Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Making your seating chart

Making your seating will be one of the most important things that you do when planning your wedding. Of course with the wedding being the couples day, you also want to make sure that your guests have a good time too. When making your seating chart here are some things to consider

  • Family dynamics - are there members who are not talking to eachother, divorces, etc. It is best to seat these people away from each other. Unless you want some excitement put them all at the same table, kidding.
  • Put guests together roughly near the same age. This ensures that there is common ground between them. Eg. Aunts and uncles together, and cousins together.
  • Have table numbers on all the tables, and ensure they are clearly visable. This will be important for couples who are having large weddings. You don't really want your guests to have trouble finding their table. If you are considering table names etc.. instead of numbers, smaller weddings should consider this more then large parties. Again you don't want your guests walking around lost.
  • For the head table, have it anyway you want. Have it on a platform with everyone lined up or have it down with everyone else. Just ensure you make it more noticable as it will be a focal point.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Upcoming 2010 Bridal Shows

Here is a listing of several bridal shows that are up and coming.

January 2-3

  • The Total Wedding Show – International Centre Mississauga

January 8 – 10

  • Canada’s Bridal Show – Metro Toronto Convention Centre

January 9 – 10

  • Hamilton-Halton Spring Bridal Show – Hamilton Convention Centre

January 15 – 17

  • The Wedding Show – The Carlu, Toronto

January 16 – 17

  • Canada’s Wedding Expo – Toronto Congress Centre North

January 23 – 24

  • Burlington/Oakville Bridal Show – Burlington Convention Centre

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Themed Weddings

If you are planning a theme wedding there are things you want to take into consideration while planning.

  • Remember too much can be too much.  When it comes to decorations you will want a amount that gives your even the right feel, however too many can look cluttered and tacky.  Plan what and where you want your decorations
  • To boost the excitement of your guests for your themed wedding start from the very beginning.  Pick out your theme at the beginning and carry it forward starting with Save the Date cards and Invitations.
  • Remember if you pick a theme and want guests to participate, some guests will not be interested in participating in the theme.  However make them feel like it is alright if they don’t feel comfortable participating in the theme.
  • Colours are important to a theme.  They make the theme come together.  When picking colours take your theme into consideration.  You do not want colours that will clash when the environment feel you are trying to make.

Thinking of a Themed Wedding, here are some ideas

  • Masquerade
  • Halloween
  • Beach
  • Tropical
  • Season
  • Fantasy
  • Fairytale
  • Historical
  • Christmas
  • Vintage
  • Western

Since you are already thinking of a themed wedding you have a sense of creativity.  Have fun with it and your guests will enjoy a wedding that is a little different.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Items That May Be Overlooked While Planning

With so much to think about with planning your big day there are some things that you might overlook.  The following are some things that people tend to overlook but will increase the enjoyment of your guests.

  • Think about the needs of your guests.  If there are elderly or guests with disabilities you will want to make sure they are taken care of.
  • If pictures are being done after the ceremony will there be any place for your guests to go.  More couples are choosing to have pictures done before the ceremony but for more traditional weddings these photos are normally done after the ceremony. If pictures are being taken after the ceremony you should take into account your guests and the length that they will be standing around.  This is especially important for out of town guests who do not know the area.  Have a plan as to where you can direct your guests and if there should be appetizers or a social before the ceremony to make them more comfortable.
  • Think of where your receiving line is going to be located.  You probably will not want the receiving line right at the door as this will cause guests to bottle neck.  You may want to move more into the reception area and give the guests a little more room to walk into the hall.  This way there will be no bottleneck and will be easier for guests to come greet the new couple.
  • If there is a guest book ensure it is a area that people can find and encourage them to sign.  Normally near the gift table at if there is a foyer at the entrance.  Remember to take into consideration any bottle neck that may happen.

With just addressing this few areas it can definitely increase the enjoyment

of your guests.  Take time planning and everything will go with no problems.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Searching For Bridesmaid Dresses?

If you are starting to look for bridesmaid dresses and not sure where to start looking. Here are some designers to start with. Find what style with go best with your wedding and go from there.

