Aside from the dress, your hairstyle will probably be the most important element in achieving the look you desire for your wedding day. Whether you opt for loosely flowing locks, a chic chignon or something in between, a hair accessory has the power to pull your entire look together. Regardless of whether you wear your hair up or down, the most important thing to consider when adding a lovely little something to your 'do is the vibe that you want to exude through your bridal style on your wedding day. Whether you're going for a look that is boho, glam, vintage, or classic, there's a hair piece that will take it to the next level. We've put together a list of trending wedding hair accessories that can work with a variety of dress styles. Keep reading for some of our favourites!

Fascinator

A fascinator clearly gives off a vintage vibe. With pearls, red lips, and a tea length hem a fascinator can be beautifully retro, but it is versatile and works well with modern dress styles as well. There are no subtleties with a hair piece like this, so if you're going for a dramatic look, a fascinator will take you there! 

Source: 100layercake.com

Flower Crown

A flower crown is an especially great way to pull a boho look together, and the versatility of flowers and greenery makes it easy for a bride to customize this look to work with the colours and style of her wedding. A flower crown adds a very feminine, free-spiritedness to your wedding look and pairs beautifully with a lace gown or flowy chiffon fabric. If you want your flower crown to make a statement, large blooms are the way to go, while dainty blossoms can add a subtle, carefree touch.

Source: theweddingscoop.com

Jewels

Hair jewels are so versatile, complementing nearly any bridal style. Jewelled hair pins can be positioned near the face for a more dramatic, glamorous look, and can add subtle interest to an updo when positioned at the back or side of the head. Ornate, jewelled headpieces can also add a unique bohemian flair to your bridal look. 

Source: Pinterest

Veil

The classic! Veils come in so many styles, materials, and lengths that they can work for almost any bridal look. A veil is essential if you are going for a traditional style, and embellished or lace veils add romance and glamour. You can also pair a veil with other hair accessories like flowers and jewels to totally customize your look. 

Source: stylemepretty.com

Au Natural

You don't have to accessorize! A bridal look that is free of hair accessories can be simply stunning. The natural look works perfectly for brides who are getting married on the beach, or who have a very simple gown. It's so important for a bride to feel like herself on her wedding day, and so if you are someone who doesn't particularly love dressing up, don't feel the pressure to adorn yourself!

Source: bridalmusings.com

Head Wrap  

Head wraps are something we are seeing more and more brides choosing, and in our opinion serve as a modernized version of the fascinator. A head wrap can kick up the drama of a boho look, and would also pair well with a vintage style dress. Similar to a fascinator, a head wrap makes a bold statement and would be stunning with a very simple gown. 

Source: bridalguide.com

We just love the versatility of hair pieces and the beautiful way they can enhance a bride's beauty. But they aren't just for brides! Accessories like flower crowns and jewels can also add a really nice touch to bridesmaids' style, and we could totally see the mother of the bride in a fascinator! For more wedding hair accessories inspiration, check out our Wedding Accessories board on Pinterest!

January is wedding month on My Saskatoon, so in accordance we thought we would put together some of our favourite wedding DIY ideas. We have been absorbed by all of the inspiration floating around on Pinterest, and we've found ourselves pinning like crazy these days. If you like what you see here, check out our Wedding DIY board for more of our faves! 

Paper Goods

There are so many beautiful wedding invitation designs to draw inspiration from. We love the look of this Tuscany-inspired design found on Ruffled Blog. If you find yourself in need of some expert help with invitations, connect with Michelle at Michelle's Flowers to chat about her wedding invitation design services. 

Photo Credit: ruffledblog.com

With a totally different vibe, we love how this wedding program showcases the personalities of the bride and groom. And of course the rustic brown card stock and clothespins are so on trend right now!  

Photo Credit: rusticweddingchic.com

Wedding Shower

Looking for wedding shower ideas? We love the thought of having a girls' brunch complete with an adorable mimosa bar like this one from Green Wedding Shoes. It's all in the details! Localize it by including Saskatoon-grown berries and thrifted goblets and vases. 

Photo Credit: greenweddingshoes.com

Every shower has some sort of game or icebreaker element, and we love the idea of including an activity that results in something the bride and groom can enjoy together. Whether its a recipe book, advice cards or date night ideas compiled by shower guests, a takeaway for the couple is always a nice touch. We love this DIY Date Night Jar found on Life in the Green House. 

