Real Weddings – A “Sex & The City” Gala Wedding Celebration

These Manolo Blahnik shoes
were the inspiration
behind our “Sex & The City”
wedding!

It all started with a pair of shoes! Just like on the infamous HBO TV show, a pair of Manolo Blahnik heels were behind the inspiration for this Sex & The City themed wedding of Caroline and Ryan. The bride and her attendants had found these fabulous chic black cocktail dresses and were shopping for shoes when they decided to go with a similar style of Manolo Blahniks in different colors – hot pink for the bride, and then the other bridesmaids were in shades of purple, black, lime green, and a multi-hued floral print. It was fun, fabulous, and a great way to start!

The couple decided to have their wedding in the quaint mountain town of Banff, Alberta (a couple of hours outside Calgary). No location was more perfect for their extravaganza than the Fairmont Banff Springs Resort, a majestic castle nestled in the magnificent Rockies.

The Fairmont Banff Springs, a castle in the Rockies, was the ideal setting for their wedding. – Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotels

The ceremony took place on the Outdoor Terrace. With flower baskets of bright pink wave petunias and spectacular mountains in the backdrop, very little was needed to complete the look. Elegant white chair covers with an attached sash were used, along with roman pillars supporting aisle arrangements, including crystal bling and mini-decorative shoes. A harpist entertained guests prior to the ceremony and provided the music throughout, just right for the outdoor setting.

Despite a forecast of rain, we were thrilled that the sun was out, making it possible for the outdoor ceremony to take place. The groom and groomsmen looked stylish in formal tuxes. The bridesmaids looked beautiful with their different coloured Manolos and corresponding colour bouquets. The bride, herself, was positively radiant in a designer couture Monique Lhuillier gown.  The Mayor of Banff performed the simple, but heartfelt ceremony, a truly wonderful reflection of Caroline and Ryan.

Afterwards, guests were able to enjoy the drink of the day – pink cosmopolitans, of course – in the Banff Spring’s Mt. Stephen Hall. This incredible space has high ceilings, sweeping balconies, and is reminiscent of a medieval castle. It is truly an elegant venue, but we also wanted it to reflect the “Manhattan” touch to continue with our theme. The chairs were moved inside and floor length white linens were used with a regal black and white fleur-de-lis damask overlay. Hot pink satin napkins provided the necessary splash of color we were after.

Towering hot pink hydrangea and orchids centerpieces, including black ostrich plumes and hanging crystals were combined with lower versions of a similar centerpiece to provide visual interest in the room. Flower petals, mirrored surfaces, ambient lighting, and romantic candlelight were also used to help create the sophisticated and dreamy atmosphere. Of course, we couldn’t forget our Sex & The City theme, and threw in some bling and sparkle on the table numbers and cocktail tables to complete the appearance.

Flowers are an important part of bringing to life any event! The black ostrich plumes and crystal additions were necessary to add the stylish flair we were after. – Photo courtesy of M. MacRae.

The cake was also a beautiful accompaniment to the day.  It was a delicious decadence with one tier of lemon raspberry, a second-tier of Callebaut chocolate and the third tied was the couple’s personal favourite; red velvet.

It was an incredible day from start to finish! It had the elegance that matched the venue, and the fun and frolic (and, of course, the bling) of the Sex & The City theme we were after. The guests had a wonderful time and danced the night away right to the end. We couldn’t have asked for anything more! On behalf of Creative Weddings and Occasions, congratulations to Caroline and Ryan on their wedding and best wishes as you begin your married life together!

Special thanks to all of the vendors who made this event possible including the Fairmont Banff Springs Resort, René Michaud of Bliss Photographic, Officiant John Stulz, Harpist Deborah Nyack, Randy of Good Times Entertainment DJ & Entertainment Services, Cake Creations, and Willow Haven Flower Shop.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Taking Steps Into the Digital Age with a Wedding Website

Wedding websites have recently become all the rage! Although they don’t replace traditional invites, they are a great way for couples to share information and keep guests informed about their upcoming nuptials. Check out some of the advantages below:

• You can include the story of how you met. (Better yet, tell the story from her point of view, and then from his.)
• You can introduce the members of your wedding party.
• You can inform guests of where you’ve registered, which is an “absolute NO-NO” in regular invitations.
• Guests can RSVP right online, which is both faster and more cost-effective than sending information back by “snail mail”.
• If your wedding is taking place over a weekend, or is a destination wedding, with more than one event, you can keep out-of-town guests informed about other activities that may interest them or events that will happen in conjunction with the wedding.
• Maps and details can be easily accessed by guests when and where they need them.
• Friends and family can leave comments and good wishes in the online guest book.
• You can survey guests for ideas about songs or late night snacks.
• You can showcase your engagement photos.
• Better yet, it counts down to your wedding day so you know exactly how many more days!

