Fabulous Mountain Wedding Venues, Ideas and locations for Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper & Canmore
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Ladies Getting Ready
- Bridal party at the salon
- Make up
- Details – dress, shoes, bracelets, veil, flowers and etc…
- Portrait of the bride and bridal party before getting dressed
- Dressed
- Candid shots
- Bridal party getting ready
- Polishing the shoes etc.
- Bridal party trip to ceremony
- Groups
- Bridal party
- Bride and mother and then immediate family on her side.
- Bride on her own
- Bride with dad
Groom Getting Ready
- Morning activities
- Last minutes details
- Details shoes, cufflinks, ties, etc.
- Portraits of the groom & groomsmen before dressed
- Dressed
- Candid shots
- Groom getting ready
- Polishing the shoes etc.
- Men’s trip to ceremony
- Groups
- Men fully dressed
- Groom and mother and then immediate family on his side
- Groom and dad and then grooms men
- Groom welcomes guest at ceremony
Pre Ceremony
- Family arriving
- Guests arriving
- Groom and grooms men arriving
- Groom and priest or commissioner
- Detail shots
- Bridal party arrives
- Maid of honour and bridal party arrives
- Flower girl and or ring bearer
- Bride arrives
- The procession
- The procession
- The giving away of the bride
- The parents and guest are seated
Ceremony
- Formal introductions
- The handing off of the brides flowers
- The prayer
- The vows
- The ring exchange
- The first kiss
- The bride signing
- The groom signing
- First witness
- Second witness
- The signing group with priest or commissioner
- The introduction of new couple
Parents and Guest – Candid and Groups
- Bride’s family
- Bride & groom with her whole family
- Bride with her immediate family (mom, dad, siblings)
- Bride & mom& dad then with groom
- Bride with siblings
- Groom’s family
- Groom & bride with her whole family
- Groom with his immediate family
- Groom & mom & dad
- Groom & bride with his mom & dad then with bride
- Groom with siblings
Formals
- Bridal party
- Bridal party& maid of honour
- Bride & bridesmaids
- Bride & flower girl
- Bride & best man
- Groom & groomsmen
- Bride & ring bearer
- Groom & ring bearer
- Bride individual
- Groom individual
- Bride & groom semi & full figure
- Bride & groom with both families parents
Romantics
- Bride & groom
- Walking together
- Sitting together
- Holding hands and the rings
- Standing close
- Bride
- Standing and sitting and details with scenery
- Groom
- The stance of a white knight with scenery
- Details
- The glance viewing his bride from a far
Contemporary, Traditional, Journalistic
Contemporary
- Bride and groom
- Parents ( both families) and immediate family
- Bridal party
- Immediate family ( both families)
- Close friends
Traditional
- Bride and groom
- Parents ( both families) and immediate family
- Bridal party & close friends
Journalistic
- Pre ceremony & ceremony
- During the receiving line, formals & romantics
- Reception
- Throughout the day
Reception
- Grand entrance
- Bridal party
- Bride
- Groom
- Parents and immediate family
- Guests
- Speeches and toasts
- Parents
- Bridal party and close friends
- Bride and groom
- Cake cutting & first, second, & third dance
- Cake cutting
- First dance bride – groom
- Second dance -parents
- Third dance – bridal party
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Ahh, tipping… a grey area in wedding planning for sure! First and foremost on this topic, the decision to tip is completely up to you and your satisfaction with the service provided. You are NOT obligated to tip! However, here is a handy-dandy guide to saying thank you to those that have made your big day so special if you so choose to tip.
TIPPING NOTES:
Who Can I Tip?
How Much do I Tip?
Photographer – If this vendor owns their own business then tipping is optional. If the photographer is an employee $50 – $150 is appropriate based on their performance on the day of the wedding. You may also split the tip up, tipping half on the wedding day and half upon delivery of the final product.
Videographer - If this vendor owns their own business then tipping is optional. If the videographer is an employee $50 – $150 is appropriate based on their performance on the day of the wedding. You may also split the tip up, tipping half on the wedding day and half upon delivery of the final product.