Photo Credit: lifeinthegreenhouse.com

Handmade Flowers

DIY paper flowers can actually be really beautiful, and fairly easy to do. This giant paper rose DIY from Green Wedding Shoes would provide a perfect opportunity for bridesmaids to bond over crafting. And what a fun photo op! 

Photo Credit: greenweddingshoes.com

If you're into the idea of paper flowers but don't want to use them in place of bouquets, they can be used in garlands, table centres, or on the wedding cake. If you're including fresh ranunculus in your bouquets, we love the idea of mirroring that with these lovely DIY paper ranunculus in your wedding decor.

Photo Credit: emmalinebride.com

Wedding Favours

Probably the most frequently DIY'ed of all wedding details are the favours. They provide such a great opportunity to do something unique and personal! We came across this fun trail mix idea that we think would be perfect for an outdoorsy couple and a rustic wedding. 

Photo Credit: weddingchicks.com

Perhaps a bit more time consuming, but oh so lovely are these terrariums that could serve as both place markers and favours. Take advantage of any remaining sales on Christmas ornaments and this DIY idea from Green Wedding Shoes could be very wedding-budget-friendly.

Photo Credit: greenweddingshoes.com

We hope you are enjoying wedding inspiration as much as we are! For more wedding related blog posts and articles, and information about local businesses who specialize in weddings, pay a visit to our Weddings page on My Saskatoon. There will be one more week of local Saskatoon wedding goodness coming your way! 

Thanks for reading! :)

We can't believe January is almost over! So far, this year feels like it's flying by. The amazing weather we've been having has given us such a wonderful opportunity to really enjoy the season and explore the beauty of our city in its snowy state. There's so much to celebrate about winter, and we are looking forward to some upcoming events that are all about doing just that! Here's what's on our radar for the last few days of January, and for month two of 2015!

PotashCorp Wintershines 

Saturday, January 24th to February 1st // Saskatoon Farmers' Market

Fun for the whole family, special winter events will be happening all week long, including sleigh and pony rides, a petting zoo, an ice park, and more! Details about each activity can be found here. 

Let The Good Times Roll | In Support of The Princess Shop

Friday, January 30th at 11:30am // Bon Temps Cafe

Bon Temps Cafe is hosting a Cajun Seafood Boil and Mardi Gras themed party fundraiser for The Princess Shop! Your $50 ticket also includes a complimentary Hurricane cocktail, access to a great silent auction, and a chance at a grand prize from Sheraton Cavalier. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Frosted Gardens 

January 30th to February 15th // Delta Bessborough Gardens

The Delta Bessborough Gardens will be transformed into a winter wonderland featuring stunning, illuminated ice carving creations by artists from near and far. Other attractions at Frosted Gardens will be a feature Ice Bar, Ice Maze, Ice Graffiti Wall, and Ice Bowling. Get more information here. 

Enhance Your Positivity Seminar

February 3rd from 5:30 til 7:30pm // Paramount Day Spa Salon & Boutique

This seminar presents principles that both men and women can apply to optimize their life, both professionally and personally. Design your vision, know your 'why', convert your vision into goals, and overcome obstacles with this interactive presentation. Space is limited, so get your ticket today by calling (306) 242-0017. 

Morning Cartoons | In Support of Family Service Saskatoon

February 8th from 10am til 12pm // The Roxy Theatre

Stay in your pyjamas and head to The Roxy Theatre to enjoy your favourite retro cartoons and a cereal buffet! Tickets are $15 and the event is free for kids under 12. Get more information here. 

Coldest Night of the Year | In Support of The Bridge & The Lighthouse

February 21st from 4:00 til 7:30pm // The Lighthouse 

The Coldest Night of the Year fundraising walk supports the impact that The Bridge and The Lighthouse have in our community. Your involvement in the walk will positively impact hundreds of lives, and its a lot of fun! Get more information here. 

Free Family Fun | Mendel Art Gallery

February 22nd from 2pm til 4pm // Mendel Art Gallery

Gear up for spring by building a bee garden with exhibiting artist Monique Martin. Use paper embedded with seeds to create flowers that can be planted in spring for bees to enjoy. 

