Posts Categorized: Tips + Advice

05/7/14

Wedding Wellness Giveaway #1: lululemon athletica Southgate Centre

lululemon athletica Edmonton_Ocean Run

Planning a wedding can add extra stress to your life, but your well-being shouldn’t take a backseat to checklists and Pinterest boards. Throughout the month of May we are partnering with local health & wellness businesses to give away custom wellness experiences to help you be the best version of yourself during this exciting time!

Starting a new fitness regime or continuing one that already works for you requires the appropriate attire with excellent fit and functionality. One of the leading designers of athletic apparel is Vancouver-based lululemon athletica. lululemon was founded on the premise of gathering feedback from athletes in the community to design high-quality gear that is functional and fashionable.

Natasha Genoud, Assistant Store Manager at lululemon’s Edmonton Southgate Centre location, shares what to look for when searching for the perfect outfit to get your sweat on:

“The Silverescent fabric is a must-have in terms of a lightweight top. Silverescent garments are woven with silver which inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria so you can wear the garment multiple times before having to wash it. The 105F Singlet Silver (below left) or a Swiftly Tech (below right) short sleeve shirt have those properties and are perfect for a high intensity boot camp or interval training class.”

lululemon athletica shirts

For bottoms, Natasha recommends the Luxtreme fabric as it fits like a second skin: “It is compressive, sweat-wicking and has four-way stretch so it moves freely with you when you do squats and lunges. Items like the Inspire Crop II (below left) and Wunder Under Crop (below right) pants are great choices for your fitness wardrobe.”

lululemon athletica crop pants

Enter to win our first Wedding Wellness Experience {May 7-13, 2014}:
Fit session + complimentary outfits for the Bride and Maid of Honour
from lululemon athletica Southgate Centre

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You don’t have to be walking down the aisle in order to participate – bridesmaids, family and friends of brides are all welcome to enter the giveaways! A lucky winner will be chosen at random on May 13, 2014 at 8:00 AM MDT. Good luck!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

05/5/14

Wedding Wellness Giveaways

cocktail dressesPreparing for your wedding day can be stressful! Between dress shopping, menu tastings, finalizing the guest list and mastering wedding etiquette, brides often feel overwhelmed during what should be one of the happiest times of their lives. Exercising, eating right and taking time to unwind often take a backseat to pre-wedding checklists, which can result in weight gain, mood swings and difficulty sleeping.

To help you feel healthy and balanced as you gear up for your big day, Jennifer Bergman Weddings is partnering with a few of our favourite local health and wellness businesses. Every Wednesday for the month of May, local experts will share best practices to keep you motivated, refreshed and on track with your goals. Plus, we’re giving away 4 weeks of custom wellness experiences!

You don’t have to be walking down the aisle in order to participate – bridesmaids, family and friends of brides are all welcome to enter the giveaways! Simply fill out the form at the end of each post and a lucky winner will be chosen at random.

Check back on the blog and follow us on Facebook to find out which experience you could indulge in each week!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

03/31/14

Bridal Fantasy Magazine: Top 10 Big Day Blunders

The latest issue of Bridal Fantasy Magazine features an article we wrote outlining some Edmonton wedding planning tips, titled Top 10 Big Day Blunders. In other words, problems or hiccups experienced by many couples who plan their weddings without professional help. If you are in the midst of planning your wedding, have a read and avoid these common planning pitfalls!

