Monthly Archives: August 2012

Back to School Carnival Bash

With school just around the corner don’t waste your long weekend by lounging around your house, host a back to school carnival bash! Transform your backyard into a fun carnival with games, yummy midway goodies and perhaps even a photo booth full of props, which is always a huge hit! Decorate your trees with mini lights and lanterns to provide lighting when the sun sets.

Dollar Store Crafts - Carnival GoodiesCarnival Themed DecorBaby Life Styles - Popcorn Bags

From tents, carnival games and concession food Special Event Rentals has everything you will need to create an unforgettable back to school carnival bash!

Do It Yourself Wedding Banner

Do It Yourself Wedding Banner

We chose to put the words “thank you” on our banner so it can be used for a thank you card image for your guests, but feel free create alternatives of this banner for other aspects of your wedding. Make this project your own by placing your wedding date on the flags to create a fun save the date banner that you can use during your engagement photos. Another option is to create a cute banner for your dessert table or even the back of the bride and grooms chairs at the reception!

Do It Yourself Wedding Banner - Supplies

You will need the following items:

  • Fabric
  • 5’ of Lace
  • Fabric scissors
  • Cardstock
  • Sewing machine
  • Felt pen
  • Ruler
  • Fabric pins

 

Step 1: Make a 6”x6.5” triangle with a 1cm seam allowance on the top template on the cardstock.

Do It Yourself Wedding Banner - Measuring Template to Selvage

Step 2: Lay the template on your fabric close to the selvage (finished end of the fabric) and use the ruler to insure each pattern is parallel to the selvage before you trace out all the patterns you require.

Do It Yourself Wedding Banner - Triangle Outlines

Step 3: With your fabric scissors cut out all of your triangle pieces.

Step 4: Choose the script you would like to use and then create letter templates on cardstock.

Do It Yourself Wedding Banner - Letters

Step 5: With your fabric scissors cut out all of your letters.

Step 6: Centre and pin each letter to the triangle pieces.

Step 7: Sew a straight line down each letter on to the triangle pieces.

Do It Yourself Wedding Banner - Pinning Lace

Step 8: Leave 2.5’ of empty lace on the end, this will be where you hold the banner, and begin pinning the triangle pieces to the lace. Using your sewing machine sew the pieces on in a straight line.

Step 9: Use your new banner in your engagement or wedding photos.

Bring Your Décor Vision to Life in Our Decorate Your Own Table Area

Within our showroom find a spacious area dedicated to bringing your vision to life. You and your fiancé can play with different colours and textures of linen, style of dinnerware and height of centrepieces all with the help of one of our knowledgeable customer service representatives.

You will be able to design a mock up of what your guest tables will look like on a 5’ round table and a mock up of your head table on a 8’ banquet table. Everything from tablecloth samples, chair ties, napkins, table runners, chairs and chair covers are located in the decorate your own table area with dinnerware and centerpieces in close proximity.

Special Event Rentals Decorate Your Own Table AreaSpecial Event Rentals Decorate Your Own Table Area - NapkinsSpecial Event Rentals Decorate Your Own Table Area - Chiavari ChairsSpecial Event Rentals Decorate Your Own Table Area - Tablecloth SamplesSpecial Event Rentals Decorate Your Own Table AreaSpecial Event Rentals Decorate Your Own Table Area - Chair TiesSpecial Event Rentals Decorate Your Own Table Area - Chair WrapsSpecial Event Rentals Decorate Your Own Table Area - Table Runners

We recommend that if you want to bring a group of people with you to help determine your wedding décor that you limit your group numbers. We suggest this because whenever a large group comes together it also brings many different opinions. Remember this is your wedding day and you should choose the décor based on what you and your fiancé want, not what others expect or want.

We hope to see you and your fiancé in our decorate your own table area soon!

Something for the Guys: Wedding Bands

Men’s wedding bands have come a long way since the days of the classic gold band. It’s important when deciding upon a ring that you do some research to insure that you are choosing the best ring for your lifestyle and one that you will be sure to love for all the years to come

Birks - Platinum Wedding Band

Platinum wedding bands come in a variety of different styles and are the most suitable ring material for a stone setting. This style of ring is best suited for the man who is looking for a timeless and classic wedding band appearance.

Larson Jewelers - Stainless Steel Wedding Band

Stainless steel wedding bands, containing nickel, are both durable and hypoallergenic. Add engravings and/or gemstones to your stainless steel band to create a unique and meaningful wedding band.

