Nuance Occasions Wedding Tips, Ideas & News

We've Moved the Blog!

2007-05-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note that the Nuance Occasions blog has been moved to:
www.nuanceoccasions.com/blog

Please change your bookmarks, as we will no longer be updating this blog.

Looking forward to having you join us at our new location!

Jolyn
Lead Wedding Coordinator
Nuance Occasions
www.nuanceoccasions.com

New Forum: Edmonton Wedding Guide

2007-03-30T07:44:00.000-08:00

A new forum designed specifically for wedding couples in the Edmonton area has just been started! Come and join in the fun!!

Check out the Edmonton Wedding Guide forums at: http://edmontonweddingguide.com/yabb/YaBB.pl

Nuance Occasions is pleased to be given the opportunity to be the expert wedding planner featured on the forums, and we've been brought onto the administrative team. Our creative team is so excited about this new opportunity! We are looking forward to sharing your wedding ideas, giving you helpful advice, and watching this forum grow.

We'll be posting about a special contest soon - that will only be announced on the wedding forums - so keep a close watch and get posting!!

So if you have wedding ideas to share, great venue finds, or have some wedding stuff to sell in the classifieds, get onto the forum and start posting! See you on the forum!

Jolyn Saramaga, WPICC
Certified Wedding Coordinator
www.nuanceoccasions.com

Have a need for wedding chat??

2007-03-26T07:55:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, just sometimes, family and friends get tired of hearing about your wedding plans. As a wedding coordinator - needless to say, I never get tired of hearing all the wonderful ideas and thoughts that run through one's mind...but if you find that your family and friends just can't take anymore, or you want to listen to other brides share their joy of their wedding plans...then here are some great resources for you.

The following wedding websites offer chat forums for Canadian brides, and many have a local prairies section for you to share local resources and ideas. So snoop around, and see what you can find for inspiration, for sharing and for friendship!

Canadian Bride Talk Boards: http://forums.canadianbride.com/

Weddingbells Magazine Forum: http://boards.weddingbells.ca/ubbthreads.php

FrugalBrides.com Babbling Brides Bulletin Board: http://www.frugalbride.com/babblingbrides.html

The Knot : Canadian Boards: http://talk.theknot.com/boards/main_frame.aspx?page=ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=46

So don't hesitate to check out these forums, and start sharing ideas and inspiration with other brides across the country...you'll love the resources you'll find on these forums. Happy Chatting!

Budget Tip: Late Lunch

2007-03-08T09:50:00.000-08:00

Late Lunch is often served in the late evening hours, often between 10:30pm-11:00pm depending how early dinner was served.

One way to help control your budget, is to speak to your caterer about your late lunch costs. When negotiating your catering contract, ask about the possibility of having your late lunch costs applied to only70-75% of your guaranteed guests.

Realistically, by the time the late lunch is served, some guests will have left, and not all guests are going to eat late lunch. Having the late lunch fee reduced, can save a couple hundred dollars depending on your caterer, fees and guest list size.

So speak with your caterer, and explore the options of reducing some of your late lunch fees - it never hurts to ask, the worst they can say is 'no'.

We're Hiring!!

2007-03-06T13:16:00.000-08:00

Nuance Occasions expanding our team to serve you better!

If you are passionate about weddings, and love all the details that go into a wedding, we'd love to have you be a part of our dynamic team!

Available positions and application details can be found on our website at: www.nuanceoccasions.com/employment.html

Good luck to all applicants - we will be accepting resumes until May 15, 2007!

Newly Designed Website!!

2007-03-05T08:33:00.000-08:00

Nuance Occasions is pleased to announce that our main website www.nuanceoccasions.com has been redesigned and revamped. We love the modern appeal of our website and are excited to announce that our latest website redesign features lots of photographs from Nuance Occasions past weddings.

So if you have a minute, drop by and check out our new site! We are booking quickly for 2008, and already have limited dates available in 2007 for planning and/or coordination services.

