’s expected of you. You should ask your friends or a wedding planner about your duties, other details such as attire, and other obligations for the big day and surrounding events. Typically, these attendants are responsible for the following:
Greeting Guests: You will likely be the first person many wedding attendees see. Your attitude and how you present yourself can set the tone, so be friendly and look sharp.
Escorting Attendees: Ushers are almost always responsible for escorting people to their seats. You’ll need to know if people are supposed to sit on a certain side of the aisle. You may be asked to escort some very important people to reserved seating, like parents or grandparents of the spouses-to-be. Be mindful that some guests move at a slower pace or need extra support in finding their seat.
Passing Out Programs: While some ceremonies have programs available outside for guests to take, you may be responsible for handing these out when people enter the venue. Pay special attention here, as there might only be one program per group instead of per person.
Opening Doors: Sometimes ushers are expected to open and close the doors to the chapel, hall, or sanctuary at various parts of the ceremony, especially for a bride’s processional and recessional.
Depending on the details, you may be asked to seat late arrivals, direct people to an overflow room or assist with parking. For other events such as the rehearsal dinner or reception, there may be additional duties according to the needs or wants of the couple.
Dressing the Part
Attire requirements are typically expected of people who stand beside the couple at the altar, such as a best man or maid of honor. While there may not be formal rules for the ushers, you should find out if the couple has any expectations. Consider coordinating what you wear with the other ushers so that nobody looks conspicuous or draws attention away from the happy couple. If your friends are going with a more casual look, you should probably avoid something too formal or fussy. It’s better to ask questions than make assumptions.
Being invited to witness the union of loved ones is an honor. Being asked to be a part of the ceremony is an even greater honor. Consider it a privilege that you were asked to participate in someone’s special day as an usher. Not only are you a member of the wedding party, but you also play an important part in how guests will perceive the ceremony. Get in there and be the best usher you can be!
A Wedding cake and diet restrictions don’t typically go hand in hand.Of all the symbols commonly associated with marriage ceremonies, the wedding cake is one of the most iconic. Many Canadian couples anticipate a grand multitiered cake, both as a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. Professional bakers and pastry chefs work their magic to transform flour, eggs, and sugar into a delicious dessert. If you’re responsible for preparing a wedding cake or other sweet treats for someone’s nuptials, you may need to create a cake that accounts for food sensitivities, allergens, restrictions, and plant-based lifestyles. Here are some ingredient substitutions you should know about.
Flour Power
Flour is responsible for giving a cake its structure. All-purpose flour and cake flour are usually wheat products and therefore not recommended for those on a gluten-free diet. The easiest swap usually involves gluten-free flours that are 1:1, meaning if a recipe calls for one cup of wheat-based flour, you can use the same volume or weight of gluten-free flour. Other flours can be used, including those made from coconut, almond, and chickpea, but the substitutions aren’t 1:1. Use ¼ cup of coconut flour for every cup of flour. Use ¾ cup of almond flour per cup of flour. Use ¾ cup of chickpea flour for each cup of flour. You may have to make other adjustments to approximate the consistency and texture of wheat flour-based batter.
Stairway to Leaven
Leavening agents cause gas expansion in a dough or batter when exposed to liquid, acid, or heat. Leavening or rising agents such as baking powder, baking soda, egg whites, etc., help a cake rise, resulting in a pleasant, fluffy texture. Baking powder and baking soda are commonly used. You can substitute 1 teaspoon of baking powder with ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar and ¼ teaspoon of baking powder. If you don’t have any cream of tartar, use 1 teaspoon of an acid such as lemon juice or vinegar. If a recipe calls for baking soda, you can use 3 teaspoons (or 1 tablespoon) of baking powder per teaspoon of baking soda.
A Jack of All Trades Diet
Eggs contribute to flavor, structure, texture, color, and volume. Some cake recipes call for adding whites and yolks separately, impacting the final product. Consider these substitutions for each large egg in your cake:
Carbonated water: Use ¼ cup in a recipe that doesn’t require separation.