The Wedding Ring Blog - Titanium Wedding Band

On a budget and looking for a durable wedding band? If so then a titanium wedding band might just be what you are looking for. Titanium rings do not rust or corrode over time; however, they will show scratches from daily wear but a jeweler can generally polish them out. A titanium ring is 45% stronger than a stainless steel ring of the same weight. It is a lightweight ring that is also hypoallergenic.

Mens Wedding Rings - Cobalt Chrome Wedding Band

Cobalt chrome is another hypoallergenic wedding band that is light in colour like the platinum rings. This material is medical grade and used for hip and knee replacements. You will not have to worry about this ring tarnishing and they have a high scratch resistance.

Tungsten Affinity - Tungsten Wedding Band

Tungsten is 10 times stronger than gold and 4 times stronger than titanium making this wedding band resistant to scratches. This type of ring comes in a variety of colours such as gunmetal grey, light silver, dark silver, black plated and gold plated. To make this ring more personal and suited to your style you can choose from a variety of finishes such as soft satin, brushed, and polished.
Credits: Birks, Larson Jewelers, The Wedding Ring Blog, Mens Wedding Rings & Tungsten Affinity

Flower girl & Ring Bearer Gift Ideas

Continuing with our little ones trend this week we have put together a list of fun and thoughtful gifts for the little ones in your bridal party.

Flower Girl Gift Ideas

Flower girls like most ladies love anything glitzy and girly which makes coordinating her gift with your bridesmaids easy.  If you are planning on getting your bridesmaids jewelry or personalized bags as their gift you can make your flower girl feel just as special by giving her a miniature version of either of those items. If your flower girl loves books surprise her with a book about the responsibility and fun she will have as flower girl. Alternative gift ideas are; a cute personalized mug or create her a dazzling flower girl shirt with iron on jewels for her to wear before she puts on her adorable dress.

Ring Bearer Gift Ideas

Present your little ring bearer with a personalized miniature mug or a fun watch that will be sure to keep him on time for his ring bearing duty. If you happen to have a book loving ring bearer the perfect gift for him would be a book on the duties and fun activities he will be doing during your wedding. Make him feel extra special on the big day by giving him a personalized t-shirt with his title ironed on so that everyone will know his role at the wedding.

We would love to hear what you are planning on gifting the little ones in your bridal party. Let us know by leaving a comment.

D.I.Y. Ring Bearer Pillow

Create a custom ring pillow for your little ring bearer, which coordinates with your wedding style and theme.

D.I.Y. Ring Bearer Pillow - FrontD.I.Y. Ring Bearer Pillow - Back

You will need the following items:

  • Your choice of linen fabric, satin or cotton
  • A Lace doily or pattern
  • Ribbon in two sizes – 1” wide and 1/32” wide
  • Sewing machine
  • Sewing needle
  • Dress pins
  • Thread
  • Scissors
  • Stuffing
  • Pearl Beads

Step 1: Cut out two 9”x9” fabric pieces, cut your 1” ribbon into one strand that is 9” long and your 1/32” ribbon into one strand that is 18” long.

Step 2: Pin and sew the 1” ribbon ends to the edge of one of your square fabrics.  You will want to place it so that it’s centered on the fabric, as this will become the handle for the ring bearer.

Step 3: Place your lace pattern in the centre of the second piece of linen fabric and start to sew the pearl beads onto various spots on the lace. Make sure to fasten it to the pillow fabric to insure the lace is fastened down. Continue placing pearl beads onto the lace until you are happy with the results.

Step 4: Lay the two fabric pieces back to back so that the ribbon and lace decoration are touching each other. Use dress pins to pin the two pieces together.

Step 5: Using your sewing machine sew three complete sides. On your forth side you will want to leave a small section open.

Step 6: Turn your fabric inside and begin stuffing your pillow

Step 7: Sew the small opening closed

Step 8: Take your needle and thread it with the smaller thread. Sew the ribbon through the lace pattern and through the pillow to the other side and then back up again to create a “u” which will allow you to have two ends on one side to tie your rings.

Ring Bearer Styles

The ring bearers have a special and important job to carry out during the wedding, getting the wedding rings safely to the bride and groom. With such a big responsibility your ring bearer will be sure to have all eyes upon him as he makes his way down the aisle so you will want to be sure that he looks his best and coordinates with your wedding theme.

Have the perfect little gentleman as your ring bearer? Showcase your little man by placing him in a dark blazer, khaki pants and a crisp white shirt. Your guest will be sure to swoon over how adorable he looks on the big day.

Style Me Pretty - Gentleman Ring BearerStyle Me Pretty - Gentleman Ring Bearer

If you are planning on having a vintage themed wedding; dress your ring bearer in an old fashion chapeau, suspenders and of course a great bow tie.