After Six - www.aftersix.com

Mori Lee by Madeline Gardiner - www.morilee.com

Jasmine - www.jasminebridal.com

Dessy Collection - www.dessy.com

Alfred Sung - www.alfredsungbridals.com

Alfred Angelo - www.alfredangelo.com

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Our Halloween Wedding

My husband and I knew when we got engaged that we wanted to do something different for our wedding. Since we both loved Halloween it was decided that would be when we get married. We wanted an elegant wedding yet with a haunted house like feel. Our decorator was amazing and with the ceiling treatments, chair covers and centrepieces it really came together. My husband is very artistic and used this skill to help with the centrepieces and also make pesonalized tombstones. The decor was black and red, which matched the red dress I wore and the all black that my husband wore. Enjoy the pictures as much as we enjoyed our big day.















































Friday, October 16, 2009

I “Do” In The Fall

Time for another addition of I “Do”.  With the colder weather and the bright fall colours, this makes a perfect backdrop for a fall wedding.  Here are some ideas to help with your fall wedding.

Fall Colours

  • Darker colours like Brown, Orange and Red
Fall Flowers

  • Dahlias, Hydrangeas, Chrysanthemum
  • Use colours like orange, yellow, reds and browns
Decorations

  • Use fall items like hay bails, leaves and pumpkins to decorate

Bridesmaid Dresses

  • Use tea length or long dresses
  • Darker colours
Favors

  • Gift Boxes with chocolates
  • Personalized leaves
  • Wine bottle Stoppers

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Handmade Unique Invitations

With more and more weddings happening each year, more couples are trying to stand out from the crowd and go with unique handmade invitations.  Sometimes they may cost a little more but they will get more raves then a standard stock invitations

PaperCuts Invitation Design is a company based in Mississauga that can help couples design the wedding invitation of their dreams.  They like to make invitations really unique for the bride and groom.  Check out their website and contact them for further information.

www.papercutsinvitations.com

info@papercutsinvitations.com

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Wedding Candy Tables

Candy Tables at Weddings are becoming a popular trend.  Normally the candy table is the bride & grooms favor to their guests.  A bag to use at the candy table is normally set at each persons table with a little thank you and instruction to use it at the candy table.  This gives a new spin on wedding favors and allows your guests to interact more and choose what they like and they don’t like.  Below are some Do’s and Don’ts for having a candy table at your wedding.

Do’s

  • Ensure that you have a variety of candy
  • Post if there are nuts in any of the candy to ensure that guests that are allergic to nuts know what items to avoid
  • Use a variety of different containers and tier them to make the table look elegant for your wedding
  • Make a budget for the table to ensure when you are out buying the candy you are not going overboard.

Don'ts

  • Skimp on the candy and have just a few pieces here and there.  This is your main attraction for your guests favors so give them something to talk about make it beautiful and full.
  • Buy your candy too early.  The fresher the better.
  • Forget you will need scoops for your containers

Wither you choose a colour theme or not also ensure that you plan your table.  It is an important part of your wedding atmosphere so look at it as you would when you are buying flowers or decorations.  You don’t just want to throw candy on the table and be done with it.  Take some time planning and have fun with it.  The more you buy in bulk the cheaper as well.  A good site to visit is www.bulkfoods.com.  They have a variety and quick shipping if needed.

Good Luck with your table and HAVE FUN!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

2009 Fall Wedding Shows

October 3- 4, 2009

October 3, 2009

October 6 – 7, 2009

October 18, 2009

October 25, 2009

Friday, September 11, 2009

Been Awhile

Sorry for the lack of posting in the last little bit. Been busy with wedding planning as my wedding is coming up in a month and a half. Been working on invitations. I will post pictures once I have them ready to go. Will post soon, please keep following with me.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Red Wedding Dresses?

I am getting married in October of this year and have known for the longest time I was not going to be wearing a white wedding dress. Me and white are just not friends, trust me I would probably get it dirty in the dress store without even trying it on. I have decided to go with a red wedding dress however they have been kind of hard to find, especially all red. If you are deciding on a red wedding dress here are some of the ones I have found when looking online. Hopefully this will make it easier for you. You may also want to look into maybe opting for a bridesmaid dress for your wedding gown. The good thing about bridesmaid dresses is that they come in a variety of colours.

