Author: Savannah Crawford

Well, this is turning out to last longer than we thought. As things start to open up, restrictions are lifted and people receiving vaccines, the corporate parties should happen soon! We have given a list of ideas, ranging from not leaving your home to socially distanced fun for employees or clients.

Creative Challenges

One of ways we have stayed (somewhat) sane during all of this is really leaning into our creative side. This is a great way to have people let loose and show their hidden talents.

You could send out the challenge and have everyone submit their final product over Slack or Teams for discussion.

Another idea is a talent afternoon over zoom. Another great way to see employees in a new light.

Give the gift of skills

Gift everyone a month to Skillshare or Masterclass, that way they can learn something new on their own time and choose a skill or class that interests them specifically! Then you can all regroup and talk about what each employee has learned or made from the class.

Comedy “Night”

Hire a comedian to host a comedy hour during the day. It’ll be a great way to break up the day! You could even send out snack and/or alcoholic beverage packages so make it that much better.

Drive in Movie

Drive in movies theatres can be rented out! What a great way to comfortable get employees out of the house for some fun.

This option won’t be accessible for everyone due to distance or vehicle availability. For those people you can send a movie night package to their home so they can also enjoy.

Outdoor Activity

We believe this can be done in a safe, socially distanced way. Activities can be 6ft apart or staggered times, bathrooms will need to be sanitized after every visit and food can be served in individual containers.

We strongly believe in outdoor activity to help combat the pandemic blues.

Winter activities can include snowshoeing, skating, skiing, hiking, etc. In the summer you can offer yoga, guided painting, picnics, beer or wine tastings, hiking, horseback riding and a lot more.

What have you been doing to keep your employees engaged and happy? Let us know in the comments!

The obsession is real. So how do we take inspiration from this Netflix hit and make your wedding feel like a royal wedding?

The dress!

Corsets, sleeves, empire waists – oh my!

Accessories!

Upgrade your look for the whole day, part of the day, just for pictures etc.

Touches of velvet

Who doesn’t want more of the Duke in their life.

Whatever you choose for your wedding day, we hope you feel like royalty.

We are in the middle of a Canadian Winter and a COVID-19 lockdown, so naturally we find ourselves dreamily looking back to better times like our fav time of year, Bridal Fashion Week. So many beautiful dresses, so many beautiful shows and the fabrics keep on getting better and better each year thanks to the amazing advancements in lace and crepe technology. Traditionally crepe was made from silk, but now can be made from almost any fiber varying in weights. This is one of the most popular fabrics used to create gowns because of its versatility, stretch, comfort and beautiful drape. Can you tell it is one of our favourite fabrics? 

Here are a few of our favourite wedding dress trends for 2021.

Backless

We have seen this trend for a few seasons but they just keep on getting better and better. The trend is a classic yet modest dress in the front complemented by a beautifully bare back. Add an oversized bow or long train at the back to take this look to the next level. Go ahead and give your guests something beautiful to look at during the ceremony.

Off the shoulder 

This beautiful trend from 2020 is back again and better than ever. This simple detail is extremely figure flattering and highlights a brides collarbone, shoulders and upper back. This very romantic look is both elegant and whimsical without looking too sexy. One of our favourite looks is this one by BHLDN Theia Blake Gown. 

Remember to look on previously owned dress sites as it is a great way to save money and still find your dream dress. We found this dress on preownedweddingdresses.com

Short Dresses

More than ever before we are seeing the micro wedding trend taking front and center, and with that, comes a dress that is more versatile and transformative, the mini-dress. Now, the trend is a shorter hemline, not necessarily “mini”, as many designers are featuring knee length and tea length dresses as well. They are taking their beautiful designs and creating pieces that can be worn again, post wedding. A dress with removable sleeves or capes, skirt overlays, or removable whimsical bows, leaving you with the perfect dress to re-wear to a cocktail party. Also, it is the perfect way to show off a really amazing pair of shoes. We love this Embroidered tulle and crepe mini dress by Rime Arodaky available on net-a-porter.com and many other bridal boutiques.

Wedding dress hack: Are you working with a smaller budget? Shop for bridesmaid dresses and have the store place the order for the dress in creme, beige, or wedding white! There are alot of beautiful bridesmaid dresses out there and they are a fraction of what you would pay for a wedding gown.

Capes and cape sleeves

This is one of the biggest trends this year as we are seeing it everywhere. This is the modern alternative to the wedding veil and complements all body types, adding a little drama to a modern silhouette. And although I am not personally a bride this year, I can’t wait to try on a few of these looks. Here are a couple favourites!