Bridal Fantasy Magazine Edmonton

  1. Not hiring professionals. From photography to flowers and everything in between, if you try to cut costs by hiring hobbyists or inexperienced wedding vendors you may end up with more headaches than you bargained for. Prices tend to reflect quality and experience, so if you think you’re getting a really good, cheap deal — there might be a reason for that!
  2. Guest list regrets. If you really want someone or a group of people at your wedding, then make sure you invite them. The extra cost per head will seem inconsequential after the wedding, and you may end up regretting that they missed your special day.
  3. Being inconsiderate. Be mindful of the demands (time, financial) that your wedding will place on guests and your bridal party. For instance, if many of your guests are travelling from out-of-town it is thoughtful to arrange transportation for them to get to your ceremony and reception locations. Likewise, if your attendants are paying for their attire you may want to cover their hair and makeup costs on the wedding day.
  4. Technical troubles. We’ve all been to a wedding where the slideshow doesn’t work! This creates an awkward pause in your reception program. If you absolutely must have a slideshow, ensure you have the right equipment and cords rented well in advance and that someone is responsible for testing it before the reception.
  5. Not having a contingency plan. Of course your wedding day will be warm and sunny with a gentle breeze…but what if it’s not!? So many couples forget to plan for things going wrong. If you’re having an outdoor wedding, make sure that you have an alternate location in case of inclement weather – especially here in Alberta!
  6. Running out of alcohol. If you’re supplying your own liquor for the bar it’s always better to overbuy and return the unopened leftovers than to run out before the party is over. There are lots of helpful resources online for estimating quantities required. (Note: The same rule applies to candy or sweet tables!)
  7. Reception program runs too long. After approximately 2.5 hours sitting at their dinner tables guests will get antsy, so you want to ensure that your dinner service and speeches are completed within this time period.
  8. Family or friends had to “work.” Paying a little extra for décor setup and teardown services through your decorator, coordinator or venue could save your sanity and be a real gift to your loved ones. They’ll appreciate being able to enjoy the wedding weekend without the added stress of cleaning up after the party.
  9. Forgetting to thank people. You may think you can “wing” your speech, but it can be difficult to think clearly on such an emotionally charged day. Too often couples don’t take the time to prepare their thank-you speech in advance and they miss thanking very important people (in some cases their parents who have footed the entire bill for the day)!
  10. Not enjoying the planning process. Most couples spend 12-15 months planning their wedding day…that’s a lot of time to be stressed out about wedding details! Don’t let the planning consume you. Take breaks, delegate tasks to those who offer, and if you know you just don’t have the time or energy to put into the process, hire a planner or coordinator to take some or all of the planning off your plate.

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

02/18/14

Edmonton Wedding Planning Workshop: February 23, 2014

Over 75% full – don’t miss Plan Your Wedding Edmonton this Sunday, February 23rd, 2014!

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after prom dress

Recently engaged but not sure where to start? Have you been busy planning for a few months and need help figuring out what’s left to do before you say, ‘I do’? 

Don’t miss this fun and informative workshop led by Jennifer Bergman, Lead Planner + Designer of Jennifer Bergman Weddings Inc. Plan Your Wedding Edmonton is perfect for couples who have the time (and desire) to plan their own weddings, but could use a little help along the way.

            Date:          Sunday, February 23rd, 2014
            Time:          10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
            Location:    Matrix Hotel (Amber Ballroom), 10640 100 Avenue

Your ticket includes:

  • Professional wedding planning guidance through a variety of topics:
    • Getting started
    • Navigating the guest list
    • Setting and sticking to your budget
    • Choosing wedding locations / venues
    • Selecting your dream team of wedding professionals
    • Creative ideas to personalize your wedding
    • Managing wedding day logistics
    • Wedding design trends for 2014/2015
    • Etiquette
    • …and more!
  • Planning workbook complete with checklists, budget guides and valuable resources
  • Décor showcase featuring some of the latest trends in wedding design and décor, including gorgeous linens, customized stationery and centrepieces for every budget
  • Personal tour of Matrix Hotel’s event spaces, guest rooms and suites
  • Opportunity to have your wedding planning questions answered (and hear other couples’ questions too!)
  • Delicious lunch and refreshments provided by Matrix Hotel
  • Exclusive offers from Edmonton wedding vendors – valued at over $1,500!
Edmonton Wedding Planning Workshop
Photo Credit: FO Photography

2013 Workshop Testimonials:

“I got a lot out of the workshop – gave me a different outlook on the planning process!”

“Thank you for putting this on – it was a wonderful resource and I will definitely be going over these notes again!”

“This will definitely make my wedding planning less stressful. It helped us make decisions for our venue, décor and style!

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Please note that there are a limited number of tickets available and you must pre-register for this event. Tickets will NOT be available at the door. For more information, please contact us: info@JenniferBergmanWeddings.com / 780.298.8244.

Register Now!

Thank You To Our Event Partners!