Limousine Driver – Tipping the limousine driver 10% – 15% is appropriate, however do not let this exceed the above mentioned amount.
Musicians/DJ – If your Musician or DJ owns their own company tipping is optional. If the DJ or Musicians are employees tipping from $50 – $100 each is appropriate based on the performance.
Hair and or Makeup Artist – Make sure you tip your artist with cash! Tipping from 20% – 25% for a great hair and makeup job is not uncommon as they are the people that make you shine on your big day!
Officiant – (Optional Tip) If you have decided to go with a non religious officiant tipping from $25.00 – $75.00 is appropriate. If you are holding a religious ceremony you may make a donation to the church in the amount that you feel is appropriate.
Altar Boys or Girls & Clergy – $10 – $20 each is appropriate.
Bartender – If your bartenders gratuity is not included in the final bill you may choose to tip them from 15% – 20% of the bar bill. If you do not know the bar bill at the end of the night $100.00 – $200.00 is appropriate. Be sure to tip in cash. *Note gratuity is usually included on the mater bill in which case you do NOT have to tip.
Wait Staff - If your wait staff gratuity is not included in the final bill you may choose to tip them from 15% – 20% of the food bill. If you do not know the food bill is at the end of the night $50.00 – $100.00 each is appropriate. Be sure to tip in cash. *Note gratuity is usually included on the mater bill in which case you do NOT have to tip.
Powder Room Attendant – Tipping $.50 per guest is appropriate.
Coat Check Attendants - Tipping $.50 per guest is appropriate.
Valet Parking- Tipping $1.00 per car is appropriate.
Conference Manager - (Optional Tip) Conference managers do allot of behind the scenes planning for your big day. It is always nice to tip them. $50 – $150 is appropriate depending on how much they have done for you and how much money they have saved you. If you have hired a wedding planner tipping the conference manager is optional.
Wedding Planner/Coordinator – (Optional Tip) If your wedding planning has done a great job it is always nice to say thank you. Depending on the service provided (full wedding planning or day of) and the size of your wedding, tipping from $75.00 is appropriate if you are completely satisfied with your big day.
Florist & Delivery - (Optional Tip) You don’t have to tip your florist for making your arrangement, however, if you are very happy with the results a tip is a nice way of saying thank you. If you florist delivers is it appropriate to tip $10.00 per deliver location. Eg 3 locations is $30.00 tip or 15% of the final bill.
Baker – (Optional Tip) You don’t have to tip your baker for baking the cake, however if they deliver the cake and set it up it is nice to tip from $20.00 – $40.00 for exceptional work.
Thanks for reading! I hope this has helped!
Angela Schrempf
Executive Wedding Planner
Sweet Occasions Bridal Consulting
www.sweetoccasionsbanff.com
This is one of the most common questions I get asked when it comes time to choose a cake. So here is the answer to that million dollar question… but first let’s get to know the competitors and how they compare!
TASTE:
Most fondant sort of tastes like marshmallows and is typically overly sweet. Many feel that buttercream is much better tasting than fondant, however, my cake baker makes a fabulous fondant icing that will knock your sox off! Buttercream is your typical, creamy frosting that tastes like sugary whipped cream, similar to what you can buy in your supermarket. I absoutly love whipped cream and consider it a food group which is why I prefer buttercream, however, I have had many of my baker’s wedding cakes and fondant is also a real winner!

APPEARANCE:
Fondant looks like smooth satin and create a “perfect” look. Often, fondant is used for more intricate designs because it can be molded into just about anything. Many bakers will also use gum paste as well for molding. Buttercream often looks as though it was spread on however, it is possible to duplicate the appearance of fondant with buttercream.

ENDURANCE:
If you’re going to have your cake outdoors, you’ll want to use a fondant covered cake. Buttercream, tends to melt in the heat as it is made of butter.