Craft Beer & Cheese Festival 

February 27th from 7pm til 12am // Prairie Sun Brewery

Not only will there be beer and cheese, but also the best local wineries and distilleries and tapas by amazing local Saskatoon chefs! Tickets are available at Prairie Sun Brewery, and are $32. Get more information here. 

We hope you enjoy getting out and taking in all that Saskatoon has to offer for the next few weeks! If you capture your experience at any of these local events on Instagram, don't forget to hashtag and tag us @mysaskatoon!

#shoplocalyxe #eatlocalyxe #supportlocalyxe

If you get engaged, the odds are that it'll happen sometime between November and February. Our guess is that it's the holiday cheer, romantic snowy backdrops, vacations, and family gatherings that make wintertime so popular for engagements. December has been dubbed "Engagement Month", and year after year, Christmas and New Year's are two of the most popular days for people to get down on bended knee. If you're one of the lucky ones to have received a sparkly bauble from your love this holiday season, you've probably already been scouring Pinterest for wedding inspiration.

Photo Credit: ruffledblog.com

These days, many couples are choosing to forgo some long-standing customs in favour of a simpler day or traditions with a twist. But flowers, with their obvious beauty and life, are one thing that most every bride incorporates into her wedding day in some way. Whether you've always had a vision for your wedding flowers or are completely unsure of the direction you want to go, here are a few things to consider when choosing the perfect blossoms for your big day. 

To DIY, or not to DIY?

There are so many gorgeous and very doable wedding DIY ideas out there, but flowers are one thing for which you will likely want to enlist the help of an expert. Putting together a solid bouquet that will last can be challenging, and since blooms are perishable, you don't want to be the one scrambling to put together bouquets the night before the wedding. It also depends on the look you're going for. If you want a bouquet that is flawlessly magazine-worthy, you will definitely want professional help. But if you have helping hands and you're willing to go the DIY route, Michelle's Flowers on Fairlight Drive can help you choose the perfect flowers to fit your vision, and also offers bouquet classes to brides who are looking to save some money by putting bouquets together themselves. Michelle and her staff can walk you and your girls through the bouquet building process and will give you invaluable tips and tricks to ensure a stress free DIY experience. 

Photo Credit: rusticweddingchic.com

Other Ways to Save 

DIY wedding flowers are just one of the many ways to cut costs. Choosing blooms that are locally in season can also help you to stay within your budget for flowers. Your florist can probably source almost any flower at any time of year- if you're willing to pay the price. Flowers that are in-season and easily sourced will be less expensive, so asking a professional like Michelle for advice in this area is a good plan. Another idea: Adding bulk to your bouquet with textured greenery can be visually stunning and easy on the wallet. Brides are even choosing to include non-traditional items in their bouquets, such as vegetables, herbs, feathers, and wheat. Incorporating unique items such as these can be an inexpensive way to add interest and intrigue to your bouquets. 

Photo Credit: greylikesweddings.com

What's trending?

In terms of specific blooms, lavender, peonies, and ranunculus are slated to be hot for 2015 weddings. Flower crowns will also be big this year. Flower crowns are versatile and can be designed to extend across a variety of wedding themes. Celebrity wedding inspired floral design that is all about volume will also be popular in 2015 for couples who have the budget for it. It's achieved with a ton of luxurious, romantic blooms that are tightly arranged and light on foliage. Counter to this luxe look is the garden theme, a trend that is more wild in nature and is marked by unstructured, mixed bouquets. For more on the latest in wedding flowers, check out our recent interview with Michelle as she shares the trends she has observed in her work as both a local florist and wedding photographer.

Photo Credit: polkadotbride.com

We'd like to extend a big congratulations to all of the newly engaged in Saskatoon, and we wish you the best, most stress-free time planning your wedding! If you'd like some more lovely wedding inspiration, take a look at some of our absolute favourite bouquets on our latest Pinterest board. We'll be posting more wedding-related blog posts on My Saskatoon throughout January, so stay tuned!   

Featured in today's post is locally owned and operated business Michelle's Flowers. Owner Michelle LaPointe opened Michelle's Flowers in Saskatoon with the vision of a flower shop that provides more than just flowers. Today, alongside the bustling shop, Michelle applies her passion and talents to Saskatoon's wedding industry in a variety of ways.