Best wishes with your wedding plans!!

Jolyn Saramaga, WPICC

Lead Wedding Coordinator

Nuance Occasions

http://www.nuanceoccasions.com

mailto:info@nuanceoccasions.com

Press Release: Disney to Launch New Bridal Collection

2007-03-02T07:14:00.000-08:00

Released today from MagicalMountain.net - the official online source for Disney:

"Beginning this spring, modern brides can have a real fairy tale wedding with a spectacular gown that captures and illuminates the style and spirit of their favorite Disney Princess. Disney Consumer Products today announced the launch of Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings collection, a fashion-forward line of bridal apparel designed by Kirstie Kelly, well-known in celebrity circles and within the bridal fashion industry for her finely-crafted bridal couture, which incorporates luxurious fabrics with quality workmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
Bridal gowns from Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings collection will be available beginning in June at specialty bridal boutiques in North America and Japan at prices ranging from $1,100 to $2,900US. The first gowns to launch are inspired by Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine and Ariel. In October, the collection will expand to include a full bridesmaid and flower girl range.

"From Snow White to Belle, Disney has a long history of being associated with fairy tales and dreams for girls and women all over the world, and many have a special affinity for a particular Disney Princess," said Jim Calhoun, executive VP, global apparel, Disney Consumer Products."The gowns designed by Kirstie Kelly for Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings lets them live out their fantasy in a beautiful and modern way -- on the most special day of their lives."
Designer Kirstie Kelly has been creating bridal couture for more than a decade and considers her involvement with Disney's Fairy Tale Collection a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design a unique line of gowns that will be cherished for years to come. The line is distinctly elegant and designed to make every bride look and feel like a princess on her special day.

"This project is a personal thrill for me, because I know that most brides-to-be fantasize about looking like a princess, with their own wedding day as a real life fairy tale," said Kelly."I designed the gowns so that each bride can capture the beauty, magic and essence of each Disney Princess, with a decidedly fashion forward, elegant and modern look and feel."

CONTEST: Enter to win $4000 towards your wedding!

2007-02-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

Jean M Accessories is now accepting applications for your chance to win $4,000 in wedding invitations, accessories, an exclusive photo shoot and a trip to visit with Jean M herself!

No purchase is necessary, so have fun, and pass this along to other brides you know. Contest is open to those getting married in 2008, but entries will only be accepted until the end of February 2007!

Canadian brides can enter the contest through this link:
http://info.easiest.com/sre/jeanm/bridesearch/BrideSearch_Canada.cfm

Emergency Kit Tip: Phone Numbers

2007-02-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

Well, we all know that having a little kit of emergency items is essential to the enjoyment of any wedding - as it's the little things that can cause a big hiccup. One of the best things to be sure have in your kit, is PHONE NUMBERS! I know it sounds simple, but trust me, a lot of anxiety can be relieved with this simple list.

Some important numbers to include:

Cell phone number of EVERY vendor, because chances are they'll be on the road when you absolutely need to speak with them
Phone number for church, ceremony site, reception sites and any sites you are going to take photos at (and bring their addresses for family members not sure where to go!)
Phone number and address of closest liquor store - in case you forget a permit, or are running low on supplies - phone ahead and have someone go pick it up
Phone number and address of nearest grocery store - for incidental supplies you may need last minute - call to make sure they have what you need first!
AMA help line if you are driving your own vehicals, or the rental company hotline for any rental vehicals
Phone number for your hotel or venue you are staying for the night - incase you are delayed, you can ensure your room will be held for you
Numbers to local taxi companies to ensure you can help get friends and family home safely at the end of the night
Help numbers to local utilities - power, water, sewer, gas, etc - in case there are any unexpected situations at any of your venues - don't expect the venue to have this information on hand, as many of them don't!
Phone number and address of local hardware store and equipment rental - in case of power outages, you can make arrangments quickly to rent a generator - I've had one power outage in my 6 years of coordinating weddings, and by having this number handy, we were able to get the DJ a sufficient generator to keep the party going, without missing much of a beat...Hopefully you'll never have to use this one, but I have before...