Water, oil, and baking powder: Combine 2 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Fruit products: Use ¼ cup of applesauce or mashed banana.
Chia or flax seeds: Make a paste of 1 tablespoon of seeds and 3 tablespoons of water.
Aquafaba: This chickpea-based product can be used in place of egg whites.
A Dairy-Free Diet
Dairy is commonly found in cake recipes as either a liquid (milk), a leavening agent (whipped cream), or a fat (butter). For couples and guests who want vegan or plant-based cakes, you don’t need to sacrifice flavor, moistness, or structure with these substitutions:
Non-dairy creamers: These products add moisture and liquid. Flavored varieties can also add to your cake’s flavor profile.
Fruit juices: Natural juices work especially well in recipes calling for baking soda.
Vegetable and other neutral oils: Vegetable, avocado, and coconut oils work as a 1:1 substitute for melted butter.
Applesauce: Use ½ cup for every cup of butter.
As wedding celebrations become more inclusive and health-conscious, some couples may opt for cakes free of animal products or common food allergens, such as gluten. Consider these ingredient alternatives for cakes that are every bit as moist, tender, and delicious as those made from a classic recipe. You don’t need to sacrifice or compromise when it comes to caring about others.
Most of us know the axiom, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” It may sound a little cliché, but nothing’s proven the saying truer than weddings in the COVID-19 age. Couples are incredibly inventive. They’re adapting traditions to make them work for smaller, socially distanced events. The hybrid wedding is one great example – it combines the ceremony and reception and adds livestreaming into the mix. What does this new format include, and how can you make it work for your celebration? Keep reading for a quick guide and tips for a successful hybrid wedding.
Ceremony and Reception Plus Livestream
Wedding Wire Canada’s Diane Hall described the hybrid wedding as one of 2022’s top emerging trends. Most versions include an intimate ceremony and reception with livestream access for other guests. The format gives equal attention to both the in-person and virtual components. Couples pay as much attention to the online guest experience, making it memorable and enjoyable. In-person guests include close family and friends only – usually no more than 10 attendees total. But they can include as many online guests as their budgets and bandwidth allow.
Event planning pro Jeff Stillwell described to Brides a few other benefits of hybrid weddings. Couples desire to include friends and family in their celebrations. That’s why Stillwell foresees hybrid events becoming the norm in the future. They offer the flexibility to include whoever you want. There’s no handwringing over cutting down a guest list, and likely no hurt feelings.
Crafting a Unified Guest Experience
It’s important to make online guests feel included and enriched like in-person attendees. Accomplishing this goal requires minding all the details, from invites to the food. All guests, whether in-person or online, should receive the same type of invite. You can choose either paper invitations or electronic versions. But Stillwell suggests the former so that virtual guests receive something tangible.
Setting a single dress code for everyone creates a sense of unity. If you need a refresher on guest attire, Wedding Wire Canada has an excellent primer. But there are many other things you can do to craft a unified experience. One way is assembling a virtual guest package. You can include anything you like, but you can’t go wrong with a mini wedding cake, a printed program, and some bubbly. Be sure to send it about a week before the big day.
Depending on your budget, you may be able to go a little grander. Most weddings in 2020 and 2021 skew more on the semi-formal or casual side. That gives you plenty of leeway, especially with your food. Want to serve in-person and online guests the same meal? Get a caterer that can do both. And as with a traditional wedding, be sure to account for special dietary needs – allergies, low-salt, and so forth.
Meanwhile, you’ll also want to think about tech logistics. Shop around for livestream services that fit your needs and budget. Remember to test-run your equipment in advance. And choose a photographer to capture both your in-person and virtual attendees.
Time To Think About Time Zones
Planning a hybrid wedding sounds simple, right? The Knot reminds us that time zone differences can cause snags if not accounted for. If you’re saying “I do” in St. John’s but half of your guests are in Vancouver, you’ll need to set a time that accommodates both. Need to sort out time zones? Time and Date can help with that.
Planning Your Hybrid Wedding
Hybrid weddings may be the wave of the future. After all, you get to share your special day with loved ones while keeping them healthy and safe. Integrating online guest participation isn’t difficult, but it requires some thought about logistics. Also, giving yourselves plenty of planning time is vital. When you’re done, you’ll have a memorable, meaningful, and fun event.
The decision to get married and to celebrate is a big step in your love story. Whether you planned the moment out together or there was an element of surprise to “popping the question,” you undoubtedly want to celebrate this milestone in some capacity. Before you get into the thick of planning for your wedding, consider these ideas and find the perfect way to savor the moment.
The Traditional Party
Hosting a gathering of close family and friends is one of the most popular options after getting engaged. Having this party is not only a perfect way to celebrate your coming union, but it also serves as an opportunity to introduce your families to each other in a more intimate way. You may also wish to use your party as a chance to officially announce your engagement to those who matter most. Though it has become commonplace for couples to have this type of event, you can easily forego the party if the idea doesn’t immediately appeal to you.
The Getaway
Planning your wedding will be a task that consumes a lot of your free time. While you still have the chance, go on a small trip to celebrate your engagement. A weekend getaway acts as the perfect way to bond with your partner before you need to dive into the details of seating charts and floral arrangements. Since you’ll likely want to be frugal with your funds at this point, seek out travel deals that work for your budget. You can even consider turning off your phones for the weekend and indulging in a staycation at home.
The Journey to Where It Began
Your engagement is all about the love your share with your partner. To celebrate this in a sentimental way, take a journey to where your story began. Returning to the place where you met can be a lovely way to recall how you felt the first time you encountered each other. If that place is difficult to return to, like a restaurant that closed or a college classroom you don’t have access to, get creative. Instead of going back to the exact spot, pick a place nearby and spend the time chatting about that first magical moment.
The Internet Announcement
Not all couples will have the time to throw a party or go on a trip to celebrate this moment. If you plan on making an announcement on the internet to let people know about your engagement, try turning this task into an activity you can share together. Instead of making a simple post with a picture of the ring, create an album of photos detailing some of your favorite memories from the course of your relationship. This offers an excuse to look through pictures together and reminisce about the long road you’ve traveled to get to this point.
The Shopping Spree
Sometimes, the best way you and your partner can enjoy your engagement is by doing something nice for yourselves. Treat yourself to a purchase or two that you have been putting off. If you already live together, invest in an appliance you’ve been wanting or finally grab a new mattress for your bed. You can even buy something that is focused around your engagement, like a decorative box to store your rings or cardstock to mail out official announcements to the people you love. Splurge a bit and see how treating yourself can heighten your excitement.
While there is no rule stating you need to celebrate your engagement, it can be important to stop and appreciate how far your relationship has come. Find an idea that best reflects your personalities and honor the moment in a way that is meaningful to you.
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.
We all know how crucial an Invitation can be, Informing your guests of your wedding is one of the biggest tasks on your plate. While you might feel excited to get this started from the moment you announce your engagement, it is best to make sure you put in proper research before you begin. Invites typically come in what is known as a “suite.” Unlike invites to a birthday party, which require little more than card and envelope, there are a few key elements involved with the suite. Review this breakdown and feel ready to tackle this important wedding task.
The Preliminary Stepof The Invitation
Before you even get to the suite itself, there is a very important preliminary step you must address. The save-the-date cards are the first point of contact you will have with most of your guests. This card provides your friends and family members with the general notice of your wedding and the date you have selected. While you can include other details if you so desire, this early stage is only meant to provide a notice to your guests so they can plan accordingly. This isn’t part of the suite, but it is definitely crucial.
The Main Event
The suite itself is composed of several parts. The centerpiece is the main invitation. This is the item that includes all of the most important details of your event. The verbiage and exact phrasings you select will come down to what you feel comfortable with, but there are some templates online you can use to get started. Be sure to include your full names, the date and time of the event, and the exact address of the venue. You don’t want to crowd the paper, so limit yourself to these key points.