Edmonton Wedding Planning Workshop

 

 

01/2/14

Edmonton Wedding Planning Workshop: February 23, 2014

Happy New Year! We have some exciting news to kick-off 2014…our inaugural Plan Your Wedding Edmonton workshop was such a hit last year that we’re bringing it back! Read on for more information and be sure to register before January 23rd for early bird savings!

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Recently engaged but not sure where to start? Have you been busy planning for a few months and need help figuring out what’s left to do before you say, ‘I do’?

Edmonton Wedding Planning Workshop

Don’t miss this fun and informative workshop led by Jennifer Bergman, Lead Planner + Designer of Jennifer Bergman Weddings Inc. Plan Your Wedding Edmonton is perfect for couples who have the time (and desire) to plan their own weddings, but could use a little help along the way.

            Date:          Sunday, February 23rd, 2014
            Time:          10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
            Location:    Matrix Hotel (Amber Ballroom), 10640 100 Avenue

Your ticket includes:

  • Professional wedding planning guidance through a variety of topics:
    • Getting started
    • Navigating the guest list
    • Setting and sticking to your budget
    • Choosing wedding locations / venues
    • Selecting your dream team of wedding professionals
    • Creative ideas to personalize your wedding
    • Managing wedding day logistics
    • Wedding design trends for 2014/2015
    • Etiquette
    • …and more!
  • Planning workbook complete with checklists, budget guides and valuable resources
  • Décor showcase featuring some of the latest trends in wedding design and décor, including gorgeous linens, customized stationery and centrepieces for every budget
  • Personal tour of Matrix Hotel’s event spaces, guest rooms and suites
  • Opportunity to have your wedding planning questions answered (and hear other couples’ questions too!)
  • Delicious lunch and refreshments provided by Matrix Hotel
  • Exclusive offers from Edmonton wedding vendors – valued at over $1,500!
short wedding gown

Photo Credit: FO Photography

2013 Workshop Testimonials:

“I got a lot out of the workshop – gave me a different outlook on the planning process!”

“Thank you for putting this on – it was a wonderful resource and I will definitely be going over these notes again!”

“This will definitely make my wedding planning less stressful. It helped us make decisions for our venue, décor and style!

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Please note that there are a limited number of tickets available and you must pre-register for this event. Tickets will NOT be available at the door. For more information, please contact us: info@JenniferBergmanWeddings.com / 780.298.8244.

Register Now!

Thank You To Our Event Partners!

Edmonton Wedding Planning Workshop

10/11/13

Wedding Song Ideas

Choosing your wedding music can be a daunting task that many couples struggle with. We’ve created a list of both Classic and Contemporary song selections for all those memorable moments throughout your wedding day. Leave a comment with your additions and we’ll keep adding to the list!

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Ceremony

Wedding Ceremony Songs

C.J. Scott Photography; Sharon Litchfield Photography

Classic:

  1. Bridal March (Instrumental) / Jonathan Cain
  2. Because You Loved Me / Celine Dion
  3. Canon in D / Johann Pachelbel
  4. Ava Maria / Schubert
  5. Somewhere Over the Rainbow / Israel Kamikawiwo’ole
  6. Songbird / Fleetwood Mac
  7. Con Te Partro / Andrea Bocelli
  8. Only Time / Enya
  9. When I Fall In Love / Nat King Cole
  10. Fairytale / Enya

 

Contemporary:

  1. A Thousand Years / Christina Perry
  2. Marry Me / Train
  3. Marry You / Bruno Mars
  4. All of Me / John Legend
  5. Everything / Lifehouse
  6. Better Together / Jack Johnson
  7. Till Kingdom Come / Coldplay
  8. Ho Hey / Lumineers
  9. Love Song / Taylor Swift
  10. Make You Feel My Love / Adele & Garth Brooks

 

Grand Entrance Song

Katch Studios

Grand Entrance

Classic:

  1. How Sweet It Is / James Taylor
  2. Eye Of The Tiger / Survivor
  3. Beautiful Day / U2
  4. Finally / Ce Ce Penniston
  5. Love & Marriage / Frank Sinatra
  6. Here Comes The Sun / The Beatles (Glee Cast)
  7. We Got Married in Jackson / Johnny Cash & June Carter
  8. White Wedding / Billy Idol
  9. Let’s Get Married / Jagged Edge
  10. Celebration / Kool & The Gang