Maggie Sottero

Bonny

Bridal Online

Monday, July 13, 2009

Questions To Ask When Picking Your Venue

Selecting a Venue to have your wedding reception is one of the biggest decisions you are going to make when planning your wedding.  You want to make sure that it fits your vision that you have for your wedding as well as your bank account.  Ask the following questions when booking a venue to ensure you select the right one and so that you will  not have a little surprise when you go to pay the final balance.

  1. Are wedding packages available?
  2. How many people does the venue fit?
  3. Can I bring in my own caterer?
  4. Can I bring in my own alcohol?
  5. Are there any restrictions regarding food, beverages etc.
  6. What permits are required?
  7. What are the costs?
  8. Are taxes included in the quote?
  9. Are there gratuity fees included in the quote?
  10. When must I make my reservation?
  11. Is cleanup included in the price? or additional charge?
  12. When is the deposit due? how much?
  13. When is the balance due?
  14. Is there a cancellation policy?
  15. What time must we be off the premises the day of the event?

 

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

I “Do” In The Summer

With Summer upon us and we are into July there are more and more summer wedding happening at this time of year.  If you are thinking maybe you want to do a summer wedding here are some ideas if you are planning a summer wedding.

Summer Colours

 

  • Bright colours in Blue, Orange, Yellow, Pink
Summer Flowers

  • Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Ginger, Gladiolus, Hydrangea, Iris,
  • Use flowers in colours like orange, yellows and pinks

Decorations

  • Afternoon ceremony outside
  • Bright colours at the tables
  • Fans or kite theme
Bridesmaid Dresses

  • Tea length strapless
  • Sandals for shoes
  • Bright Colours
Favors

  • Popsicle Soap Favors
  • Custom Label Bottled Water
  • Personalized Silk Fans

Monday, June 29, 2009

The Dreaded Wedding Guest List

Budget is very important when beginning your guest list for the wedding.  You will need to see how much you can afford based your type of wedding and also the cost of the caterer.  Also you normally can get packages from caterers to save money, however most packages are based on a minimum number of people. 

When creating a list there is traditionally three types of lists.

  • Bride and Groom’s List (40% of total number of guests)
  • Bride’s Parents List (30% of total number of guest)
  • Groom’s Parents List (30% of total number of guests)

This however is just a guideline, you will also need to take into consideration location, family size etc. Group you list into 4 separate lists and this will help you to organize the list and ensure you are not missing anyone.

  • Immediate Family and their spouses
  • Close Friends
  • Extended Family Members
  • Casual Friends & Business Associates

Using this list if you find yourself needing to fill seats that is when you will move into the casual friends and business associates list. 

Also take into consideration if you are inviting children or not.  This will increase your guest count and your caterer cost as well.  Children however normally are charged a different rate per plate from the caterer however they do need to be included if they are invited.

If you know there will be no-shows don’t feel obligated to send them a invitation,as it sometimes comes across as if you are looking for gifts.  If you feel that people will be left out send an invitation however send them out to those ones you only feel a necessity to send out.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Meaning Of Rose Colours

Roses are a popular flower for weddings but more and more brides are taking what the meaning of each colour of rose into consideration when picking their roses.  These days it’s not so much about what they look like, but what the meaning is behind them.

Red

  • Love, Beauty and Courage

White

  • Purity, Innocence, Youthfulness, Secrecy

Pink

  • Appreciation, Admiration, Happiness

Yellow

  • Friendship, Joy, New Beginning

Other Rose Colours Include:

  • Orange: Enthusiasm, Desire
  • Peach: Appreciation, Gratitude
  • Coral: Desire
  • Lavender: Enchantment, Love at first sight
  • Black Roses (Silk): Death
  • Blue Roses (Silk): The Impossible.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Top 10 Songs To Play At Your Wedding

Don’t want your wedding to be a bore, or want to get everyone up and dancing even your grandmother. Here is the Top 10 Songs to play at your wedding.