Are you ready to move into the digital age with your own wedding website?

Most websites are quite user-friendly, and based on templates that are easy to adapt and add photos and text to. The Knot offers a limited FREE wedding website for couples that register with their information on their site. Facebook also allows you to create a Fan Page, which you can adapt to be a wedding website. Companies, such as e-Wedding, offer a limited FREE site for those who want just the basics, or for a monthly or annual fee, a website with more comprehensive features and advanced options. Some wedding planning companies are also beginning to offer a wedding website as part of their services. I know we’ve recently subscribed to a company that will allow our destination wedding clients and our full service planning clients to get online and build their own wedding website once they begin working with us.

So, for all of you who are engaged, it’s time to move into the digital era! Get your own wedding website and have fun as you start sharing the excitement with those who are nearest and dearest!

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Hot Wedding Trends for 2010

Here are some of the hottest wedding trends which have been popular so far in 2010.

1. Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses. Don’t worry about all of the bridesmaids having the same style dress. The bride picks the color, and the maids buy the dress of their choice as long as it is the same color. This ensures that everyone has a dress that matches their body, personality and taste.

        Photo courtesy of PolakadotBride

2. The Photo Booth. This is a great way to get the guest to have fun and be involved. The couple will choose the original photo booth or a photographer who will create an area with funny props and accessories for guests to dress up in. This is a great way to get a picture of each of your guests present. If you choose a professional photo booth, each guest will get a copy of the photo strip. The bride and groom will get a CD with all of the pictures taken that day.

Photo courtesy of The Knot

3. Engagement Photos. More and more couples are getting professional engagement photos which represent who they are as a couple. Some couples take an enlarged framed photo and use it for their guests to sign at the reception. What a beautiful addition this would make to the new couple’s home.

4. Classic white wedding cake. Cupcakes are on the way out and we are back to the traditional three tiered white cake. Simply add fresh flowers for a little pop of color.

5. Bright Colors, Black Backdrop. Black accents and bright, bold colors are in from everything to table linens, bridesmaids’ dresses, flowers, accessories to adornments. The only thing white is the bride’s dress.

Photo courtesy of Simply Beautiful Decor

6. Backyard Venues. Backyard rustic chic is the newest wedding venue. This idea is great for the couple who are money conscious and want a casual wedding. Plan your wedding in your own backyard, a park, a barn, the beach, or outside at a resort.

Photo courtesy of Affordable Weddings

7. Earth Friendly Wedding. Keep your wedding sustainable by choosing to be planet friendly. The trend is a return to using vintage wedding dresses, wedding favors, LED lights, locally grown foods and flowers, and recycled paper invitations.

Photos courtesy of bridesmaid.com

8. Feel Good Food. The trend is the return to food that people like and enjoy. More couples are choosing casual buffets as opposed to pricey sit down dinners. Many food stations are popular that include pasta bars, candies, deserts, pastries, cupcakes, ice cream, or even wine stations.

Photo courtesy of the Wedding Work Room

9. Alternate Veil. Although veils are still very popular, many brides are opting to either not wear a veil or change their veil right after the ceremony to a hairpiece such as a flower, or a stunning headband.

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Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas such as Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com or phone 403-477-0643.

Ten Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner

There is no question that weddings cost a lot of money. I'm often asked, however, with all of the other expenses, why would someone pay the extra money to hire a wedding consultant? After all, most of your parents and grandparents did quite well with their own wedding and not having a planner. But times have changed, and with it, more and more couples are finding it extremely advantageous to hire a wedding planner, or at least, a "Day Of" wedding coordinator.

Having a wedding coordinator will allow you to enjoy every aspect of your day, while your coordinator looks after the details. - Photo courtesy of Vermilion Photography

1.  A wedding planner has experience doing this; for most couples this is their first time planning a wedding. They know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it most efficiently while avoiding the pitfalls. Their experience will save you tons of time and research.

2.  A good planner will be able to listen to your ideas and make appropriate suggestions that work with your vision, your style, and your budget. In addition, they may be able to make suggestions that you never even considered before that will really add to your big day.

3.  Most planners offer a variety of programs or packages. You don't necessarily need to hire someone to do the entire thing, but maybe just help with one or two specific areas.

