TAKEAWAY ALERT:
BEDAZZLE MON BON BONS!

Photo courtesy of Bedazzle My Bon Bons

© Melissa Nowakowski September 2010

Just when you think you can't stomach any more Bon Bons or Cake Pops or are saddened by the thought that they are destined to be stuck in the traditional bland colours or the same old boring icing options...KAPOW! You suddenly get slapped silly with the most diva-esque, glitter-icious, stupendously chic Bedazzled Bon Bons!

Photo courtesy of Bedazzle My Bon Bons

Created by Bedazzle My Bon Bons, a US-based company, these babies are anything but traditional, bland and boring! Offered in a variety of scrumptious ganache flavours from mint, rasberry and hazelnut to milk chocolate, peanut butter and more, these Bon Bons are covered in an array of 24 edible glitter colours from "Flirtatious Fuschia" and "Vivacious Violet" to "Bewitching Black".

Photo courtesy of Bedazzle My Bon Bons

Glittered Bon Bons got you dazzled? Just wait until you see the packaging! Sophisticated little boxes wit hand-applied swarski crystals at the corners scream "ooh-la-la"! The boxes can also be custom-labelled to suit your theme or event. Best of all, the brains behind Bedazzle My Bon Bons have customized a shipping box that has one inch thick insulated lining made of silver mylar which enables them to ship the Bon Bons to anywhere in the world with absolutely no risk of spoiling!

Photo courtesy of Bedazzle My Bon Bons

Want to sample these bad-Bon-Bons? Complimentary samples are no problem! Just pay for the shipping and you can let your inner Diva out by sampling these glittericious treats.

Photo courtesy of Bedazzle My Bon Bons

Perfect as a takeaway for any occasion or as an adornment to a candy station, late night buffet, wedding cake or centerpiece, these bunches of beautiful Bon Bon goodness are a sparkling way to turn the conventional into the exceptional.

THE PREGNANT BRIDE

© Melissa Nowakowski July 2010

Gone are the days when couples married on account of an unplanned pregnancy. Further to that, good riddins to that time when couples felt they needed to conceal a pregnancy on their wedding day. That lil' peanut growing in that Bride's belly is soon to play a very special part in an engaged couple's lives, so why shouldn't it play a special part in one of their most memorable celebrations?

Rather than subdue the pregnancy in your nuptuals, why not play it up? From fashion to favours to subtle decorative touches, a pregnancy can add a fun, whimsical element to your wedding day. While you don't want to turn your wedding day into a full-out baby shower, adding just the right "baby-to-be" touches will bring out the perfect blend of two momentous celebrations.

FASHION

Rather than try to fit into the boning of a sihouette or corseted gown or choosing gowns that will hide the belly, opt for gowns that flaunt it! There are a ton of options out there -- from elegant and sophisticated to fun and "darling" -- that won't leave a bride feeling frumpy. A pregnant bride is already glowing, the dress will be a secondary focus on the wedding day!

FAVOURS

Thank your guests in a fun, carefree way while giving them a "taste" of things to come. From adorable lollipops, to candy or chocolates in cute button matchstick boxes to expandable towlettes disguised as candy rolls, the possibilities are endless and won't leave guests stuck with a nick nack they'll have to put out when you visit.

GIFT REGISTRY

Incorporating your pregnancy into the Gift Registry can be tricky. You don't want it to be all about baby. That's what baby showers are for. However if the items on your gift registry are suave and sophisticated, add in a few equally chic baby items that you would never think of purchasing yourself. This planner's favourites? The Dior silver baby bottle, silver plated baby rattle and silver engraved baby spoon from Birks.

LIL' TOUCHES

A few other "little" touches to add to the wedding day? Why not subtly tuck a crystal or silver-plated baby rattle into the bridal bouquet? Having a crystal monogram cake topper? Rest a crystal baby soother in front of the monogram. Incorporating a family or memory table? Use framed baby photographs of your parents, relatives and even yourselves rather than photographs of them as adults.

