(flowers, macarons) kristy ryan, (cocktails) leanne pedersen S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 | W E S T W O R L D A L B E R T A 25
DIY or Hire?
Reduce wedding stress by working with pros in at least three essential areas
T
he price of a wedding on Canadian soil may
lead some couples to roll up their sleeves
and proclaim, "How hard can it be?" If
Pinterest has taught us anything, it's that handmade
touches can add warmth and personal flair. But you
can easily get in over your head. Here are a few things
to leave to the experts:
Photography: Stand down, shutterbug cousin.
ese photos will last forever, so an investment is in
order. Plus, pros know how to get great photos even
in bad lighting and hectic moments – and retouch if
needed after the fact. To find the perfect photogra-
pher, review past work in detail, including the poses,
colours, lighting, sharpness and overall style of the
photos. Are you seeing excitement, variety and emo-
tion? Paul Walker of McMaster Photographers
suggests choosing a professional with a studio space,
which is an indication of reliability and experience
– not to mention a solid Plan B if the weather doesn't
cooperate for outdoor photos. "You should be look-
ing at what kind of services they can offer if things
don't go right," he says.
Flowers: Sure, you have a favourite bloom. But
do you know whether it will droop once cut? Or how
long it takes to assemble and dismantle 50
centrepieces? Don't go there.
What's more, you should give your florist as
much leeway as possible, says Heather de Kok of
Grower Direct. "I would leave it to the florist to find
the flowers that suit the wedding and not get too
caught up in exactly what and how many in each
arrangement." e florist will look at your budget,
WEDDINGS
Receive a $350 print credit
on wedding sessions with
McMaster Photographers.
AMARewards.ca/
McMasterPhotographers
Save 10% on in-store
purchases at Grower
Direct. AMARewards.ca/
GrowerDirect
Save 5%, up to $50, at
Special Event Rentals.
AMARewards.ca/
SpecialEventRentals
Save 20% and earn $10 in
reward dollars on printing
and design services at
Distrikt Media Group.
AMARewards.ca/
DistriktMedia
Save $50 on DJ services
and photo booth rentals
at Twilite Music Services.
AMARewards.ca/Twilite
Save 10% on fresh flowers,
or choose free flower
delivery in Edmonton, at
Studio Bloom.
AMARewards.ca/Studio
Bloom
Save 10% on chocolate
and treats at Rocky
Mountain Chocolate
Factory. AMARewards.ca/
RockyMountain
Save 10% on regular-price
merchandise at Edmonton
Wedding & Party Centre.
AMARewards.ca/EWPC
Save 10% on baked
goods at Crazy Cakes.
AMARewards.ca/
CrazyCakes