4.  Working in the wedding industry, they are familiar with and able to recommend a number of different vendors. It works the other way, too, and they can let you know who to avoid. This saves you a ton of time tracking down references and doing comparison shopping for your vendors.

5.  Many wedding planners get discounts from vendors, which in turn can end up saving you money. For example, all Wedding Planners Institute of Canada Certified have in their contract vendor discounts that will be passed on directly to their clients. This means, you get to save money!

6.  Your planner will be a liaison/negotiator between you and your vendors from the initial conversations right through to your wedding. Their expertise will be invaluable as you negotiate contract details, pricing, keeping track of dates, and keeping everyone organized and in the loop.

7.  The planner knows what is needed in terms of legal documentation and when to look after them so you don't miss important deadlines. This can prove to be extremely useful, especially with destination weddings where there may also be the legalization and translation of official documents required.

8. Your wedding coordinator will carry an emergency kit. A good coordinator is prepared for almost any situation. She has the sewing kit to repair the button that fell off the groomsman's rented tux, the Tide-To-Go for that smudge on your dress, and the Advil for the guest with a splitting headache plus numerous other "save-the-day" items that may be needed.

9.  Even if you just hire a "Day Of" Coordinator, having someone who will look after everything on your wedding day is invaluable! Their job is to make sure that everyone else has done their job. You don't want to be worrying about whether or not the reception site is ready, or trying to find out where the limo driver is. You should be able to enjoy your day, as should your family members and friends. Having someone look after these details is worth every penny!

10.  Your time is extremely valuable.  People are busier than ever with their careers, their family obligations, and even their friends. In the past, even if the bride had a job, the mother or aunt did not work outside the home and had the time to dedicate to planning the wedding. Nowadays, few people have the time required to really plan a beautiful wedding. Even if you take on parts of it, having a wedding planner to guide you and keep you on track will make the entire process more enjoyable and manageable. You will be able to relax knowing that someone else is looking after the details on your behalf!

Your wedding day is too important to leave to chance. Hiring a coordinator will make sure that the entire experience runs smoothly and without complications. - Photo courtesy of Vermilion Photography

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Real Wedding: SueAnne & Allan’s Multicultural Celebration

Weddings are usually a blend of family and traditions, but the celebration becomes even richer when you are able to include cultural traditions as well! Such was the case with SueAnne and Allan’s wedding. It was a mix of her Chinese ancestry and his Croatian ancestry, creating a wonderful blended celebration that became uniquely their own.

SueAnne made a beautiful bride.  Photo courtesy of Vermilion Photography

SueAnne chose a deep shade of peacock green for her bridesmaids and feature accent color. It is important to remember that the bridesmaids can wear different styles of dresses and still look like part of the wedding party by unifying the same color. – Photo courtesy of C. MacRae

Right from the beginning, it was very much a family event. The ceremony took place at the groom’s family parish, St. Thomas More Catholic Church. Many of the bride’s family are quite musical, and were able to perform the ceremony music. Selections included Pachebel’s Canon in D and Schubert’s Ave Maria; as the bride’s grandfather played the piano, her aunt the violin, and a family friend sang. The groom’s two older nieces looked sweet as can be. They were decked out in sunny yellow as they scattered flower petals down the aisle. The younger set of twins followed closely behind, holding each other’s hand as they each carried a ring pillow, capturing the hearts of the guests as they made their way down the aisle.

The groom’s older nieces looked cute as can be in these sunny yellow daisy dresses. - Photo courtesy of C. MacRae.

The reception venue was Calgary’s Forbidden City restaurant, recognized for their authentic presentation of Asian food. Food is very important at a Chinese wedding celebration, and guests were treated to a full ten-course meal fit for kings. The guests feasted on numerous Chinese delicacies, including shark fin and chicken soup, deep fried stuffed crab claws, shrimps and scallops on leaves of snow peas, and lobster served in a creamy sauce just to name a few. Dessert was wedding cake and sweetened red bean cream with lotus seeds (another Chinese treat!).

As in Chinese tradition, the bride had multiple dresses. She began the day in one of her Western dresses, which she also wore for her afternoon pictures. During dinner, she changed into a stunning Chinese gown in scarlet red. Later in the evening, she switched into her third gown – a custom made dress hand-sewn in China, also in the Western tradition.

However, it was Dress #3 that stole the show! – Photo courtesy of Vermilion Photography.