COST:
Fondant costs more than buttercream depending on the cake.
and the million dollar question… WHICH IS BETTER
BUTTERCREAM V FONDANT
I choose both! Tell your baker to add a layer of buttercream under the fondant. It’s your wedding, have your cake and eat it too!
For HUNDREDS of cake ideas visit Sweet Occasions Facebook!
Mmm… I am hungry! Gotta go!
Angela Schrempf
Executive Wedding Planner
Sweet Occasions Bridal Consulting
www.sweetoccasionsbanff.com
Money-Saving Tips
1. Know Your Budget
o Take a good look at your wedding budget. Your dress should be no more than 10% of the total cost of the wedding! Write your dress budget downand STICK TO IT!
o If your budget is small, consider request that, in lieu of sexy lingerie at your bridal shower that your friends donate to the overall price of your wedding dress! This could easily add a couple hundred dollars to your dress budget!

2. Resist the Temptation to Overspend!
o Remember that you’re only wearing this dress once, so don’t even try on expensive designer dresses. You might find yourself pining for something you can’t afford.
o DO NOT equate your worth with the price tag on your dress – it has absolutely NO relation.
o Benefit you and your new hubby by making smart financial planning decisions and feel good about being a sensible bride.
o Salespeople will try to upsell you don’t fall for it! Salespeople are out to make money and this may leave your budget in turmoil!
o Think about what you could put that money toward: a down payment on a house; your honeymoon or that new outfit you have been dying to get for your rehearsal.

3. Focus on the Cut:
o It’s the shape of the dress that flatters you, fancy lace, beading or embellishments can be expensive. Add a beautiful necklace to a simple & elegant dress to make it shine.
4. Buy Off-Season Dresses from a Sample Sale:
o Call local bridal shops and designer boutiques to ask when they have sample sales. If sample sales are happening in your area, read these shopping tips before you go.

5. Shop Online:
o You can save by comparing prices and shopping online where you can look through a variety of wedding dresses, from simple summer dresses to couture styles, in an affordable price range.
6. Buy from a Bridal Chain Store:
o Shopping at a chain store like David’s Bridal, which has over 280 locations, is an option for women who want plenty of affordable options and don’t want to spend a lot of time shopping and waiting for alterations.

7. Buy a Used Dress:
o Because so many brides overspend on their dresses — and only wise up about money when their wedded bliss is interrupted by a pile of bills — there are many used dresses out there to choose from. In fact, buying used dresses is becoming quite a trend.
1. Visit local consignment shops.
2. Search online at sites like:
Ebay
Craigslist
Preownedweddingdresses.com
SellYourWeddingDress.com
8. Rent a Dress:
o If saving money is a bigger priority than preserving your wedding gown, ask local boutiques if they offer this money-saving option.
Good Luck Shopping!
Angela Schrempf
Executive Wedding Planner
Sweet Occasions Bridal Consulting
www.sweetoccasionsbanff.com
Being prepared on your wedding is something I do best, so here is a secret that can save your sanity! Don’t let the little things create a big problem, be prepared for anything and everything the Rocky Mountains can throw at you by creating your own Wedding Day Survival Kit!
The Rocky Mountains can throw some unexpected scenarios at you on your wedding day so here are some useful items to include in your Rocky Mountain Wedding Survival Kit.
Start with a small purse, pouch or makeup bag and begin adding the following contents for those unforeseen emergencies.
Here are some key items to include:
Clothes
* Tide Pen
* White chalk (works amazing for hiding any stains that might appear on your dress)
* Static Guard
* Double sided tape
*Lint brush
* Packing tape (go for the clear)
* Sewing kit including scissor
* Safety pins
Face
* Makeup for touchups
* Powder (to banish shine in the photos!)
