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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’?

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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 $950!
  • Baseline DJ – $200 off wedding package
  • Cake Couture – FREE delivery within city limits ($50 value)
  • Esquire Limousine – $100 off wedding limousine package
  • faBLOOMosity – FREE setup and delivery within city limits ($250 value)
  • Laugh Photo Booth – 15% off photo booth package ($75-165 value)
  • Novelle Bridal Shop – $100 certificate towards accessories with purchase of wedding dress
  • Pinkpolka Wedding Design – FREE seating chart with orders over $500 ($180 value), or FREE seating plus 15 tented menus/table numbers with orders over $1000 ($275 value)
  • Special Event Rentals – 10% off your rental order
  • …and more!

EXTENDED: Buy your tickets by January 20th for special Early Bird Pricing!

Date:          Sunday, February 3^rd, 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!

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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’?

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

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 $350!

Buy your tickets by January 3^rd, 2013 for special Early Bird Pricing!

Date:          Sunday, February 3^rd, 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!

Being the MC at a wedding is a great honour but it can also be a bit scary. Here are some tips to help you prepare for this special role.

Top 10 Wedding MC Tips

1. Prepare well in advance so you aren’t in a panic the week of the wedding. Type your script and read it back to yourself in the mirror to make sure it flows.
2. Know the reception itinerary (speak to the bride and groom or the wedding planner to get this in advance). The best MCs keep things running smoothly and on time.
3. Inform the wedding planner about any special touches or A/V requirements in advance.
4. Arrive at the reception early to do a sound check. Speak clearly into the mic while holding it approximately 15 cm away from your mouth.
5. Keep your comments and stories short and sweet.
6. Keep guests informed throughout the evening. Give them 10-15 minute warnings before important events occur (eg. dinner, speeches, dance, cake cutting).
7. Ensure the caterer / servers are aware when you are beginning speeches so that they don’t disrupt guests by clearing tables.
8. When introducing speakers, mention something personal about them and/or about their relationship to the bride and groom. Learn how to pronounce their names before the wedding.
9. Don’t have too many drinks before and during dinner. Even though you may be nervous, keeping a clear head is important.
10. Avoid embarrassing subjects and information that can’t be taken back. If you’re unsure about a joke or topic always check with the bride and groom, close family members or the wedding planner.

Good luck – you’ll do great!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credit: Sharon Litchfield Photography.

Happy Monday!

Patricia J. Hair Designer is back with one final post to help you with your bridal hairstyle. Whether you’re newly engaged or in the final stages of planning, read on for Patricia’s advice on how to treat your tresses right leading up to the big day.

Months Before…Planning and Getting on Track

• Ask your hairstylist if they do special occasion hair. It is equally important to find out if they are familiar with (and comfortable creating) the style you want. If they aren’t, get them to recommend another stylist.
• Feel like you in your wedding do’! Don’t go overboard! You should be relaxed and your hairstyle should reflect your style as well as your personality (keeping in mind any suggestions your stylist has).
• Be organized and prebook your wedding day appointment so that you can ensure you get the right starting time and enough time with your stylist. It is always better to have more time than to be rushed – stress free zone is best!
• Please book a trial! It is great to see the style you want on yourself. Take pictures from all angles so you can see how the style is falling, and determine whether you would like to make any changes. The trial is also a great way to test for any product sensitivities or allergies.
• It isn’t necessary to buy a veil or hair accessories until you know what hairstyle you want.
• Do not decide on a major corrective colour change unless you and your stylist have talked about it and are both aware of what you’re getting into.
• If length is ideal for your hairstyle, make sure you keep going in for regular trims. Split ends will keep on splitting and result in breakage. Healthy hair is what we want!
• If you plan on getting extensions for the wedding make sure your stylist is involved and that the colour matches. It is important to get the extensions properly cut to blend with your own natural style.
• Get on a good shampoo and rinse if you aren’t already using one, so that your hair is getting the proper moisture/ treatment it needs to be in mint condition. The Kevin.Murphy brand of products are one of my favourite lines and are great for everyday use.

Weeks Before…Time for Touch-Ups

• Your last colour and trim can be scheduled 2-3 weeks before the wedding date. This allows the style to soften up a bit and leaves room for unexpected mishaps.
• A treatment to boost moisture and shine goes along great with the touchups. I recommend the L’oreal Professional PowerDose or Fiberceutic treatment (in-salon treatments). They leave the hair hydrated and feeling great without weighing it down.

Day Before…Relax and Prep

• Depending on the style you want, some hairstylists might suggest to wash your hair the day of your wedding but most will ask you to wash your hair 24 hours prior. Freshly cleaned hair can be too soft and fluffy and is harder to work with.
• I tell all my clients to do what is called a Maxi.Wash by Kevin.Murphy. It is a clarifying shampoo that removes environmental and product buildup off the hair – and it’s colour safe! Maxi.Wash leaves the hair incredibly shiny for your big day.
• The Maxi.Wash is like your primer. Follow it up with your everyday shampoo and rinse.
• Deep conditioning masks should be avoided the day before the wedding as they are usually quite rich and can weigh down the hair. (Save them for a little TLC after the big day!)

