HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Some Facts about New Years:

Did you know that New Year's is one of the most popular times for proposals?

Did you have "the question" asked to you while ringing in a previous New Year? Or maybe you'll get to seal your "Yes" with a kiss this New Year's?! (Fingers crossed ;)

Fact about why we sing Auld Lang Syne:

The most commonly sung song for English-speakers on New Year's eve, "Auld Lang Syne" is an old Scottish song that was first published by the poet Robert Burns in the 1796 edition of the book, Scots Musical Museum. Burns transcribed it (and made some refinements to the lyrics) after he heard it sung by an old man from the Ayrshire area of Scotland, Burns's homeland.

 It is often remarked that "Auld Lang Syne" is one of the most popular songs that nobody knows the lyrics to. "Auld Lang Syne" literally translates as "old long since" and means "times gone by." The song asks whether old friends and times will be forgotten and promises to remember people of the past with fondness, "For auld lang syne, we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet."

But it was bandleader Guy Lombardo, and not Robert Burns, who popularized the song and turned it into a New Year's tradition. Lombardo first heard "Auld Lang Syne" in his hometown of London, Ontario, where it was sung by Scottish immigrants. When he and his brothers formed the famous dance band, Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians, the song became one of their standards. Lombardo played the song at midnight at a New Year's eve party at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City in 1929, and a tradition was born. After that, Lombardo's version of the song was played every New Year's eve from the 1930s until 1976 at the Waldorf Astoria. In the first years it was broadcast on radio, and then on television. The song became such a New Year's tradition that "Life magazine wrote that if Lombardo failed to play 'Auld Lang Syne,' the American public would not believe that the new year had really arrived."
Fact Found on Fact Monster: www.factmonster.com

Wishing you all Peace, Health, Love and Prosperity for the New Year as we celebrate 2010!!

~*~HAPPY NEW YEAR!!~*~

Carol Rame

Unsure About Hiring a Wedding Planner? Here are 101 reasons WHY YOU NEED ONE!

Well it seems that countdowns are everywhere these days, I thought I would do a little "counting" of my own, and let you know of 101 things that  could happen on your wedding day, but may be resolved or avoided altogether by simply hiring a Wedding Planner.

As a Certified Wedding Planner/Coordinator, I am trained to handle the "little things" that may arise, take care of stressful situations, and come up with creative solutions to the predicaments that may "pop up".

Think of it as having your own "Wedding 9-1-1 Operator" if you will.

Now in some cases, you are going to ask-"How can a Wedding Planner solve that?"
My response to this is, although we may not be able to "fix" everything, with some quick on-the-toes and creative solutions, we can make it easier to quickly resolve and keep things under wraps, so that you may enjoy your day worry-free.
Having a Certified Wedding Planner can help eliminate some of these headaches before they become an issue for the Bride and Groom to deal with. Let's face it, sometimes it's always a good thing to have someone take the reigns and resolve the problems that may arise in our everyday lives-isn't it absolutely essential to have someone do this on your most important day??


You will also find in reading this article I have put together, just how invaluable a Wedding Planner can be, and how we go above and beyond for our clients.