Ruffled - Vintage Ring BearerRuffled - Vintage Ring Bearer

Let your little cowboy show and shine by letting him walk down the aisle in a cowboy hat and jeans. However, if you want him to look a little more polished have him wear a blue collared or denim button up shirt with dress pants.

Rustic Wedding Chic - Country Ring BearerElizabeth Anne Designs - Country Ring Bearer

Skip the usual ring bearer attire and have your little fellow dress up like a security agent! Instead of using a ring pillow use either a safe box or a brief case.

Joe Elario Photography - Security Ring BearerStyle Me Pretty - Security Ring Bearer

Credits: Style Me Pretty, Ruffled, Joe Elario Photography, Elizabeth Anne Designs & Rustic Wedding Chic

Flower Girl Styles

Whether your wedding theme is country, bohemian, glamorous or whimsical there is a style of dress for your appointed flower girl.

Most little girls dream of being a ballerina so why not make their dreams come true by dressing your flower girl in a fun ballerina inspired tutu dress. Pair their adorable tutu with a fun ballet flat that will have her fluttering down the aisle on your wedding day.

Style Me Pretty - Ballerina Flower GirlStyle Me Pretty - Ballerina Flower Girl

If you’re having a whimsical themed wedding, place your flower girl in an adorable ruffled dress. Provide a ribbon wand for the little one to wave around while she walks down the aisle.

Style Me Pretty - Whimsical Flower GirlStyle Me Pretty - Whimsical Flower Girl

Add a little country charm to your flower girl by putting her tiny feet in boots that were made for walking! Cowboy boots are the perfect footwear for a country themed wedding and will allow you to pick almost any style of dress for your flower girl.

Green Wedding Shoes - Country Flower GirlStyle Me Pretty - Country Flower Girl

A flowing dress and a flower crown adorning your flower girl or just a flower delicately placed in her hair will fit in beautifully if you are having a bohemian themed wedding.

Kate Hopewell Smith - Bohemian Flower Girl

What style will your flower girl be wearing on your wedding day?

Credits: Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes & Kate Hopewell Smith

83rd Canadian Derby at Northlands Park

 Canadian Derby at Northlands Park

This upcoming Saturday, August 25th at Northlands Park the largest thoroughbred race in Western Canada, the Canadian Derby, will take place. The derby starts at 12pm but before the races begin take part in the Annual Derby Breakfast at the Rock’s located on the second floor of the Northlands Park between 9am – 10:30am. You will be able to fill up on scrambled eggs, sausage links, hash browns and pancakes for $5 per person.

Derby spectators are known for their lavish hats and the spectators at the Canadian Derby are no exception. Sport your most extravagant hat at the derby and enter the Annual Canadian Derby Hat Parade for your chance to win in one of the following categories; best overall hat, best fascinator, most unique design, best ensemble, best child’s hat and best men’s hat. To enter visit the Paddock Theatre between 11:30am – 2:30pm where a photo of you and your hat will be taken and posted on their Fashion Wall to be judged by local celebrities. The winners of the contest will be announced after the 9th race. If you would like to participate but don’t have a hat to wear you can visit the Canadian Derby Marketplace between 11am – 6pm to find the perfect hat.

When the races are over join in on the fun at the Paddock Theatre for the Mardi Gras themed after party. Come between 7pm – 8:30pm for a Cajun buffet for $8 a person, a live band and a chance to win a trip for two to Harrah’s in New Orleans.

Ticket packages are still available for the Canadian Derby. Visit Northlands Park’s website for more information on their different ticket packages. http://www.northlandspark.ca/

Below are photos from last year’s Canadian Derby.

82nd Canadian Derby at Northlands Park82nd Canadian Derby at Northlands Park82nd Canadian Derby at Northlands Park

3rd Annual Edmonton Latin Festival

Take part in the Edmonton Latin Festival on Saturday August 18th and Sunday August 19th from 12pm until 11pm, in Sir Winston Churchill Square, admission to the Latin Festival is free. Experience different aspects of Latin heritage such as the food, dances, live bands and DJ’s. Don’t leave the kids at home, bring them down to enjoy in a variety of actives such as canvas magnets, tie-dye, face painting and much more in the kids corner.

This year the Edmonton Latin Festival will host Guinness World Records on Saturday August 18th as they hold what is to be the largest zumba fitness class! Take part in this world record by registering for the noon record-breaking zumba class by clicking here.

For more information visit their website. http://www.edmontonlatinfestival.com/

3rd Annual Edmonton Latin Festival