Author: Olga Pomeransky

Olga is manager at Best for Bride since 2005. Currently Best for Bride operates 4 bridal stores in Canada (Toronto, Etobicoke, Hamilton and Barrie). Best for Bride sells wedding, bridesmaids, mob dresses and more. https://www.bestforbride.com/
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When You’d Rather Have Cash

money

Some engaged couples move in together long before they are married and have everything they need, not having to rely on bridal shower and wedding gifts to furnish their homes with a brand new toaster or the newest in entertainment. But many couples, however, struggle with the topic of how to ask for cash from their guests instead of gifts – here are some tips.

First off, it is perfectly acceptable for engaged couples to accept cash gifts if they are not the ones asking for it. Traditional wedding etiquette admonishes asking for cash, but if a wedding guest asks the engaged couple what they’d like, the best way is to tell them that you are thinking of saving for something special, such as an upcoming honeymoon.

Don’t just forgo the wedding registry – there’s always an option to include what you’d like as a gift without going to a department store and scanning towels and linens for people who want to buy you something or give you more than “just cash”. Some people believe that giving a physical gift is tradition at a wedding, so expect that you may get a new shower curtain or something decorative, but there are also sites that allow you to ask for items such as gift cards or cash towards a big purchase or a honeymoon.

One such site is called Tendr where guests can pick cards to send with their well wishes and cash, and they can even use all major credit cards. It doesn’t cost you anything to receive funds and it only costs them 2.7% and $1 for every transaction; likely cheaper than buying a card at a store. The site also tracks all of your gifts received so that you can thank the people who sent them.

Have your gift registry all sorted out? Stop by Best for Bride to start shopping for your wedding and bridesmaid dresses, accessories and more!

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Five Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner

You are newly engaged and you’ve set the date for your wedding, but you haven’t decided yet whether or not you’ll hire a wedding planner. Maybe you can do it all yourself, but you’ve considered getting a little help. Here’s five reasons why you should consider hiring a professional.

They Are Mindful of Your Budget

If you set a budget with a planner, they won’t go over what you’ve laid out for them. When you are planning everything yourself, it may seem easy to justify some additional costs here and there but those costs can very quickly add up.

They Leave You Stress Free

Wedding planning should be enjoyable, not stressful. A wedding planner will make sure everything is booked and all suppliers get paid on time so you don’t have to worry about deadlines and whether or not you are missing something. Spend that time looking for dresses with your bridesmaids instead!

Your Wedding is in Another City

Sometimes if you are having a destination wedding at an all-inclusive resort, a wedding planner may be provided, but if one isn’t, make sure you hire one. It can be difficult enough to plan your wedding from another city yourself, but with help it will be much easier.

You Have a Vision You Want to Make Reality

Wedding planners know where to find the supplies you want for your wedding. Whether it’s a theme they need to accommodate or you want your reception to look like the inside of an ice palace, they know exactly how to bring what you are imagining to life.

You Deserve Perfection!

It’s your wedding day, and everything should be just as you imagined it. You don’t want stress to leave you drained leading up to the big day, and a wedding planner has done dozens to hundreds of weddings before, so you are in good hands with a professional. Just do your research and find someone who fits the style you are looking for.

Need wedding ideas before you hire a planner? Be sure to visit Best for Bride for wedding and bridesmaid dresses, accessories and more!

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Hot Cocktails for Your Winter Reception

It’s cold outside, but that doesn’t mean your guests need to be. A fantastic wrap-up to a hearty and delicious reception meal is a nice hot drink from the bar with a touch of whipped cream, shaved chocolate or even a slice of apple as a garnish. Check out some of our favorite hot cocktails.

Hot Caramel Apple Cocktail

1 quart + 1 1/2 cups apple cider
1 1/2 cups Apple liqueur
1 cup spiced rum
1/2 cup caramel-flavored syrup
3 apples, chopped
4 cinnamon sticks

Place everything in the slow cooker. Cook on the low setting for 1-2 hours. Serve warm.

Tipsy Mochacchino

1 1/2 cups Milk
4 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon Instant Espresso or Coffee
4 ounces Irish Whiskey
Chocolate Sprinkles

Chocolate Whipped Cream

1 pint Heavy Cream
1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (or to taste)
1 tablespoon Instant Espresso or Coffee
Sweetner to taste

Whisk milk, sugar, cocoa powder, espresso in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil. Add whiskey last. Pour into mugs. Top with mocha whipped cream & sprinkles.

Chocolate Whipped Cream

Add cream, cocoa, coffee powder & sweetener to a stand mixer bowl. Whisk on low for a few minutes until the cream starts to thicken. As it thickens increase the speed slightly, and then to maximum speed. Whip until you have nice peaks. Sweeten more to taste if necessary.

Mulled Wine

4 cups apple cider
1 (750-ml) bottle red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon
¼ cup honey
2 cinnamon sticks
Zest and juice of one orange
4 whole cloves
3 star anise
Peel of 4 oranges, for garnish

Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves and star anise in a large saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Pour into mugs, add an orange peel and serve.

Maple-Fig Bourbon Hot Toddy

2 oz Bourbon
1 oz Fig-Infused Maple Syrup
1 oz Lemon Juice
6 oz Hot Water

To infuse the syrup, combine a cup of chopped figs, with the stems removed, and a cup of maple syrup in a sauce pan and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cover. Let the syrup sit for about an hour, then strain out the figs and bottle the syrup. Combine the bourbon, maple, and lemon in a mug and add boiling water. Top with freshly grated nutmeg and garnish with a whole cinnamon stick.

Want your drinks to look even more beautiful? Check out the accessories at Best for Bride for something to add as a decoration to the bar, or even for the type of glass you’d like the drink served in!

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Wedding Guest Etiquette: Do’s and Dont’s

Wedding etiquette isn’t reserved just for the bridal party. You don’t want to be the guest that shows up at a wedding under or overdressed, bring uninvited guests and doesn’t RSVP. Here’s a guide to some do’s and dont’s as a guest at a wedding.

DO

RSVP

Once you receive your invitation, make sure you RSVP as soon as possible. It’s easy to put it off and forget about it, but it makes the bride and grooms lives easier when they know how many people to expect at their wedding. It’s costly when paying per plate and you don’t want to put them out by not RSVPing.

Dress as the Style Suggests

Regardless of what kind of wedding it is, make sure you dress the part. There’s nothing worse than showing up for a casual wedding on the beach in a three piece tuxedo. If you are unsure of the attire for the wedding, just check with the bride, groom or any of the bridal party and they’ll be happy to inform you.

DON’T

No Uninvited Guests

If your wedding invitation didn’t have a “plus one” on it, then don’t bring a plus one. Parents, this includes children. The couple may not have the budget for your uninvited plus one (not to mention room or food) and may want to have an “adults only” wedding, which they are completely entitled to do.

Drink Too Much

It’s easy to have one too many libations when its an open bar, but please be considerate of other guests and of course, the bride and groom. There’s nothing wrong with a couple drinks, but it can get awkward when someone decides to have one or more too many and that can make other wedding guests uncomfortable. Don’t be “that guy”. Drink in moderation, but a wedding isn’t a place to get drunk and rowdy.

Don’t forget to check out Best for Bride as your one stop shop for everything you need for your special day. From dresses to invitation, we’ve got you covered.