Unmistakable Blog

Tabletop Tips and Tricks

04/01/2012 19:22:00

There are many things to consider when deciding how to set your wedding tables, including table shape and size, linens, centerpieces, and the actual table settings. If you're finding yourself confused, read on for some helpful tips and tricks!

Table Shape and Size

The choice between square, rectangular and round tables is almost completely an aesthetic one. In general, most rental companies' prices are very similar for an 8' rectangular table and a 60" round one, both of which seat about 8 people. The same goes for linens; most 90x156 linens (floor length on an 8' table) and 120" rounds (floor length on a 60" table) are about the same price.

Conversation between your guests may be a little easier at a round table, as the distance across the table is 5', whereas if you choose rectangular tables, guests seated at either end will be 8' away from each other.

It's currently popular to change up the shapes of your tables, which lends a less "matchy matchy" look to your reception. Consider all options when choosing table configurations - you can create long rows of rectangular tables, put two rectangular tables together to create a wider rectangle, or use serpentine or half round tables to create interesting shapes.

Consult the following chart to determine which tables to select. Keep in mind that the maximum number of seats will be quite tight; if you have elaborate place settings or larger guests, avoid seating the highest possible number of guests at each table.

Size	4' rectangular	6' rectangular	8' rectangular
Seats	4-6	6-8	8-10

Size	36" round	48" round	60" round	72" round
Seats	2-4	4-6	8-10	10-12

Size	30" square	36" square	48" square	60" square
Seats	2	2-4	4-6	6-8

If you'd like to play around with table sizes and arrangements, go to Seating Arrangement for free floorplanning software.

Linens

A simple formula will help you to figure out the length of linens you require for your tables. Standard tables are 30" from the floor, and cruiser (bar height) tables are 42" in height. Square and round tables are listed above by diameter or width of the table in inches, and rectangular tables are 30" in width.

To calculate the drop of your linens, take the width of the table top and add the drop you'd like multiplied by two. For instance, if you'd like floor length linens on a 60" round table, use the following calculation:

60+30(2)=120 Therefore, 120" round linens will be floor length on a 60" round table.

Use the following chart to determine the size of linens you want:

Centerpieces

If you choose round or square tables, a single centerpiece in the middle of the table should suffice. However, a 6 or 8' rectangular table may require more than one centerpiece, or perhaps a series of lower centerpieces running the length of the table.

When choosing centerpieces, keep scale in mind. A tiny centerpiece will be dwarfed in the middle of a 72" round table. Try to scale the diameter of the centerpiece to the diameter of the round or square table.

Also, consider the height of the centerpiece so that your guests can converse comfortably. Generally speaking, centerpieces should be lower than 12" or higher than 24".

Table Settings

In most cases, your caterer or the venue staff will set your tables, but it never hurts to have a reference in case you're doing the table set-up, or even just so YOU know which fork to use! Follow the diagram below, remembering that if you're not having a seafood course, you don't need a seafood fork . . . etc.

Tips

Long linens look more elegant, but make it more difficult for guests to comfortably slide their legs under the table
For an outdoor wedding, always use linens that fall short of the ground, or you'll have ants crawling up the linens onto the tabletop!
For outdoor cake or sweet tables, use a short linen, and wrap double-sided tape around the legs of the table to prevent ants from crawling up to the dessert
To add presence to a small centerpiece, place a mirror under the arrangement, or scatter votives around it
If using votives, don't put them directly under the floral centerpiece if it is low - the flowers will scorch
If you want to punch up your linens with an overlay, but can't afford it, look into runners - they're often less expensive
Don't match your linens to the colours of the decor in your venue, but take the reception area's decor into account when choosing linens, and try to choose complimentary colours
Always order extra napkins - the catering/wait staff will use some for service purposes, including bread baskets and service trays
If you want specialty linens, but the cost is prohibitive, consider alternating tables, interspersing less expensive linens with pricier specialty ones
Consider incorporating two or three different centerpieces - this will provide interest in the room, and give your guests more options to look at

Ultimately, your reception should be a reflection of you. There are no rules, except to keep it appropriate, tasteful, and to your liking.