  1. AC/DC – You Shook Me All Night Long
  2. Justin Timberlake – Sexyback
  3. Def Leppard – Pour Some Sugar On Me
  4. Van Morrison – Brown Eyed Girl
  5. B-52’s – Love Shack
  6. Lynard Skynard – Sweet Home Alabama
  7. Bon Jovi – Living On Prayer
  8. Abba – Dancing Queen
  9. Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’
  10. Neil Diamond – Sweet Caroline

http://www.djintelligence.com/

Friday, May 29, 2009

Wedding Types

Picking the type of wedding you want from the beginning will help with the planning throughout it.  The following are the three types of weddings.  However remember you can take elements of each to make it your own style.  Use the following as a guideline to figure out what type of wedding you want.

Formal Wedding

  • Ceremony performed at a church
  • Usually an evening event
  • Formal Invitations with formal responses
  • Large wedding party
  • Large guest list (200+)
  • Sit down dinner with many courses
  • Live entertainment

Semi-Formal Wedding

  • Ceremony performed anywhere (Church, Park, Hall etc.)
  • Formal invitations with formal responses
  • Guest list of 75 – 200 People
  • Catered sit down dinner or catered buffet
  • DJ for reception

Informal Wedding

  • Ceremony performed at chapel, courthouse or at home
  • Invitations handmade or by calling guests
  • Fewer then 75 guests
  • Food catered or prepared by friends and family

Thursday, May 21, 2009

What To Do When

12 Months Before Wedding

  • Announce engagement
  • Set a date for the wedding
  • Make a budget
  • Decide formality of wedding
  • Compile a Guest List
  • Reserve officiate
  • Reserve reception site
  • Select Bridal Gown
  • Determine colour scheme for wedding

9 – 12 Months Before Wedding

  • Book caterer
  • Book florist
  • Book photographer
  • Book transportation services
  • Order Wedding Cake
  • Book Reception DJ
  • Wedding Dress Delivery Confirmation

6 – 9 Months Before Wedding

  • Finalize Guest List
  • Select menu
  • Order invitations
  • Create a registry
  • Order rings
  • Book hairdresser
  • Order bombonieres for the wedding guest
  • Book hotel room for wedding night
  • Select bridesmaids dresses
  • Book Honeymoon
  • Look into marriage licence requirements

3 – 6 Months Before Wedding

  • Meet with officiate
  • Finalize Menu
  • Finalize florist order
  • Select music for ceremony
  • Engagement photos taken
  • Schedule rehearsal dinner
  • Select and book outfits for groom, groomsmen and father of the bride

2 Months Before

  • Mail invitations
  • Write vows
  • Purchase wedding party gifts
  • Pick up wedding bands
  • Select song list for your DJ
  • Purchase guest book and pen
  • Schedule final dress fitting
  • Create and print wedding program

1 Month Before

  • Apply for marriage licence
  • Create seating arrangements
  • Plan the rehearsal dinner
  • Run through with  hairdresser and makeup artist on what is to be done on the wedding day
  • Rehearse the vows
  • Arrange any final fittings for wedding party
  • Finalize with all vendors

1 – 2 Weeks Before

  • Pick up grooms and groomsmen’s attire
  • Finalize seating plan
  • Confirm final guest count with reception and caterer
  • Confirm hotel accommodations
  • Confirm honeymoon
  • Confirm ceremony details
  • Confirm reception details
  • Confirm florist details
  • Confirm with photographer and give list of special pictures you want taken the day of the wedding
  • Confirm all music
  • Confirm transportation
  • Creating place cards and seating plan for reception
  • Write speeches
  • Determine procession
  • Have rehearsal dinner
  • Contact guests you have not RSVP’d
  • Pack for honeymoon
  • Arrange final payments with vendors
  • Arrange hand out of wedding programs
  • Arrange hand out of bombonieres

Wedding Day

  • Give rings to best man
  • Ensure everything is on schedule

Post Wedding

  • Pick out thank you cards
  • Send out thank you cards
  • Order pictures form photographer

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Wedding Costs

If you are needing a guideline on what you should be looking at money wise for having a wedding, you will be looking at around $20,000 CDN.  However if this number freaks you out, look at what you want and what you are able to do to cut back on expenses.  Once you have selected the budget you want to go with, below you will find guidelines on budgeting each item you will need for your big day.  Remember that it is a guideline and adjust where needed.