* Mirror
* Tissues
* Blotting tissues
* Q-tips
Hair
* Brush
* Bobby Pins
* Hairspray
Smile
* Gum
* Breath Freshener
* Floss
* Toothbrush and toothpaste
* Mints
Nails
* Clear nail polish
* Super glue
* Nail polish remover
* Nail file
Body
* Sun Screen
* Bug Spray
* Tampons
* Deodorant
* Advil/Tylenol/Motrin
* Alka-Seltzer
* Tums
* Band-aids
* Visine
* Purell
Feet
* Slippers
* Band-Aid Blister Blocks
Good Luck!
Angela Schrempf
Executive Wedding Planner
Sweet Occasions Bridal Consulting
www.sweetoccasionsbanff.com
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How to clean your engagement & wedding rings:
Tools
To properly clean diamonds & engagement rings the following tools are recommended:
* Shallow dish just deep enough to cover the jewelry.
* Soft bristle brush such as a mild toothbrush.
* Mild detergent or recommended jewelry cleaning solution.
* Rubber gloves for sensitive skin.
* Lint-free cloth similar to one used for cleaning a camera lens or glasses.
* Source of running water or fresh dish of clean water for rinsing.
Cleaning
When cleaning diamonds, the key to a gorgeous result is to be sure to remove dirt and debris from every nook and cranny of the ring. Filigree, Celtic, and other elaborate pieces require extra care, while simple solitaires may be cleaned more quickly and easily. The basic steps for cleaning diamond jewelry are:
* Determine whether or not the jewelry can be cleaned at home. If you are unsure of the type of metal, accent stones, or security of the setting, it is best to leave cleaning to a professional. Furthermore, antique and heirloom rings are more delicate and may need professional attention.
Always be cautious around open drains.
* Set up a cleaning space. A towel helps protect surfaces from cleaning chemicals and be sure to choose a location with adequate lighting to see crevices as well as a location protected from loss (away from sink drains, etc.).
* Remove hairs or other fibers stuck in the prongs or setting. Tweezers can help reach tight areas.
* Presoak or rinse the jewelry to remove loose dirt. If rinsing under running water, grip the jewelry firmly or use a sieve deep enough to contain it without risk of loss.
* Dip ring in cleaning solution (diluted ammonia with three parts water, a similar solution with mild clean-rinsing detergent, or professional cleaner). Soak if desired.
* Gently scrub diamond with soft-bristle brush. Change angles frequently to work into crevices but keep a firm grip on the jewelry.
* Rinse jewelry carefully. Use running water or fresh water dish and change angles to remove all cleaning solution.
* Dry ring with clean lint-free cloth. Use cloth to polish ring for maximum sparkle and shine.
Don’ts About How to Clean Diamonds
Regardless of how dirty a diamond is, do not…
* Use pins, needles, or other sharp objects to clean crevices. This will scratch the stone or surrounding metal.
* Use bleach or other harsh, abrasive chemicals. Many such chemicals will erode or discolor metal.
* Remove the diamond from the jewelry for cleaning. Any modification to the jewelry should be attempted only by a qualified professional.
Thanks Lovetoknow!
Keep Shining!
Angela Schrempf
Executive Wedding Planner
Sweet Occasions Bridal Consulting
I am often asked which flavours of cake are available. Here is the answer:
Cake Flavours:
* Chocolate
* Vanilla – a moist yellow cake
* Marble – Vanilla and Chocolate swirled throughout
* White Bridal Cake
* Lemon
* Yellow or Lemon Poppyseed
* Raspberry Ripple – Vanilla cake with raspberry flavour baked into it.
* Orange
* Fruit Cake – A traditional English favourite.
Various Buttercreams:
* White Callebaut Chocolate
* Dark Callebaut Chocolate
* Vanilla
* Mocha
* Orange
* Coconut
* Hazelnut
Preserves:
* Raspberry
* Strawberry
* Wildberry
* Apricot
Other Fillings:
* Lemon Curd
* Cream Cheese
Flavours courtesy of Cake Creations – Thanks Barb!
Thanks for reading!
Angela Schrempf
Executive Wedding Planner
Sweet Occasions Bridal Consulting
www.sweetoccasionsbanff.com
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