Read our recent interview with Michelle here.  

Connect with Michelle's Flowers on social media, view hours of operation, and more here.  

Last month we wrote a post about some of the longest standing local businesses who are part of our My Saskatoon community. Today we'd like to share the most recently opened businesses on our platform- all of whom joined Saskatoon's business community this past summer. Each is offering something new to Saskatonians, and we are so excited to see what's in store for these awesome new locally owned businesses in 2015!

July was a great time for Pink Cadillacs to officially open its doors in Willowgrove Square. Accompanied by a fun 50's theme, the mouthwatering burgers and creamy milkshakes perfectly complemented the energy and excitement of summer. Pink Cadillacs continues to keep the party going all year long, hosting karaoke nights and dance parties complete with costumes and drink specials. And of course, the delicious food. Open for lunch until late, Pink Cadillacs is the perfect spot if you're looking for a great meal with a side of nostalgia. Read our past blog post about Pink Cadillacs for a tried-and-true review.

Just a few steps beyond Pink Cadillacs in Willowgrove Square, Herbal Time Tea House is your go-to if you're looking for a nice refreshment in a relaxed atmosphere. With its peaceful and vibrant decor, the experience of drinking tea at Herbal Time is like no other in Saskatoon. Whether you're studying, meeting a friend, or spending time solo, the all-natural tea at Herbal Time is the perfect addition to a calm afternoon or evening. Herbal Time also offers board game combos, light meals, and dessert accompaniments. Check out our past blog post about our experience at Herbal Time. 

This past summer, Refresh Inn & Suites opened its unique accommodations in the heart of Saskatoon, right across from the University of Saskatchewan on College Drive. This brand new, immaculately clean, quiet hotel is perfect for any type of traveller. Whether booking a short or long-term stay, Refresh Inn & Suites is a great locally owned option for your visiting friends or relatives. Refresh Inn & Suites offers a great discount program including weekly rates, medical stays, senior discounts, and university affiliation. Beautiful rooms, free continental breakfast, gourmet kitchen access, on-site laundry facilities, and a prime location make Refresh Inn & Suites the perfect place to stay while spending time in Saskatoon. 

Back to Willowgrove Square we go! This little commercial development certainly brought Saskatoon a number of great new local businesses this past year. Warm & Art, a locally owned shop filled with beautiful furniture and home decor, is one of them. The vibrant artwork, hand-painted furniture, and unique home decor pieces at Warm & Art bring life to any room. If you've got a draughty room in your house or want to add a unique design element to a space, the variety of sleek electric fireplaces at Warm & Art may be just what you need. Take a look at our past blog post about Warm & Art for a closer look. 

We admire each of these businesses for taking the leap into providing unique products and services to the people of Saskatoon and beyond. The entrepreneurial spirit of our city is what makes Saskatoon such a great place to live and to visit. We're looking forward to the year ahead!

Ah, the fresh start of a new year. Whether you've written down specific goals and aspirations for the year or just have something in the back of your mind that you'd like to change in 2015, most everyone contemplates a New Year's resolution in some way. We all know that sticking to that resolution beyond the end of January is rare. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to ensure success, such as setting realistic goals, writing them down, and making gradual changes. Another key is to seek outside help. Finding a friend who shares the same goal can keep you accountable, and involving an expert to provide you with advice can make all the difference. We've paired some of the most common New Year's resolutions with great local experts who just might be the resource you need to achieve long-term success. 

Manage Debt & Save Money

A resolution to save money and reduce debt is most effective when specific commitments are made and measurable goals are set. If this sounds daunting, you may need some guidance regarding your finances. It's the perfect opportunity to call in a financial expert like Janea Dieno of JBD Financial. Janea is a certified financial planner, and her experience and advice will be invaluable to you on your quest to achieve financial stability. Read our recent interview with Janea to find out exactly what a financial planner does and how she can help, no matter your financial situation!