Part way through the dinner service, a traditional Chinese Wedding Tea Ceremony was performed. This is a very significant event in a traditional Chinese wedding. It is symbolic of the bride being formally introduced to the family of the groom. During the ceremony, she presents tea to her future in-laws as a sign of respect. Normally performed earlier in the day at the home of the groom’s parents, it was a wonderful opportunity for the guests to witness this cultural tradition.

Throughout the evening, amidst the toasts, there were additional musical performances by friends. In particular, guests were wowed and amazed by an incredible vocal duet of Rigoletto’s La Dona e Mobile. Totally unexpected, the guests were completely moved by the opera performance and the singers were treated to a standing ovation and choruses of “bravo” at the end.

Bottles of Red Bordeaux with customized labels were distributed as wedding favours to the guests. – Photo courtesy of C. MacRae,

Soon the cake was cut and the dancing started. The groom’s mother, an excellent cook, had made a variety of Croatian sweet treats, that were set-out later in the evening, much to the guests’ delight. In addition, bottles of wine were presented to their guests as wedding favors.

Congratulations to the Newlyweds! – Photo courtesy of Vermilion Photography.

It was a wonderful day of family and friends – exactly what a wedding should be! On behalf of Creative Weddings and Occasions, we wish SueAnne and Allan all the best as they their married life together. Special thanks to Hao Wang of Vermilion Photography, Calgary Co-Op Bakery, and DJ Adam from Outright Entertainment for their contributions to the day’s event.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Welcome Bags For Your Wedding Guests

Choosing to have a destination wedding means asking family and friends to travel great distances in order to join you on your special day. One way to show your appreciation is to provide a welcome gift that your guests will receive upon their arrival. A bag filled with an assortment of goodies that will hint at and prepare them for the fun that awaits is the perfect way to kick-off your wedding celebration and show your guests how excited you are that they have decided to join you.

As part of the package, you should include relevant information about the wedding and the location. Be sure to include the itinerary of planned events, maps and guides of the area, and perhaps information about activities that may interest them. Your guests will appreciate the gesture, especially if they accidentally left their invitations and itinerary at home.

Welcome To Our Wedding” tote is ideal for creating welcome bags for your guests. The best part is that they travel flat and can be packed once you arrive at your destination. Although great as they are, they can also be personalized if you wish. Click on the photo above for more information. – Photo courtesy of Kate Aspen Shops

Ideally, you want your gifts to be meaningful, maybe even giving a hint of some of the activities planned for the week. Keep in mind that the quality of items included is more important than the quantity. A couple of thoughtful items will mean more to your guests than a bunch of junky souvenirs. Here are some ideas of items that could be included:

• Custom-labelled bottles of water
• Sunscreen
• T-shirt
• Hats
• Luggage tags
• Local map of the area / guidebook
• Locally made rum (Jamaica) or tequila (Mexico)
• Macadamia nuts or cookies (Hawaii)
• Postcards
• Beach towel
• Spanish-English dictionary
• CD of local music
• Flip flops monogrammed with the couples’ names and wedding date

Keep in mind that the items you choose should be non-perishable and don’t require refrigeration, as hotel rooms can make it tricky to keep things cool. Also remember that guests have limited room in their suitcases, so items should be easy to pack and compact.

These flip flops with your initials are a fun gift for some of your guests. Click on the photo above for more information. – Photo courtesy of Kate Aspen Shops.

Although decorative baskets look nice, they are bulky and next to impossible to take home. Instead, choose something with a local flair, like a woven bag in bright colors from a Mexican market or a monogrammed beach bag. Other alternatives if you’re on a tight budget may include using cellophane and ribbon, or purchase simple gift bags from your local dollar store. Maybe even include tissue paper in the same shades as your wedding colors.

Think of how excited your guests will be to check into their hotel after a long flight and transfers from the airports and find your gift waiting for them. The excitement and energy your welcome bag will generate will immediately get everyone in the mood to enjoy the celebration, while also letting your guests know how much you appreciate them and the fact that they have chosen to join you for this special occasion.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Signature Cocktails - A Special Touch That Can Help Make Your Wedding Your Own

Cocktails have made a huge and extremely welcome comeback over the past few years. Thanks to the creative genius of mixologists the world over, couples can arrange to have a unique cocktail drink served before dinner, during the meal, or at the dance party. With proper thought and preparation, this cocktail can even add to whole atmosphere of your wedding by incorporating your color scheme or other elements associated with your theme.

Signature cocktails are a fun way to add to your reception, even playing on your theme or wedding color choices.