 

Contemporary:

  1. Treasure / Bruno Mars
  2. Home / Phillip Phillips
  3. Love Stoned / Justin Timberlake
  4. Just The Way You Are / Bruno Mars
  5. The Other Side / Jason Derulo
  6. Like Home / Nicky Romero & NERVO
  7. Feel So Close / Calvin Harris
  8. I Gotta Feeling / The Black Eyed Peas
  9. Crazy In Love / Beyoncé
  10. Home / Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
  11. Wake Me Up / Avicii

 

Wedding Song Ideas

Carey Nash Photography

First Dance

Classic:

  1. The Way You Look Tonight / Frank Sinatra
  2. Time After Time / Rod Stewart
  3. All for Love / Bryan Adams
  4. At Last / Etta James
  5. When a Man Loves a Woman / Michael Bolton
  6. Amazed / Lonestar
  7. Can’t Help Falling In Love / Elvis Presley
  8. Lost Together / Blue Rodeo
  9. Your Song / Elton John
  10. I’ll Be / Edwin McCain
  11. L.O.V.E. / Nat King Cole

 

Modern:

  1. Angel / Robin Thicke
  2. Forever / Ben Harper
  3. Giving Myself / Jennifer Hudson
  4. Wanted / Hunter Hayes
  5. Everything / Michael Buble
  6. Not Even The King / Alicia Keys
  7. I Won’t Give Up / Jason Mraz
  8. Us Against The World / Coldplay
  9. Bubbly / Colbie Caillat
  10. Dance With Me / Johnny Reid
  11. All Of Me / John Legend
  12. Young & Beautiful / Lana Del Ray

 

Wedding Song Ideas

Sharon Litchfield Photography

Father-Daughter / Mother-Son Dance

Classic:

  1. Butterfly Kisses / Bob Carlisle
  2. Wonderful World / Louis Armstrong
  3. Unforgettable / Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
  4. Forever Young / Rod Stewart
  5. Isn’t She Lovely / Stevie Wonder
  6. Wonderful Tonight / Eric Clapton
  7. Loved Her First / Heartland
  8. Stand by Me / Ben E. King
  9. Moon River / Frank Sinatra
  10. All You Need Is Love / The Beatles

 

Contemporary:

  1. Mama’s Song / Carrie Underwood
  2. Daughter / John Mayer
  3. My Wish / Rascal Flatts
  4. You Raise Me Up / Josh Groban
  5. Something I Need / One Republic
  6. Celebration / Kool & The Gang
  7. Daddy Dance With Me / Krystle Keith
  8. Oh Sweet Child Of Mine / Taken by Trees
  9. My Little Girl / Tim McGraw
  10. Just Wanna Dance With You / George Strait

 

Wedding Song Ideas

Kelly Redinger Photographer

Bouquet/Garter Toss

Classic:

  1. You Sexy Thing / Hot Chocolate
  2. Pour Some Sugar On Me / Def Leppard
  3. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun / Cyndi Lauper
  4. It’s Raining Men / The Weather Girls
  5. I’m Too Sexy / Right Said Fred
  6. Bad Boys / Inner Circle
  7. You Can Leave Your Hat On / Joe Cocker
  8. Baby Got Back / Sir Mix-A-Lot
  9. Another One Bites The Dust / Queen
  10. Ice Ice Baby / Vanilla Ice

 

Contemporary:

  1. Single Ladies /Beyoncé
  2. Only Girl / Rihanna
  3. Sexy Back / Justin Timberlake
  4. Run The World (Girls) / Beyoncé
  5. Little White Church / Little Big Town
  6. Can’t Hold Us / Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
  7. Gangnam Style / PSY
  8. Gold Digger / Kanye West
  9. Boys / Britney Spears
  10. We Can’t Stop / Miley Cyrus

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

 

 

10/6/13

#Your Wedding: Invite Social Media to Your Big Day

Today we welcome a guest blogger – Christine Meadows – to share her thoughts on Hashtagging your wedding! Christine is the Early News Producer at Global Edmonton. Follow Christine on Twitter @CMeadowsGlobal.

