Vancouver wedding magazine filled with vintage inspiration for the modern bride | A focus on weddings, marriage advice, DIY projects, home decor, wedding planning and all that comes after.
Over the last eight years, Onyx Bailey of Amoda Weddings, previously Amoda Flowers, has worked with over 800 couples, preparing them for their big day. She understands the challenges that come along with wedding planning, and knows that although romance is a big part of being engaged there’s a lot more to getting married than you can imagine.
“I’ve seen many brides try to figure things out on their own, without professional assistance and it often leads to disappointment,” said Onyx. “There are so many unforseen factors. Weddings are a complex to organise, and hiring a full-time wedding planner is usually more than you need and very expensive.”
So, she came up with the perfect in-between solution to maximise your budget with style, and leave the stress behind – Vancouver’s only DIY Wedding Planning Workshop – WEDDING PLANNING FOR BRIDES.
“I’ve seen many different approaches to wedding planning. What I’ve seen are many brides who waste time and money because they are trying to do everything on their own without any professional guidance and they’re not sure what advice to listen to when talking to friends and family.”
Some of the things that will be covered, among many others, are:
Behind the scenes expert advice on planning a wedding
Wedding day scheduling and understanding the logistics to eliminate problems
30-day count down and what you should be doing with each day
Budget breakdown and strategies, including money-saving DIY projects
Trusted vendor referrals, contract reviews, negotiations and the fine print
Wedding etiquette – doing what feels right and keeping others happy too.
The workshop is going to be held on March 23rd, 2013. Click to register for the workshop at a special discounted rate, available only through this link. Until March 15th, you can buy your ticket for $238 plus a bonus extra ticket for one of your bridesmaids or another friend who is getting married (usually $368 for a single ticket)
a wedding planning work book and reference guide that will keep you on track
an additional 1.5 hour follow-up appointment with the wedding planner after the work shop at your convenience.
Check our facebook page today for a special contest announcement as well!
Here is a little taste of what’s going to be covered in the workshop. Onyx has put together a special guest post today on the top five mistakes brides make, and how to avoid them:
1) Not having someone manage your wedding day (other than you)
This is a huge mistake that I have seen that can really affect the level of enjoyment of this monumental day. With all the planning, preparations and money spent, not having someone to coordinate your wedding day can lead to details being missed or forgotten. You cannot be behind the scenes making sure things are running smoothly and at the same time, be able to receive the attention and fully experience of this beautiful day with your fiancé, family & friends. I highly recommend either hiring a professional coordinator or having a family member or family friend take on this role. Keep in mind that the person in this role will be “working” at your wedding. You will want to make sure that this person will enjoy the responsibility of this important role.
2) Staying in “doing, thinking & organising” mode
Almost all brides will be “doing” some of the preparations themselves. This is fine; however you have to draw the line somewhere. It’s important to get your projects and responsibilities wrapped up as soon as possible. Whatever you take on, I recommend having everything possible done 3 days ahead of your wedding day. And for the things that cannot be done ahead of time, like decorating your venue, it is an absolute MUST that you have it all done the day before your wedding.
I highly recommend booking a massage before getting married. Even if that means you must get up a little earlier. This will create a transition from the role of doing, thinking & organising into the role of receiving all the joy, love and romance that is about to take place.
3) Not getting professional advice
When you try to figure everything out for yourself, you may end up wasting so much time and money it would have been easier and cheaper to hire or at least consult a professional. This is especially true in the areas of wedding day coordination, flowers, vendor selection, creating a realistic budget and scheduling.
4) Skimping on photography
There are a lot of corners that can be cut, but your photos are the images that will stay with you through the years. Your photos will tell the story and capture your precious moments. Make sure you find a photographer whom you are comfortable with. It must also be someone whose style is a good fit with your personal aesthetic. And if you are able to do a couple’s pre-wedding shoot, I would highly recommend it. This can be especially helpful if you are at all camera shy. This will give you an opportunity to feel comfortable with your photographer, which will help you relax in front of the camera.
5) Wanting everything to be perfect & failing to surrender
After countless hours of preparation and planning and all the money spent, with all your ideas & dreams of how every last detail will all be perfect, it’s also so very important to surrender to the day and go with the flow. A wedding is not scripted with actors doing take after take to make sure everything is exactly the way the director (you) planned it to be. It is a real life experience and things may turn out a little different than you had anticipated … and that is totally ok. Take a deep breath and focus on what matters most. This is a pivotal day for you and your partner that you are sharing with all of your loved ones. Go with the flow and know that it’s your enjoyment of the experience that creates true wedding perfection.
A new sparkler on a woman’s left hand is all people need to assume a wedding is in her near future. However, according to Emily Post, an engagement ring isn’t essential for you to be officially engaged.
Many couples choose to put the money toward other purposes, like a new home, or something the couple can enjoy together that symbolises their commitment to each other. Others postpone buying an engagement ring until later in the marriage when they can afford it, and give it on a special occasion, like a romantic anniversary gift. The etiquette of the engagement ring varies between each couple and culture.
Most North American women follow the centuries old European tradition of wearing engagement rings on the finger next to the pinky on the left hand. This comes from the ancient Greeks. According the them, this finger contained the “love vein,” which ran directly to the heart. Since cultural and religious practices vary, there is no correct way to wear an engagement ring, just whatever suits your tradition.
In different parts of the world there are different things used to symbolise an engagement. A ring doesn’t always have to be worn on the finger. Some of the first ever recorded wedding rings originated from ancient Egyptian tribal customs where brides used materials such as grasses and flowers to adorn their wrists and ankles. In the Hindu tradition, women are given toe rings, called bichiya, as engagement rings. In West Bengal, women are given iron bangle bracelets, often plated in silver or gold. In Russia, Catholics wear a trinity ring to symbolise their faith.
In Ireland, the Claddagh is a unique ring that can be used as an engagement ring, a wedding ring, or just as a gesture of friendship. The way in which it is worn – whether it is worn on the right or left hand, and which direction it faces – lets people know whether it is an engagement ring or wedding band. Its design features a pair of clasped hands, a heart and a crown, and represents friendship, love and loyalty.
In the Nordic/Scandinavian tradition, both men and women exchange and wear engagement rings once they decide to get married. These engagement rings generally take the form of simple gold bands which are worn on the right hand until the wedding day. They are later moved over to the left ring finger to symbolise the marriage. The day after the wedding a “morning gift” is given, which is usually a small diamond ring or another piece of jewellery.
Couples from the Hawaiian islands often wear special engraved rings decorated with the spouse’s name. The letters are engraved in elaborate or antique-looking font, and can be darkened or allowed to blend into the metal ring.
Some daring couples even skip the ring completely and get an eternity band tattooed on their ring fingers to symbolise their commitment. Whatever the tradition, if it is a ring, another piece of jewellery or something else, it is always used as an everlasting symbol of a couple’s love and commitment to each other.
Engagement rings can be new or antique, bought from a shop or custom designed. Rings may be passed down in a family, and heirloom stones may be reset in a more contemporary style. Traditionally, the man selects and purchases the ring on his own, but today’s couples often make the decision together.
Gentlemen, when selecting a diamond or precious gem, do your homework before you buy and learn the four C’s of diamonds: clarity, cut, colour and carat.
CLARITY refers to a diamond with few or no blemishes. CARAT is the size. Diamonds come in several colour types and have a grading system for each colour. The CUT is a credit to the craftsman who created the bevels on the stone, its finish and polish of the stone.
Determining how much to spend and what you will be able to get for your money creates a tremendous source of anxiety in many grooms-to-be. A little planning ahead can ease your stress. Most sources say to spend the equivalent of two months’ of salary on an engagement ring, we think you should spend whatever works comfortably with your budget, lifestyle and importance of the ring.
Just think … a fancy flea market with music, hors d’oeuvres and a ton of bridal goodness. Newlyweds, it’s time to clear out your garages and closets full of wedding props, decor and things from your big day that you will never use again. But guess what? Someone else will! Soon-to-be-brides, it’s time to stock up on all those newlywed’s awesome leftovers; everything’s always better the next day!
Date: Sunday April 7th, 2013
Time: 11:00am to 3:00pm
Venue: Roundhouse Community Centre (Yaletown)
Cost: $12 per ticket
If you purchase advance tickets online, you can get early bird access at 10:30am to get in first for best finds and deals. Good deals are hard to come by, and once they’re gone… they’re gone! Advance tickets are limited and sell out each year, so be sure to get yours fast – Dreamgroup Production is expecting 500-800 people!
“It’ll be like shopping on Etsy, but you’ll be able to see and touch the items in person,” said co-producer, Sarah Shore.
At this fun, eco-friendly event, bring cash and a reusable bag. Past brides will be selling their gently used wedding decor and personal DIY decor items to future brides. This includes veils, cake stands, glassware, linens, table runners, stationery items, favour packaging and much more.
Also for sale are sample sale dresses from bridal shops, as well as brides selling their dresses. Dress prices typically range anywhere from $300-$800 which is a bargain considering that some of them retail for $2000.
New this year is the incorporation of Vancouver’s Wedding Craft Artisans who will be selling their wedding related items to the brides attending the show. There will also be lots of local decor companies, and wedding vendors who will have stuff for sale. See the full vendor list here.
“Brides are going to have so many things to experience and buy. It’s so fun to see the brides come in and scour the tables, leaving with their totes and boxes full of bargains and wedding treasures. This has become our contribution to being eco-friendly and the fact that it’s exciting to produce makes it even more rewarding,” said Sarah.
For newlyweds interested in selling and exhibiting at The Original Bridal Swap, table rental costs are $25 for a small table or $50 for a large table, so you can choose what works best for the amount of goodies you have to sell. You can register here for a table.
If you don’t have your own table, but have some pieces you think would sell, you can drop them off at the ‘Odds and Ends’ table to be sold for charity.
Partial proceeds from ticket sales and also the Odds and Ends table sales will be donated to Streetohome, an organisation that DreamGroup Production supports.
Overwhelmed by the thought of planning a large-scale wedding? On a tight budget? Or just simply want your day to be just about the two of you? A vintage elopement is the most romantic and budget-friendly way to go.
All over the world there are so many beautiful chapels, gardens, heritage venues, secluded beaches. Imagine just the two of you in a beautiful vineyard in Tuscany or on a tropical white sand beach, and it not breaking your budget. You could even plan your honeymoon around your elopement!
Imagine the gorgeous lingerie, lines and outfits you could fill your trousseau with instead!
Top Ten Reasons to Elope:
1. It’s a great way to save money to use towards a down payment or something else.
2. One of the ways to avoid family difficulties; this way you dont have to worry about who’s invited and who’s not!
3. To minimise stress of wedding planning.
4. For the simple ease and uncomplication.
5. To get married quickly for legal reasons or international visa purposes.
6. If you dislike attention, elopements are so beautifully private ceremonies!
7. Second marriage for you? You might not feel like you need all the fuss of a big wedding again. In this case, elopement’s the way to go!
8. A small wedding might just be your heart’s desire.
9. Elopements have a very intimate feel and are the essence of what a marriage should be – just about the two of you and your commitment to each other.
10. A great way to avoid the differences and rules of religion or culture.
Who did what now? Well Lindsay and David did pretty much everything, right down to the engaging crossword puzzle they included in their wedding stationery for their wedding guests. Featured in our Winter/Spring 2013 Issue, their handmade details were so plentiful, we couldn’t put them all in the magazine so here they are again, and some! Sweet touches with vibrant yellow punches tugged at our DIY heartstrings! Enjoy …
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