Write all the numbers on a large index card and place it in your emergency kit bucket, box or bag - that way anyone can reach in, grab it, and make the necessary calls. And you might as well through in some change in case you need to access a pay phone!

Hopefully you'll never need any of these phone numbers...but if you do, you'll have them handy!! Continued best wishes with your wedding plans!!

Create a Slide Show

2007-02-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

I was checking out a new program the other day, and had fun with how very it was to make a slide show... Visit www.slide.com and create your own slide show - it's very easy, and can be emailed to everyone (great to send wedding photos after the special day!), add it to your blog, your myspace profile, your wedding website or anywhere else you want to share some special photos...

You can change the theme, the transitions, the image text and so much more - you can also make your slide shows viewable by invitation only. There are so many fabulous options - and best of all - it's FREE

I've redone all of my gallery images, and working on converting more, you can check it out at www.nuanceoccasions.com/gallery.html . You can check out my favorite tent wedding from last summer below ...

45 Favor Ideas

2007-01-17T08:17:00.000-08:00

I love this little video by MSN & TheKnot.com to show different popular ideas for favor items.

You can view the video by clicking 1=8921">HERE.

As you'll see through the video, presentation of your favor item is the key to making it a personalized and memorable keepsake for your guests.

Nuance Occasions favor tags, and stickers are great ways to personalize any favor. And with our ability to custom design to your exact specifications, you are sure to make a unique statement at your wedding.

Enjoy finding your perfect favor, and then speak to our design team about creating the perfect personalized compliment to your favor...

NEW: Ceremony Program Fans

2007-01-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

Nuance Occasions is now offering ceremony program fans to help keep your guests cool during your summer outdoor wedding!

Place a fan on each seat, or have your ushers distribute them while seating guests. Embellish with ribbon to coordinate even further with your wedding decor.

Our ability to custom design fans, means that we can create a fan that perfectly matches your theme, colors and decor...we can even do your photos as the background! The possibilities are endless to what can be done.

Program fans are available assembled or for you to place together...you can find our selection of program paddle fans here: http://www.nuanceoccasions.com/store/home.php?cat=371

Two new fan styles will be introduced later this month!! Watch our online store for more details!

Recently Engaged??

2007-01-03T15:25:00.000-08:00

Congratulations if you are one of the lucky couples that got engaged over the holiday season - the most popular time for engagements! But if you are like many couples, you are wondering what to do next...we'll, here's some tips to get you started.

1. Hire a wedding planner. A wedding planner can help you make efficient use of your planning time, get you valuable discounts on many services, and help you create a one-of-a-kind wedding that is truly a reflection of the two of you. Wedding Planners are no longer for the rich and famous - wedding planners can assist couples on all types of budgets...it never hurts to make an inquiry...

2. Book your venues - ceremony & reception. Remember to consider where you may want to take photos in between, and how far your guests have to travel. Be sure that your venue can accomodate you whether your guest list rises or drops...so you don't get stuck down the road because of your guest list size.

3. Book a photographer & DJ/band. In most cities, these are the services that book up the quickest, so book theses services early to get the best selection. Be sure to get a contract, and provide a deposit that is less than 1/2 the cost of your package price.

4. Get dress shopping. Many bridal salons require approximately 5 months to order in a wedding dress. In January, you can find lots of great bargains on 'off the rack' dresses as they clear for 2007 inventory. With 'off the rack' dresses, be sure it close to your size so that you don't pay a fortune in alterations. Your best bet is to purchase a dress with a corset back, and that way you may only need to worry about the hemline...but try on a variety of styles, you'll be surprised what looks great on you. And remember, you'll be wearing this dress for possibly up to 15 hours or more, so make sure you can move, sit, stand and walk with it on and be comfortable in it...

