Photo: Sweetretreat.ca

Having already navigated my way through one bridal show (which I doubt will be my last) here are a few words of wisdom that I think every bride-to-be should have before getting swept up in bridal show madness.

1. Bring Your Partner-to-Be
I can’t tell you how many women I overheard saying, “I wish he was here, I can’t decide on these things by myself!” as they walked around with girlfriends and moms. While wedding shows are really just for inspiration, it makes sense to have your partner come along so that you don’t have to attempt to relay a mountain of information about DJs, invitations and eleven-tiered cakes when you get home. (If it helps, tell him/her there will be cake samples to test. Food is an excellent motivator.)

2. Leave Your Credit Card At Home
Did I need to purchase a $200 flat iron at a wedding show? Probably not. But after three hours of wandering around, I was so grateful to the woman who asked me to sit down while she did a demo on my wavy locks, I decided I either had to make a purchase, or marry her. Do yourself (and your bank account) a favour and keep the Visa stashed at home in case you feel the urge to impulse buy.

3. Say “Maybe” to The Dress
Yes, there are some fantastic deals on wedding gowns at bridal shows. But if it’s your first show, don’t feel pressured to pick up a dress just because it’s a steal at $150. Look around and figure out what kind of dress you want first, then see if it’s available for a discount at a show. Dress booths are also a great opportunity to get ideas!

4. Don’t Let Yourself Be Bullied
In a building packed with vendors, it’s no secret that everyone is trying to sell you on something. Weddings are a huge moneymaking business, and everyone wants to be your first choice. But don’t let aggressive salespeople push you into anything you’re not comfortable with. If you’re not interested, politely let them know it and just keep walking.

5. Beware the Chocolate Fountain
There will likely be at least one chocolate fountain demonstration at every wedding show you attend. Ah, the chocolate fountain. Totally luxe and awesome, right? Not when there are 100 people in line to dip a marshmallow on a toothpick, friends. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, and I’m pretty sure that manning it is the most stressful gig in the whole place. So tread carefully, and remember to stash a Tide to Go in your purse, just in case.

Any bridal show pros out there? I’d love to hear your tips! For a list of upcoming bridal shows in the GTA, check out The Perfect Wedding Guide.

Enter Kat Tancock, my Creating Website Editorial prof at Ryerson (and web editor of Best Health magazine). On my first night in class, she shared a great video by Michael Wesch that is not only very cool, but does a pretty good job of explaining the awesomeness of the Internet. And because I think it’s so fabulous, I’m going to share it with you. Enjoy!

Professionally, 2008 was full of fantastic opportunities for me. I had the chance to get a real taste of what the magazine industry is like, thanks to a series of amazing internships, and I have to say… I am in love. I’ve loved magazines for as long as I can remember, but actually seeing my name in them and contributing to the whole process is a total rush. I hope that 2009 will bring many more opportunities and challenges as I keep working towards my goal of having a full-time career in writing.

Personally, 2008 combined the highest and lowest moments of my life thus far. In March, I was lucky enough to become engaged to my best friend – another incredible milestone in an already incredible story. In June, I graduated from journalism school with high honours and found myself firmly planted on cloud nine. I’d made wonderful new friends and had two years of great memories that I’ll always cherish.

But 2008 was not without its share of heartbreak and tough lessons. In August, I learned the true meaning of loss when my Nana passed away after a very long stay in the hospital. After being one of the closest people to me for the last 25 years, suddenly she was gone. While I am so thankful that she no longer has to suffer or feel any more pain, I’d be lying if I said that my world won’t always be a little dimmer without her bright smile to light it up. She will always be my favourite person in the entire world. I hope that I will continue to be the kind of person that would make her proud.

So, after a very full year, I find myself looking to the future with great hope and anticipation… And gratitude. I would like to close this final post of 2008 with a sincere thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me this year, both personally and professionally. I look forward to showing you great things in 2009!

Happy New Year!

One very cool thing about my line of work is that I feel like I’m always learning new things. Whether I’m researching a story or proofreading someone else’s work, I end up taking in a lot of information… which often comes in handy during Jeopardy, or late-night games of Trivial Pursuit.

But there is something about learning in a formal environment that I just really enjoy. I like lectures. I like taking notes. I like walking away from a class feeling like I can do something that I couldn’t do before. And that’s exactly what I’m hoping to take away from the continuing education class I’ve enrolled in at Ryerson University…

Ah, back to being a student. All is right with the universe… even if it’s only for one night a week.

Starting in January, I’ll be attending classes for “Creating Website Editorial,” which is part of the Magazine Publishing certificate program at Ryerson. I’m hoping to learn all about the business of magazine websites, because I’m starting to pay almost as much attention to magazines online as I do to those in print. (Although I’m not sure anything will ever fully replace my love of the shiny paper… We are talking about a decades-long adoration, after all.)

So, yes… Expect to read all about my adventures in the classroom in early 2009! (Speaking of which – can you believe how quickly the new year is creeping up on us? It’s a bit terrifying, I must say…)

And now, over to you guys. Have you learned anything interesting lately? If you could take any class, what would you choose and why? Let me know!