1. It's 7:00pm the night before, and your centrepieces have not arrived at the reception hall, and are still "on delivery"
2. Your DJ is late
3. Your drunk Uncle decides to make a speech
4. The Minister is stuck in traffic
5. Your cake is melting in the heat
6. The Venue forgot to stock Toilet Paper in the Washrooms
7. Your favours aren't set out at each place setting
8. Your attendant forgot deodorant
9. Your decor is falling/coming apart
10. Tables were all set for 6 instead of 8
11. Your heel breaks
12. Your 20-something cousins need to call for a cab
13. The DJ blows a fuse
14. You left your bouquet at the Church
15. Your groom slept in!
16. The flowers from the church need to be transported to the reception venue
17. Your Groom faints
18. The wedding party is getting dehydrated and sunburnt while doing photos
19. Your dress gets a tear in it
20. Your Makeup artist is a no-show
21. The Venue Air conditioning isn't working
22. It's an outdoor tented wedding and there is no bug spray available for your guests
23. No backup plan for outdoor photos-and it starts to rain
24. Your limo breaks down
25. You get wine spilled on your dress while hugging your cousin
26. A Guest goes into labour
27. Your Flower girl falls asleep
28. Your wedding party is hung over from the night before
29. The wrong tuxes get shipped
30. Your Limo gets double booked
31. Your Church gets double booked (yikes!)
32. The Florist mixes up your flowers with another wedding!
33. Your flowers are withered when delivered
34. An altercation breaks out after dinner
35. Someone gets knocked out during bouquet/garter toss
36. The Best Man forgets the rings!
37. Your ring bearer gets too nervous to walk down the aisle
38. Your Mom forgets her whole BOX of kleenex
39. Your Dad's knees buckle while walking you down the aisle
40. Your Father and Step-Father BOTH want to walk you down the aisle
41. Your parents can't sit in the same room with one another
42. Your veil catches on fire while lighting the unity candle
43. A cell phone goes off during the ceremony
44. Your ring bearer/flower girl throws a temper tantrum
45. Your mascara starts running right before you are supposed to walk down the aisle
46. You gained a teeny bit of weight and now your dress doesn't fit! (eeek!)
47. Your photographer gets sick and needs to leave early
48. Your bar runs dry at 9:30PM
49. A Kitchen fire breaks out while cooking the dinner
50. Your reception venue is under staffed
51. Head table collapses (Oh NO!!)
52. Your flower girl gets a tummy ache and throws up
53. Power failure
54. The fire alarm goes off
55. Your Hairdresser doesn't remember the "do" she "did" at your trial and gets it all wrong!
56. The bathroom gets flooded
57. Your ice sculptures start to melt before the reception
58. The weather wreaks havoc and makes transportation a mess!
59. The Band shows up late
60. Your Doves/Butterflies you have for release end up escaping!
61. You lose a contact lens
62. Someone has a medical emergency
63. Your Ex shows up --uninvited
64. Say the wrong name at the alter
65. Reception room isn't set up
66. Your linens don't arrive on time
67. The chair sashes aren't tied
68. Your cake arrives-- FROZEN!!
69.  The food is served cold
70. The Photographer's camera gets broken
71. Your Bartender doesn't show up
72. Your tent collapses
73. The wait staff forgets to bring out dessert table
74. The reception hall serves chicken instead of the prime rib you had decided to go with
75. Your "littlest attendants" decide to taste your cake icing with their fingers
76. The DJ misplaces your song for the first dance
77. Your hair dresser is running late and doesn't have enough time to finish everyone
78. Monetary gifts get "misplaced" from the money box
79. Your decorator set up the wrong colour
80. One of your hired vendors suddenly goes "out of business"
81. You get sunburnt from your last tanning session the day before your BIG day!
82. Your limo driver gets lost-(not good)
83. Your limo driver takes you to the wrong Church!! (even worse!)
84. Your flower girl/ring bearer loses bladder control
85. Your cake topper sinks into the cake
86. Your dress comes un-done.."up top"!!
87. The bartender runs out of ice
88. You weren't told a parade was going on at the location you chose for your photos
89. You get stuck in traffic on the way from photos to the reception
90. A guest gets rather "loud and opinionated" while speeches are in progress
91. Your Groom forgets his written vows
92. You misplace your shoes
93. You rented a white horse and carriage and on the day-of they sent the burgundy one!
94. An attendant drops out at the last minute
95. Your relative no longer wants to get up and do the reading at the ceremony
96. Your vocalist gets a cold and can't sing
97. Your guests show up to the venue and the doors are locked!!
98. You forget the guest book and pen
99. Your bouquet comes apart
100. The tuxedo hems are too short
101. Uninvited guests crash the wedding

WHEW!! That is a lot of things, and sadly, the list goes on.
BUT having a Wedding Planner can definitely cross out many of these painful mishaps.

The solution is simple-Hire a Wedding Planner.

Super Planner? ABSOLUTELY!

~Carol Rame

Chic and Sexy Vintage-Get the Look for 2010

Well the verdict is in for what to expect this coming year and vintage is making the top of the list! What to expect? Oversized fluffly ruffles and grande pearls to add that couture feel to any frock! Both add a soft and ultra feminine touch that creates a stunning and sophisticated look for your big entrance. It doesn't just stop there; chic styles are in, for everything from DIY invitations, to designer cakes-even renting designer jewelery for your most glamourous appearances!!
Lots of upcoming new Bridal trends for the New Year-stay tuned!

From Me to You

I would just like to extend my very best to you and your family over the holidays!

Wishing you the gift of health, happiness and joy throughout this year and many more to come!

~*~Season's Greetings~*~

Carol Rame

December Coffee Talk! Choosing Your Attendants

Question from Bride To Be:

I have about 12 really close girlfriends that I have been friends with since elementary school. Now that I am engaged, I am having a really tough time picking which ones to be in my wedding party-and finding it even harder to choose a Maid of Honour!
My fiancee and I only want about 3-4 attendants on each side. He doesn't have a large list of friends to choose from, and is ready to ask his attendants as soon as I can make up my mind. I really don't want to offend or hurt anyone's feelings but I feel like I am stuck between a rock and a hard place!
Please help!

Carol's Suggestions:

This is not an uncommon issue when selecting attendants- and is not always an easy choice for brides and grooms to make. When choosing an attendant for the job of Maid of Honour Bridesmaid, Best-Man or Groomsmen, there are things that must be taken into consideration before a final decision is made:

Time:
Does the individual have the time necessary to devote to the things you require of them for your plans and your upcoming day-and would they mind taking the time to invest in your plans? Going to fittings, rehearsals, participating in the Jack & Jill, and planning showers or bachelor(ette) parties-these all take time away from their schedules, and it can be very tiresome if they have demanding careers, children, or a busy lifestyle. You don't want to ask this of someone who may end up resenting  you because they are sacrificing their extra time for your plans. If they can agreeably dedicate themselves-then keep them in mind.

Money:
This is always a delicate subject. The fact is that attendants are ultimately responsible for enduring certain costs when accepting the role. These responsibilities can add up-and so too can the cost! Such things as attire, hair, makeup, gift for the happy couple, and pitching in for showers etc.-are usually out of pocket for the attendants themselves. It may be wise to think about this factor, and not put a hardship on anyone who may have just lost a job, or have endured other financial hardships. You can also let your attendants know ahead of time exactly what your plans are and the costs involved and they can make the decision themselves if they would like to go ahead and accept the position.

Reliability:
This really is a big one. You need to have people surrounding you who are going to pull through and do what they say they will do. This can end up causing you frustration and disappointment in your attendants if they are not committed and reliable. If they are usually the type to bail on Saturday night plans, cancel a coffee date at the last minute, or stand you up at the mall, then you definitely can't rely on them to pull through on larger responsibilities like being in a wedding party.

"Drama-Mama's":
Along with the reliability aspect, there are also the "close-friends" that have to always have "something" going on in their world. Steer clear of considering these friends as they have a tendency to be attention seekers as well, and the last thing you need is their drama spilling into your plans. Don't get me wrong-just because they like drama, doesn't mean they aren't a good friend...but the attention seeking diva might be a little too much for you to handle and cause you headaches in the end.

Geographical Area:
Yes this most certainly matters when choosing your attendants. If you have that really special friend who you absolutely-promised-each other-since you were 5 years old -that you would be each others bridesmaid , BUT now they live in a totally different city, province, state, country or time zone...
Then you will absolutely need to consider how to fit this into your plans without them being in attendance for most of the engagement festivities. An extra effort must be made to keep them up to date and still in the loop about your plans-even if it is from a distance. In most cases, if the person is unwilling or cannot travel for the festivities, you may want to consider someone else for the role.

Family
This can be a plus or a minus:
Plus: If you have a close family, then they will enjoy sharing and participating in your plans and in your big day. This could also eliminate the "friend" issue altogether if you decide to have only family members as attendants.
Minus: Can cause headaches-(Please refer to the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding and you will understand why).

I hope this helps you in choosing your attendants. Since not everyone can always be included in the actual wedding party, there are ways to honour them with other special roles throughout your day. You could have one friend MC, another do a reading during your ceremony, or if they have a special talent like playing an instrument, or singing, they can perform in your ceremony a song of your choosing. Keeping feelings in mind- be sure to make all your friends feel included and a part of your day, even if they are not directly participating in it.

Have a question for Carol that you want answered for your big day? Email to info@carolrame.ca

A Very Merry Vintage Wedding

Okay, so anyone that knows me, knows I adore vintage style. I am in love with the  nostalgic feminine glamour it holds, and I like to mix it with modern style for a bit oif fun and flare. I find it adds the perfect amount of glamour and softness to anything from an outfit to decor in my home (without making it too "girly" for my husband to handle).
I especially find it comforting to reflect this time of year, looking back on old black and white photos of Christmas past, and reading old postcards from a by-gone era.
There is something so wistful and magical about Chistmas past, but it makes me want to keep traditions with the present Christmas I am enjoying.
 This latest inspiration board came out of my three favourite things, vintage style, my favourite time of year Christmas, and of course-weddings!

For more on my inspiration boards check them out here: http://www.bridalcanvas.com/canvas/user/5259

Romance in the Rain

During these months there is usually a lot of forcasted rain-and more to come in the months ahead! Often as a Wedding Planner, I instruct couple to have a backup plan indoors incase unexpected showers interrupt your outdoor "garden-esque" photos. However if you are the more care-free type then embrace the rain!!

I have put together an inspiration board (some of the pictures include romantic scenes from blockbuster movies). Have fun in the rain for engagement photos, or make fun use out of props like umbrellas, or pull the jackets over your heads to steal a kiss-what a great way to capture the romance..in the rain!!

Top Gifts for the Bride To Be

Stuck on what to get that special relative or friend that's a bride to be? I can tell you from experience that just because it's Christmas time doesn't mean she's not still thinking about the upcoming plans for the new year! Here are some great gifts that might help her out in the months ahead to help relieve some of the stress:

Spa Gift Certificate:
Not only good for a Bride to Be, but for anyone who enjoys a little pampering! She can use it to get a manicure or pedicure, massage to relax, or a facial to glow....the list goes on, but in the end she will appreciate it.

Dinner Night:
A night out is always a great way to get caught up with each other and chat about the upcoming plans, just enjoy the company over good food and wine.

Personal Gift Basket:
Give her the gift of  "At home pampering" with luxurious scented soaps, and body lotions, throw in a few rose petals, a soft-listening CD and candles-an instant relaxation kit!

Movies:
Pack a few classic favs together for a movie night and make it a wedding theme: Bride Wars, The Wedding Date, Wedding Crashers, The Wedding Planner, My Best Friend's Wedding-You get the picture.

Swag Bag of Goodies:
Give the gift of glam to keep her refreshed everyday-get a cute little purse or tote, and fill it with must-haves like lip gloss, bridal mags, mirrored compact, makeup brushes, nail files, wipes, etc. All things to keep her looking her best at all times, and prepared for any "surprises" that might catch her off-guard.

Perfume:
Stock her up with her favourite scent, or get her the new one she's been eyeing-(chances are she won't buy it for herself) and this time of year they have some fantastic gift-sets that include lotions and bonus items as well.

Sassy Vintage Hair Wear!

One of my most favourite things in wedding fashion are hairpieces-there are so many to choose from! Whether you are going princess perfect with an updo, couture chic with a classic chignon, or wavy goddess-there are so many ways to glam it up!
These are some of my most favourite items in hairpieces that add a vintage touch-almost makes you want to say goodbye to the mundane veil.

 Flowers: Add such a delicate touch to the side of a chignon-add one with colour for that added splash.

Hairpins and Combs: Add some sparkle to your updo, or wear hair down but pulled up on one side!

Jeweled Headbands: Just perfect for any style, and add just the right amount of glam! No more boring tiaras!

Polish off with Pearls: The ultimate girly-girl accessory! Pearls are just plain classy.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!

Ahhh December...the month of lights, snow, and joy! It really is my most favourite month to enjoy. Despite the hustling and bustling about, there really is magic in the air in December. I especially LOVE winter weddings!

You have everything you need to set a romantic stage: the soft falling snow that glistens in the light, the deep shades of saphire and aubergine at night that reflect the glow of Christmas lights, sipping cocoa and cuddling by the warm fire while the snow covers the ground-doesn't that just spill out romance??

A Winter wedding can be great in terms of decor-as the Christmas season offers some spectacular and inexpensive ways to put the glitz on and add some dazzling sparkle to your venue and ceremony-you can go to town with twinkle lights, crystals, glass ornaments, sashes and bows! You can go for a winter-glam look, or Christmas red and green, or silver and gold. You can choose a winter theme song for your first dance like "Baby It's Cold Outside" or Colbie Caillat's "Bubbly" ("it starts in my toes, makes me crinkle my nose"). Let the whimzy of the season take over-and plan a spectacular winter-wedding!

(Photos Courtesy of Nic and Antonella Tamayo-Winter Wedding of the Year 2008)