Percentage Of Budget

Cost based on $20,000 Budget

Reception Site/Food & Drinks 50% $10,000
Photography 10% $2,000
Attire & Accessories For Couple 10% $2,000
Videography 5% $1,000
Disc Jockey 5% $1,000
Flowers 5% $1,000
Transportation 5% $1,000
Gifts As Favours 3% $600
Wedding Cake 2% $400
Officiant 2% $400
Invitations 2% $400
Hair & Makeup 1% $200
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Wedding Mistakes To Avoid

Since most people have not planned a wedding before it is very easy to miss something or get overly stressed.  The following are some common mistakes made when planning a wedding.  Read the following and adjust your wedding planning accordingly as it will definitely decrease the stress of planning a wedding.

Budget

  • Once you make a budget stick with it.  It will be very easy to get all caught up in the excitement and go way above your budget.  Use your budget as a guideline and stick to it as it this will save you from embarrassing moments like not being able to pay for certain services you have booked.

Marriage Licence

  • Find out where and what you will need for your marriage licence.  Do it as a couple so you ensure all the paper work that is needed is filled out on time and correctly. Ensure you budget for the cost of this as well as that is is given on time to your minister.  This will help ensure that the license is not forgotten and the wedding can go on as planned.

Ordering Gown To Late

  • Give enough time to put in your dress order as you will also need to allow time for alternations.  Some dresses take quite a few months to get in so make sure you are leaving enough time before your wedding.  Also however, ensure you are not ordering your dress to early as trends and your taste may change and you have bought a dress you are no longer in love with.

Hotel Room Booking

  • Book hotel rooms well in advance especially if your wedding is during the busy season.  Book a block of room for families and guests and give them the booking information in the the cards.  Remember it is easier to cancel a room then it is to find a last minute room.

Inviting Too Many Guest

  • Based on your budget figure out how many guests you are wanting to invite.  Remember that this number is going to influence your hall that you book at your caterer figure.  You may feel like you need to invite everyone and their cousins, but remember you don’t want to get carried away.  Leave enough room for dancing and comfortable walking space in the hall the you book, no one wants to be at a cramped reception.

Crash Dieting and Last Minute Beauty Treatments

  • If you want to loose weight try to do the majority of it before your alternations on your wedding dress.  You want to make sure that the dress fits you the day of the wedding and crash dieting will not help this once the dress has already been altered.  Also if there are some beauty treatments you want to have done try them well in advance to ensure you have no allergic reactions or breakouts.  You want to look beautiful on your wedding day, not looking like you are some latest science experiment.

Postage

  • Since invitations are becoming more custom and in every shape and size possible check to see that you are putting enough postage on them.  The post office will be able to help you with that so you don’t have invitations not being delivered or getting lost.

Not Accepting Help

  • Where there is room for people to help, accept people offers to help.  There are some parts of the planning that you are not going to be able to get much help but the places where you can accept help do it.  This will save time and decrease stress.

Forgetting The Meaning Of The Day

  • With all the craziness of planning and stressing over money don’t forget the true meaning as to why this is all being planned.  Embrace your fiancĂ©e and do as much together as you can.  Remember this day is to symbolize your love for one another and the beginning of a new life together.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Brides-To-Be-Top-Ten-Pre-Wedding-Mistakes&id=529294

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Sunday, May 17, 2009

The Wedding Party

Your wedding party is going to consist of people who are the biggest part of your life.  When picking your party make sure you include the appropriate family members and try to avoid people who you will regret having.  You don’t want to look at picture 10 years from now and hate those people.  Select carefully and make a cut-off point or your wedding party will be huge.

