The Latest

bridesmaids

How to find the perfect location for your wedding celebration

On December 20, 2011, in Brides, Grooms, Weddings, by welcomewagon
0

You are about to make a major change in your life and as you can always expect, Welcome Wagon is here to assist you!

You know ‘Who’ your fiancé(e) is, you know ‘When’ you are going to celebrate your marriage and you have a pretty good idea of ‘What’ your guest list will look like.  To complete the 4 ‘Ws’, only the ‘Where’ is missing and Welcome Wagon is here to help :)

There are so many options for the location of the your wedding!   Before you let choosing a location become too time-consuming, consider the following 5 factors and let them narrow your list and guide you to the right decision:

1.       Wedding Budget

Let’s be honest –  budget restrictions will have a huge impact on your options.  A simple yet essential step to determining the location of your wedding celebration is to set 3 location budgets: a minimum budget, an ideal budget and a maximum budget.  Do not forget to add a 5% error margin in each scenario to account for a surprises.  Aim for the ideal and stick to your maximum – coming in close to the minimum would be a bonus!

2.       Number of Guests

The number of guests attending your wedding will also have a huge impact on the location.  That beautiful old church may hold only a limited number of guests and a very large venue may not be appropriate for a more intimate number.  The scale of the venue should reflect the scale of your guest list.

3.       Ceremony, Photo & Reception Venues

Is it particularly important to you and your partner that the ceremony is performed in a place of worship?  Or will your selected officiant perform your ceremony in any location?

Combining one or more of your venues may be a budget-friendly option.  Many facilities are appropriate for both the ceremony and reception elements of your wedding.  You may also be able to have your wedding photos done in the same location.

If you opt to have your ceremony, photos and reception in different locations, are there any special considerations of which you should be mindful?  If you expect many out-of-town guests, try choosing venues that are near one another (you’d hate for guests to miss the reception because they got lost!).  Such guests would also appreciate venues with nearby accommodations.  Will you have elderly guests or other guests with particular accessibility needs?  Do you consider yourselves an environmentally responsible couple?  Perhaps 50 cars driving for 2 hours from the ceremony to the reception venue, is not an ideal option.

If you need a separate location for your wedding photos, remember that you may need a ‘Plan B’ if your location is outdoors.  Does your photo location require reservations?  You may also want to consider having your photos taken before the ceremony.

4.       All the Little Details

Do you prefer a ‘package deal’ or an ‘a la carte’ scenario?  Some venues provide decorations, flowers, catering, music and almost everything you need for a perfect day, while others have you book needed services with third parties.  If you have strong preferences about your service providers, steer clear of the latter!  When you are considering venues, ask the facility manager what you will be expected/allowed to arrange yourself.

5.       Formal versus Casual

Each venue has its own vibe.  Determine prior to viewing venues the level of formality you want for your big day.  A fancy hotel downtown may not be ideal for a laid-back party, while a ranch venue may not suit a black-tie affair.

BONUS TIP:  If you need more personalized advice from local and national wedding experts, attend one of our Bridal Showcases for helpful tips.  To register for the next Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase in your area, click here.

Do you have great tips to find a location?  Share it on our Facebook page!

 
Father Watching His Infant Sleep

Daddy – yes, you are expecting a baby, too!

On December 15, 2011, in Baby, by welcomewagon
0

A pregnant woman is not the only one expecting a baby and sometimes, it is not easy for you to find a place in every situation.  But every couple will find the balance between an absent partner and an overbearing one. Here are some ways you can find that balance:

1.    Get involved in the material preparation for childbirth

Even though you might not feel comfortable with pre-baby shopping, this is a great opportunity to show your interest and support.  You can suggest some ideas and colours for the baby’s room or do some research to find stores where you can find baby furniture, clothing and other supplies.  Ask other Dads you know where they stock up!

2.    Get involved in the pregnancy and childbirth

There is a lot of great information available about pregnancy and childbirth.  Your partner might not be able to explain any hormonal changes, but you would be wise to understand what is going on in her body.  Attend childbirth classes with your partner and well in advance of baby’s due date, discuss what each of you sees as your role while your partner is in labour.

3.    Be present

You are about to have a very special nine months and the one of the best things you can do is be an understanding partner who gives back massages as needed!  Sometimes an expectant mother just wants her partner to listen – both to sympathize when she doesn’t feel so great and to share in the joys of pregnancy (you too can get ‘kicked’ by baby around the halfway point!).  Attend prenatal care appointments when you can.  And don’t forget that your baby will be able to hear your voice when he or she is in the womb!

If you need more information on how you can get involved during pregnancy or if you want to show your support to your partner, come with her to a Welcome Wagon Baby Shower in your area and benefit from the specialists’ advice.

 
Newborn_Baby_Care

How to announce pregnancy while keeping it personal

On December 10, 2011, in Baby, by welcomewagon
0

One of the first things to consider after finding out you’re pregnant is how and when to share the big news with family, friends and colleagues.

We had a friend who was pregnant for three months before she announced it to us; others have shared it as soon as they themselves know.  Some chose to do a ‘mass’ announcement while others take a more intimate approach.

As we all know, it’s really easy to make a big announcement via Facebook, Twitter or any social network; but what about when you want to keep it as personal as possible?

In this age of texting, chatting, email and other online communication, we often forget the about one of the most simple communication tools – the telephone!  Yes, it is often seen as a device primarily for texting, chatting and email, but having someone actually hear your announcement adds a personal touch.  It is most appreciated; it is personal where you can have privacy and avoid any misunderstanding.

When you want to share your news with more than just a couple of close friends or family members, consider an ‘announcement’ dinner.  Such a party is too small for hundreds of Facebook friends, so your invitees will know you especially included them, even though it is not a one-on-one announcement.

Another idea for adding a personal touch to your announcement is sending ‘Announcement Cards’.  Although most commonly used to announce the birth of a baby, Announcement Cards can also be used to announce an upcoming birth.  Handwritten announcements add a personal touch when you wish to announce your pregnancy to a larger number of people.

If you would like pregnancy and baby advice from local and national experts, make plans to attend the next  Welcome Wagon Baby Shower in your area.

 
Wedding_Groom_1723772

How to choose the perfect suit!

On December 5, 2011, in Grooms, Weddings, by welcomewagon
0

When she walks down the aisle, all eyes will be on your beautiful bride.  As soon as she joins you, you are both in the spotlight and we want you to be as classy as she is. If you are considering digging the suit you used for your cousin’s wedding in 2002 out of the closet, think again.  A well-fitting, stylish and comfortable suit will make you look and feel confident.  Let the following considerations be your guide to finding the perfect attire for your wedding day:

1.    Proper Fit

Suits available at stores or rental shops already have a fixed fit and finding a suit that fits well and enhances your physique is crucial.  What is your build?  Are you tall & slim, short & slim, tall & muscular or short & stocky?  Many rental shops have suits and tuxedos that will fit a variety of builds, but if you are considering a rental outfit, always try a rental suit well in advance of your big day.  If you are unhappy with the fit of a rental outfit, you will need to consider a suit or tuxedo ‘off the rack’, or have one tailor-made.

2.    Style

The style of your suit must fit in with both your bride’s wedding gown and the location of your event – on the beach, outside the city, or at a church.  A church wedding often calls for a formal wedding suit or tuxedo, but if sand is involved in your location, black leather shoes may not be the right look.  If you and/or your partner are from cultural backgrounds that dictate specific wedding attire, your style choice may be easy!

3.    Comfort

Being comfortable on the day of your wedding is critical so you can relax and enjoy the festivities!  Don’t choose an outfit that is ill-fitting or makes you self-conscious.

4.    Your attendants

Do you and your partner want the men in your wedding party to wear the same or similar outfits?  If the answer is yes, renting may be the best option.  Expecting that your male attendants are in the position to purchase attire for your wedding is not usually reasonable.

4.    Budget

Renting your wedding attire is often the most budget-friendly option for the groom, but if your budget is small, do you already have a nice suit that you can make special with a new tie and handkerchief?  The next most expensive option is buying an ‘off the rack’ ensemble and the most expensive is typically a tailor-made suit or tuxedo.  If you are considering purchasing a suit or tuxedo, aim to choose an outfit that you can wear in the future.

If you need more personalized advice in choosing your wedding attire, ask our specialists about men’s outfits at the next Welcome Wagon Bridal Showcase in your area or join Moores Perfect Fit Program for men.

BONUS TIP:  Moores offers ‘Perfect Fit Rewards Program’ members a special rebate for every tux in your wedding party plus a free tux or suit rental for the groom with five paid rental packages – yes, for real! Click here!