Happy planning!

Summer Sale!

03/27/2012 15:51:00

If you're on the fence about hiring someone to help ensure your wedding goes as smoothly as you've imagined, hop right down off that fence and call Unmistakably You today! We love to be busy, and the best kind of busy for us is making you happy. Our mandate is to ensure that your day is stress-free and enjoyable - after all, you'll only do this once!

Because we have a few dates left this "high" season of May-October 2012, we'd like to offer a 30% discount on Day-Of Coordination services.

Day-Of Services include, but are not limited to:

several meetings prior to the wedding
completion of a detailed checklist to make sure no detail is overlooked
creation of a minute-by-minute timeline to help your day flow smoothly and to give to your DJ, MC and bridal party
assistance with the rehearsal
use of our VERY well-stocked emergency kit
Wedding Day Perfection: you name it, we'll do it - our aim is to fix any potential problem before you even know it happened!
full service all day - start to finish

Just in case you need more convincing, have you thought about who will:

brush the lint off your groom's jacket?
make sure the bridal party isn't chewing gum?
straighten your train/hold the door as you make your "aisle debut"?
tell the caterers that photos ran late, so dinner will be delayed?
seat the extra guests who didn't RSVP?
keep speeches running on time so you can DANCE?

Last but not least, here are some true Unmistakably You stories. I shudder to think what might have happened if we hadn't been there!

1. We once had to re-wire an entire bridesmaid's bouquet that fell apart minutes before the ceremony.

2. A bride and groom who'd planned their own wedding and hired Unmistakably You for day-of coordination forgot to book speakers for their sound system. We pulled some strings and found them some on a Sunday afternoon!

3. At one wedding, prior to the reception, the cake was knocked over by a DJ - we were able to find not only another display cake, but also procured sheet cakes to serve for dessert - and nobody was the wiser!

Give us a call today to ensure that your wedding goes off without a hitch. We'll reduce your stress, prevent and solve problems so you can relax, and make it the best day of your life!

519-852-7479

E-mail

Sharon and George: an autumnal wonderland

03/16/2012 12:13:00

Sharon and George ~ 10.22.11

Sharon contacted Unmistakably You mid-summer, having realized that because she was planning her wedding from out of town, she wanted someone to help tie up the loose ends, and to make sure that her wedding day went smoothly. Genevieve took the lead on Sharon's day, as we had several weddings going on that weekend. The wedding and reception were beautiful thanks to Sharon's attention to detail and organization.

Sharon and George got ready at the Marriott Residence Inn downtown. Sharon and the girls had their hair done at Brunner Moore & Co., then went back to the hotel to dress and do their makeup. Sharon's gorgeous bouquet was made up of mini gerberas, calla lilies, roses and celosia, and the girls carried full bouquets of sunflowers. The bouquets came from FTD at Sobey's, and the boutonnieres were made by Sharon.

The rich fall colour scheme was complimented by the addition of a cobalt blue, featured in the girls' dresses and Sharon's fun shoes.

Prior to leaving for the ceremony, Sharon and George did a first (non) look, which was a very cute idea - the uber-talented Heather from HRM Photography set them up outside so that they could hold hand and speak, but where they couldn't see each other. How adorable!

Sharon and George pledged their lives and love to each other in a traditional Greek ceremony at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. The ceremony was captivating, and the church is unspeakably beautiful, creating a lovely backdrop for a lovely ceremony.

Following the ceremony, the wedding party took their formal photos at Fanshawe Pioneer Village, one of this Planner's favourite locations. The fall colours were a beautiful backdrop for the gorgeous flowers and blue dresses of the bridal party, and Niki and Heather from HRM Photography captured the day in striking photos.