It is important to note that some customs suggest putting in the names of the people who are paying for the event. If your parents are helping to cover the costs of your big day, you would introduce the invitation with language suggesting they are the ones welcoming the guests. This is not as commonplace as it once was, however, and can be left to your own discretion.
The InvitationWith AResponse Card
While informing guests of your big day is important, it is equally as crucial to include the response card. This is a small item included along with the other stationery in the suite. The card is included to allow guests a convenient way of replying to the invitation. Typically, the card is very small and is placed within an envelope that has been addressed and stamped. You don’t need to include postage, but it increases the odds your guests will place the cards right in the mail and you can get a headcount.
The Excess
The final piece of the suite is the “details” card. In reality, this can be a single card or multiple pieces of paper. The point is to include the information that cannot fit on the main card or doesn’t belong elsewhere. For example, if you need to give directions to guests, this is the place to provide that info. The details you can include here will range from the answers to commonplace questions, contact info that might be essential, information related to booking local hotel rooms, and so on.
The Rest
Finally, there are lots of little flourishes you can include in the invitation suite to give it a bit more personality. While you don’t want to over stuff the envelope, couples will include decorative elements that don’t take up much space and help to tie the invites into the overall aesthetic of the event.
An invitation suite is an important part of your big day. Create a list to make sure you hit every point discussed here and tackle this task with ease.
There’s one word that seems to pop up around every corner, from the automobile industry to luxury travel and from housing prices to fast food. Inflation has made an impact across every economic sector in Canada, including in the wedding industry. During the pandemic, many people put their plans for getting married on hold, and as soon as the government eased lockdown restrictions, people rushed to catch up on missed opportunities and plans. For couples wanting to throw the wedding of their dreams, inflation has pushed prices higher than ever before. Here’s how the inflation problem in Canada is inspiring new wedding trends.
Cost of Inflation
At first glance, inflation doesn’t look complicated, but investigating the how and why reveals an important web of factors that created the perfect storm for today’s price increases. Inflation in and of itself is not a bad thing, and it isn’t unnatural. Over time, the costs of goods and services increase, and wages must rise to keep up pace. The issue is that the unique context that the COVID-19 pandemic created gave rise to a level of inflation that should have happened slowly over many years.
During the pandemic, the demand for certain commodities fell while for others, it shot up. Along with this imbalance in the demand for goods and services, supply chains screeched to a halt due to global lockdown restrictions. Since those restrictions weren’t natural but governmentally imposed, as soon as governments changed their minds, supply chains had to race forward to catch up.
There has been a shortage of labor as well, for the same reason. Businesses eventually pass these pain points down to consumers in the form of higher prices. In the post-pandemic economy, Canadians are desperate to regain a sense of normalcy, but to achieve that, they have to decide how much they’re willing to pay for what they want.
Top Wedding Costs for Couples
It’s no secret that weddings are expensive, as there are several high costs that couples have to face when preparing to get married. Inflation has only made this problem worse. The areas that hit couples hard are:
Rentals
Venues
Catering
Flowers
Decorations
Planning services
Airfare and travel
Fuel costs
In past years, the average cost of a wedding hovered around $30,000. With inflation and the cost of labor skyrocketing, that price tag could easily hit $50,000 in the next five years if things don’t change. Canada’s central bank has been hitting back by increasing interest rates, but the trickle-down effect might take a while to reach the wedding industry.
New Solutions and Trends To Limit Cost
The high cost of putting together a wedding is inspiring couples to get creative and embrace new solutions and trends. To start, many couples are deciding against overseas destination weddings. Those who still want a change of scenery are embracing what Canada has to offer and choosing stunning natural backdrops within the country, such as local beaches, mountains, and more.
Another solution for couples is the concept of having a non-traditional wedding. While some people still want to get married in a church, there are so many more options available for people who aren’t worried about maintaining the religious aspect. From walking down the aisle through rows of books at a gorgeous public library to having a reception at a local brewery, engaged couples are really pulling out all the stops to save money. Other cost-saving wedding trends are:
Weekday ceremonies
Potluck reception meals
Upcycled wedding decorations
Semi-formal wedding attire
Wedding vendors are struggling during this busy boom period, but it’s consumers who are hit hardest by inflation. Fortunately, obstacles make people more creative than ever before, which is exactly what is happening for couples planning their wedding events.
A dear friend is preparing to tie the knot and has asked you to be an usher for the wedding. You may or may not have been to past weddings where there were ushers. You might think you know what you’re to do, having attended a church service before. But maybe you still have questions. Do you perform the same duties as a doorperson for a funeral or some other ceremony? What is the expected commitment level? Are you just a second-tier bridesmaid or groomsman? Here are some things to know about being an usher.
Usher Taking It Seriously
First, you should recognize that serving as an usher is serious business. It’s not an afterthought role casually asked of you by the happy couple. Your friend or family member wants to honor your relationship and has asked you to be a formal participant in this momentous occasion. You provide support to the couple and help relieve some of the pressure by performing your role. Acknowledge the privilege of being asked to serve, and let your loved one know if you’re able to participate as soon as possible.
Understanding Your Duties
After you’ve accepted your role as an usher, you’ll need to know what’s expected of you. You should ask your friends or a wedding planner about your duties, other details such as attire, and other obligations for the big day and surrounding events. Typically, these attendants are responsible for the following:
Greeting Guests: You will likely be the first person many wedding attendees see. Your attitude and how you present yourself can set the tone, so be friendly and look sharp.
Escorting Attendees: Ushers are almost always responsible for escorting people to their seats. You’ll need to know if people are supposed to sit on a certain side of the aisle. You may be asked to escort some very important people to reserved seating, like parents or grandparents of the spouses-to-be. Be mindful that some guests move at a slower pace or need extra support in finding their seat.
Passing Out Programs: While some ceremonies have programs available outside for guests to take, you may be responsible for handing these out when people enter the venue. Pay special attention here, as there might only be one program per group instead of per person.
Opening Doors: Sometimes ushers are expected to open and close the doors to the chapel, hall, or sanctuary at various parts of the ceremony, especially for a bride’s processional and recessional.
Depending on the details, you may be asked to seat late arrivals, direct people to an overflow room or assist with parking. For other events such as the rehearsal dinner or reception, there may be additional duties according to the needs or wants of the couple.
Dressing the Part
Attire requirements are typically expected of people who stand beside the couple at the altar, such as a best man or maid of honor. While there may not be formal rules for the ushers, you should find out if the couple has any expectations. Consider coordinating what you wear with the other ushers so that nobody looks conspicuous or draws attention away from the happy couple. If your friends are going with a more casual look, you should probably avoid something too formal or fussy. It’s better to ask questions than make assumptions.
Being invited to witness the union of loved ones is an honor. Being asked to be a part of the ceremony is an even greater honor. Consider it a privilege that you were asked to participate in someone’s special day as an usher. Not only are you a member of the wedding party, but you also play an important part in how guests will perceive the ceremony. Get in there and be the best usher you can be!
A Wedding cake and diet restrictions don’t typically go hand in hand.Of all the symbols commonly associated with marriage ceremonies, the wedding cake is one of the most iconic. Many Canadian couples anticipate a grand multitiered cake, both as a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. Professional bakers and pastry chefs work their magic to transform flour, eggs, and sugar into a delicious dessert. If you’re responsible for preparing a wedding cake or other sweet treats for someone’s nuptials, you may need to create a cake that accounts for food sensitivities, allergens, restrictions, and plant-based lifestyles. Here are some ingredient substitutions you should know about.
Flour Power
Flour is responsible for giving a cake its structure. All-purpose flour and cake flour are usually wheat products and therefore not recommended for those on a gluten-free diet. The easiest swap usually involves gluten-free flours that are 1:1, meaning if a recipe calls for one cup of wheat-based flour, you can use the same volume or weight of gluten-free flour. Other flours can be used, including those made from coconut, almond, and chickpea, but the substitutions aren’t 1:1. Use ¼ cup of coconut flour for every cup of flour. Use ¾ cup of almond flour per cup of flour. Use ¾ cup of chickpea flour for each cup of flour. You may have to make other adjustments to approximate the consistency and texture of wheat flour-based batter.
Stairway to Leaven
Leavening agents cause gas expansion in a dough or batter when exposed to liquid, acid, or heat. Leavening or rising agents such as baking powder, baking soda, egg whites, etc., help a cake rise, resulting in a pleasant, fluffy texture. Baking powder and baking soda are commonly used. You can substitute 1 teaspoon of baking powder with ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar and ¼ teaspoon of baking powder. If you don’t have any cream of tartar, use 1 teaspoon of an acid such as lemon juice or vinegar. If a recipe calls for baking soda, you can use 3 teaspoons (or 1 tablespoon) of baking powder per teaspoon of baking soda.
A Jack of All Trades Diet
Eggs contribute to flavor, structure, texture, color, and volume. Some cake recipes call for adding whites and yolks separately, impacting the final product. Consider these substitutions for each large egg in your cake:
Carbonated water: Use ¼ cup in a recipe that doesn’t require separation.
Water, oil, and baking powder: Combine 2 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Fruit products: Use ¼ cup of applesauce or mashed banana.
Chia or flax seeds: Make a paste of 1 tablespoon of seeds and 3 tablespoons of water.
Aquafaba: This chickpea-based product can be used in place of egg whites.
A Dairy-Free Diet
Dairy is commonly found in cake recipes as either a liquid (milk), a leavening agent (whipped cream), or a fat (butter). For couples and guests who want vegan or plant-based cakes, you don’t need to sacrifice flavor, moistness, or structure with these substitutions:
Non-dairy creamers: These products add moisture and liquid. Flavored varieties can also add to your cake’s flavor profile.
Fruit juices: Natural juices work especially well in recipes calling for baking soda.
Vegetable and other neutral oils: Vegetable, avocado, and coconut oils work as a 1:1 substitute for melted butter.
Applesauce: Use ½ cup for every cup of butter.
As wedding celebrations become more inclusive and health-conscious, some couples may opt for cakes free of animal products or common food allergens, such as gluten. Consider these ingredient alternatives for cakes that are every bit as moist, tender, and delicious as those made from a classic recipe. You don’t need to sacrifice or compromise when it comes to caring about others.
Most of us know the axiom, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” It may sound a little cliché, but nothing’s proven the saying truer than weddings in the COVID-19 age. Couples are incredibly inventive. They’re adapting traditions to make them work for smaller, socially distanced events. The hybrid wedding is one great example – it combines the ceremony and reception and adds livestreaming into the mix. What does this new format include, and how can you make it work for your celebration? Keep reading for a quick guide and tips for a successful hybrid wedding.
Ceremony and Reception Plus Livestream
Wedding Wire Canada’s Diane Hall described the hybrid wedding as one of 2022’s top emerging trends. Most versions include an intimate ceremony and reception with livestream access for other guests. The format gives equal attention to both the in-person and virtual components. Couples pay as much attention to the online guest experience, making it memorable and enjoyable. In-person guests include close family and friends only – usually no more than 10 attendees total. But they can include as many online guests as their budgets and bandwidth allow.
Event planning pro Jeff Stillwell described to Brides a few other benefits of hybrid weddings. Couples desire to include friends and family in their celebrations. That’s why Stillwell foresees hybrid events becoming the norm in the future. They offer the flexibility to include whoever you want. There’s no handwringing over cutting down a guest list, and likely no hurt feelings.
Crafting a Unified Guest Experience
It’s important to make online guests feel included and enriched like in-person attendees. Accomplishing this goal requires minding all the details, from invites to the food. All guests, whether in-person or online, should receive the same type of invite. You can choose either paper invitations or electronic versions. But Stillwell suggests the former so that virtual guests receive something tangible.