Best wishes with your planning your upcoming wedding - and remember, if you are getting married in Edmonton, then Nuance Occasions can assist you with a variety of services for budgets large and small!

NEW: Save-the-date Magnets

2007-01-02T22:37:00.000-08:00

Nuance Occasions is pleased to be able to introduce our new 'SAVE-THE-DATE' and favour magnets. Over the coming weeks, you'll see even more modern and creative designs featured in our magnet section.

Our magnets feature a high quality laminated finish with full magnet on the back. Your guests will never forget your wedding date with this constant & stylish reminder!

Save-the-date magnets should be sent 6-12 months in advance of your wedding - so that guests have time to book time off, and make travel arrangments if necessary. You'll still need to send your wedding invitation (6 weeks before for local guests, send 8 weeks in advance for out-of-town guests). The save-the-date magnet simply ensures your guests have a little more advance notice.

Visit our new magnet section -> here - and watch for even more designs being added.

NEW: Jiffy Popcorn Gifts

2006-11-28T08:55:00.000-08:00

With Christmas on the way, we often struggle to find little gifts to say thank you to some important people, but on a limited budget.

Nuance Occasions new Jiffy Stovetop Popcorn gifts are perfect for the delivery guy, water delivery guy, postal worker, flyer delivery person, bus driver, teacher, neighbor and much more!

Each jiffy popcorn features a personalized and decorated cover on the front, and embellished with coordinating curling ribbon on the handle. These inexpensive favors allow you to add your special thank you message. We can custom design to match any theme, or occasion, or simply choose one of current designs.

You can view a couple of our jiffy popcorns in our Holiday Ideas : Christmas section.

Remember our Christmas order deadline dates are quickly approaching, so if you need some gifts for Christmas or Hanuakkah, don't forget to check out our Paint Can gift basket section for a truly unique gift idea...

New: Micro Monogram Stickers

2006-11-25T10:02:00.000-08:00

Nuance Occasions is now offering 'Micro Monogram' stickers and seals - these are fabulous for adding to favor boxes, invitation envelopes, place cards, centerpiece additions and much more!

These 1" micro monograms can be custom designed to match any color and theme design. Select your font choice of one single letter (usually a last name for weddings, for an initial of a first name for birthdays, birth announcements and more).

This fun and unique size is perfect for many uses - so check them out on our website at: Nuance Occasions - Stickers & Labels

Tip: Cleaning Votive Candle Holders

2006-11-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

If anyone has ever burned a votive candle inside a glass holder, you know that it can create quite the troublesome mess to clean out of the holder. If you plan to use votive candles at your reception, here are some great tips for cleaning out the holder afterwards...

Tip #1
Place one tablespoon of water at the bottom of the votive holder, before putting the candle in. This will create a layer of water between the wax and the glass, and prevent the wax from sticking to the glass.

Tip #2
If you have wax stuck to the inside the glass holder, simply place the wax holder into the freezer for a couple of hours. The cold will cause the wax to shrink away from the glass sides, and the excess wax will just drop out of the holder - easy as that!!

These tips are sure to make life easier when cleaning your votive holders.

New Favor Boxes: Milk Carton

2006-11-09T18:12:00.000-08:00

Nuance Occasions is pleased to introduce a new favor box shape - the small milk carton!

This fun shape is perfect for slightly larger favors that don't fit in conventional small favor boxes. The milk cartons can be secured closed with ribbon or raffia and can be designed to match any color scheme or theme specifics.

Over the next week, we will add more designs online in the new milk carton style - but do remember that we'd be pleased to custom create a box unique to you and your event!