So where do you start? The first step is to find a mixologist. This is the person who is going to create your unique and special drink. He or she is going to come up with the recipe that will be passed on to the bartenders, who in turn will create the drink for your guests. Many venues have a mixologist on staff, an expert who is specially trained to come up with a drink for all occasions. When initially talking with them, give them as much information about your wedding as possible. Let them know about your theme, your colors, and details about the food that will be served. Be sure to let them know about any preferences you may have. For example, if you’re having a winter wedding, you may want to choose to have a heated drink, such as a special coffee or even a hot toddy to warm guests. Tropical weddings tend to feature rum drinks mixed with fruit juices and garnished with an umbrella. With the right information, these talented individuals can come up with a personalized concoction that will add to the flavour of your wedding, even choosing a name for the drink that will reflect the theme of your wedding.

Probably the most common bases used for cocktails are either vodka or rum. Both are extremely popular and can be easily mixed with fruit juices to create decadent drinks. Extremely versatile, and with numerous flavours and variations to choose from, either of these are great choices as the basis for your signature drink!

Another popular choice is champagne, or sparkling wine. A splash of cranberry juice or pomegranate juice adds a touch of color and a dash of elegance. You may even want to look at getting edible flowers that can be added to the glass for a truly decorative touch. (For ordering information, check out www.wildhibiscus.com.)

Edible flowers in bubbling champagne or other sparkling wines mystify guests and are a definite conversation starter! – Photo courtesy of Wild Hibiscus

I would tend to avoid liquors such as gin, scotch, or port as they are an acquired taste. However, if they add to the theme of your wedding, go for it!

Especially with the increasing interest in juice bars, you may want to choose to have a non-alcoholic drink, using a combination of fruit juices to create a combination perfect for your guests of all ages.

Whether based on an old favourite that matches your theme, or an entirely new invention, signature cocktails are a great way to add some fun to your wedding celebration. They can be as unique and personal as the two of you with countless options available. I would encourage you to have some fun, lift your glasses in a toast, and let the party begin!

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Photobooths – A Fun & Fabulous Reception Idea

Looking for a fun idea for your wedding reception celebration? I know that the ceremony is important, but let’s face it, you also want to host a party afterward that will keep your guests smiling and dancing long into the night. Good parties just don’t happen. You have to provide the stimulus to make it happen, and one way to get things started is to have a Photobooth. I’ve done a few weddings now where a Photobooth has been brought in, and each time it has been a tremendous success and a great addition to the wedding celebration.

Photobooths add fun to any reception. - Photo courtesy of LaVie Photography

What is a Photobooth? How does it work at a wedding? To begin with, there are two types. The first one is the kind you find in shopping centres – a booth that one or more people pile into and the booth takes 4 – 6 consecutive shots of you in various poses. In this case, you rent the booth and it shows up at your wedding (usually during cocktails or during the dance – you choice). Your guests climb in to get their photo taken, get a printed sheet to take home as a souvenir and you get a DVD copy afterwards of all the photos taken throughout the night.

Actual rented photobooths print off a page of photos that guests can take home as favours. - Photo courtesy of The Photobooth Co. (Calgary)

The second type is where your photographer actually sets up in a corner, often with a playful backdrop, and guests can come by and get their photo snapped. The pictures are much better quality, but guests usually don’t have the option of taking them home right away (unless your photographer brings his own printer to your event).

Some photographers are willing to set up an area and snap photos during the reception. The photos are usually better quality, but just as much fun! - Photo courtesy of Snap Weddings

Both options work best if you bring along a variety of props, costume pieces, or even a blackboard and chalk for guests to write on. It gives your guests permission to be a bit silly and you get some fun shots of everyone to keep as souvenirs. More often than not, your guests will be having so much fun that you may have to extend the hours on the Photobooth to keep things going.