A baby is as much a part of a couple's new life together as love itself. Adding some special touches will make that memorable event that much more memorable, not just to the couple but to that baby who will one day be looking at those wedding photographs with them.

WEDDING DRESS ALTERNATIVES:

INITIATING IMPACT DOWN THE AISLE

© Melissa Nowakowski June 2010

Lace and beading and bodices...oh my! There are an abundance of Bridal Gown Designers in the world with a plethora of gown options from which to choose and as many of us who have gone shopping for even the simplest of dresses, this can be quite overwhelming for Brides-to-be. Every gal wants her dress to drop jaws, create a lasting impression and let her feel like she's the most beautiful thing anyone has ever laid eyes on. And so starts the search for "THE Dress" -- the one that not only suits her personality but has impact all at once.

As someone who is eternally devoted to anything that's out-of-the-norm, this planner recently came across some dresses that scream innovation, beauty, personality and impact all in the same voice.

STRUCTURE

Who ever said that a dress had to be A-line, Ballroom, Mermaid, Floor-length or ....well, you get the picture? By combining different structural elements to a typical dress, you instantaneously turn a gown from typical to innovative, creating immediate impact. This planner especially loves Blushless' half-knee-length-have-floor-length gown below. And while this uber talented designer is located in the UK, she ships to Canada and can have a gown ready in as little as three months!

Photo courtesy of www.blushless.com

Photo courtesy of www.blushless.com

TEXTURE

Ok, so beading, lace, tulle and blah blah blah add texture. But this planner is over-the-moon for Blushless' use of layers and the creative use of add-ons to a typical white gown by Pronovias Couture (available in select Canadian Bridal Salons) and Fashion Crimes (located in the trendy Queen West neighbourhood of Toronto, Canada!). From afar these adornments create intrigue and wonderment. Up close, they showcase whimsical eye-candy.

Photo courtesy of www.blushless.com

Photo courtesy of www.pronovias.com

Photo courtesy of FashionCrimes.ca

COLOUR

Thanks to Queen Victoria, many Brides-to-be seem trapped in the trend of the white wedding gown -- forever adhered to the notion that a white gown represents purity. For those Brides-to-be wanting to showcase some other hues, often hints of colour throughout the dress seem bold enough. But this planner says if colour is what you want -- go for all-over colour! Imagine the impact a hot-pink, scarlet red or purple wedding gown will have walking down a crisp white aisle runner! Picture how wonderfully unique an apple green gown will be when paired up with white (gasp!) bridesmaid gowns. Never limit colour to your florals and decor. Be your own walking colour pallete!

Photo courtesy of engagement.ca

Photo courtesy of LaraCorsets.com

Photo courtesy of naturalnews.net

BORROW FROM THE ERAS

Every era had its own sense of style which has transcended time. From the princess-haute of the medieval times, the classic sophistication of the 30's and the fun-loving, flirty style of the 1950's to the disco-chic of the 70's, many gowns incorporate style elements from past eras to add intrigue. Rather than add specific elements of an era to a gown, why not embrace that era's fashion entirely? In particular, this planner is head-over-heels for Fashion Crimes' fringe, flapper-inspired gown below.

Photo courtesy of FashionCrimes.ca

Photo courtesy of FashionCrimes.ca

Other ways to change your gown from trendy to distinctive? Take your mother's wedding gown or a Bridal Salon wedding gown from five seasons ago and hire a good seamstress to alter the dress to your personal style. Purchase a vintage or second hand wedding gown, alter it to your taste and adorn it with colourful and contrasting fabrics, appliques or embellishments such as feathers, fringe, netting and more. Turn that beautiful cocktail dress in your closet into wedding-worthy attire by adding fabric and embellishments which can instantly turn it into a floor length, colourful wedding gown.