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It’s 2013. Let’s face it…phones will be out at your wedding and pictures will be posted almost instantly to the World Wide Web. If you are okay with the idea, it’s time to give your guests and your big day a hashtag!

Instagram, Twitter, and now Facebook use hashtags. It’s the # symbol before a relevant keyword or phrase with no spaces. When a guest goes to post a photo he or she will include the hashtag. It creates a searchable category that essentially tags your photo by whatever catchphrase you used. Just like that a virtual album is born.

How To Successfully #YourWedding:

  • Choose a unique and memorable hashtag:  If your hashtag is too simple or too generic, there is a good chance it will already be used.  For example, #SmithWedding may not be the best choice but #SmithsSayIDo2013 could be unique to your wedding.
  • Search your hashtag: To find out your hashtag is already in use, simply do a search on Instagram.
  • Spread the word: Share your hashtag with your guests in the wedding invitation, on a sign at the wedding or through word-of-mouth.
  • Enlist a few friends to get the ball (and your hashtag) rolling: Guests will be more inclined to post if they see others already doing it!

It was not too long ago that disposable cameras were left on tables for guests to capture photos of the party. This is just an evolution of that trend. The hashtag is also a great perk for those who can’t make it to your wedding. They can follow along and witness the day unfold over social media. You can also screen grab or collect the images later and make a photobook. #YourWedding doesn’t replace a professional photographer – it’s just a bonus from a different viewpoint.

I wish I could have had #ChristineAndSteveGetHitched back in 2009, when I said “I Do”. Many of our guests came armed with cameras snapping photos, getting great angles and frame worthy candids. The majority, we’ve never seen. Nearly four years later those photos are likely sitting lost on a memory card or even worse, in a virtual trash can.

Now, if you tremble at the thought of a snap of you in your dress on Instagram before the ink on your marriage certificate even dries – a hashtag isn’t for you. What you need is a smartphone ban and someone to enforce it.

Happy Hashtagging and Happy Wedding!

Instagram Your Wedding

Photo Credits: LeftTop, Bottom.

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

 

 

01/24/13

Edmonton Wedding Planning Workshop – February 3, 2013

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Plan Your Wedding Edmonton

Recently engaged but not sure where to start? Have you been busy planning for a few months and need help figuring out what’s left to do before you say, ‘I do’?

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Take a break from pinning those peony bouquets and join us for a fun and informative workshop led by Jennifer Bergman, Lead Planner + Designer of Jennifer Bergman Weddings Inc. Plan Your Wedding Edmonton is perfect for couples who have the time (and desire) to plan their own weddings, but could use a little help along the way.

Your ticket to Plan Your Wedding Edmonton includes:

  • Professional wedding planning guidance through a variety of topics:
    • Getting started
    • Navigating the guest list
    • Setting and sticking to your budget
    • Choosing venues
    • Selecting your dream team of wedding professionals
    • Creative ideas to personalize your wedding
    • Managing wedding day logistics
    • Wedding etiquette
    • …and more!
  • Planning workbook complete with checklists, budget guides and valuable resources
  • Décor showcase featuring some of the latest trends in wedding design and décor, including gorgeous linens, customized stationery and centrepieces for every budget
  • Personal tour of Matrix Hotel’s event spaces, guest rooms and suites
  • Opportunity to have your wedding planning questions answered (and hear other brides’ questions too!)
  • Delicious lunch and refreshments provided by Matrix Hotel
  • Gift bag with special offers from Edmonton wedding vendors – valued at over $1,000!

Date:          Sunday, February 3rd, 2013
Time:          10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location:    Matrix Hotel (Amber Ballroom), 10640 100 Avenue
Presenter:  Jennifer Bergman, Lead Planner + Designer at Jennifer Bergman Weddings Inc.

Please note that there are a limited number of tickets available and you must pre-register for this event. Tickets will NOT be available at the door. For additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@JenniferBergmanWeddings.com or 780.298.8244.

Register Now!

Thank You To Our Event Partners!

Matrix Hotel Special Event Rentals Fabloomosity Pinkpolka Wedding Design