Setting a single dress code for everyone creates a sense of unity. If you need a refresher on guest attire, Wedding Wire Canada has an excellent primer. But there are many other things you can do to craft a unified experience. One way is assembling a virtual guest package. You can include anything you like, but you can’t go wrong with a mini wedding cake, a printed program, and some bubbly. Be sure to send it about a week before the big day.
Depending on your budget, you may be able to go a little grander. Most weddings in 2020 and 2021 skew more on the semi-formal or casual side. That gives you plenty of leeway, especially with your food. Want to serve in-person and online guests the same meal? Get a caterer that can do both. And as with a traditional wedding, be sure to account for special dietary needs – allergies, low-salt, and so forth.
Meanwhile, you’ll also want to think about tech logistics. Shop around for livestream services that fit your needs and budget. Remember to test-run your equipment in advance. And choose a photographer to capture both your in-person and virtual attendees.
Time To Think About Time Zones
Planning a hybrid wedding sounds simple, right? The Knot reminds us that time zone differences can cause snags if not accounted for. If you’re saying “I do” in St. John’s but half of your guests are in Vancouver, you’ll need to set a time that accommodates both. Need to sort out time zones? Time and Date can help with that.
Planning Your Hybrid Wedding
Hybrid weddings may be the wave of the future. After all, you get to share your special day with loved ones while keeping them healthy and safe. Integrating online guest participation isn’t difficult, but it requires some thought about logistics. Also, giving yourselves plenty of planning time is vital. When you’re done, you’ll have a memorable, meaningful, and fun event.
The decision to get married and to celebrate is a big step in your love story. Whether you planned the moment out together or there was an element of surprise to “popping the question,” you undoubtedly want to celebrate this milestone in some capacity. Before you get into the thick of planning for your wedding, consider these ideas and find the perfect way to savor the moment.
The Traditional Party
Hosting a gathering of close family and friends is one of the most popular options after getting engaged. Having this party is not only a perfect way to celebrate your coming union, but it also serves as an opportunity to introduce your families to each other in a more intimate way. You may also wish to use your party as a chance to officially announce your engagement to those who matter most. Though it has become commonplace for couples to have this type of event, you can easily forego the party if the idea doesn’t immediately appeal to you.
The Getaway
Planning your wedding will be a task that consumes a lot of your free time. While you still have the chance, go on a small trip to celebrate your engagement. A weekend getaway acts as the perfect way to bond with your partner before you need to dive into the details of seating charts and floral arrangements. Since you’ll likely want to be frugal with your funds at this point, seek out travel deals that work for your budget. You can even consider turning off your phones for the weekend and indulging in a staycation at home.
The Journey to Where It Began
Your engagement is all about the love your share with your partner. To celebrate this in a sentimental way, take a journey to where your story began. Returning to the place where you met can be a lovely way to recall how you felt the first time you encountered each other. If that place is difficult to return to, like a restaurant that closed or a college classroom you don’t have access to, get creative. Instead of going back to the exact spot, pick a place nearby and spend the time chatting about that first magical moment.
The Internet Announcement
Not all couples will have the time to throw a party or go on a trip to celebrate this moment. If you plan on making an announcement on the internet to let people know about your engagement, try turning this task into an activity you can share together. Instead of making a simple post with a picture of the ring, create an album of photos detailing some of your favorite memories from the course of your relationship. This offers an excuse to look through pictures together and reminisce about the long road you’ve traveled to get to this point.
The Shopping Spree
Sometimes, the best way you and your partner can enjoy your engagement is by doing something nice for yourselves. Treat yourself to a purchase or two that you have been putting off. If you already live together, invest in an appliance you’ve been wanting or finally grab a new mattress for your bed. You can even buy something that is focused around your engagement, like a decorative box to store your rings or cardstock to mail out official announcements to the people you love. Splurge a bit and see how treating yourself can heighten your excitement.
While there is no rule stating you need to celebrate your engagement, it can be important to stop and appreciate how far your relationship has come. Find an idea that best reflects your personalities and honor the moment in a way that is meaningful to you.
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.