Sharon put a lot of effort into pulling together her fall wine theme, and did a beautiful job with her seasonal decor. The reception took place at the gorgeous and historic London Club, where David and Deborah truly went above and beyond to ensure that the reception was everything Sharon and George hoped for. The delicious cake, made by Whimsical Bakery, was adorned with the fall leaves that also graced the tables and which were twined around the stair balusters. Sharon's creativity shone in the table numbers, which were perched atop vivid blue wine bottles. They displayed photos of she and George at various ages, and were adorable! She also gave the traditional guest book a twist by having guests write special messages on large stones. Following the wine theme, the cardbox was a wine crate, and corks mingled with leaves on the tables. Adding a meaningful touch were memorial candles dedicated to loved ones no longer with the couple.

Sharon and George's wedding day was a lovely reflection of a beautiful couple. We at Unmistakably You wish them nothing but the best as they start their lives together.

Amy's Advice

If someone else will be setting up your decor, ensure that you've provided detailed lists and diagrams of where each element will be placed.
Carry your theme throughout your day with colours, graphics, and objects (like Sharon's wine bottles and corks).
Hire a planner if at all possible. Two of Sharon's vases arrived broken from Ottawa, and Genevieve was able to have them replaced before Sharon even knew there was a problem!

Credits

Day-of Coordination: Unmistakably You

Ceremony: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, London

Reception: The London Club

Photography: HRM Photography

Cakes: Whimsical Bakery

Flowers: FTD Florists at Sobey's London

A Vintage Hollywood Inspired Wedding

01/28/2012 19:51:00

The Vintage theme remains popular for 2012, and here is some quick inspiration for you! Consider a classic colour scheme of red, white and black, add feathers for texture, and hang vintage champagne posters on the walls to carry the theme to every surface. Red roses or white carnations are a classic choice for bouquets and centerpieces, and don't forget LOTS of candlelight for ambiance. Presto - you've got a vintage Hollywood inspired wedding! Happy planning!

Tangerine Tango: a versatile colour for 2012!

01/15/2012 08:42:00

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and were as blessed as I was! To those of you newly engaged, congratulations! If you're a first-time reader, welcome!

As tends to happen at the beginning of the year, there's been much talk in the wedding world lately of trends for 2012. Pantone has announced that the "colour of the year" for 2012 is Tangerine Tango, a juicy, rich and red-based orange that is sure to appear in many a wedding in 2012.

In my next life, I think I'd like to become a florist, so I've compiled some beautiful photos of bouquets that incorporate this fun colour, and given you a series of colour palettes that show how you can incorporate tangerine tango in your wedding, regardless of the theme or feel you're going for. Enjoy!

Elegant

Tangerine, crisp white

Rustic

Tangerine, olive, wheat

Vintage

Tangerine, dusty sage, bone

(consider using brooches rather than flowers for an added vintage feel!)

Modern

Tangerine, teal

Funky

Tangerine, chartreuse

Tangerine, fuchsia

Fall

Tangerine, rust, chocolate brown, mustard

A truly versatile colour, tangerine tango is sure to be popping up everywhere in weddings for 2012! Stay tuned for more trends to watch out for, and happy wedding planning!

My Favourite Non-Floral Bouquets

11/19/2011 10:36:00

In the past couple of years, non-floral bouquets have been gaining popularity among trendy brides. As a Planner, I love the opportunity these funky bouquets provide to incorporate aspects of my couples' personalities. For example:

musicians could include paper flowers made from sheet music
people who sew could make pretty fabric blooms
jewellery makers could hand-bead gorgeous flowers for a blingy bouquet
heirloom brooches and pins can be used to incorporate the couples' heritage
inspired chefs could create bouquets from herbs or berries
crafty guests will appreciate the personal touches and attention to detail of hand-crafted bouquets!

I love all kinds of non-floral bouquets, but following are a few of my favourites:

Blingy Buttons and Brooches

Organic Elements

Fabric and Felt

Inspiration is all over the internet - do a simple google search, and you'll find hundreds of non-floral options. If you're not up to creating your own non-floral bouquet, check out my favourite crafter's paradise, Etsy. Do a search for "non-floral bouquet" - you'll find TONS of Etsy sellers who can help!

Enjoy, and dare to be different!