Check them out in our online store under 'Favor Boxes' - http://www.nuanceoccasions.com/store/home.php

Emergency Kit Tip: Fishing Line

2006-11-08T15:41:00.000-08:00

Now every knowledgeable bride knows to pack a needle and thread in her emergency bag - but I bet you never thought of this one...before your wedding day, when you are packing your emergency items, thread some very strong weight 'fishing line' (yes, from the hardware department) onto a needle.

The beauty of fishing line, is it is very strong and also practically invisible. So why would you need fishing line? For stitching your bustle up the one teeny tiny hook breaks, for stitching yourself into a dress when the zipper breaks, and for stitching your corset to your dress to stop it from showing over the top edge of your dress.

As a wedding coordinator, this is just one of many favorite items in my emergency kit, and it gets plenty of use. Your standard thread sometimes just isn't strong enough to hold up your 15lb train - so pack your fishing line, already threaded on a needle, so it can quickly be utilized should you or your dress need it!!

Edmonton Reception Venues

2006-11-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

Back by popular demand, I've added a link to Edmonton reception venues on my main website once again. The list is not the most up to date, so over the coming month, I will be updating it to list even more venues, and trying to catagorize the listing a little better for everyone.

If you know of a venue that is not on this list, please drop me a note and I'll try to get it added.

Edmonton Brides - if you are having trouble finding a venue, please remember that I have a venue binder with over 200 local venues, including details about services, prices, rules, and much more. When you book my planning services or hourly wedding consultation, you are welcome to make use of my knowledge of the venues, and have an opportunity to review the binder as well. It is my endeavor to help you find the perfect venue for your wedding reception size, expectation and budget!

To view the list of Edmonton Reception venues - visit: http://www.nuanceoccasions.com/edmonton.html for the direct link!

Edmonton Bridal Gown Shop Closing

2006-11-07T09:34:00.000-08:00

Just a heads up for Edmonton brides that Weddings, Etc is closing their doors and having a large clearance sale this week and weekend. Here are the details for you:

Weddings Etc
10129-161 Street, Edmonton
484-0840

Thursdays 10am - 8pm
Monday, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays 10am-5pm
Closed on Sundays

* Bridal, Bridesmaid, Flowergirl, Graduation & Formal Wear
* Everything must go, starting at $49 and up

If you haven't already purchased your wedding dress, or need bridesmaid or mother dresses, this is a great opportunity to partake in some details. Please do note however, that this gown shop was one of the few that rented wedding dresses, so please carefully inspect dresses before your purchase, to make note if any deficiencies can easily be fixed or not.

I would love to hear if you have success in finding the perfect dress here!

First Same-Sex Couple in Alberta To Get a Marriage License

2005-07-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

Canada is now the fourth country to recognize same-sex marriage rights, and yesterday, after Royal Assent was given to the new legislation, Alberta's first gay couple received their marriage license...you can read the full article here: Edmonton men first gay couple in Alberta to get marriage licence

Nuance Occasions is already meeting with same sex couples who need assistance in planning their Edmonton and area wedding, and although we do not suggest getting your marriage license until the law is fully recognized, same-sex couples can for the first time plan for a legal marriage rather than a committment ceremony.

Emergency Kit Tip: Chalk

2005-07-18T18:43:00.000-08:00

When packing your wedding day emergency kit, remember to grab a stick of white chalk...why? you may ask???

Chalk is the perfect accessory to quickly cover deep dark stains. Use it to cover grass stains on the dress or train after your photo session, use it to cover red wine splashes, or any other stain that needs a quick 'cover up'.

It won't eliminate the stain, and you'll still be able to see the stain when close up or looking for it, but for the guests and those taking pictures, it will cover it enough...

This is one item that is always in my emergency kit for any weddings I coordinate...

'Wild Weddings' Needs You...

2005-07-12T17:53:00.000-08:00

Once again, TLC is on the search for video footage for their series, 'Wild Weddings'. Please read through the following request and feel free to contact them if your footage fits their needs....