Lose Weight

It's no secret that physical activity is a key factor in weight loss. If this is something you've resolved to do in 2015, there are a ton of great local experts in Saskatoon who are here to help you. The fitness gurus at Snap Fitness and Fitness Focus (both locally owned and operated in Saskatoon) will set you up with everything you need to achieve your goals. Both gyms offer trial passes for first-timers! If you'd prefer to work out at home, stop by Fitness Solutions on Circle Drive to explore a huge variety of indoor fitness equipment and accessories. From cardio machines, to free weights, to CrossFit gear, Fitness Solutions has it all. In need of some new workout duds and nutrition support? Pay a visit to Believe Fit in The Mall at Lawson Heights for a fantastic selection of quality fitness attire, protein powders and nutritional products.  

Eat Healthy

After a holiday season laced with sugary treats and overeating, its no surprise that one of the most common New Year's Resolutions is to eat healthier. Staying on track can be a challenge, especially when it comes to social gatherings. Fortunately, there are some great local restaurants who cater to the health-conscious, providing the perfect opportunity to go out on the town and enjoy yourself without derailing your diet. Leyda's Cafe on 20th Street strikes the perfect balance between healthy and delicious with organic, local, seasonal produce and carefully selected meats and seafood. There are awesome vegan and vegetarian options, and the entire menu is nut-free and gluten-free. Owner Dr. Dee Dee Maltman is a proponent of an anti-inflammatory diet, and she shares some great information about anti-inflammatory foods on Leyda's website. 

Spend More Time Giving

The intention to give more to charity and spend more time volunteering resides within most of us, and the start of the New Year presents a great time to put these plans into action. If you're thinking about a long term volunteer commitment, you may want to consider filling a mentorship spot at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon- or browse through the categories on Give Back Saskatoon to learn more about some of the other local charities and non-profits who are making a difference in our city.  

We wish you all the best with your 2015 resolutions! You can do it! :)

It's been an awesome year! We at My Saskatoon are looking forward to all that 2015 will bring, and we can't wait to ring in the New Year. There will be some big gatherings tomorrow night in Saskatoon, including events at The Heights, The Bassment, and Capitol Music Club that are sure to be a great time. Whether you're heading out on the town, planning a party, or having a quiet night in, it's nice to mark the coming of the New Year in some way. If you haven't made plans yet, here are a few ideas that will ensure a memorable NYE. 

Skating at PotashCorp Plaza

If you're down for leaving the house tomorrow night but want to keep things low-key, plan a trip to the Cameco Meewasin Skating Rink in Kiwanis Memorial Park next to the Delta Bessborough. Admission is free and skates can be borrowed at no charge. The rink is open on New Year's Eve until 1am. 

Tobogganing

The weather is supposed to warm up for tomorrow, so if you like the outdoor activity idea, why not ring in the new year with some tobogganing? Suit up in your winter duds, dig out your flying saucer or crazy carpet and welcome 2015 while sailing down the hill at Diefenbaker Park. 

Kid-Friendly

Family traditions don't need to be elaborate in order to be memorable! Small children may need a break from the excitement of Christmas festivities and visitors. Make the evening low-key but special with a PJ party and hot cocoa. Camp out in the living room to enjoy a movie together or read stories by the fire.

Contemplative

If you prefer to spend New Year's Eve reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the new, here are a few questions to get the contemplative juices flowing. Another way to reflect is to simply consider the positive events of the past year. Write down your "Greatest Hits" of 2014- moments of happiness, success, and fun. The same can be done with kids!

Cooking Party

Have a few close friends over to cook together. There are a ton of different ways of doing this and you can get really creative. It might be fun to select the menu based around a theme, style of cuisine, or wine pairings.

Out on the Town

If you decide to head out on the town, there are a ton of local hotspots with great food and cocktails for your New Year's Eve enjoyment. Local bloggers Our Collective Muse recently posted an awesome NYE guide, including a big giveaway! Head over to Our Collective Muse to check out the hottest in New Year's Eve style, trending music, and local restaurant recommendations. 

No matter the NYE activity you choose, remember to plan a safe ride home. Saskatoon Transit and SGI have partnered to provide free bus service on New Year's Eve from 8pm to 2:45am. Customers will be able to flag down their bus from the curb at any point along the route- not just at specified stops. How great is that!?

Whatever it is you end up doing tomorrow, have a fantastic last day of 2014! 

