Bridesmaids are a double edged sword. On the one hand they make your day extra special, On the other they can be added stress right up to the special day. When it comes to Wedding Etiquette, Amalia knows her stuff, That’s why I asked her to come up with some small tips for brides to keep in mind when working with their bridesmaids to make it less stressful and more fun!

1. Be understanding. Be prepared that your request to be in your bridal party might be turned down. Try not to be too offended if one of your closest friends declines your invitation. If she says no, we’re sure there’s a good reason for it. Maybe she’s shy, or a little too busy with her own life to commit. If she’s into it, assign her a different role that’s much more low commitment like reading a scripture at the ceremony.

2. Find them a friend. You want your bridesmaids to look forward to their walk down the aisle, so pair them up with groomsmen who share common interests, goals, or even heights! If you do happen to have an uneven wedding party, and they’re worried about flying solo, have one of the groomsmen escort two of your ladies at the same time.

3. Let them be your conscience. Your girls are there for you and are the perfect people to bounce wedding ideas off of. Though you may think you know everything you desire for your wedding day, a second (or third!) opinion never hurts. Don’t hesitate to ask them for advice—they will no doubt be thrilled to give it to you.

4. Make things affordable for them. Dresses, shoes, accessories, hair and makeup, oh my! Weddings are expensive and not just for you—for your wedding party, too. Since bridesmaids sometimes pay for their own dresses and accessories, you should consider the cost of their outfits. Work with your girls to decide on a reasonable budget for all—one that won’t break the bank.

5. Share the love. There are many tasks to be done to make your wedding successful. Split all the tasks between your bridesmaids equally. Don’t overload one of your girls, not even your maid of honour, with too many tasks. Remember, they have lives, too!

6. Make new friends. There’s a possibility that some of your bridesmaids have never met. Since these girls will be spending a lot of time with each other, it’s important to ensure they all get along. Earlier on in the party planning process, host a casual get-together (going out for drinks is always a good idea) to introduce everybody.

7. Dress for success. Deciding on your own dress is a task and half; then you have to tackle what your girls are going to wear. Be the diplomat and listen to their input of what they do and don’t like in a dress style. After considering their requests, look at what you want and combine the two. It’s important they look and feel fabulous, just like you.

So keep these in mind up to the last few days of your wedding, and let your bridesmaid really make your day the memorable, exciting day you planned.

Happy Planning!

Amalia & Tiffany

In keeping with our water theme, (see our recent blue star post), we thought that we would mention another wonderful foundation who has dedicated their time to conserve underwater environments through education, advocacy and action. Some of you divers out there might be familiar with Project AWARE, the dive industry’s leading nonprofit environmental organization that has worked in 175 countries around the world to protect their aquatic resources.

What do they do?

In 1989, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) developed the AWARE philosophy - Aquatic World Awareness, Responsibility and Education - to stress divers’ roles in conserving these environments and create a group of effective environmental advocates. “Shortly after creation, Project AWARE began to develop environmental specialty courses for divers and nondivers, provide educational information to divers and dive professionals, collaborate with other environmental organizations and organize a worldwide underwater cleanup. What began as an environmental ethic quickly formed into the Project AWARE Foundation Project AWARE has created an international presence, forming organizations in the United Kingdom, Australia, Switzerland and Japan. The combined efforts answer the urgent call for underwater conservation in 175 countries of the world.

Project AWARE works with divers and water enthusiasts alike to combat challenges facing underwater environments. they involve volunteers in hands-on environmental activities like International Cleanup Day & The International Whale Shark Project. They also fund grass-roots environmental projects that address key foundation focus areas, community activism and critical research with direct contributions made by people like you. Learn more about project AWARE please visit their site http://www.projectaware.org/ and offer your support. You can also watch these celebrity videos to find out more about the organization:

What can you do?

• Ed Harris
• Salma Hayek

Cheers,

Amalia & Tiffany

Do you have a charity that you support? Tell us about it or email us at: info@talenevents.ca with the subject line: CHARITY.

Hey folks! Summer is in full swing, and if you’re like us your spending every moment possible outdoors! Most of that time is spent in our local beaches which is why the Blue Flag Program holds a special place in our hearts.

Blue Flag

To be labeled as a “Blue Flag” beach is quite a respectful eco-label. Blue Flags are awarded to beaches and marinas that meet strict criteria that cover everything from water quality to environmental programs. The Blue Flag program began in France in 1985 and has since grown to include over 2,600 beaches in 36 countries. It is run by Canada’s Environmental Defense and does their best to protect the environment and human health ensuring clean air, thriving ecosystems nationwide and doing everything they can to reduce Canada’s contribution to climate change.Where are they located?

If you’re currently in Ontario make sure to support your local Blue Flag beach, keep it clean, and enjoy everything it has to offer:

Lake Huron & Georgian Bay

• Little River Beach Park
• Northwinds Beach Park
• Rotary Cove Beach
• Sauble Beach
• Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
• Station Beach

Lake Ontario

• Centre Island Beach
• Cherry/Clarke Beach
• Gibralter Point Beach
• Hanlan’s Point Beach
• Ward’s Island Beach
• Woodbine Beaches

What can you do to help? Support our Blue Flag Beaches!

Make a contribution to Environmental Defence, the operator of the Blue Flag program in Canada. Your gift of $40, $75, $100 or more supports the means to continue the development of the Blue Flag program in Canada, and improve the quality of our coastal ecosystems.

For more information:
http://www.blueflag.ca

Have a Wonderful Summer!

Tiffany & Amalia

Are you having the wedding registry woes? Wish that you can use your wedding to give back in some way?

Changing the Present is a perfect opportunity to do just that. It’s an organization with over 1,000 charitable gift opportunities from many of the world’s leading non-profits.

Couples can use their wedding registry to:
- Protect an an acre of the wilderness
- Provide a child with her 1st book
- or even sponsor an infant chimpanzee

If you’re feeling weird about giving away wedding favors, Charitable Wedding favors are also an option. You can help to supply PB & J sandwiches at a drop in center or healthy treats for rescued animals as well. Whatever you decide, Changing the Present will provide printed favors certified by the Forest Stewardship Council for your guests.

Please check out this amazing website and tell us what you think!
www.changingthepresent.org

Until then… Happy Planning!

Amalia & Tiffany