Maid of Honour

  • The bride’s single sister or the closest single girlfriend. If they are not single they are considered to be the Matron of Honour.
  • Support the bride through the wedding process and be there when needed
  • Plans the bridal shower, bachelorette party and purchases the gift for the bride on behalf of the bridal party.
  • Ensures on the wedding day that the bride is on time and helping throughout the day with adjusting the dress, makeup and hair.
  • During the ceremony stands right beside the bride and takes the brides bouquet when needed. 
  • Sign the marriage license as a witness.

Best Man

  • The groom’s father, brother or close friend
  • Support the groom during the wedding day to ensure the groom is dressed and on time.
  • Plans a bachelor party as well as purchases the gift for the groom on behalf of groomsmen.
  • During the ceremony  walks down the isle with the groom and stands beside the him. 
  • Carrier of the rings and will present them to the groom during the ceremony. 
  • Sign marriage license with the maid of honour as a witness.

Bridesmaids

  • Cousins, friends or the groom’s sister are normally picked for bridesmaids.
  • Form the processional at the ceremony.
  • Mingling with the guests and ensuring they are having a good time.
  • Assist the bride the day of the wedding and the days leading up to wedding.
  • Help the Maid of Honour plan the bridal shower and bachelorette party.
  • Normally expected to cover the cost of the dress, hair and makeup.

Groomsmen

  • Cousins, close friends or the bride’s brother.
  • Help Plan the Bachelor party.
  • See that all guests are seated
  • Escort the bridesmaids down the isle at the end of the ceremony.

Flower Girl

  • Young relative of the bride.
  • Walks down the isle with the Ring Bearer.
  • Poses for pictures with the wedding party.

Ring Bearer

  • Young relative of the bride or groom.
  • Often carries the rings down the isle.
  • Poses for pictures with the wedding party
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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Who Pays For What Traditionally

When working out your budget for your wedding here is a list of traditionally who pays for what.  However with the change in time, it is not uncommon for the Bride and Groom to pay for everything.  Use this list to help you budget what you are going to have to pay for and if your parents have offered to help out, use this as a guideline.  Remember everyone's budget and circumstances are different.

Bride’s Expenses

  • Groom’s Ring
  • Gift For Groom
  • Gifts For Attendants
  • Accommodations For Bride’s out of town family

Groom’s Expenses

  • Bride’s Ring
  • Gift For Bride
  • Gifts For Attendants
  • Marriage Licence
  • Corsages for mothers
  • Boutonnieres for Best Man and Ushers
  • Accommodations for Groom’s out of town family
  • Honeymoon

Bride’s Parent’s Expenses

  • Invitations
  • Wedding Planner
  • Church and Ceremony Flowers
  • Music for ceremony
  • Church Fee
  • Bouquet’s for Bride and Bridesmaids
  • Wedding Party transportation from ceremony and reception
  • Reception DJ
  • Reception Dinner

Groom’s Parent’s Expenses

  • Reception Beverages & Hors d’oeuvres
  • Rehearsal Dinner
  • Gift for Bride and Groom

Bridesmaid’s Expenses

  • Dress and Accessories
  • Bridal Shower
  • Gift for Bride and Groom

Groomsmen’s Expenses

  • Wedding Attire Rental
  • Bachelor Party
  • Gift for Bride and Groom

Monday, May 11, 2009

“I Do” In The Spring

With spring currently in full swing it is a very popular time for weddings.  Spring is the beginning of new live and many couples decide to say their “I Do” around this time of year.  Use a butterfly theme for invitations to symbolize beauty and transformation. If you are planning a spring wedding browse the following information to help you get ideas for your wedding.

Spring Colours

       

  • Light colours in Pinks, Blues, Yellows and Purples

Spring Flowers

  • Tulips, Calla Lily, Iris, Daisy, Orchids and Pussy Willows
  • Use flowers in colours like Yellow, Pink, Purple and White

Decorations

 

  • Dusk Ceremony done in a garden with candles and paper lanterns
  • Lantern Tea light Holder on the tables
  • Butterfly and Dragonfly decor

Bridesmaid Dresses

 

  • Tea length and strapless
  • Colours in light yellows, purples and pinks

Favors

 

  • Personalized Seed Packets
  • Miniature Watering Cans
  • Butterfly Cookie Cutter