The personalization of your wedding starts with you. And what better way to personalize your wedding than to choose attire that suits YOU best. And what better way to be unique than to turn a trendy gown into something that's trendsetting.

Now go out there, get your gown and work that wedding runway..er..aisle!

PUNCH UP YOUR PARTY WITH PIZZAZZ

Photo courtesy of www.popsop.com

Malibu Rum has come up with a super cute limited edition bottle called Malibu By U. The bottle is stark white and comes with four Caribean-inspired coloured markers so that you can colour, draw or glue on anything you like to make these bottles unbelievably cool and, well...you!

Photo courtesy of www.newswire.ca

If you want to test out your design before committing it to the bottle, visit www.malibu-rum.com/byu to digitally design your bottle.


Use these personally decorated bottles to dress up patio tables, use them as vases for festive and fun floral arrangements or even as a fun alternative to a traditional guestbook for a tropical themed celebration. Oh, and don't forget to use the rum inside for tropical punches, home BBQs and more!

IS YOUR EVENT PREPARED FOR THE G20 SUMMIT?

The Canadian Government has chosen Toronto as the location of the G20 Summit on Saturday, June 26th and Sunday, June 27th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Never before have two summits been held on the same weekend and that said, this will present unique challenges to those planning an event for that weekend.

Making preparations to ensure that your wedding or event will not be affected is a must-do. This is especially true for those weddings and events happening in the downtown core of Toronto. Below is some updated information on the summit and the areas affected so that you can make arrangements long before your event date.

WALK THIS WAY...OR MAYBE NOT

The vehicle and pedestrian traffic around the Metro Toronto Convention Centre will be controlled as it’s considered a Security Zone. Fencing will be erected around the area and the public should be able to move freely in that area until the evening of Friday, June 25 after which anyone who lives and works in this area will have a Registration Card for quick and easy access through security checkpoints. Those who do not have a Registration Card/live/work in that area but require access to this area will have to present a piece of photo ID that clearly shows the specific purpose as to why they need access and their exact destination.

WHEN THE STREETS WILL SEEM LIKE PARKING LOTS

Roadways within the area – bordered by King Street, Yonge Street, Queens Quay and Spadina Avenue – will have closures or restrictions. Anyone living, working or having a specific reason for being in this area won’t be denied access but it will take some time to get through…in other words, be sure to pack a lot of patience!

During the weekend of the Summit, the police obviously anticipate major traffic disruption in all areas especially the 400-series highways, the Gardiner Expressway, the QEW and Lakeshore Boulevard and there may be some restrictions placed on Highway 427 and the Gardiner Expressway to accommodate motorcades and the York, Bay and Yonge Street exits on the eastbound Gardiner Expressway will be closed on Sunday June 27th.



G20-TIP: Allot for extra time for travel to and from your event (if in the downtown core allot for an extra hour of travel time at minimum and for those outside the downtown core allot for an extra 40 minutes of travel time). Also, map out alternative routes to all your destinations as a back-up plan! This includes allotting extra time for vendor deliveries and services.

PUBLIC TRANSIT

Thinking of taking public transit instead? Or having guests arriving by Via Rail?

The TTC will operate regular service during the G20 Summit. There are no planned restrictions to the subway and only a few surface routes will be affected that weekend. The 6 Bay ,72A Pape will be on diversion and the 97B Yonge and 503 streetcar routes will be on diversion as well. The 509 and 510 streetcars will not be stopping at Queens Quay station.

Union Station will be open but from the evening of Friday, June 25 to Sunday, June 27th exits to Front Street will not be available. Travelers will have to use the east or west side exits at Union Station and the Blue Route between Union Station and the Air Canada Centre will be open as well. During this weekend, since no vehicle traffic will be permitted on Front Street, west of Bay Street , a temporary “Kiss and Ride” and “Taxi Stand” will be located on Front Street EAST of Bay Street.

Via Rail will operate its regular train schedule for the period of Saturday, June 2t to Sunday, June 27 however they advise that those planning to travel to or from Toronto during this period should expect delays.