Some ideas/variations for using a Photobooth:

Props make it more fun. – Photo courtesy of Snap Weddings

• Visit the local Dollar store and get a variety of props and costumes that guests can use and play with during their photos.
• Ask guests to cut one photo out, glue it in a guest book and write a personalized message to you.
• Create a fun scene or backdrop for the photobooth area. This could include picture frame openings, an actual set with fixed props, or almost anything you could image to “set the stage”.
• Bring a small blackboard or whiteboard and writing instrument so people can write messages to go with their photos.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

Three Tips to Think About When Planning Your Destination Wedding

First of all, when planning your destination wedding make sure that the two of your plan your wedding together. You will either want to select a resort which has a number of wedding packages available or you will want to select a place that does not specialize in destination weddings but has a number of wedding vendors nearby willing to help you with your event. Choose a place that you have been to before and have fabulous memories about or decide on an entirely new location which both of you are dying to visit. Remember that you can be in the most beautiful place in the world but it is the special people close to your heart that are there with you that make the memories special. In addition, it is important that the groom has some say in one of the most important events in your life. It’s also his vacation so make sure the two of you are going to be happy with the end result. Decide together what your budget is going to be and what features are important at your wedding.  Be sure to stick to your budget and prioritize the areas of the wedding that are most important to you.

Second, it is important to narrow down what type of wedding experience you want.  Do you want a secluded beach wedding with a small group of family members where you can escape from the vacation crowds?  What about a tropical cruise where there is around-the-clock entertainment and activities available for your guests? Perhaps you a looking for a picturesque location with pristine sandy beaches where you can get a little R& R while enjoying the sun and the beach? Most of the major resorts have a wedding coordinator on site to help you choose your wedding package and coordinate your wedding day. Remember this person is hired by the resort and does not always look out for your interests.  Many brides find themselves completely overwhelmed when they start planning a wedding on their own. The job can be time-consuming, exhausting and can fast become a second job! More and more couples are finding it easier to hire a destination wedding planner. It is much easier to hand over the details of planning a wedding to someone who has the time and experience doing this

Third, be considerate of your guests who you will be inviting to you destination wedding. Let them know about a year in advance about your destination wedding plans. This gives them plenty of time to decide if they will be able to attend your big celebration and allows them time to save for the big event. Be sure to share the reasons why you choose the location as some of your friends and family may not be as keen as you are about your decision to marry out of town. Remember that whatever decision you make; someone will not be pleased with it.

Good luck on organizing your big day and enjoy the wedding of your dreams in a faraway land!


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 Muriel MacRae, owner of Del Sol Travel and Del Sol Destination Weddings,  is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding or romantic getaway, please contact her at muriel@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com,  or phone 403-477-0643.

A New Take On Wedding Cakes

Wedding cakes have existed almost as long as the wedding ritual itself. As early as ancient times, the Romans ate a cake of flour, salt, and water, during the actual ceremony. (I know! It doesn’t sound that appetizing to me either, but the tradition had to start somewhere!) The wedding cake that we are more familiar with originated in Britain. It was a fruitcake, with the fruits and nuts as symbols of fertility. The custom was, and continues to be today, that the bride and groom must cut the cake together, symbolizing their unity, a shared future, and their life together as one. It’s a romantic tradition, and one that many couples continue to incorporate into their wedding day celebration.

This whimsical winter creation is just one example of what is possible! – Photo courtesy of Allan Maude Photography; Cake design by Cake Creations

Wedding cakes have come a long way over the past few decades. They come in every shape and size, and pretty much every flavour. It’s become an art form unto itself. Especially with television shows such as TLC’s Cake Boss and Fabulous Cakes, our imaginations are being put to test. Nothing is considered impossible anymore!

More recently, there have been a greater variety of non-traditional wedding cakes. The most popular variation, of course, are cupcakes. Towers of cupcakes are becoming more and more commonplace, especially after their ringing endorsement by wedding gurus, such as Martha Stewart. Whether they are all the same, or made of different flavours, they are assembled in the same multi-tiered shape and use a common decorating theme. One definite advantage to think about is that there is no cake cutting required as guests just come along and select one at their convenience.

Cupcakes are fun! It’s easy to have different flavours, and you can even incorporate a top tier of a real cake for the couples that want to save it for their first anniversary. – Photo courtesy Cakery Bakery

The one thing that I’ve learned since starting in the wedding industry is that there is no limit to what is possible. “Cakes” are being made of almost every edible sweet substance imaginable! I’ve seen everything from chocolate truffles, cookies, and even marshmallows. It’s definitely no longer the era of the wedding cakes that our grandparents are familiar with.

The bar has truly been lifted in terms of wedding cakes and what can be achieved. It’s a great way to incorporate wedding theme and colors, but more importantly, it’s a chance for the couple to have some fun and choose something that reflects their personalities and shows a bit of who they are. Have fun with it and may the creative spirit move you!

Photo courtesy of Cakery Bakery

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area, who want a wedding that is a unique and personal reflection of them. She is also a destination wedding specialist, working with couples who desire to wed in various picturesque dream locations throughout the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

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