Oh, and don't forget to share your 'Wild Wedding' stories in my comments...I know we can all appreciate a little humor after the fact...

The Learning Channel (TLC) is doing a new show entitled "Wild Weddings." We are producing six one-hour episodes of the program, which will begin airing this November. I appreciate any help you can give us with our project.

This show features a wide range of wedding videos, including funny wedding moments, wedding disasters or things going wrong, unusual weddings and any other material that could fall under the "wedding" umbrella (proposals, bachelor and/or bachelorette parties, vendor problems caught on tape). This could include cake fights, people having too much to drink, accidents and falls during the ceremony or any other crazy moments caught on video.

We are contacting wedding professionals around the world to solicit videotapes for our show. We are paying competitive licensing fees for the videos. We will pay a license fee to the owner to use it in our program and we will also pay the bride and groom for their cooperation i n the story.

In short, we have money to spend and we're looking for material. We need approximately 300 videos by the end of August in order to produce our shows, so we'd like to hear from people as soon as possible. We are seeking worldwide, all media rights in perpetuity for the material as it is used in our show. I urge your couples to call me with any questions or for more
information.

Any screening tapes can be sent to my attention at:

Steven Ireland
Wild Weddings
4928 Riverton Avenue
North
Hollywood, CA 91601

You may contact me with any questions at (818) 509-2637 or on my cell phone at (818) 370-8202. You may also email me at slivideo@pacbell.net. My fax number is (818) 762-6383. I look forward to hearing from your couples.

Thank you for all of your help!"
Sincerely,
Steven
Ireland
Supervising Producer
TLC's "Wild Weddings"

The Ultimate Bachelorette Party!!

2005-07-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Not every bride-to-be wants a drunken pub crawl with a side of meat-cake for their bachelorette party...so many brides have been looking for unique and different ways to spend this last night out!!

Sensual Secrets offers the ultimate stagette party - a sex toy home party!!!! Get the girls together for a night of fun and giggles!! Sensual Secrets sends a professional consultant to your home, and provides the guests and bride with a presentation on everything to help ensure a memorable honeymoon...and many happy nights after...

Now don't get scared off quite yet...there truly is something for everyone at these home parties - massage oils, gag gifts, kama sutra pampering products, books, games...and much more! Whether your guests are in a loving relationship, or still single, everyone will have a great time.

The private and confidential shopping experience after the presentation will ensure complete secrecy and discretion, and as a host or bride-to-be, you can earn FREE product. So if at a loss for what to plan for your next stagette adventure, consider a Sensual Secrets home party - consultants are available throughout Canada! Check out their online shopping feature for some fantastic bachelorette supplies....

Chair Ties - the ultimate decorating accessory!

2005-07-06T21:19:00.000-08:00

As a wedding consultant, I help many brides find economical solutions to decorating on a tight budget...and one of my most favorite accessories...is the chair tie or chair sash.

You've all seen chair ties placed over chair covers, but are you aware of the different ways these ties can be used to add color and elegance throughout your wedding...without resting on a chair?

Make bows to add to your head table or use as pew bows

Use as a table runner on a round or rectangular reception table

Drape on candleabras and wedding arches

Drape in a 'swoop' for your head table

Drape between pews on each side of the aisle as an aisle marker

Use to hang a floral wreath on a door or wall

Bunch up and drape around the base of your wedding cake

Place white lights underneath them, whereever you use them

Wrap around the base of bouquet and have hang down

Place along the length of the buffet tables to add some color

Chair ties can be found at most wedding/party rental suppliers. Usually available in a large array of colors, you can find chair ties in most canadian cities for between $1-$2.50 per tie. You often also have a choice of fabrics: chiffon, organza, solid and sheer fabrics.

Visit your local rental supplier, and let your creativity go wild with this easy to use decorating accessory.

Welcome

2005-07-06T09:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our very first blog entry. We hope you'll watch us grow, as we share exciting new wedding news and new product finds....