Becky and Joe: Understated Elegance

11/07/2011 05:37:00

Becky and Joe ~ 07.09.11

I was honoured to be asked to help Becky and her fiance Joe keep things running smoothly on their wedding day. With the help of her mom and sister, Becky had been working hard to make every aspect of her wedding special. She wanted someone there to make sure that each detail was executed according to her vision, and to keep the evening running smoothly. I was happy to help out!

Becky is a classic beauty, and had chosen a beautiful lace dress, to which she added a pop of colour with a navy sash and navy shoes with complimentary bling. The blue and yellow flowers included hydrangea, roses and calla lilies, and were created by Treana of Fellows Fernlea Flowers in St. Thomas. Becky also added a personal touch to her photos, which were taken with a decorative fan brought to her from Spain, where her sister had recently visited.

Joe and his groomsmen spent the morning relaxing before "suiting up" to have some shots taken around St. Thomas. I love the one with the street sign!

Becky and Joe held their ceremony at First United Church in St. Thomas. The ceremony was conducted by Reverend Roger Landell, and was personal and humorous, capturing the personalities of Becky and Joe perfectly.

While guests enjoyed cocktails at the St. Anne's Center, Becky, Joe and the wedding party had their formal portraits done with the very talented Jeff and Ang of Toogood Studios. I always love it when I get a chance to work with Jeff and Ang, because they're fun, creative, and they always think outside the box to capture unique poses in new (and sometimes very non-traditional!) locations. Their work always turns out beautifully, and the following photos are no exception. (How awesome is the one under the railway trestle, top center?):

Every element of the reception bore Becky's thoughtful touch, from the handmade table numbers to the individual cakes for each table (what a GREAT idea - centerpieces AND dessert!) to the coaster favours and the hand glittered votive holders (made by her sister). Guests enjoyed themselves long into the evening, and danced the night away in the flip-flops Becky provided for their comfort.

A big congratulations to Becky and Joe - I wish you a life of happiness and joy!

Amy's Advice

Find ways to make elements of your wedding multi-purpose, as Becky did with her centerpiece cakes. Your budget will thank you!
Personalize your day by choosing DIY projects with a big impact, such as Becky and Joe's stationery and the glittery votive holders on the tables.
Think about ways to make your guests comfortable so that they have a great time celebrating with you.
To keep costs down, use linens provided by your venue, and rent bigger impact pieces, such as the backdrop and chair covers provided by the wonderful Lindsay at Something Borrowed.

Credits

Day-of Coordination: Unmistakably You

Ceremony: First United Church, St. Thomas

Reception: St. Anne's Center, St. Thomas

Photography: Toogood Studios

Cakes: Brandy Erwin (contact me for her phone number)

Flowers: Fellows Fernlea Flowers

Decor: Something Borrowed

Things to Know for your Wedding Rehearsal

10/24/2011 18:02:00

If you are running your own wedding rehearsal, and don't have a coordinator there to help you out, here are a few quick things to take note of so that the rehearsal proceeds smoothly, and your wedding party knows what they're doing:

1. The Ushers/Groomsmen

The groomsmen often do double-duty as ushers, but if you have separate ushers, ask your groomsmen to stay with the groom and keep him calm prior to the ceremony. Give the following list to your ushers/groomsmen prior to the rehearsal:

Upon arrival at the ceremony site, the ushers/groomsmen should rid themselves of any gum and ensure that their suits/tuxes are lint-free, ties are straight, and boutonnieres are pinned to their left lapel.
The usher should offer his right arm to the lady, if she comes in with her husband or boyfriend. The gentleman should walk behind the usher and his wife or girlfriend.
If two ladies come in together, the usher should offer his right arm to the older of the two, and the younger should walk behind.
The lady should enter the pew first, with the man closer to the aisle.
Unless advised otherwise by the bride and groom, the bride's family and friends should be seated on the left side of the church (looking toward the altar), and the groom's side on the right. If either the bride or the groom has substantially more family members than the other, friends of the couple should be seated on the side with fewer family members to even things out.
Ushers often hand out ceremony programs. Advise them to give one program to each couple, and to hand it to the gentleman after both are seated.
The last people to be ushered in should be the mother of the groom (his father follows behind), then the mother of the bride (her father follows if he is not walking his daughter down the aisle). Sometimes the grandparents of the groom and bride are seated just prior to the parents.
Once all of the guests have arrived and the mothers have been seated, the ushers should take a seat in the back row. If the ushers are also groomsmen, they will either proceed to the front of the aisle to stand with the groom, or meet at the back of the aisle (if processing with the bridesmaids).
Following the ceremony, each groomsmen should offer the bridesmaid with whom he is paired his right arm and recess in reverse order to the processional.