G20 -TIP: Register for TTC E-Alerts on www.ttc.ca to be kept in the loop of any further changes. Keep an eye on www.viarail.ca and www.gotransit.com for updates as well. If it is possible for guests to reach your event by TTC, send a note to them explaining the transportation challenges and encourage this means of travel with specific subway directions coming from the East, West and North.

PARKING

From Friday, June 25 to Sunday, June 27, parking in the downtown area – especially the area surrounded by Queen Street, Yonge Street, Lakeshore Boulevard and Spadina Avenue – will be a massive pain in the neck. There will be extremely limited to no parking available on the majority of the streets in the area. Also, there will be no parking on streets that have been closed to accommodate parades or protests.

Those already inconvenient No Parking, No Standing and No Stopping signs on the streets of Toronto will be strictly enforced as well, resulting in vehicles being tagged and/or towed.



G20-TIP: inform those vendors making deliveries for your event of the parking restrictions in your area! Have a discussion with your venue as to alternative means of parking/unloading. Perhaps they can arrange for a staff member to act as a valet or stand by each vendor's vehicle while they unload in the event that parking enforcement arrives and the vehicle must be moved). Be sure to inform guests of the inaccessibility to parking and encourage them to take public transit!

PROTESTS

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees freedom of thought, belief, opinion, expression and peaceful assembly.

In other words, expect protests during the weekend of the Summit.

Be aware that North Queen’s Park has been assigned as the Designated “Speech Area” which will be equipped with audio-visual equipment which will televise any activity at the Park to the delegates at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Hopefully people will take advantage of this area and express themselves in a peaceful way rather than popping up in the most inconvenient of locations. What does that mean for you? Expect traffic delays or interference in and around Queen’s Park.

FERRY

The Integrated Security Unit for the G20 Summit will attempt to avoid impact on the day-to-day operations of the ferry and those living or working on the Toronto Islands. But be aware that from the morning of Friday, June 25th until Monday, June 28th, the Onigara Ferry (the ferry that runs specifically to Ward Island) will not be in operation and so anyone travelling on this Ferry will be joining the public on the passenger ferries.



G20-TIP: To get more information about how the G20 will affect your big day including proposed security, safety plans, road restrictions and more, visit these nifty little sites:

http://g20.gc.ca/

http://www.toronto.ca/G20/index.htm

http://www.toronto.ca/torontostreets/index.htm

http://www.g8-g20isu.ca/

http://www.toronto.ca/311/index.htm

AND BEST OF LUCK!!!

CONSIDER THY CAKE

Copyright Et Lofte Events

© Melissa Nowakowski May 2010

The wedding cake is viewed by many couples as a staple in the wedding reception. Whether it's one tier or five, it's rare to not see a wedding cake or something equally symbolic (cupcakes anyone?) at a wedding. For some, the cutting of the cake is a relished tradition. For others, it's a moment that they feel simply delays the launch of the "party".

When deciding whether or not to incorporate the tradition of the cutting of the cake (or to have a wedding cake at all for that matter), first understand the history and symbolism associated with it.

So what started it all? During the Roman Empire, the wedding cake was actually a loaf of barley from which the Groom would take a bite, then break the rest over the Bride's head. Yup, you heard that right! This apparently symbolized the breaking of the Bride's virginity. Once the bread was broken over the Bride's head, the guests would collect any crumbs that had fallen to the ground. This was due to the belief that the crumbs that fell from the Bride's head ensured fertility. Thankfully this tradition and the symbolism of breaking bread over the Bride's noggin didn't last beyond the Roman Empire.

From the 17th century and moving into the 19th century, the "Bridal Pie" was common. This was often a mince or mutton pie with a glass ring buried within the filling. Tradition states that the woman who found the glass ring within the pie would be the next to wed. Eventually, the Bridal Pie gave way to "Bridal Cakes" which were single-tiered and white (to symbolize purity). Also, white icing required the most refined of sugars and therefore the "whiter" the cake, the higher in stature the Bride's family was.

It is believed that the multi-tiered cake as we know it today drived from English royalty. The first top "tiers" were dummy cakes made of sugar as the density of real cake tiers would merely sink into the bottom cake. Eventually these dummy tiers graduated to real cake held up by pillars. Then, as cake bakers became wise to methods of holding cake tiers up sans pillars, the tiered cake as we know it today emerged.

So what about the act of "Cutting the Cake"? This symbolizes the first task that the Bride and Groom will do together as husband and wife. The Bride and Groom take hold of the knife and slice and plate the cake together. Then the Bride and Groom would feed each other the slice of cake, symbolizing their committment to love and provide for each other.

So now that you know the history and symbolism behind the Wedding Cake...is it right for you? If you're game for the symbolism but want to spare yourself the cost of a multi-tiered cake, the popularity of cupcakes or just want something a little different, consider these fun alternatives:

SMASH CAKES

Photo courtesy of www.weddingwoo.blogspot.com

Why should little kids get all the fun? These hollow shells of chocolate, shaped, decorated and filled with candies are "smashed" with a mallet by the Bride and Groom. The candies can double as a wedding favour by providing the guests with cute little bags with which to help themselves to the candy!

PIES

Photo courtesy of www.karensmallbone.com

Why not draw on tradition at its best and cut a slice of pie baked with love by Grandma or your favourite Aunt or heck, even the Bride and Groom? Pies are also a tasty alternative for guests to enjoy with the late night table.

PUDDING

Photo courtesy of fotobank.ru

Who doesn't love chocolate, vanilla or butterscotch pudding? Fill champagne flutes or martini glasses with flavoured pudding and stack them into tiers. The Bride and Groom toast each other with a flute then serve each other a spoonful of pudding. Any pudding fans in the crowd can then help themselves to a glass of pudding for a sweet treat.

EDIBLE ARRANGEMENTS

Photo courtesy of http://www.completelycharming.blogspot.com/

Missing that sweet tooth or totally health conscious? Consider tiered fruit arrangements from which the Bride and Groom feed each other a piece of fruit. And, of course, guests are welcome to feed off the arrangement afterwards!

If you like the symbolism but hate making it a momentous occasion within your reception, consider these fun yet subtle gestures in its stead:

CHAMPAGNE TOAST

Photo courtesy of jerseyrestaurants.co.uk

This is most often conducted by the Best Man at receptions anyhow, so why not use it to its fullest meaning? The Bride and Groom help each other "pop" open a bottle of champagne, fill each other's flute then toast each other and sip their champagne.

A-LA LADY AND THE TRAMP

Photo courtesy of www.channel4.com

If spaghetti happens to be the first dinner course (although this would work for any course), why not kick off dinner with a romantic gesture? Place one end of a single string of pasta in each of your mouths and nibble on it until you're joined in a kiss. Super cute and a brilliant photo op, this gesture can also take guests back to their youth when they first saw the movie.

BREAKING BREAD

Photo courtesy of www.trekearth.com

No, we don't mean the tradition of breaking bread over the Bride's noggin! If the venue or caterer allows, the Bride and Groom can bake a favourite type of bread together prior to the wedding and have it served to the guests tables in lieu of the venue's usual bread baskets. Include a small note on the basket of homemade bread letting the guests know that the Bride and Groom baked it together with love. While it isn't necessarily the first task as husband and wife, it still symbolizes the couple working together now and forever.

As you have seen through the eyes of history, the "Cutting of the Cake" is simply tradition, not an absolute rule. That said, if the cutting of the cake isn't for you, never feel that you're committing a sin for not including it in your wedding plans.After all, personalizing your wedding is just that -- personalizing it so that it is a reflection of the two of you as a couple. Therefore feel free to play with traditions or omit them completely to make your wedding...well, "you".