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Some great advice! Brides, if you don’t already have a hairstylist for your wedding (or for everyday), be sure to contact Patricia J. Hair Designer!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

The final post in our bridal hairstyle inspiration series with Patricia J. Hair Designer: chic + relaxed weddings. Be sure to check out Patricia’s take on vintage bridal hairstyles and fairy tale bridal hairstyles.

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For the chic and relaxed wedding, simple is best. Top knots and sleek lower buns are classic and comfortable. For a more modern look, textured ponytails or soft undone styles are perfect. Keeping hair accessories to a minimal is key with these looks.

Coming soon – Patricia’s hair care tips leading up to the big day!

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credits: Pepe Botella Dress – Style Luminising Me; High Bun – Total Beauty; Low Bun – Beauty Works; Messy Ponytail 1- Pinterest; Messy Ponytail 2 – Hair Style.

This week we’re getting the low down on locks with Patricia J. Hair Designer. On Monday we looked at vintage bridal hairstyles – today’s post is for the brides who dream of being a princess on their wedding day!

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Fairy tale weddings are all about romance, so when it comes to your bridal hairstyle you want to think soft, flowing and pretty. A low chignon with some hairpins adds a bit of sparkle and is an elegant option for those who want their hair up. Loose curls look stunning on a bride wearing a veil.  A lace Mantilla veil adds extra romance.

 Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credits: Ballgown – Vera Wang Hannah; Low Chignon – My Hair Style; Hair Pins – Chez Bec; Wavy Hair – Trim Club; Mantilla Lace Veil – Lisa Gowing.

Brides-to-be, you’re in for a treat this week. We have expert hair designer Patricia J. lined up to share bridal hairstyle inspiration for three different looks: vintage, fairy tale and chic + relaxed.

Patricia is an all-star stylist at Celebrity Hair Salon in downtown Edmonton. Whether you need a gorgeous style for your wedding, a fresh new cut and colour, or just a trim – give her a call. I know firsthand how amazing this lady is…she’s the only one I trust to look after my locks! Stay tuned to the blog this week for more inspiring wedding hairstyles and accessories.

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With a vintage bridal style, the hair is all about elegance. It’s great to be inspired by those Old Hollywood babes such as Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn, but even with a vintage style you want your hair to look current – not dated.

Wearing your hair down in sexy, glamourous waves is always good. If you want to have fun with the wave, pin it up into a faux bob, or roll up the front for a faux fringe. The classic bouffant is a great option for a full updo. lace veils or vintage combs/pins are key accessories to bring this look together.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credits: Art Deco Dress – YolanCris; Kate Bosworth – InStyle; Dita Von Teese – Zimbio; Comb and Birdcage – Queens & Bowl.   bestweddingveil

City and Dale is a local lifestyle blog devoted to delighting in what’s new, hot and undiscovered in the capital region – from fashion and style to tasty eats and local happenings. We were thrilled when editor Kendall Barber contacted us to be their wedding expert for a new series: The Edmonton Wedding Guide. The guide is chock-full of fabulous local vendors, unique venue ideas, and tips to help you along the way. Follow the links below to view the full posts and be sure to keep City and Dale on your list of regular reads.

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(1) Unique Edmonton Venue Ideas

• If you have a lot of out-of-town guests attending ensure there are hotel options nearby or be prepared to provide transportation for your travelling guests.
• Is having a rockin’ party one of your wedding priorities? If so, don’t forget to ask about noise restrictions and closing time.
• June through September is an extremely busy time for weddings in Canada and especially in Alberta where our warm weather is short-lived. If you are set on a summer date be prepared to begin planning at least 12 months in advance.

(2) Gowns, Baubles & Shoes

• Before trying on wedding dresses, do your hair and makeup as though you are going out for a nice dinner or a night on the town. It’ll give you a better idea of what the gown will look like on your big day.
• Your dress should complement your wedding location, season and style. Share these important details with your bridal consultant so he or she can help guide you towards choices that will work best.
• Break up your shopping trips – visit no more than two boutiques in a day. You don’t want to become overwhelmed or get confused. 

(3) Cakes, Flowers & Stationery

• When it comes to dessert, there’s no need to play it safe! Be bold and have some fun with your wedding cake’s design. This is a great area to incorporate your personalities and shared interests.
• If you’re on a tight budget, instead of cutting back on all flowers focus your floral funds on a few important areas: your bouquet, the head table, and a statement piece at the reception. These items will be in many photos throughout the day.
• Your invitations set the tone for your wedding’s style and level of formality. Ensure the design, typeface and wording reflect just that.

(4) Photographers – Who to Snap Your Big Day

• When choosing your professional wedding photographer make sure you see an entire wedding that they’ve shot. It’s also important that your personalities are compatible – you’ll be spending a lot of time with them on your wedding day!
• Allow enough time for your photos. Most photographers want at least 2 hours (3-4 is even better). Your wedding planner or coordinator will help ensure your wedding day schedule can accommodate this important photo time.
• Have an engagement session with your photographer. This is like a practice session for your wedding and will help you feel more comfortable when the big day arrives.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer