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| Wedding Favour Ideas and Wedding Planning Ideas | |||||
| Wedding Themes and Wedding Favour Themes Wedding Ceremony & Wedding Reception Ask the Expert - interviews with wedding specialists |
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| Current Article | |
| What should a couple know before choosing an engagement ring? Melanie from Weddingfavours.ca (WF) had the opportunity to meet with Gord Lesser of Lesser Brothers Jewellers (LB) in Ingersoll to ask this question and many more... WF: How much should I spend on an engagement ring? LB: The industry says three months gross salary. I say you should spend the dollar amount that you are comfortable with. When deciding on a price point- remember that your engagement rings and wedding bands are likely the only jewellery you will wear every day for the rest of your lives. When someone else looks at the rings- what do you want them to say about you as a couple? You do not have to spend thousands upon thousands to have special rings. They have to suit you as a couple and your jeweller can help you to make the right choice so that your rings will have a unique flare that suits your lifestyle and budget. WF: Do you recommend that the gentleman select the ring or should the couple choose the ring together? LB: Today, most couples come in together to browse before a purchase is made. This allows the woman to express what she prefers and narrow the field. Then the gentleman can come in alone and work with the jeweller to make a selection that will suit her preferences. We are all children at heart and it is nice for the actual ring selection to be a surprise but it is wise to have her input before making the purchase. WF: How can I know that I am getting a good quality item? LB: I tell my customers to ask about the guarantee. In Canada, any quality supplier gives a jewellery piece a two-year guarantee covering most anything short of actually losing the ring. Second- be sure to ask about making changes including sizing the ring. Be wary of any jewellery supplier who is not willing to resize a ring- there is usually a reason why. If a ring is well-built, the diamond shape, size or quality can be changed to customize it to your taste. A seller will not be willing to modify a poorly built ring. I want you to have something that is unique to wear and also durable. This is where experience and trust come in on both sides. Let's be honest- if I know that a piece is not well made, I will not be willing to offer a two year guarantee. WF: What is Karat Gold? LB: In North America, gold traditionally comes in four different grades. These grades are: 10, 14, 18 and 24 Karat. These numbers represent the percentage of gold in the ring. 24 karat gold is pure gold. 10 Karat means that 10 out of every 24 parts is gold and the rest of the mix is a combination of alloys- normally silver, nickel and copper. These are added to give strength and colour to the gold. The higher the gold content, the more malleable (bendable) the ring will be. This is why you rarely see a 24 Karat ring because the gold is too soft to hold the diamond. WF: What is the difference between white and yellow gold? LB: Simply put- the only difference is colour. The alloys that are added are done so to give strength and colour. 14 Karat yellow gold and 14 Karat white gold contain the exact amount of gold. A quality supplier will not add a surcharge for the same ring in another colour of gold. WF: How can I compare Diamonds? LB: Very easily- use the four C's. Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat Weight. The Four C's are the standard by which all diamonds are sold within the industry. When you are told that a store has a different system and it is comparable- this is untrue. At some point each diamond was graded using the 4 C's and this is the scale that is used by professional gemologists. Be very cautious about purchasing a diamond when the seller will not tell you the grade using this scale. When using the Four C's, remember that all the points work together to enhance the beauty of the stone. I always tell my customers that if a jeweller is willing to give you the Four C's on a diamond he is confident in his suppliers and what he sells. The actual grading system is quite complicated but a reputable jeweller will be willing and able to explain it to you in person and show you a variety of stones that will help illustrate the differences. Basic Explanation of the Four Cs CUT- Many people confuse cut with the shape of the diamond. Cut refers to the mathematical formula that has been developed calling for most diamonds to have 58 facets, placed at precise angles to each other. When a diamond is well cut, it allows the maximum amount of light to be reflected through the stone giving it more scintillation and sparkle. COLOUR- Customers are usually looking for a totally colourless diamond but these are extremely rare. Diamonds act a prism and will reflect the colours of the rainbow. As a colour becomes more noticeable it affects the value. If the colour is washed out this normally drops the value of the diamond. If the colour is very intense then is becomes a Fancy Colour Diamond, increasing its value. CLARITY- This refers to any interior or exterior blemishes/flaws. A flaw in a diamond will affect light travelling through a diamond diffusing the light and reducing its brilliance. Some flaws are very small and require 10 power magnification to see. These minute inclusions neither mar the beauty nor endanger the diamond's durability. If you can visibly see the inclusion- be careful because if it is near the surface the diamond is more susceptible to cracking. CARAT WEIGHT- This is the method used to describe the size of a diamond. A One Carat Diamond has a weight of 200 milligrams. In addition to a weight calculation for carat- a diamond is described in points and using this scale there are 100 points to a carat. The Four Cs-When using the Four Cs remember that all the elements of the scale work together to enhance the beauty of the stone. I always tell my customers that if a jeweller is willing to give you the Four Cs on a diamond then he is confident in his suppliers and the products he sells. WF: Should I insist on seeing the diamond under magnification? LB: It is not a bad idea but chances are you will not know what you are looking at. I point out visible inclusions to some of my customers and they cannot see what I am talking about. You can always ask but unless you know what you are looking for- it will not be too helpful in determining the quality of a stone. If the jeweller is willing to show it to you- this can be a good sign but don't rely too heavily on your own interpretation of what you see. It is also wise to view the diamond in natural light. The display cases in a jewellery store are lit specifically to increase sparkle and emphasize the beauty of the products. Try to view the ring in light from a window or in the centre of the store. This will give you a good idea of how the ring will look in "real life". WF: How can I be sure that I am not buying a conflict diamond? LB: I usually tell my customers that the easiest way to be sure you are not purchasing a conflict diamond is to purchase a Canadian diamond. The diamonds are mined and cut in Canada so you can be confident that they have not been used to fund conflicts. WF: Are Canadian diamonds better than diamonds from other countries? LB: The answer is no. Remember that the Four C's grading system is universal. The difference is that Canadian stones are tracked through the entire process from mining to cutting to wholesaling and eventually to the showcase. All Canadian stones are also individually certified and engraved with a serial number. When buying a Canadian diamond- make sure that the certificate accompanies the stone at time of purchase. WF: Should the wedding bands be purchased at the same time as the engagement ring? LB: This is an important question. When purchasing an engagement ring you should always ask about matching wedding bands and their future availability. A quality supplier will likely have access to a matching band for years to come. A custom design is also an option. The more intricate and sculpted the engagement ring, the more difficult and costly it will be to match it. WF: I heard that you can clean a diamond ring with toothpaste- is this a good idea? LB: NO- this is a bad idea. It will not damage the diamond or the actual gold but it can damage the alloys and the setting. You should not use any homemade concoctions. A good quality cleaner only costs a few dollars and it will last you for years and won't build up on your jewellery. WF: How should I care for a diamond ring? LB: Most reputable jewellers will clean and check your ring for you free of charge. Have the claws, setting, underhead and shank inspected every six months. Claws will normally last about 10-15 years with daily wear and tear. A minor repair job costs a fraction of the value of the ring and can prevent a lost diamond. Also if your weight has changed drastically- you should have the ring examined and resized. A changing finger size can cause the claws to loosen or flex. Good maintenance is always a good investment. WF: What should I know if I want to use an heirloom ring? LB: You should discuss your plans with your jeweller. Take the ring to the store and ask how you can best use the ring. The quality of the stones and the condition of the ring determine whether it can be rebuilt. Anything can be repaired if you are prepared to pay for it. Sometimes a repair involves too much work for it to be practical but only YOU can be the judge of that. It is not unlike a car that has been in an accident. Almost anything can be repaired but it may not be worth it and the finished product will not look like it did when it was new. A jeweller can give you the "dollars and cents" assessment but it is up to you to decide whether the sentimental value of the heirloom piece makes the cost worthwhile. Sometimes it makes more sense to start from scratch or to use the gold and stones in a newly designed ring. WF: What questions should I ask a Jeweller before choosing to do business with him or her? LB: Ask any or all of the above questions to your jeweller and see what sort of a response you receive. When I am dealing with a client I will do my best to fully answer your questions and give you some advice as to what to look for. If the jeweller is not overly forthcoming then it is like buying anything they probably do not really know their product. Remember - more than just selling you a ring I am trying to give you trust and confidence in your purchase. So ask me all the questions you want when you come in if you stump me and I do not know the answer I can surely find it for you. WF: Any final advice? LB: Have fun with this purchase. This is usually the first big Jewellery purchase for most men and it can seem scary at first. Ask a lot of questions and through talking we can find something that will fit the budget and will be a choice that the couple will always cherish and enjoy. Thanks you so much for all this valuable information. I am definitely going to stop using toothpaste on my diamond! Clearly it is a good idea to deal with a knowledgeable and trustworthy jeweller. Gord Lesser is a registered jeweller with 35 years of experience. He is available to help you make wise jewellery purchases. Visit his store, Lesser Brothers Jewellers - 146 Thames St S. in downtown Ingersoll Ontario- or call him at (519) 485-2190, email info@lesserbrothersjewellers.com Back To Top |
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| Kateaspen's New Product Launch for 2010 I'm delighted to introduce the first of our 2010 new product launches on this blog today, and thank you Weddingfavours.ca for giving me the opportunity. At Kate Aspen, we enjoy a wonderful relationship with brides-to-be - listening to their dreams for the perfect wedding and doing everything possible to help them reach their goals. I'm personally grateful to every single bride for making Kate Aspen favours a small but memorable part in their most important day. They (and you) are the reason we've committed this year to offering even more new product launches tailored to brides' exact specifications! Today we're launching twenty-six wedding favours and a fun, functional bridesmaid gift. You can see the entire line in the video, but let me touch on a couple of highlights I'm particularly proud of, which isn't easy to do. I've very proud of them all! Something fabulous for 2010 - a new line of drink mix favours! Key Lime flavored "Mix and Mingle", Raspberry "Razzle Dazzle", and "Main Squeeze" Lemonade to delight your guests. We're so excited about this new addition to the collection. Be sure to check out the details in the Weddingfavours.ca store. The fleur de lis bottle stopper and place card holders we launched in 2009 attracted so much buzz that we've added two more fleur favours to the collection, a gorgeous votive and elegant coaster set. Presentation-ready and tied with a classic bow, these two new favours expand the Euro-Chic theme set by their predecessors, and give brides elegant new choices for practical favours that won't stay behind on the table. 2010 brides are looking for a way to add a touch of "green" to their weddings - eco-conscious options from renewable resources. With this launch we've added the eco-friendly "Natural Impressions" photo album and cutest recycled paper pad and pencil set, aptly named "Write from the Heart". Contemporary, elegant, eco, and clever - I promise you'll find something "oh-so you" in the new launch, or something "oh-so new" to mix and match with our current favours. Enjoy the video! Jennifer Back To Top |
 Jennifer Fallon is the CEO and Founder of Kate Aspen.     |
| What should I know before choosing a wedding photographer? Melanie from Weddingfavours.ca (WF) met with Trish and Trevor Roberts of Custom Concept Photography (CC) in Ingersoll Ontario to get some answers. WF: How should a couple begin their search for the right wedding photographer? CC: Couples should begin narrowing the field for photographers by asking friends and family members for referrals. Look through their wedding collections and family portraits and ask them about their experiences. Other wedding professionals including caterers, venue operators, florists, officiants, videographers and DJs are also invaluable sources as they have worked with photographers and heard feedback from clients and seen them in action. Talk to the experts you already trust. Search the internet for possibilities, you can view their work online without any pressure. You should also plan to visit them at their studio. If their workplace is professional and organized- they will likely work this way on your wedding day. It is not a good idea to choose a photographer simply from an internet search- do some homework and ask for references. Hiring a professional is always a wise decision. A professional Photographer is constantly upgrading skills, education and equipment to keep pace with market trends and technology. This is the sort of person you can trust to capture your precious wedding memories. A professional will always insist on a contract. This will lay out all the details and is designed to protect both parties. WF: How important is chemistry between the couple and the photographer? CC: Chemistry is extremely important. You are going to spend more time with the photographer than anyone else on the day of the wedding so you want to have a good rapport. Engagement photos are a great way to get used to the photographer and to receive basic posing instructions. This practice will make your wedding day photos more relaxed and natural. By the time you have had a consultation, engagement photos, wedding day and chosen your finished collection- the relationship should feel like a friendship. You trust your photographer to capture your precious memories and it is important that you feel comfortable and confident with one another. WF: How do you choose the location for a wedding shoot? CC: It is wise to choose a location that is conveniently located near the ceremony and reception venues. Sometimes there is a place of sentimental value to the couple- the spot they became engaged or a family farm. It is important that you choose a location that is not going to be too busy at that time. You may not want an audience of onlookers and you may not want to have to wait your turn with other bridal parties for a popular site. It is not necessary that you find THE most beautiful location as the background is not as important as the people. A nice tree, garden or park bench as a background can result in gorgeous images. You do not need to travel miles for a manicured garden or mountaintop view. A professional photographer will be able to help you find a beautiful backdrop in a public park or backyard. It is a becoming more common that wedding shots are taken in unconventional locations. Train tracks, urban architecture, industrial and rustic backdrops are being used as a background with stunning results. What was formerly viewed as "ugly" can be beautiful when handled with skill and shot with artistic vision. WF: How much time should be scheduled for bridal party and family pictures? CC: You should schedule 2-3 hours for the wedding pictures. The length of time required depends on the family size and dynamics. It is becoming more common that pictures are taken prior to the ceremony. It is a more relaxed time of day and you do not have a hall full of guests waiting for you to finish. Makeup and hairstyles are fresher and there is less chance of spills and wrinkles on the formal wear. This will not appeal to a couple who wish to follow the tradition of not seeing one another prior to the vows but it is a good option logistically for those trying to streamline the wedding day. WF: What can a couple do to prepare for wedding pictures? Is there anything that makes it run more smoothly? CC: The photographer needs to understand the family dynamics before the event. If we know about "sticky" family situations we can help alleviate the tension by not placing certain people in the same picture or positioning them far apart for group shots. Also the photographer should know of any physical limitations that exist. If there is someone who has difficulty walking on rough ground or cannot stand for an extended period of time, we can make sure there is a assistance for them or modify the poses. Family shots involving children or elderly relatives can be taken first. In some cases, there are restrictions imposed by a profession- we work in Ingersoll which has a large agricultural community and sometimes family members need to go home to milk cows between the photos and the reception. We can work around all these situations if we know of them in advance. WF: How much can a couple expect to spend on wedding photos? CC: Wedding photos are an investment and roughly 10-15% of the wedding budget should be allocated to photography. The post-wedding service is an essential part of the photographer's job. After the images are captured- the photographer heads back to the studio to craft the images using colour correction, editing techniques, artistic enhancement and image selection. This is an area where you get what you pay for and hiring a professional will ensure that the finished wedding collection is something to be treasured for years to come. WF: How can a couple prepare for bad weather on an outdoor wedding shoot? CC: This is a situation that we had to deal with many times in 2009 since it was such a wet summer in Ontario. We always bring backup studio lighting and equipment in case we need to set up to shoot inside the reception hall or church. Some gardens have sheltered areas that can be used if the weather is uncooperative. We often shoot at the Elm Hurst here in Ingersoll and there are several interesting and beautiful locations that can be used in the rain. We also enjoy the challenge of using the rain for inspiration. What a great opportunity to get creative with funky rubber boots and umbrellas. Some of our favourite wedding shots were captured because we were working around the weather. This is another reason to hire a professional, an amateur will have difficulty handling rainy day conditions. WF: How soon should a couple book their photographer? CC: As soon as possible! Do NOT wait to book the photographer if you know who one you want. Weddings are sometimes planned several years in advance so you need to act fast to reserve the services you want. This should be one of the top priority decisions along with booking the venues, officiant and caterer. WF: What questions should a couple ask before contracting a wedding photographer? CC:
For more information or to view more photography, find Custom Concept Photography online at: www.customconcept.ca Back To Top |
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| Tips for a great Wedding Garter Toss The garter toss has been a popular tradition in wedding receptions for many generations. The groom removes the bridal garter from the bride's right leg then tosses the garter to a group of single men attending the wedding reception. The bachelor who catches the garter is said to be the next to marry. The garter toss is typically done towards the end of the evening and often done along with the cake cutting and bouquet toss. The garter toss is a great way to add some fun to a reception but some couples find it a little old fashioned and too embarrassing so they opt to remove it altogether. If you are planning to include the garter toss, here are some tips and tricks for making it a memorable part of your wedding reception.
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| 10 Fun and Unique Ways to Use an Asian Inspired Take Out Box We love these Asian Takeout Boxes. We started brainstorming and came up with some interesting ideas to help you incorporate this simple box into your wedding event.
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| Eco-Friendly and Green Wedding Favours Today's brides have become aware that the manufacturing of some products and their purchase have a negative effect on our environment. This new realization has left brides with the difficult task of finding items that are environmentally friendly and still stylish and sophisticated for their wedding. In an attempt to meet this demand and demonstrate our support, Weddingfavours.ca has introduced a new collection of eco-friendly favours. This new collection will offer brides a variety of options and levels of "green favours". Tree seedlings, for example, are a great favour idea for an eco-friendly conscious bride. Each guest is given a tree seedling to take home, plant and watch grow. Another alternative to the tree seedlings are seed infused papers. There are a multitude of options including papers cut into to shapes that are ready to give or paper cards that make a great way to send thank you cards. 
Some other popular green favours include tins for seeds or tea, sinamay bags, organic & biodegradable boxes, soy candles, mini floral infused bags, bird-friendly rice, and pure maple syrup. 
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| Warm Up to a Winter Themed Wedding If you are looking for a unique time to get married...the winter season offers weddings that are stunning and elegant! Most locations are already lavishly decorated for the holiday season; this will help bring decorating costs down. Use colours that compliment the season but avoid the red and green combination unless you would like a Christmas themed wedding. Instead use burgundy, silver, gold, light blue, plum, pale green, lavender, cranberry, emerald green or white. A stunning colour combination that works well in the winter season is white, silver and light blue. For a more dramatic look, substitute cranberry or black for light blue. Don't forget to tie in your winter theme with your center pieces and favours. Use glittering ribbons, snowflakes and snowmen to create the winter mood. Fake snow can be used in the centerpieces or sprinkled on the table to give the tables a winter feel but keep the snow away from guest's plates. Candles are a great way to add a cozy feel to the wedding and makes decorations sparkle even more. There are a variety of favours that fit in perfectly with a winter themed wedding or event. Some are functional, while others are classy and even fun. Pick a favour that fits in with your budget and the feel of your wedding or event. If you can't find a favour that you like or fits in with the look of your event you can easily make any favour a winter themed favour by adding a personalized snowflake favour tag. Below are some great ideas for winter themed favours: 
Finish off the "look" with winter themed wedding accessories. They're a great way to add a finishing touch to your winter themed event. 
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| How to Get Your Guests to Dance at the Wedding We have all been to events where the guests sit at tables and the dance floor is completely bare. People won't dance if they feel like they are on display. It takes us a while to get warmed up. The more people who are dancing- the more people will join them. Below are some great ideas to get your dance floor moving!
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