The Wedding Jumper or Pant Suit

We are huge fans of the jumper on any given day, in this case, for a wedding, we feel like the word “jumper” does not do this style any justice, so let’s just call it the wedding jumpsuit. Again, offering something that can be worn again which makes this the perfect investment piece. Tailoring and fabric are going to play a huge role in this look and finding the right cut and structured fabric will be the big difference between your typical day suit, to a glamorous bride. Add a large statement bow to the back or add a beautiful tulle skirt overlay or better yet, mesmerize your guests with a stunning deep V-back.

Let us know what you would try in the comments!

Yes wedding dress shopping is a big deal,  but remember, your wedding should be about you as a couple. After all, you are marrying the person of your dreams, right? It should be a fun and exciting experience! Here are a few tips from Paar to help you with your special day.

Be Prepared

Whether you are looking in magazines or creating a board on pinterest, collecting images and designs that you love is a great way to let your bridal consultant know what YOU like. Also, know what your budget is and be clear with your consultant. I had a client that tried on a gown that she fell in love with only to find out it was way out of her budget. Sad face. 

The Right Bridal Boutique

You know that feeling you get when you walk into a place and it just feels right? Cozy maybe? Warm and comforting? Or, maybe just plain old happy with a pinch of excitement?! You should feel this way when you enter your chosen bridal boutique. Finding the right bridal consultant or stylist is important as well. As you start choosing and trying on dresses, you will need to build trust with your consultant and feel comfortable during the fittings. They are there to help and guide you through this process- remember they are the experts and are a wealth of knowledge. You just never know, they may end up becoming your Anthony to your Charlotte. 

Your Fitting

Who do you want with you when you say yes to the dress? Family? Friends? Be thoughtful in your decision, as you most likely will not want the pushy sister, your opinionated mother-in-law, or your entire 10 person bridal party. Although a big bridal dress shopping party may sound fun, too many opinions can be confusing and annoying. Bring your mother or one or two trusted friends. This is your day, and you can do whatever you want.

And Another Thing

Try, try and try again…I cannot stress the importance of trying on dresses. Yes, that is plural;) DRESSES. Even the ones that might not be ‘love at first sight’, because you never know what a dress will look like on YOUR body, until you try it on.  Go in with an open mind and try on things you might not have. The worst that can happen is that you find out the dress isn’t for you and you move on to the next dress.

Timelines and Tiaras

Start thinking about this a year before the big day. Look at what you are drawn to and what you would like. You should have your dress purchased 6-8 months before your wedding. We recommend that you start looking to get your dress altered at least 3-4 months before your wedding (if need be). This can be a large expense, (especially for a dress that you only wear once!), so enjoy the process so that you don’t put yourself in a position where you might have to compromise. This should be one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences you have while planning your wedding. 

And Last but not Least

Your wedding dress should be an extension of your style and who you are. Have fun and do not fall pressure to trends and others expectations. Think about what you want and what is important to you. Choosing the right style, design and fabric, can be easy when you listen to your inner voice and choose something that makes you feel special. Comfort is paramount, as when a bride feels comfortable, this translates into confidence and then to beauty. So if you feel good, you’ll look beautiful too! 

Ask yourself, what do you wear day-to-day? Now take that and elevate it. Any questions? Send us a note in the comments. Want to show us your dream dress? Send us a picture- we just love the inspo.

The symmetrical wedding has had it’s moment.

If we are leaning into anything it is the idea that no-one and no life is perfect. So why should your wedding? If it is a true representation of you and your love, why must all the pinks be the same Pantone colour? The moments you and your guests will look back on aren’t the colour of the chairs at the ceremony. They will be the intimate dinner, the amazing food and dancing the night away.

Here are some ways people are perfecting the imperfect on their special day.

Mismatched seating

Here is how to do it

• Rent chairs, couches and/or benches in the same colour or coordinating colours
• Search Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji
• Buy second hand furniture and refurbish it to match or coordinate each other
• Embrace all different colours and styles of seating then have muted down decorations everywhere else

Bouquets with personality

We are seeing different colours and textures being injected into bouquets. They can incorporate other flowers through the decor – or not. Dried flowers are also starting to pick up some steam, which could be a good option for a good DIY project.

Different bridal party outfits

This is a trend that we don’t want to end. You want everyone to feel beautiful and comfortable!

How do get this look

• Pick 1 colour story you want your bridal party to follow. e.g. Blush pinks or black.
• You can choose length. We’ve had brides specify floor length.
• Make the shopping experience fun! Make a day of it so you can help and enjoy.
• Send examples of what you were thinking. Help people get aligned with your vision.

Let us know in the comments or Instagram what you’re excited to see in 2021.