2. The Groom and Best Man

Prior to the ceremony, the groom and best man should be in a secluded area of the ceremony site so the guests don't see the groom before the ceremony. It is becoming increasingly common, however, for the groom to greet guests as they enter.
If the best man is to have the bride's ring or both rings, he must ensure he has it/them in his pocket prior to the processional.
The best man should have tissue in his pocket to offer the groom, should it be needed.
The officiant or coordinator will advise the groom when it is time for him to proceed to the front of the ceremony site - typically once the bride arrives and the ceremony is very close to starting.
The groom stands just to the left of the officiant, who is in the middle of the aisle. The groom faces the back of the ceremony site. The best man stands to the groom's left, followed by the groomsmen in the order determined by the bride and groom.
Following the ceremony, the best man should offer his right arm to the maid of honour, and, after an interval (to allow for photos), follow the bride and groom down the aisle.

3. The Bridesmaids

The bridesmaids traditionally accompany the bride to the church minutes before the ceremony is to begin. They should freshen up, then gather at the back of the ceremony location ready to process.
Bouquets should be held about belly-button height - this will make the bridesmaids look taller. If the bouquets are hand-tied, maids should tilt them slightly forward so that the photographs show more blooms than stems.
Maids may either process with the groomsmen, in which case they should be on the groomsman's left arm, or process by themselves, starting with the maid who will be on the far left.
Bridesmaids should walk slowly, smiling for photos, and leaving lots of time between each maid.
Following the ceremony, the bridesmaids should take the offered right arm of the groomsman and recess down the aisle in the reverse order as the processional.

4. The Maid of Honour

The maid of honour should be the last to process of the bridesmaids. If she is to have the groom's ring, she should put it on one of her thumbs and keep her hand closed to prevent dropping the ring.
The maid of honour should also have tissue wrapped around the stem of her bouquet to provide the bride if needed.
Once the bride has processed to the front, the maid of honour should arrange her train (if there is one) so that it photographs nicely.
When the bride and groom are asked to turn to each other and join hands, the maid of honour should take the bride's bouquet and hold it during the vows. Alternately, if she has the groom's ring as well, she could pass her bouquet to the next maid in line, or have the bride's mother hold the bride's bouquet.
During the signing of the register, the maid of honour should put one or both bouquets down on the signing table so that the blooms show in the photographs.
After the signing, the maid of honour should ensure that the bride picks up her bouquet again for the recessional photos.
Following the ceremony, the maid of honour should take the right arm of the best man, and, after an interval (to allow for photos), recess down the aisle.

5. The Ring Bearer and/or Flower Girl

If there is to be a ring bearer, he should process following the maid of honour and before the flower girl. If both are young or nervous, they may process together, or with an adult in the wedding party with whom they are comfortable.
If the ring bearer carries rings on his pillow, it is recommended that they be fake, to prevent potential loss of the real rings.
The flower girl should be the last to process before the bride and her father, as the flowers she throws are meant for the bride to walk on.
Young children shouldn't be expected to stand at the front for the duration of the ceremony, and arrangements should be made for them to join their parents or grandparents, if they are in attendance.

6. The Bride and Groom

If the first time they are to see each other is at the ends of the aisle, the bride and groom should ensure that the photographer has ample time to photograph both of their reactions.
The bride's father, if he walks her down, should offer his left arm to the bride in order that he may shake right hands with the groom when they reach the head of the aisle. However, you may wish to reverse this so that there is no one between the bride and groom when she reaches the front. If the bride's dress is full, she should grasp her father's left hand, rather than linking arms. This allows their hands to act as a "hinge", so that he will not be so close as to step on her dress.
The bride should hold her bouquet at belly-button level, tilted forwards so that the photographer captures more blooms than stems.
If the bride's mother and father walk her down, she should link arms with both and attempt to center her bouquet as much as possible.
Once the bride reaches the front of the aisle, her father and/or mother traditionally "gave her away", with a handshake to the groom and a kiss to their daughter. This tradition is increasingly being forgone, as it is considered to be old fashioned.
Once the bride has reached the front, her parents sit in the front pew on the left, with her father on the outside.
When the bride joins hands with the groom, she should give her bouquet to the maid of honour, and retrieve it after the signing of the register.
If the ceremony is on a beach, deck, or other uneven or porous surface, the bride and groom should, while exchanging rings, hold their opposite hand under the left hand of their spouse to "catch" a ring if it slips.
After the bride and groom are announced, they should recess slowly down the aisle to allow for LOTS of photos!

Following the rehearsal, relax, enjoy your rehearsal dinner, and get lots of sleep!

Of course, this day and age, in a civil ceremony, you are free to arrange your bridal party as you wish, and can alter any rules you want so that your ceremony flows the way you want it to. Don't feel tied to tradition unless you are getting married in a church that requires it!

It should be noted that in Jewish ceremonies, the bride and groom stand on opposite sides, the bride to the right of the groom.

Preventing Wedding Dress Stain Stress

10/16/2011 11:18:00

One of the benefits to hiring a wedding coordinator is that she will come prepared with a very well-stocked emergency kit to deal with any potential issue that could arise. My kit contains everything from extension cords to extra black socks to duct tape – and I’ve used all of it! But the part of my kit that I use at almost every wedding is the stain-removal items. It seems inevitable that someone will accidentally drop a lipstick or have wine spilled on them at some point during the day or evening! If you aren’t lucky enough to have a coordinator for your wedding, consider adding the following items to your emergency kit:

White cotton towels or cloths
White or off-white chalk
Baby Powder, talcum powder or baking soda
Stain Removal Wipes (Tide to Go, Shout Wipes, Dryel)
Wine Out
Denatured rubbing alcohol
Hydrogen peroxide
Cotton Swabs and Q-Tips
Double-sided tape
Needle and thread
Bar of Soap

First and foremost, I like to follow the old adage that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. It’s vitally important for your wedding party to have food in their stomachs during photos and the ceremony – if not, you’ll have fainting bridesmaids and headachy groomsmen! However, if the wedding party will be eating while in their formal wear, provide them with light-coloured, non-drippy foods wherever possible. Cheese and crackers, green grapes and banana bread are great examples. Water to drink might not be much fun, but it’s safer than cola or wine!

If, however, despite your best efforts, a spill happens, the first thing to do is not to panic. Determine whether the stain can be hidden with a sash or shawl (or your flowers), or if it’s in an unnoticeable place. In this case, you may wish to leave the stain untreated, as sometimes the treatment can make it worse. Or, if the stain happens after the ceremony and photos are done, decide whether you MUST try to remove the stain, or if you can leave it to the professionals after the wedding.

For stains that happen prior to the ceremony or photos and can’t be hidden, follow the tips given below. They’re meant to be used on a white bridal gown, but can be used on coloured maid’s dresses too – just don’t use hydrogen peroxide or cover the stain with chalk!

If a stain is wet, first DAB with a dry, white cloth to absorb the excess moisture. NEVER rub; it may damage the fabric. Place another white cloth behind the stain to prevent the liquid from spreading further. If a stain is oily, immediately saturate the area with baby powder, talcum powder or baking soda to absorb the excess oil. If a stain is solid (lipstick or makeup), scrape off the excess prior to treating the remaining stain. Whatever you do, always spot-treat. Use the minimum amount of water or stain remover possible, and avoid completely saturating the dress. Always test the stain remover on a hidden area (such as the underside of the hem) first to ensure that it won’t further damage or discolour the fabric.

Following are some specific stains that you may encounter, and how to deal with each:

Red Wine: If you have the purse-sized Wine Out bottle, spray the stain and blot with a white cloth to absorb the wine. If not, dab gently with a white cloth dampened with club soda or water from the outer edges of the stain to the middle. Use chalk or baby powder to cover any remaining stain.
Oily Food or Grease: Cover the stain with baby powder, talcum or baking soda to absorb oil, leave on for a few minutes, then gently brush away. Wet a Q-Tip with rubbing alcohol or vinegar and dab from the outer edges of the stain to the middle. Cover any remaining stain with chalk or baby powder.
Lipstick or Make Up: Dab at the stain with a stain removal wipe. Use chalk or baby powder to cover any remaining stain.
Blood: Believe it or not, the best thing to remove wet blood is the saliva of the person whose blood it is. Dampen a white cloth with saliva, and dab at the stain gently. If the blood is dry, scrape off as much as possible, and use a Q-Tip moistened with diluted hydrogen peroxide (1:10 peroxide:water) to work out the stain from the edges to the center. Use chalk or baby powder to cover any remaining stain.
Ink: Hairspray actually works very well to remove ink, but may, itself, stain the fabric. Do a test on the hem first, then dampen a cloth with hairspray and dab at the stain. Avoid spraying the hairspray directly on the dress, as the diameter of the spray will likely be far larger than the stain itself, and may make things worse. You could also try rubbing alcohol.
Chewing gum: apply an ice cube to the gum until it hardens, then scrape off the residue.

For any remaining stains, you can try diluted hydrogen peroxide, but be very careful, as it may further bleach or discolour the fabric. Likewise, you can try Wine Out on any non-greasy stain, and may have luck removing the colour from the stain. Also, Dryel may work on any number of stains: take the stain removing liquid from the package, apply it to the front of the stain, and use the absorbent pad on the back of the stain. Vinegar also works wonders; if you have it, dab a little on remaining stains to remove greasy residue or colour.

Once you've removed the stain, you can use a hairdryer to dry the spot on the dress, just make sure to use the warm setting, and hold it back from the fabric so as not to scorch it or melt the trim or embellishments.

Other dress issues

I always carry a sewing kit with me to repair fallen hems and missing hook-and-eyes on dresses, but if you have a rip in your dress or veil and don’t have time to sew (or if sewing would make the rip MORE noticeable), use double or single-sided tape from the underside to hold the tear together. If you have lots of time before the wedding, and have extra beads or appliqués that match your dress, you can always cover a rip or stain with extra embellishments. In the case of sticky zippers, rub the teeth with bar soap or a white candle to lubricate them and allow the zipper to close easily.

No matter the incident that befalls your beloved wedding dress, try to keep things in perspective. You will notice the stain or rip far more than your guests, and these days, a good photographer can disguise a stain with a clever pose or a good photoshop job. Ultimately, the day is about you making a commitment to the love of your life, and that commitment is no less binding if you have a tiny little lipstick stain on your dress. Remember to smile, and your guests will focus on your beaming face, not the “oops” on your dress.

Tanya and Brett: A Wish to Build a Dream On

10/13/2011 10:34:00

Tanya and Brett 07.16.11

Today I'm happy to share with you the beautiful beach wedding of Tanya and Brett, a positively stunning couple who were a ton of fun to work with. I always feel blessed when I connect with a couple, and they become friends rather than clients. Tanya and Brett are so fun and outgoing that it's impossible not to love them both!

I met Tanya and Brett about two years ago. They were looking for someone to help them plan their casual, fun, beach wedding. They wanted to hold both their ceremony and reception on the beach under the stars, but it ultimately proved more practical to have the reception indoors. The venue we settled on was Sherkston Shores Resort in Port Colborne, Ontario.