If your home is still in need of a little holiday pick-me-up and you're feeling a bit crafty, here are a few nice DIY decoration ideas we came across this week! We spent some time on My Saskatoon's Pinterest, and combined our favourites into this post. A few of these DIYs require some dexterity, while others are very easy to do and simply require a quick trip to the hardware store or market. Don't forget to shop local when you can this season- even small purchases make a difference :) And you might even avoid some crowds! We hope you enjoy this list of Christmas craft inspiration. It creates a nice opportunity to come together over some homemade goodies, nostalgic music, and great conversation. 

These giant snowflakes could be painted with metallics, whites, or brights to make a statement in any room. 

A wire wreath-making base and some bright bulbs make for a cool industrial look. 

Hosting a dinner party this Christmas? Moose place card holders will add a woodland touch to your table. 

Scent can be a powerful memory trigger, so solidify those holiday memories with a delicious DIY stove-top potpourri. 

And here's a bunch of different easy DIY ornaments you can make out of paper to hang on your tree or in a window!

We hope this list inspires you as it did us! Enjoy these last few days leading up to Christmas!

1. The Friendship Inn recently posted this video which provides a deeper look at the people who have been touched by the community at The Inn. The video is a great opportunity to see inside the doors of The Friendship Inn, and perhaps it will inspire you to get involved! 

2. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saskatoon has set a goal to fill 30 mentorship roles this month. Consider becoming a mentor and build a life-changing friendship with a child in need of mentorship. Connect with BBBS for more information. 

3. Hands On Street Ministries has put forth a donation Wishlist. The folks at Hands On would be honoured to receive hot chocolate, children’s winter gloves, christmas oranges, and small gifts for children (among other things!). Take a look at the list and see if there is a wish you are able to fulfill for the kids at Hands On. 

4. As part of its Home for the Holidays campaign, The Saskatoon SPCA has reduced its feline adoption fees to only $90, and hopes to adopt out 50 more cats this holiday season. If you’d like a new family member to cuddle this Christmas, consider an adopted fur-baby to bring “home for the holidays!”

5. We want to hear from you! Which local non-profit or charity speaks to your heart? 

Tell us by connecting with Give Back Saskatoon on Facebook and Twitter! 

This month, My Saskatoon officially launched Give Back Saskatoon! Wondering what it's all about? Here is a little Q&A that might answer some of your questions!

What is the difference between My Saskatoon and Give Back Saskatoon?

The vision for Give Back Saskatoon and My Saskatoon came alive in tandem, with the overall goal of enhancing the way local businesses, organizations, and people connect and support one another both online and off. While My Saskatoon focuses on showcasing locally owned and operated businesses, Give Back Saskatoon serves as a connective hub for locally focused registered non-profits and charitable organizations who are working to improve the livelihood of our city. 

What exactly does Give Back do?

Give Back Saskatoon is designed to increase the online visibility of local social profit organizations, and provides a platform on which they can convey who they are and what they do. Organizations will soon be able to communicate their material, financial, and volunteer needs on Give Back as well. Local businesses, families, and individuals who are interested in giving back to the community will be able to visit the site to find ways to contribute to local initiatives. All of the benefits of Give Back come at no cost to non-profit or charity organizations. 

So how is Give Back Saskatoon supported?

Give Back is fully operated and backed by My Saskatoon, but the essence of the support for Give Back is ultimately our local Saskatoon business community. Every business with a profile on My Saskatoon, or who purchases advertising through our One-to-One campaign, enables local social profit organizations to be seen and heard online through Give Back Saskatoon. 

How can an organization get a profile on Give Back Saskatoon?

Any business who is a part of our My Saskatoon community has the ability to choose a locally focused, registered non-profit or charity to receive a profile on the Give Back platform. Some of the local businesses on My Saskatoon haven't yet chosen a charity or non-profit, so we are open to requests from local organizations who would like a profile on Give Back Saskatoon. In addition, through our One-to-One advertising campaign, any advertising purchased by a local business is matched by My Saskatoon and offered to an organization on Give Back Saskatoon. 

If you are involved with a registered non-profit or charity who is dedicated to improving the livelihood of our city, and you are interested in being part of Give Back Saskatoon, feel free to contact us at info@mysaskatoon.com.

Do you have any other questions for us? We’d love to hear from you in the comments, or drop us a line on Facebook and Twitter! 

Connect with Give Back Saskatoon on social media for our latest interviews with local non-profit and charity organizations, blog posts, and updates!