Tanya came to me with a few ideas in hand, but her most firm desires were for everyone to have a great time, to incorporate gerbera daisies (because they're a "happy" flower!) and to have the exact cake she'd clipped out of a Martha Stewart magazine years before. From there, the vision morphed and changed, ultimately developing into a beach BBQ with a wish theme. And Tanya got her cake (which was CRAZY delicious, and beautiful, thanks to Cake by Cheryl).

Brett and Tanya are caring, generous people with huge hearts, and they wanted to make a difference with their guest favours. Rather than purchase a knick-knack that would ultimately be thrown away, they made a donation to the Make a Wish Foundation in the names of their guests. Wishes quickly became a unifying theme in the wedding, and were incorporated in everything from the stationery to the ceremony to the release of "wish lanterns" after the dinner.

The stationery incorporated the swirl and the star from the Make a Wish logo, as well as the gerbera daisies Tanya wanted.

Brett folded 999 origami cranes prior to the wedding (in Japanese culture, a wish is granted to anyone who folds 1 000 paper cranes). Tanya and Brett folded the

1 000th crane as part of their vows, and sealed it in a bottle with a letter from each to the other.

We purchased wish lanterns and the guests each made a wish for the happy couple as they released them into the sky. It was beautiful!

After much deliberation, Tanya decided to compliment her choice of a yellow colour scheme by allowing her girls to purchase dresses in any shade of turquoise they wanted. They carried yellow gerberas, roses and freesia to compliment Tanya's gorgeous bouquet of white and light pink roses, callas, and freesia. The flowers were a stunning compliment to the day, and were crafted by Brad at BBBlooms.

The ceremony was held on the beach on what was probably the most scorching day of the summer! Luckily, Tanya and Brett had provided ice cold water and paper parasols for shade, so the guests weren't TOO uncomfortable! Cylinder vases of aqua water and white rose pomanders lined the aisle, and the beautiful water in the backdrop provided all the atmosphere one could ask for!

Following the ceremony, guests were treated to cold drinks and snacks on the beach before moving to the air-conditioned reception hall for cocktails. The decor was done in turquoise and yellow, maintaining the gerbera daisies and the stars from the wish-themed stationery. The table numbers tied to the invitations, and the wraps on the vases of lemons (a fun, fragrant and cheap centerpiece!) used the couple's monogram, which was also incorporated into all of their stationery. Paper lanterns decorated the ceiling, and hanging stars above the cake referenced the stars on the invitations and the favour cards from Make a Wish.

After dinner, Tanya and Brett proposed a thank-you toast to their guests to express their appreciation. Servers passed trays of champagne with hibiscus flowers, a fun and delicious treat for the guests.

It was important to Tanya and Brett that their guests had a great time, and they certainly achieved that goal with an awesome dance. The party rocked due to the great tunes provided by DJ Rob Kalmar of Ignite Entertainment, and guests only took a break from the dancing to release the wish lanterns and enjoy the fireworks display, which was put on by the resort.

Their beautiful day was captured in photos by the talented (and FUN!) Brent and Patti from Brent Pilgrim Photography.

Tanya and Brett's wedding was totally fun to plan, and I really enjoyed having the chance to work with such a caring and lovely couple. I wish them nothing but the best as they begin their lives together!

Amy's Advice (Adapt these ideas to make your special day Unmistakable!)

choose a theme that is near and dear to you to increase the opportunities to personalize your day. This could be a charity or organization, an era or style of music you love, or a hobby you and your fiance are passionate about.
once you've chosen your theme, find subtle ways to incorporate it throughout the day. You don't need to hit your guests over the head with it, but small references here and there will help unify your day.
you don't need to spend a fortune on centerpieces - use fruit, veggies, greenery or personal and meaningful objects (like toys or books) to create unique and budget-friendly displays that will get guests talking.

Credits

Wedding Coordination and Stationery: Unmistakably You, London

Venue: Sherkston Shores Resort, Port Colborne

Photography: Brent Pilgrim Photography, Milton

Flowers: BBBlooms, St. Catharines

Cake: Cake by Cheryl, St. Catharines